Premier League Saturday: April 2, 2011

The torture of the international break is over. Even the term, “international break,” is derogatory. It implies that the players went on holiday overseas for a couple of weeks, or took a break from Premier League action when in actual fact the opposite is mostly true. Many of them competed in important but monotonous matches. They’re monotonous because the qualifying stages are so drawn out over a number of years. And that’s one of the reasons why I love watching the Premier League so much. The results this weekend will have immediate impact (and, for some, could have grave consequences if they lose; ahem, Gerard Houllier).

On the menu of Premier League matches today we have several crucial ties. West Ham United against Manchester United (7:45am ET) is a massive match for both clubs. A win here for United and it’ll make their 19th league title even more attainable. A win for the Hammers and this will put them in a plum position to escape relegation.

In the other matches today, we have a lot of clashes between clubs from top of the table against clubs near the bottom including Arsenal against Blackburn, Stoke against Chelsea, West Brom against Liverpool, and Wigan against Spurs. Plus, Birmingham against Bolton, Everton against Aston Villa and Newcastle versus Wolves.

As is the same every Saturday, post your questions, observations, rants and raves either before, during or after the matches today in the comments section below.

Thank heavens the Premier League is back!