By early June, what was once perceived as a welcome break from the world of mind games and relegation drama has turned into an agonizing test of patience for most fans of the English Premier League. But rather than turn to the Egyptian Premier League to satisfy your unhealthy EPL cravings, why not occupy yourself with some quality football while keeping tabs on EPL players for the upcoming season? Featuring a number of EPL stars, football’s longest running continental competition, the Copa America, will take place over the next 24 days to crown South America’s football champion.

Here, EPL Talk offers a brief overview of the competition’s format and a quick glance to each of the competition’s 3 groups, noting the EPL player’s taking part, and the storylines which should occupy your attention.

Editor’s note: The 2011 Copa America kicks off tonight at 8:45pm ET on television and the Internet. Read on to find out where you can watch it as well as to learn more about the Premier League footballers playing in the tournament.

Format: Expanded beyond the original 10 Conmebol nations, the tournament has featured 2 invitees since 1993. In the group stage, the 12 teams are divided into 3 groups. The top 2 teams from each group, as well as the 2 best third-place teams advance to the knockout stage. The knockout stage proceeds in a normal, single-elimination manner, although it is important to note that level scores after 90 minutes proceed directly to penalties.

The Groups:

Group A:

Argentina:
Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

Bolivia:
None

Colombia:
Hugo Rodallega (Wigan)

Costa Rica:
None

Storyline: Understandably, media coverage surrounding Group A has focused squarely on Argentina, host nation and favorites to win the tournament. Football fans, however, should be careful to pay attention to a resurgent Colombian side, powered by FC Porto pair Freddy Guarin and Falcao, as well as Wigan’s Hugo Rodallega. Expected to pair with Falcao in the front of attack, Rodallega seems likely to continue the quality he demonstrated at the close of the EPL season, and could prove vital to any Colombian successes.  Should the talented Colombian side coalesce at the right moment under coach Hernan “Bolillo” Gomez, they could prove spoilers.

Group B:

Brazil:
David Luiz (Chelsea), Sandro (Tottenham), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool), Ramires (Chelsea)

Ecuador:
Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)

Paraguay:
Antonio Alcaraz (Wigan), Cristian Riveros (Sunderland), Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City)

Venezuela:
None

While Brazil should cruise through the majority of the competition with ease, the performances of a pair of players deemed surplus by Manchester City will have a large impact on how long their respective nations remain in the competition.

Felipe Caicedo of Ecuador was purchased for €7 million in January 2008 by Manchester City, and was tipped to have a long career at the Eastlands. As City moved in a different, high-transfer fee direction, Caicedo was shipped to Spain, with the move eventually made permanent, as he was sold to recently promoted Levante for the 2010-2011 season. Caicedo’s 13 goals were vital to Levante staying up, and the summer of 2011 sees the Ecuadorian ripe for a move to a more illustrious side. His ability to gel with Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia could turn the interest of a number of EPL teams into a finalized transfer, while guiding his team through the tournament.

Frozen out at Man City, unsuccessful at Blackburn, goalless in 15 months. The Copa American could be Roque Santa Cruz’ last opportunity to find a move to a more accommodating European side. Look for Roque Santa Cruz to have a surprisingly profitable tournament, both in terms of goals scored, and the resultant transfer.

Group C:

Chile:
Gonzalo Jara (West Brom), Jean Beausejour (Birmingham City)

Mexico:
Giovani Dos Santos (Tottenham)

Peru:
None

Uruguay:
Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

The last time the Copa America was hosted in Argentina, in 1987, Uruguay walked away surprise victors. They could very well do the same with the amount of talent they bring to Argentina this time around. Diego Godin, Diego Lugano, Nicolas Lodiero, Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan squad is one which should challenge Argentina and Brazil for the championship. However, look for the performances of Liverpool’s Luis Suarez to dictate Uruguay’s success. Regrettably, age catches up to us all, and Suarez will be forced to compensate for a declining Diego Forlan. Should he struggle to carry his EPL form through the tournament, Uruguay could make a quick exit, regardless of the amount of quality players they bring.

Editor’s note: To view the TV schedule for Copa America as well as to find out where you can watch the games online, visit our sister site WorldCupBuzz.com which will be featuring news and analysis about Copa America throughout the tournament as well as covering the Women’s World Cup.

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This weekend’s clashes throw up some intriguing games, as per usual. Bolton Wanderers have had somewhat of a resurgence under Gary Megson and are looking to extend their unbeaten record to 3 at the Reebok against a Liverpool side who bounced back emphatically against West Brom after suffering their first loss of the season against a newborn Tottenham side. Liverpool sit atop of the table with Chelsea, and will be very difficult to overcome with a fit Torres back and an in-form Robbie Keane.

Fulham host Tottenham in a clash which should see a fiercely contested tussle. Fulham continued their unpredictable form, beating an improved Newcastle side 2-1 courtesy of a 66th minute Danny Murphy penalty which proved to be enough. Tottenham continued their resurgence under Harry Redknapp beating Manchester City 1-2 on away turf. The turn around at White Hart Lane has been drastic, and somewhat remarkable. Momentum and confidence is a wonderful thing in football, and Tottenham, with Darren Bent scoring freely and finally justifying his 16m pound move are very hard to stop at present.

Manchester United will look to bounce straight back against a defiant Stoke City, who seem to have adapted to life at the top level quite well. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will no doubt have been stung by the loss to Arsenal and will be attacking with vengeance against a Stoke side who is capable of causing an upset on their day.

Newcastle, under Joe Kinnear seem to have found the passion and competitiveness required at Premier League level, yet still lack polish in several areas on the park. The return of Shola Ameobi seems to have provided them with a target man they so dearly craved early on, and with Obafemi Martins as the perfect foil, Newcastle have the firepower to overcome a Wigan side who has stutters as of late. Amr Zaki has provided 8 world class goals for the Latics, and the Egyptian has formed a partnership with born again England International Emile Heskey. Both sides have defensive queries, which could lead to a high scoring encounter.

Arsenal Football Club continue to defy the critics. After losing to Stoke 2-1, the Gunners bounced back beating the defending champions 2-1 in a pulsating match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Arsene Wenger has the side 6 points off leaders Chelsea and Liverpool and more importantly, has instilled some confidence in his squad. Arsenal must back up their big win with another strong performance against Aston Villa, who continue to threaten to push the top 4 early in the season. Martin O’Neill, so staunch in his stance on Gareth Barry and his summer transfer saga with Liverpool is now being vindicated through Barry’s form and his sides seemingly constant progression. With European ambitions still very much alive, Aston Villa are proving to be one of the better sides. A hiccup last week against Middlesbrough has put a dampener on expectations, however any result at the Emirates will be a big plus.

Blackburn has been the disappointment of the season for me so far. The Rovers lie 1 point off relegation, having conceded a whopping 22 goals in 12 matchs of football to date, equal to only West Ham who sit one spot above them. With players in the ilk of Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz, the side should be sitting much further up the table. The loss of Mark Hughes clearly has destabilised the club, but Paul Ince will settle and hopefully bring some much needed wins to Ewood Park. Their opponents, Sunderland have spent well over the transfer period. Manager Roy Keane has brought in the likes of Djibril Cisse, Teemu Tainio and El Hadj Diouf to strengthen his squad. Unfortunately, things haven’t started well, with Sunderland sitting only 1 point off the bottom of the table. This clash is crucial to both sides, so look out for some fireworks here.

Another club who seem to be in managerial transition is West Ham. Gianfranco Zola has inherited a side capable of winning games, but has seen his early tenure become increasing difficult. With 13 points, West Ham need to win at home against a side who has been gradually improving since the departure of Harry Redknapp. Tony Adams (ex Arsenal player) has stepped in after assisting under Redknapp and has steered the side to within 4 points of Manchester United in 4th spot. A win here will see them come right back into European calculations.

To complete Saturday’s games, West Brom will face the tough task of playing Chelsea, the league leaders. West Brom seem to be struggling, lieing at the bottom of the table and coming off a 3-0 thumping at Anfield. West Brom should see a more favourable draw once the Chelsea clash is over, and will be looking to pick up some points against Wigan the following match. Chelsea seem to be clicking over nicely, defeating Blackburn 0-2 to regain top spot off Liverpool. The side boasts a goal difference of +25, which is 13 goals clear of the next best in Arsenal. Scolari has turned Chelsea into a free flowing, attacking force, with a solid and organised defence to boot.

On Sunday, a resurgent Everton and Luis Saha host Middlesbrough, who stunned Aston Villa away from home. This clash looks good on paper, but it is hard to look past Everton’s recent climb up the table into 7th. David Moyes has the Evertonians cheering again, and no doubt the Toffees will hard to beat here.

To round off the week, Hull City host a frustrating Manchester City. The unbelievable run of Hull City’s seems to have ended, with a home loss to Bolton slipping them down to 6th. However, the early points are on the board for Hull, and a this clash is winnable on home turf against a Manchester City side who boast Robinho, Jo, Elano, Wright-Phillips and a host of other big name players. Despite these names, the side continues to frustrate supporters with inconsistency both home and away. An interesting clash ahead and a perfect way to round off a big week in the English Premier League.