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The international break is over, so it’s time to get back to work for the guys in the EPL.
The weekend starts with a bang as Chelsea makes the trip to Birmingham to face Aston Villa and wraps up with a battle of bottom dwellers on Monday when Hull City visit Craven Cottage.
Here’s <a title="Table" href="http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com/tables?league=eng.1&amp;cc=3888" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a look at the table.</a>
Here’s the <a title="TV schedule" href="http:\/\/epltalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TV schedule.</a>
And here are some capsules:
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea
The Blues look to protect their lead atop the table with a visit to the Second City on Saturday.
Table watch: Chelsea is in first on 21 points, while Villa is in seventh on 13 points.
Last time: In this fixture last season, Chelsea grabbed a 1-0 win.
Injury news: Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack came off at halftime of Germany’s 1-1 draw with Finland in mid-week, but keeper Petr Cech should be back in goal for the Blues.
<a title="EPL Talk Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2158/17_10_2009/Aston_Villa_Vs_Chelsea.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>

Arsenal vs. Birmingham City
The Gunners hope to continue their march up the standings when Birmingham comes calling to the Emirates this weekend.
Table watch: Arsenal is in fifth place on 15 points while Birmingham sits in 14th position on seven points.
Up and down: Arsenal is coming off a 6-2 thrashing of Blackburn in their last run out while Birmingham fell 2-1 at Burnley.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2213/17_10_2009/Arsenal_Vs_Birmingham_City.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Everton vs. Wolverhampton
A slow start for the Toffees has turned around somewhat as Everton can crack the top 10 with a win at Goodison Park against Wolves.
Table watch: Everton is in 10th place with 10 points while Wolves have seven points, good for 17th place.
The Fellani saga: Much to Belgium’s chagrin, Marouane Fellani will be allowed to play for Everton&nbsp;after missing Wednesday’s international match with Estonia.
<a title="EPL Talk Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2214/17_10_2009/Everton_Vs_Wolverhampton.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Manchester United vs. Bolton Wanderers
The Red Devils will look to keep pace with Chelsea, and perhaps even knock them from the EPL perch when the Trotters visit Old Trafford this weekend.
Table watch: United is in second place with 19 points while Bolton in is 13th spot with eight points.
Streaking: The Red Devils have won eight of the last nine meetings in this series. Bolton, however, is on a five-match unbeaten run.
Injury news: Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are injury worries for the Red Devils with calf and groin maladies, respectively.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2215/17_10_2009/Manchester_United_Vs_Bolton_Wanderers.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Portsmouth vs. Tottenham
Pompey, still looking to escape the league cellar,&nbsp;welcomes Spurs to Fratton Park on Saturday.
Table Watch: Portsmouth is last on the table with three points while Spurs have 16 points, which is good for third.
Projection: It’s a different year, to be sure,&nbsp;but Spurs are on pace to pick up 76 points – good for fourth in last year’s final standings.
He said it:&nbsp;“People who have got any sense look at what I did for that football club. I took them from the bottom of the Championship to winning the Championship and becoming a top-seven, top-eight Premier League club, winning the FA Cup.
“If people are stupid enough to shout abuse they need their heads looking at, in my opinion.” – Former Pompey boss and current Spurs gaffer Harry Redknapp
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2216/17_10_2009/Portsmouth_Vs_Tottenham.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Stoke City vs. West Ham United
The Potters will look to use Saturday’s date with the Hammers as a springboard into the top half of the table.
Table watch: Stoke has nine points and sits in 11th place while West Ham is mired in 19th position on five points.
History lesson: West Ham won both matches between these clubs last season and have won five in a row in the series overall.
Finish the game: Stoke has lost seven points from winning positions this season – the most in the league.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2217/17_10_2009/Stoke_City_Vs_West_Ham.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Sunderland vs. Liverpool
The Stadium of Light will be jumping as the Black Cats look to add another result against a big four club to their ledger when Liverpool visits Saturday.
Table watch: Sunderland is in eighth place on 13 points while Liverpool is in sixth spot with 15.
He&nbsp;said it:&nbsp;“If Mr. Capello is looking for players, then he must have been impressed with Michael Turner and Darren Bent. Whether they can break in now to a World Cup squad, who knows? There’s still six months to go.” – Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, after his team’s 2-2 draw with United.
Woes up front: Liverpool has issues up front, as Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard all have knocks that might keep them out of this one.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2218/17_10_2009/Sunderland_Vs_Liverpool.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Blackburn Rovers vs. Burnley
Rovers will look to put some distance between themselves and the drop zone when surprising Burnley invades Ewood Park on Sunday.
Table watch: Blackburn is in 16th spot on seven points while Burnley is in ninth place on a dozen points.
An old rivalry: This is a renewal of the East Lancashire Derby. Because the two teams – eight miles apart- haven’t shared a league in a while, the last meeting was in 2005. That was a 2-1 win for Rovers at Ewood Park. The two sides haven’t met in league play since the 2000-2001 season. Blackburn was won 39 matches, Burnley owns 38 wins and the two have drawn 18 times in their history.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2219/18_10_2009/Blackburn_Rovers_Vs_Burnley.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Wigan Athletic vs. Manchester City
If City is serious about challenging the big four, it will need to start getting road results against teams like Wigan along the way.
Table watch: The Latics are on nine points in 12th place while City has 16 points, good for fourth position.
Hey, it’s Alan: Alan Wiley, in the news lately for all the wrong reasons, will be the referee for this fixture.
Hey, it’s Micah: Micah Richards, out of action for City since the Manchester Derby, may make his return Sunday at the DW Stadium.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2220/18_10_2009/Wigan_Athletic_Vs_Manchester_City.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Fulham vs. Hull City
The underachieving Whites look to pick up three points against equally uninspiring Hull City on Monday at Craven Cottage.
Table watch: Fulham is in 15th place on seven points while Hull City sits 18th on seven points based on goal difference.
Doubling up: Hull won both meetings last season, winning by a goal each time.
Possible return: Former Fulham standout and current Tiger Jimmy Bullard might make an appearance after a long layoff with a knee injury.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2221/19_10_2009/Fulham_Vs_Hull_City.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>

Premier League Preview - Oct. 17-19 - World Soccer Talk

Premier League Preview – Oct. 17-19

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A clash between the second- and third-place teams in the Barclays Premier League is set for Sunday at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea entertains Liverpool.
Sounds like fun, right?
But first, check out the <a title="TV schedule" href="http:\/\/epltalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank">TV schedule here.</a>
Now, on with the previews:
Chelsea vs. Liverpool
Oh, no big deal. Just two clubs with title dreams playing in the late game on a Sunday.

Table watch: It’s two versus three as the Blues (18 points, second place) host the Reds (15 points, third place) at Stamford Bridge.
Recent memories: Last season, Liverpool ended Chelsea’s home unbeaten streak in this fixture. But later in the year, Chelsea responded by knocking the Reds from the Champions League in spectacular fashion.
They said it, part one: “I have never seen this team of mine struggle as much as we did in the first half. I was just so disappointed because we made so many mistakes and were made to pay for them.” – Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez after his team’s 2-0 loss to Fiorentina in mid-week Champions League play.
They said it, part two: “We have to play better. I’m not angry with the players. I have a lot of faith in this team and these players. I was a player for a lot of years myself, and I know when things don’t go well.” – Chelsea gaffer Carlo Ancelotti said after his team’s underwhelming 1-0 win over APOEL Nicosa.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2165/04_10_2009/Chelsea_Vs_Liverpool.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Portsmouth
Wolves welcome in pointless Pompey to start the weekend’s action.
Table watch: Wolves are in 16th place on seven points while Portsmouth is still looking for its first positive result of the young season.
Money crunch: Something you never like to hear from the rich guys owning your club is “we’re broke.” But that’s <a title="Pompey woes" href="http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=681526&amp;sec=england&amp;cc=5901" target="_blank">the tune at Fratton Park.</a>
“All the money from all the player transfers and the Sky TV money, all of the £35 million from January, has gone straight to the Standard Bank,” Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said. “There is no money left.”
Headed for 0-0?: According to Eurosport, Wolves have failed to score in the last three league games against Portsmouth and the last five meetings between the teams at Molineux have all been draws. Hmm, there may be a trend there.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2157/03_10_2009/Wolverhampton_Vs_Portsmouth.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Hull City vs. Wigan
Bottom dwellers Hull City will look to start to climb in the standings when giant-killing Wigan comes calling.
Table watch: Hull City is in 19th place on four points while Wigan is five points ahead of them in 10th spot.
Oh captain, my captain: Phil Brown has named his fifth captain of the season. Nick Barmby will wear the armband this weekend as the Tigers try to snap out of their recent funk.
“This is something that has got Nicky’s name written all over it,” Brown told the Daily Mail. “He is a strong enough character in the dressing room. … He’s had a lot of close relationships with managers during his career and I feel as though I have got a close relationship with him. We speak frankly about things and we share things, none more so than about what is happening at Hull City at the moment.”
Lesson learned: “When you are a team like Wigan Athletic and you play against the top four you have two options,” Wigan manager Roberto Martinez told the Sunday Times. “You can beat them or you can get hammered — and that’s what happened when we lost 4-0 and 5-0. The reason we won is because we learned our lessons. 
“We’ve been brave from the first second. Nobody can say we didn’t deserve the win and to say that against a special team like Chelsea is a big, big compliment to our football club.”
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2159/03_10_2009/Hull_City_Vs_Wigan_Athletic.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Bolton Wanderers vs. Tottenham
If Spurs want to hold off Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa nipping at their heels, they’ll need a result at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.
Table watch: Bolton is in 13th place on seven points while Spurs are sitting fourth on 15 points.
Injury strikes Defoe: Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe has a fractured hand and will likely miss 
the game this weekend. Peter Crouch could start alongside in-form Robbie Keane up front.
Home and away: Bolton has one point in three home games while Spurs have already collected six points on their travels.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2160/03_10_2009/Bolton_Wanderers_Vs_Tottenham.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Burnley vs. Birmingham City
After getting walloped last week against Tottenham, Burnley is hoping for better luck at Turf Moor against Birmingham City.
Table watch: Burnley is in 11th spot on nine points while Birmingham is in 14th place with seven points.
A lack of options: With striker Christian Benitez headed back to Ecuador to be his his father, who was involved in a serious auto accident, City may struggle for goals this weekend. That, and the reports that Birmingham players were shouting at each other after last week’s loss to Bolton, isn’t a sign of happy times in the Second City.
They said it: “At this level, 50, 60, 70 minutes in the Premier League’s not good enough because of the quality they’ve got. If you switch off you’ll be punished and that’s what’s happened.” – Burnley boss Owen Coyle, to the Burnley Express on his team’s 5-0 loss to Spurs.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2167/03_10_2009/Burnley_Vs_Birmingham_City.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Manchester United vs. Sunderland
The Red Devils, fresh off a come-from-behind win over Wolfsburg in Champions League play, host Sunderland in the late game on Saturday.
Table watch: United is in the top spot wit 18 points on goal difference over Chelsea. Sunderland has 12 points, which is good for eighth position.
Match facts: Thanks to the good folks at Eurosport, we know the following:
United have won 11 and drawn three of the last 14 league meetings with Sunderland since the Black Cats last won against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in March 1997. … Sunderland’s last win at Old Trafford came in May 1968 when they won 2-1 a few weeks before Man Utd lifted the European Cup. … Sunderland have not kept a clean sheet since the opening day a run of six games. … Ryan Giggs has assisted on each of United’s last five league goals.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2161/03_10_2009/Manchester_United_Vs_Sunderland.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Arsenal vs. Blackburn Rovers
The Gunners can break back into the top four with a win and little help as they welcome Blackburn to London on Sunday.
Table watch: Arsenal is in six place on 12 points while Rovers are in 15th place on seven points.
A fixture in English football: Arsenal manager Arsene Wegner became the longest-serving manager in the club’s history on Thursday. “When you work abroad it is never easy because, frankly, they do not need you,” the Frenchman told the New York Times. “It is difficult to put into context today because now every foreign manager arrives on a red carpet. It was not like that when I arrived. They (Arsenal) needed to be, maybe not crazy, but certainly brave. However I believe I was lucky to find the support I found at Arsenal and that is always important for success.”
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2162/04_10_2009/Arsenal_Vs_Blackburn_Rovers.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Everton vs. Stoke City
After an early season filled with blunders and woe, the Toffees appear to have their act together as the Potters come calling.
Table watch: Everton is in ninth place on nine points while Stoke City in in 12th spot on eight points.
Mid-week success: Everton rallied to win its Europa League tie on Thursday for its fifth straight win in all competitions.
Last time: Everton won this fixture last season, 3-1.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2163/04_10_2009/Everton_Vs_Stoke_City.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
West Ham vs. Fulham
After an uninspired effort at Manchester City, West Ham will try to bounce back at Upton Park against Fulham.
Table watch: West Ham is in 18th place on four points while Fulham isn’t faring much better in 17th place, two points ahead.
Home form a worry: West Ham is winless in its two home fixtures so far this season.
History lesson: West Ham won this fixture last season with a 3-1 score line.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2164/04_10_2009/West_Ham_Vs_Fulham.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Aston Villa vs. Manchester City
Two teams with Champions League places on the brain clash at Villa Park on Monday.
Table watch: Villa is in seventh place on a dozen points while City is in fifth place on 15 points.
Not looking back: “If you asked me ‘would we still rather have Gareth around here?’ then the answer would be ‘definitely, absolutely.’ But Gareth (Barry) has moved on to Manchester City this summer and I think we have made a shift ourselves.” – Villa boss Martin O’Neill on his former player, to Goal.com.
Welcome back, Ade: Emmanuel Adebayor is done with his three-match ban and is eligible to play for City.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2166/05_10_2009/Aston_Villa_Vs_Manchester_City.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>

Premier League Preview - Oct. 3-5 - World Soccer Talk

Premier League Preview – Oct. 3-5

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The international break is over and it’s&nbsp;time to separate the men from the boys.
Can Spurs keep up their blistering start? Check back after their date at White Hart Lane with Manchester United.
Can City keep up in its race to crack the top four?&nbsp; A home game with Arsenal might provide some early answers.
And it’s all on tap for this weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester United
These teams have met 22 times in all competitions since Spurs last notched a victory over the Red Devils, but there could be no better time to buck that trend than Saturday.
Table watch: Spurs are second on goal difference with a max 12 points from four games while United sits in third on nine points.
Medical update: Tottenham’s Jemaine Jenas and Gareth Bale are injury doubts while Jonathan Woodgate (hernia), Michael Dawson (Achilles) and Heurelho Gomes (thigh) will likely not play this weekend. Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand will likely have to pass a late fitness test to join in the United backline.
They said it: “I watched a couple of videos yesterday and they’ll be a handful for us,”&nbsp;Sir Alex Ferguson said to the team’s Web site.&nbsp;“But that’s the nature of the Premier League. Hopefully I can pick the right team and get a good result.”
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2119/12_09_2009/Tottenham_Vs_Manchester_United.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Manchester City vs. Arsenal
Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor have changed shirts for this fixture and the former Gunners will look to take three points off their old mates this weekend at Eastlands.
Table watch: City is in the fourth spot on nine points while Arsenal is in sixth place with as many points.
Missing in action: The international break claimed a goal scoring threat from each side as City’s Carlos Tevez and Arsenal’s Andrei Arshavin both picked up knocks playing for their respective countries in mid-week.
A simple plan: “Adebayor has started the season on fire and we have to put that fire out,” Arsene Wenger said to the team’s Web site.
A pin-up quote: “There’s nothing better than beating your old teammates, I used to find that and I used to love it. I’m sure Kolo and Ade are no different,” Mark Hughes said to the team’s Web site.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2118/12_09_2009/Manchester_City_Vs_Arsenal.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Portsmouth vs. Bolton Wanderers
It’s a something’s-got-to-give game as Pompey entertain Bolton in a clash of teams still seeking their first points of the new campaign.
Table watch: Look low and you’ll find Bolton in 19th place ahead only by goal difference on 20th-place Portsmouth.
No place like home: Bolton has yet to score an away goal in Premier League play this season, and has only one win at Fratton Park since 2003.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2112/12_09_2009/Portsmouth_Vs_Bolton_Wanderers.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Blackburn Rovers vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce will be hoping his club can get into gear as they host Wolves Saturday.
Table watch: Blackburn is in 18th place with one point while Wolves are holding down 13th place on four points.
Praise for England: “I don’t know Fabio Capello, but it was almost like the players’ reaction mirrored him – ‘job done, shake hands with the lads, get on with it and get back to your clubs,&apos;” Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said of England’s recent thumping of Croatia.
History lesson: Last time Wolves visited Ewood Park, they left with a 5-1 defeat in 2003.
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Wigan Athletic vs. West Ham United
Wigan will try to start a climb up the table at home against the Hammers this weekend.
Table watch: Wigan is 17th on three points while West Ham is 11th place with four points.
An explanation: “Our start does possibly reflect the amount of changes we have had to make within the club,” Martinez told the Manchester Evening News. “Players need time to gel but with hard work and a winning mentality it will come. If we are to go onto the next level we have to be successful in the next six months.
“We have to work towards eventually becoming a top seven club – that is my aim.”
Looking out for No. 1: West&nbsp;Ham’s Robert Green has aspirations of minding the goal for England next summer in South Africa.
“We’ll see whether I’m involved next summer, but the team has qualified and that’s the main thing. I think, the way we played, we justified our qualification. I’ve got a nice quiet cup of tea, I’ll relax tonight and I’ll get my head down and go into work,” he told the team’s Web site.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2114/12_09_2009/Wigan_Athletic_Vs_West_Ham.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Liverpool vs. Burnley
Burnley will try to impress an ESPN audience with a good showing at Anfield against the Reds on Saturday.
Table watch: Both teams are on six points with Liverpool in seventh and Burnley in 10th on goal difference.
Hot and cold: Liverpool has struggled to find consistency in its first four matches, picking up two wins and two losses along the way.
From the boss: “The team as a team has not played at the level we can, but hopefully the win against Bolton will be a lift for us,”&nbsp;Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez&nbsp;said in his weekly press conference.&nbsp;When you are not doing well you always need character – and the players showed character against Bolton.
“We controlled the game and although we conceded two goals, we scored three and came from behind to win. That is very positive and hopefully it will be a different situation for us now.”
Ready for the challenge?: “We are looking forward to the game,” Clarets’ gaffer Owen Coyle told the team’s Web site. “Liverpool have got some unbelievably gifted players – Torres and Gerrard for two could play for anybody in world football – but as a player, coach or manager you want to play against the best players and the best teams and Liveprool tick every box that’s required in that department.
“The atmosphere will be fantastic and we want to play a big, big part in that. We will go and try and play our game.”
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2115/12_09_2009/Liverpool_Vs_Burnley.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Stoke City vs. Chelsea
The Potters hope to continue their fast start with a good effort at home against table-topping Chelsea.
Table watch: The Blues are in first with 12 points while Stoke City is sitting in fifth with seven points.
Shaking off controversy: Chelsea will have to get past <a title="Blatter weighs in" href="http:\/\/www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/blatter-says-chelsea-ban-is-final-1784369.html" target="_blank">FIFA’s sanctions</a> and focus on the business of winning matches.
“A lot of things have happened to me in my career with England and Chelsea and whenever it’s backs to the wall, it brings a togetherness and it can be used as a positive,” Frank Lampard told ESPN.&nbsp;“You certainly can’t let it be used as a negative.
“It’s something that is out of the players’ control anyway, so all we can do now is make it a positive.”
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Sunderland vs. Hull City
A pair of mid-table clubs dreaming of better things will hook up at The Stadium of Light Saturday.
Table watch: Sunderland is in ninth place on six points while the Tigers are in 14th place on four points.
A new captain: The Black Cats have a new captain as <a title="Cana named captain" href="http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=673298&amp;sec=england&amp;cc=5901" target="_blank">Lorik Cana will now wear the armband. </a>
Who’s in goal?: Third-choice keeper Trevor Carson might be called into action for Sunderland, due to injuries to Craig Gordon and Marton Fulop.
“It’s the goalkeeping position that’s the area which is most in our mind but it’s likely to be a case of leaving a lot of things to the last minute before being able to make some decisions,” Steve Bruce told the Sunderland Echo. “Even so, we’ve still got a squad here that should allow us to put out a very strong side, regardless of any injuries for the visit of Hull.”
They said it: “We belong here,”&nbsp;Stephen Hunt&nbsp;told the Hull Daily Mail. “We have earned the right to be here and the ones who were here earned the right to get into the division.
“You still have to earn the right to stay in the division and if you don’t, you will struggle at the bottom. You have to earn the right again and again to cherish what you’ve got or you fall behind.”
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2117/12_09_2009/Sunderland_Vs_Hull_City.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Birminghan City vs. Aston Villa
The&nbsp;Second City&nbsp;Derby kicks off Sunday action as Birmingham and Villa collide.
Table watch: Birmingham occupy 12th place on four points while their neighbors dwell in eighth place on six points.
Derby stats: Villa owns 49 wins in this series while Birmingham has 37. Twenty of those wins for City have come at home.
No Young for Villa:&nbsp;“Having given it a bit more thought, I think Sunday may be a little too soon for Luke. There’s no point rushing him through,” Martin O’Neill told soccer365.com.&nbsp;“He’s getting there and he’s not feeling too bad at all.”
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2120/13_09_2009/Birmingham_City_Vs_Aston_Villa.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>
Fulham vs. Everton
The final game of the weekend features a clash of Europa League teams that aren’t quite matching last year’s output just yet.
Table watch: Fulham is in 15th place on three points ahead by goal difference over the 16th-place Toffees.
Match facts: The Toffees swept Fulham last season and the Everton win at Craven Cottage snapped a 15-game winning streak for home teams in this series. … Fulham has only three shots on target this season, which might account for the fact that it only has one goal.
<a title="Predictor" href="http:\/\/predictions.epltalk.com/Bet/2121/13_09_2009/Fulham_Vs_Everton.aspx" target="_blank">Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor</a>

Premier League Preview - Sept. 12-13 - World Soccer Talk

Premier League Preview – Sept. 12-13

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Premier League Preview – Sept. 12-13