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Hooray! The EPL returns in style!

Published by Ian John on November 21, 2009

After a two week hiatus for international squabbling over football events, punctuated only by the frankly laughable Roy Keane deciding to go against the grain to take another dig at the Irish F.A, Premier League football makes a welcome return this weekend and first up is arguably the biggest game of the weekend when Manchester City travel to Anfield to take on Rafa Benitez much maligned Liverpool side.

Benitez has stated that this is a “must win game” for Liverpool. I think we had all better get used to that because given their predicament at the moment, every game Liverpool play at the moment is a must win. Still Steven Gerrard is reportedly back and fit again which will be a boost. I’m still not convinced on this and have a horrible feeling that he is going to last 30 minutes before breaking down again, though I hope I am wrong. City are without Robinho still who remains out with an ankle injury and repetetive strain injury from flicking through all the estate agent leaflets he has for properties in Barcelona.

Sunderland take on Arsenal at the Stadium of Light which looks like being a real acid test for Steve Bruce’s side. The Gunners are in imperious form at the moment, none more so than Cesc Fabregas who, for me at least, has been the best player in the Premier League this season. Sunderland however are a tough proposition at home and if Steve Bruce is serious about turning his Sunderland team into a genuine top six threat, then he will need to win games like these. Ideally without the help of an errant beach ball.

Another big clash at Old Trafford where Everton fans are given one of their biannual chances to hurl abuse at Wayne Rooney. It’s hard to see past a United win in this one, but Everton have the capacity to cause an upset. Whether they have the form or depth of squad to do so remains questionable, especially without the clever promptings of Arteta in midfield.

Chelsea look to have a nailed on home banker against Wolves. Mick McCarthy’s men were expertly picked apart by Arsenal on their last outing and it is hard to see how they can withstand Chelsea, even if the blues are without the services of Frank Lampard. It seems that Roman has set his sights on either Sergio Aguero or David Villa…Or it could be Sergio Aguero AND David Villa. One wonders if this will galvanise Nicolas Anelka into his best form?

An interesting game too at Turf Moor where Owen Coyle’s Burnley take on Aston Villa and Martin O’Neill. It will be interesting to see whether Burnley’s excellent home form can continue to keep them in the relative safety of mid table over the coming two months. Often it is these two months which can decide a season and as much as teams at the top will be keen to capitalise at this time of the year, it is just as important for other teams too.

Of course it helps that it is also the run up to the busy Christmas period and the transfer window, plus there is the little matter of the World Cup Finals draw in a couple of weeks time, the African Nations Cup in January and of course the big one, the World Cup Finals in South Africa in the summer.

Fun times ahead folks! I can’t wait!

Image Courtesy of ***MarellaSteins*** at Flickr.com

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