Lets kick off our little preview with a little nod to Everton, and the apparent England rock, Phil Jagielka, who has completely jumped on the negative attention of Wayne Rooney by telling the press, ridiculously openly, that he will be joining in with the Evertonians as they bombard the former Toffee with chants about his personal life. Steady on Jag's, surely he's a fellow professional of a much higher status, and quality, than yourself. But apparently, England ace Jag's will not only “find it amusing” when Rooney faces the wrath of Goodison park, but also thinks that Rooney is 'a big lad who will be able to take it.' Let me say that although the Shin Roller doesn't condone adultery, I do hope Rooney makes him look as average as he should realise he is on Saturday.
So, away from Saturdays lunch-time tasty affair, tomorrows fixtures are an accumulators nightmare.
Blackburn look tidy this year, and although away from home they do get the jitters, I wouldn't put it past an Allardyce 11 to get a result at Manchester City.
Avram Grant has been at the wrong end of a lot of stick from the media over the last few weeks, with reason really, as West Ham have endured their worse ever start to a season. Can they pull it off with Chelsea being the visitors? Yes, swiftly moving on...
Blackpool take their tangerine terrors (maybe not, especially not the fans who seem constantly high on Haribo) to St James Park for a Championship reunion. I think last time Blackpool played was the first time I actually didn't like Fulham (by the way, there is officially something wrong with you if you don't like Fulham) when Dembele, who looks very handy indeed, broke through to level at 2-2. Is that the way Blackpool's season will go? How can we speculate so soon, but here's hoping they get at least a decent performance against Houghton's Toon Army.
Like every romantic football fan through the world cup, I was almost gleeful to see that Ghana's Asamoah Gyan will be joining the premiership. At Sunderland as well, a team that need him desperately. Did Sunderland need to land such a signing with no real goals other than solidarity, or is this a sign of Steve Bruce's intentions? All I know is, Gyan and Bent, on paper, where we all know all good football is played, do look like a partnership that could work. They travel to Wigan, where the only thing we can be of sure is that the stadium will be empty, which is a real shame.
Now we get on the tube to Fulham, and to be honest, who knows. Wolves look very strong and compact, but so do Fulham. However, the little extra creativity that a Mark Hughes team will always have, should be enough to unlock the Wolves defence. But how many times, as one goal won't be enough to keep an unbeaten wolves out of the game. An interesting one this.
Bolton also make a trip to London, and quite rightly with a little less optimism. Bolton do tend to ship the goals in under Coyle, and I expect nothing less this weekend. If it wasn't for a poor penalty and some tragic defending of long balls, West Ham could have won a game they eventually lost 3-1, but Bolton won't be able to ride their luck, never mind the storm that Arsenal will bring on Saturday. Big win officially predicted.
We do love him, don't we. And why not, as general consensus tells us that Roberto Di Matteo is more than a likeable character, but a great manager. Bringing back Marc-Antoine Fortune will frustrate a lot of baggies fans as he seemed just as panicky in front of goals for Celtic as he did in his previous stint in the Midlands. William Gallas and Rafael Van Der Vaart could both make their Spurs debuts on Saturday, and with Jermain Defoe out for a while, you would suggest that the Dutchman should start this one. Robbie Keane anyone? Nah, thought not.
Liverpool vs Birmingham on Sunday, of which an overwhelming image of a constantly underrated striker banging in an absolute bullet past Reina is all I can see. Jerome has started poorly this year, and the excuses are starting to run out for the Striker, but with the added creativity of an almost tragic Alexander Hleb, he just get a few more chances per game. Liverpool, hey? We love Hogdson and Joey, but things haven't quite clicked yet. Although the Shin Roller team didn't get behind the certain so-called 'pundits' who suggested that Liverpool were title contenders, we did think they would figure in the race on some level.
And our weekends action ends at Stoke, where none other than Eidur Gudjohnsen now lives, and hopes to ply his trade. I say hopes, because however good a creative player you might be, under Pullis its never that simple. And Gerrard Houllier will probably be in the managers seat at the Villa. Personally, I would have loved to see Bob Bradley take the helm, but alas this was not the case. Villa look poor, and although we all do fancy a bit of Albrighton, a home win shouldn't be too difficult
So that's it ladies and gentlefolk, your first preview piece. I am sure you had fun reading because you are good people, and we will be back soon with reaction, interaction and maybe even a little apprehension. I'm off to see if Rooney needs a cuddle.
Ryan Duggins
The Shin Roller
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