English Premier League: Week 6 Match Previews and Predictions

Week 6 in the Barclay's Premier League offers up another weekend of non-stop action. We saw some shocking results, and shocking non-results last week as well as some players that just cannot seem to catch a break.

Among those surprises were Sunderland's demolishing of Stoke City, Arsenal's continued humiliation at the hands of Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool being reduced to nine men and being crushed and the biggest has to be poor Fernando Torres of Chelsea. Every time you think it is looking up for the lad he slumps back down. I truly thought that first goal against United was going to bring him to life, but his miss may just put the knife back between his shoulders.

Props go to Fulham for their hard fought draw against Manchester City that saw them scrap back level in the second half thanks to veterans Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy.

This week in the EPL is going to be great once again, as the mid-week Carling Cup games have us ready for more action.

Manchester City bounced back from last weekend's draw against Fulham with a 2-0 victory in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night. Owen Hargreaves was welcomed back to action, scoring a goal for his new side, and could be on the bench for this weekend's clash.

The Citizens now will play host to an Everton team that continues to surprise. David Moyes some how just keeps on keepin' on as he pulls wins out of sticky situations with inspired substitutions and excellent player management.

Moyes' Toffees also enjoyed midweek success when they defeated West Bromwich Albion and will ride in on a four-game unbeaten run that includes three wins. If there is a team capable of an early season upset at Etihad Stadium, Everton certainly could do so. I also look for Phil Neville to regain his starting place after his goal against WBA.

Match Prediction:

Everton show up inspired but can only manage a draw as City score late, 2-2.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City Starting XI: Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Gaël Clichy, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Adam Johnson, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko

Everton Starting XI: Tim Howard, Tony Hibbert, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Marouane Fellaini, Phil Neville; Jack Rodwell, Tim Cahill, Leon Osman, Denis Stracqualursi

Players to Watch: Sergio Aguero and Leighton Baines

It may have been against Shrewsbury Town, and it may have been the Arsenal youth team, but Arsene Wenger desperately needed the 3-1 victory his club pulled out in the Carling Cup midweek. While it has no influence on the club in the league, in will certainly lift a few spirits.

The last time Arsenal had a sun this bad at the beginning of a season was before my time, and if the first team does not start getting results, it calls into question whether the board will actually take action or just let the club nose dive.

Bolton Wanderers have probably had enough of seeing top four clubs as they have fallen to Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Norwich City all so far this season. However, their trip to the Emirates might be the best chance for a second victory in the league as the Gunners are yet to prove their defense can stop anyone.

Wanderers attack has looked great but their finishing has been poor. They will also have Ivan Klasnic back thanks to their Carling Cup match midweek against Aston Villa, which they won, giving him time to take his one-game suspension.

Match Prediction:

Arsenal's defense continues to spiral them out of control and Bolton prove another Blackburn at the Emirates 3-2.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal Starting XI: Wojciech Szczęsny, Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey; Gervinho, Robin Van Persie, Andrei Arshavin

Bolton Wanderers Starting XI: Jussi Jaaskelainen, Paul Robinson, Gary Cahill, Zat Knight, Dedryck Boyata, Nigel Reo-Coker, Martin Petrov, Fabrice Muamba, Chris Eagles, Kevin Davies, Ivan Klasnic

Players to Watch: Martin Petrov

Chelsea will return to London to face Welsh side Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. A midweek win against Fulham came down to penalties in the Carling Cup, but it was a win for the Blues. However, their disappointing loss to Manchester United will continue to haunt them as they had all the opportunity to be right there with the defending Champs.

Swansea had a great previous weekend with a 3-0 victory at home over dismal West Bromwich, who are lingering in the drop zone and failing on all cylinders. So far, the Swans have held their own with five points in their opening five fixtures and nearly handed Arsenal a draw earlier in the season if not for a mix up by Michel Vorm, who has so far been their player of the season.

Match Prediction:

Swansea make a game of it thanks to Vorm, but Chelsea power through to victory at home 2-0.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea Starting XI: Petr Cech, Jose Bosingwa, John Terry, David Luiz, Ashley Cole, Juan Mata, Frank Lampard, Ramires, Raul Meireles, Nicolas Anelka; Fernando Torres

Swansea City Starting XI: Michel Vorm, Neil Taylor, Steven Caulker, Ashley Williams, Angel Rangel, Nathan Dyer, Leon Britton, Kemy Agustien, Joe Allen, Danny Graham, Scott Sinclair

Players to Watch: Fernando Torres and Michel Vorm.

Craig Bellamy opened his account for the second time in his career with Liverpool in the Reds' midweek Carling Cup clash with Championship side Brighton Hove & Albion. Luis Suarez looked bright, but just could not manage to control the ball in his final touches, making his finishing to be left wanting.

Bellamy scored the Reds' opening goal and very nearly got a brace when a beautiful long distance free kick hit the underside of the crossbar but bounced out instead of in. Steven Gerrard also made his return to action and will look to start solidifying the Reds' midfield.

Liverpool's lineup against Brighton looked much more promising than the one that played against Tottenham, and they controlled the ball very well while dominating the first half of the match. I would not be surprised to see Kenny Dalglish keep a lot of those players on the pitch for this weekend.

Wolves finally got back to their winning ways this week, and the return of Matt Jarvis will be a huge plus as their attack has suffered greatly in his absence. Former Liverpool youth Adam Hammill could also start making more first team appearances after his goal during midweek as he appears to be in Mic McCarthy's long term plans.

Match Prediction:

Liverpool show up strong at Anfield and end their loosing streak in the league 3-1.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool Starting XI: Pepe Reina, Martin Kelly, Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Jose Enrique; Dirk Kuyt Lucas Leiva, Steven Gerrard, Stewart Downing; Craig Bellamy; Luis Suarez

Wolverhampton Wanderers Starting XI: Wayne Hennessey, Stephen Ward, Christophe Berra, Roger Johnson, Richard Stearman: Adam Hammill, Jamie O'Hara, Karl Henry, Matt Jarvis; Kevin Doyle, Steven Fletcher

Players to Watch: Steven Gerrard and Matt Jarvis

Newcastle played a ventilating midweek Carling Cup match against under-the-gun Steve McClaren's Nottingham Forrest. The Magpies took victory late at the City Ground, scoring three goals in extra time and seeing Fabricio Coloccini give the Toon victory at the death on the 120th minute of extra time, crushing the hearts of the Forest hopefuls.

Likewise, Blackburn Rovers claimed victory in midweek with a close victory over bottom-feeders Leyton Orient of League One. The club will be hoping to try and steal a victory from Newcastle at St. James Park as the Magpies are one of four teams still left unbeaten in the league.

Match Prediction:

Newcastle hold onto their undefeated record at home and push another three points to the good 2-1.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United Starting XI: Tim Krul, Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Ryan Taylor; Jonás Gutiérrez, Yohan Cabaye, Ismael Cheik Tioté, Hatem Ben Arfa, Leon Best, Shola Ameobi

Blackburn Rovers Starting XI: Paul Robinson, Michel Salgado, Scott Dann, Chris Samba, Gael Givet, Steven Nzonzi, David Dunn, Mauro Formica, Ruben Rochina, Yakubu, David Hoilett

Players to Watch: Leon Best and Yakubu.

West Bromwich Albion are a sinking ship, and Roy Hodgson is on the hot seat more now than ever as the honeymoon looks to have worn off. He has the players but has not had the strategy to stay ahead so far this season. To add to frustrations and pressure mounting on his back, his club were eliminated in the Carling Cup thanks to Everton in midweek.

Fulham have had a good week, taking a point at home against Manchester City in grand fashion thanks to a comeback second half fueled by Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy. Despite losing to Chelsea on penalties in midweek, Martin Jol will have to look at this as progress compared to their early league form. What better way to keep moving forward by facing perhaps the worst team in the league at the moment.

Match Prediction:

Hodgson looks set for the sack after another loss; Fulham 2-0 at the Hawthorns.

Predicted Lineups

West Bromwich Albion Starting XI: Ben Foster, Jonas Olsson, Nicky Shorey, Gabriel Tamas, Steven Reid, Paul Scharner, James Morrison, Chris Brunt, Somen Tchoyi, Peter Odemwingie, Shane Long.

Fulham Starting XI: Mark Schwarzer; Stephen Kelly, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, John Arne Riise, Damien Duff, Danny Murphy, Steven Sidwell, Clint Dempsey; Bryan Ruiz, Bobby Zamora.

Players to Watch: Peter Odemwingie and Clint Dempsey.

Wigan have started better than was initially expected of them. However, their exploits so far have mainly come against lesser opposition. Three losses in the last three games have seen them exit the Carling Cup and start sliding back down the table to where many believe they will be relegated later this season.

Tottenham, on the other hand, started weak but are picking up steam. Two straight victories over Wolves and a nine-man Liverpool in the league got partially dashed thanks to a 7-6 loss on penalties to Stoke City Wednesday night, seeing them make their exit from the Carling Cup.

Harry Redknapp will hope to make a quick rebound when Spurs face off against the Latics this weekend.

Match Prediction:

Wigan simply can not stop the new partnership of Defoe and Adebayor, Spurs 3-0.

Predicted Lineups

Wigan Athletic Starting XI: Ali Al Habsi, Adrián López Rodríguez, Maynor Figueroa, Gary Caldwell, Emmerson Boyce, James McCarthy, Ben Watson, Shaun Maloney, Victor Moses, Franco Di Santo, Hugo Rodallega

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI: Brad Friedel; Kyle Walker, Ledley King, Sebastian Bassong, Benoit Assou-Ekotto; Niko Kranjcar, Luka Modric, Scott Parker, Gareth Bale, Jermain Defoe, Emmanuel Adebayor.

Players to Watch:

Stoke City face their toughest test of the season so far with Manchester United coming to the Britannia. Tony Pulis' side was embarrassed at the Stadium of Light last weekend against Sunderland but their defeat of Tottenham midweek on penalties may restore some confidence ahead of the clash with the table toppers.

Manchester United's B team looked as strong as any first eleven when Michael Owen scored a brace to combine with a Ryan Giggs goal that saw the Champions knock Leeds United out of the Carling Cup, 3-0.

With the primary first team well rested and ready to go, it will be a long afternoon for the Potters and their fans as they hope to find a way to stifle United's overwhelmingly ruthless attack.

Match Prediction:

Stoke are ran through at home 4-0 by United.

Predicted Lineups

Stoke City Starting XI: Asmir Begovic; Jonathan Woodgate, Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth, Marc Wilson; Jermaine Pennant, Rory Delap, Wilson Palacios, Matthew Etherington; Peter Crouch, Jonathan Walters.

Manchester United Starting XI: David De Gea, Chris Smalling, Jonathan Evans, Phil Jones, Patrice Evra, Ashley Young, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Nani; Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney.

Players to Watch: Peter Crouch and Wayne Rooney.

Joey Barton got his Rangers career off the mark with his first goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend in his new club's 3-0 romp over Wolves. The loss of Matt Jarvis continued to look tough as Mic McCarthy's side just did not have enough to suppress the new-look promoted side.

Aston Villa continued their unbeaten run against Newcastle United when the two shared the spoils of a 1-1 draw that looked lively. Both went away to remain in as the only other two unbeaten sides apart from Manchester United and Manchester City.

It will be a tough match between the two as Queens Park Rangers has a line-up full of players with something to prove and they will be looking to knock off any mid-table team that they can with hopes of finishing in the top 15 or higher.

Match Prediction:

QPR knock off the undefeated Villains at Home 3-1.

Predicted Lineups

Queens Park Rangers Starting XI: Patrick Kenny; Luke Young, Anton Ferdinand, Daniel Gabbidon, Armand Traore; Shaun Derry, Adel Taarabt, Joey Barton, Alejandro Damian Faurlin; DJ Campbell, Shaun Wright-Phillips

Aston Villa Starting XI: Shay Given; Alan Hutton, James Collins, Richard Dunne, Stephen Warnock, Fabien Delph, Stiliyan Petrov, Jermaine Jenas, Charles N'Zogbia, Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor

Players to Watch: Joey Barton and Gabriel Agbonlahor

Norwich City were the second promoted side to face Bolton since Wanderers opening day 4-0 battering of a pre-transfer deadline Queens Park Rangers side. However, Norwich City would prove to be more than a handful for the struggling Trotters as their two new boys, Bradley Johnson and Anthony Pilkington, were the match winners with a goal apiece.

Sunderland are also coming in off a victory in the league after handing out a 4-0 pounding to Stoke City at the Stadium of Light. Steve Bruce breathed a big sigh of relief over that match and will be looking forward to another tough test from a lower club that has the potential to upset anyone at home.

Match Prediction:

Norwich continue their strong form back home and earn a draw with the Black Cats 2-2.

Predicted Lineups

Norwich City Starting XI: John Ruddy; Zak Whitbread, David Fox, Marc Tierney, Russell Martin; Bradley Johnson, Andrew Crofts, Wesley Hoolahan, Anthony Pilkington; Steve Morison, Grant Holt

Sunderland Starting XI: Simon Mignolet; John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Titus Bramble, Kieran Richardson; Sebastian Larsson, Lee Cattermole, Jack Colback, Craig Gardner; Stephane Sessegnon, Nicklas Bendtner

Players to Watch: Grant Holt and Sebastian Larsson

It looks to be another great weekend of EPL Football. I have QPR vs Aston Villa as the Game of the Week, and it should be a cracker of a match between two clubs looking to keep their pace so far.

All the big name clubs face tricky opposition with all of them having an upset in the balance, because, after all, it is the EPL and anything can happen on any given match day.

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