Fulham v QPR Preview: Shaun Wright-Phillips Out to Prove a Point to Fulham
by Jon WestFiled under: Fulham, QPR, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE, CRAVEN COTTAGE, SUNDAY OCTOBER 2. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
While the focus of the nation may be on the capital tussle north of the Thames on Sunday afternoon, try telling residents of Hammersmith and Fulham that this particular London derby has little significance.
It is the first derby between QPR and Fulham to take place in the top flight and the first in any league in over ten years.
And there is more than bragging rights for the supporters at stake. Fulham are in desperate need of their first league win this season, but have been buoyed by their win against Odense on Thursday night.
QPR, meanwhile, are keen to build on the momentum they built following their away win against Wolves. Momentum which was checked by the home draw against Aston Villa, where they fell behind to a soft penalty.
Both sides have new players who have yet to gel; Fulham are patiently waiting on Bryan Ruiz to adjust to the top flight, while Rangers manager Neil Warnock's midfield is still getting to know one another.
Key match-up: Jon-Arne Riise v Shaun Wright-Phillips. Riise is one of the best fullbacks in the business, while Wright-Phillips, according to his manager, has something to prove in order to get back in the reckoning for England.
Form guide: Fulham may be clocking up the air miles in the Europa League but it is in that competition where they have registered wins. QPR have been better away from home than at Loftus Road.
Odds: Fulham evens, QPR 3/1, draw 23/10
FULHAM:
Manager Martin Jol is unconcerned by the lack of wins, claiming he has the balance right to move up the table sooner rather than later.
Jol said: "If we win on Sunday it will be a great feeling, but I think our position will be fine in the league.
"It is not a matter of defeats, it is that we have had too many draws. And it is not that we have conceded a load of goals, we just need to score more. We want to climb the table and we have the team to do well."
Of more concern to Jol is Adel Taarabt, who he knows from his time at Tottenham. Back then, the Moroccan playmaker was a 17-year-old with an ego.
Jol admits he has improved out of sight and said: "He was 17 years of age when he was at Spurs and when he had the ball everyone watched. It is like Bill Nicholson said, it was as if the players needed to buy tickets to watch him play.
"But he has improved. He plays the ball when necessary and keeps the ball when he has to. He is one of the best No10s in the game. When he gets the ball he is QPR's biggest threat."
Strategy: Expect Bobby Zamora to be leading the line after being laid low for a while through illness. The England striker remains his side's best bet for a goal and the Fulham medical staff have been busy behind the scenes with Sunday in mind, having left him at home for the Europa League trip.
Injury update: Aaron Hughes is back in full training and could feature on the bench. Simon Davies could return in November. Mousa Dembele and Zamora have overcome their illnesses.
QPR:
Wright-Phillips could have become a Fulham player in January when Mark Hughes, his former boss at Manchester City, was in charge at Craven Cottage.
A failure to agree on how big a chunk of his £80,000-a-week wages eventually scuppered that deal and it was not until August that the England winger moved back to London to join the Hoops.
And when he did he hardly gave the Fulham near miss a further thought. "I didn't think about it," he told the Ealing Gazette. "When I got the chance to come to QPR - I took it and that's what I wanted to do. The rest is all so much history and nothing more to worry about."
Wright-Phillips has made a huge impact since leaving Eastlands, despite not being as sharp as he would like.
He added: "My physical fitness is fine, but people say it takes five to six games to get match fit. I'm hoping I get there quicker than that now that I've got to half that total."
Fulham v QPR Preview: Shaun Wright-Phillips Out to Prove a Point to Fulham
by Jon WestFiled under: Fulham, QPR, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE, CRAVEN COTTAGE, SUNDAY OCTOBER 2. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
While the focus of the nation may be on the capital tussle north of the Thames on Sunday afternoon, try telling residents of Hammersmith and Fulham that this particular London derby has little significance.
It is the first derby between QPR and Fulham to take place in the top flight and the first in any league in over ten years.
And there is more than bragging rights for the supporters at stake. Fulham are in desperate need of their first league win this season, but have been buoyed by their win against Odense on Thursday night.
QPR, meanwhile, are keen to build on the momentum they built following their away win against Wolves. Momentum which was checked by the home draw against Aston Villa, where they fell behind to a soft penalty.
Both sides have new players who have yet to gel; Fulham are patiently waiting on Bryan Ruiz to adjust to the top flight, while Rangers manager Neil Warnock's midfield is still getting to know one another.
Key match-up: Jon-Arne Riise v Shaun Wright-Phillips. Riise is one of the best fullbacks in the business, while Wright-Phillips, according to his manager, has something to prove in order to get back in the reckoning for England.
Form guide: Fulham may be clocking up the air miles in the Europa League but it is in that competition where they have registered wins. QPR have been better away from home than at Loftus Road.
Odds: Fulham evens, QPR 3/1, draw 23/10
FULHAM:
Manager Martin Jol is unconcerned by the lack of wins, claiming he has the balance right to move up the table sooner rather than later.
Jol said: "If we win on Sunday it will be a great feeling, but I think our position will be fine in the league.
"It is not a matter of defeats, it is that we have had too many draws. And it is not that we have conceded a load of goals, we just need to score more. We want to climb the table and we have the team to do well."
Of more concern to Jol is Adel Taarabt, who he knows from his time at Tottenham. Back then, the Moroccan playmaker was a 17-year-old with an ego.
Jol admits he has improved out of sight and said: "He was 17 years of age when he was at Spurs and when he had the ball everyone watched. It is like Bill Nicholson said, it was as if the players needed to buy tickets to watch him play.
"But he has improved. He plays the ball when necessary and keeps the ball when he has to. He is one of the best No10s in the game. When he gets the ball he is QPR's biggest threat."
Strategy: Expect Bobby Zamora to be leading the line after being laid low for a while through illness. The England striker remains his side's best bet for a goal and the Fulham medical staff have been busy behind the scenes with Sunday in mind, having left him at home for the Europa League trip.
Injury update: Aaron Hughes is back in full training and could feature on the bench. Simon Davies could return in November. Mousa Dembele and Zamora have overcome their illnesses.
QPR:
Wright-Phillips could have become a Fulham player in January when Mark Hughes, his former boss at Manchester City, was in charge at Craven Cottage.
A failure to agree on how big a chunk of his £80,000-a-week wages eventually scuppered that deal and it was not until August that the England winger moved back to London to join the Hoops.
And when he did he hardly gave the Fulham near miss a further thought. "I didn't think about it," he told the Ealing Gazette. "When I got the chance to come to QPR - I took it and that's what I wanted to do. The rest is all so much history and nothing more to worry about."
Wright-Phillips has made a huge impact since leaving Eastlands, despite not being as sharp as he would like.
He added: "My physical fitness is fine, but people say it takes five to six games to get match fit. I'm hoping I get there quicker than that now that I've got to half that total."
Tottenham v Arsenal Preview: Emmanuel Adebayor Faces Former Club
by Mike McGrathFiled under: Arsenal, Tottenham, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: WHITE HART LANE, SUNDAY OCTOBER 2, 2011. KICK-OFF 1600 BST
Last year it was William Gallas, but this season the focus will be on Emmanuel Adebayor when Tottenham face their bitter rivals Arsenal.
While Gallas left the Emirates Stadium and was signed by Harry Redknapp for the next campaign, Adebayor has joined Spurs via a spell at Manchester City and a loan at Real Madrid.
But that will not have softened the attitude of Gunners supporters after he ran the length of the pitch to taunt them with his celebration after scoring for City against his old club two years ago.
He felt fans had made him a scapegoat for his club's failings. And it got worse since he left. Still no trophies and now a start to the season where Arsene Wenger's methods have come under intense scrutiny.
Victory over Bolton has not masked the problems at Arsenal, who are short of confidence and have lost to Blackburn and Liverpool as well as getting thrashed at Manchester United.
Form is usually irrelevant when it comes to derby matches. And Arsenal will be looking for revenge after letting two-goal leads slip against their rivals twice last season.
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Key Match-up: Emmanuel Adebayor v Per Mertesacker: Adebayor has made an instant impact since arriving from City on loan. So far it is three goals from as many games and he has set up plenty of other chances with his powerful displays. Mertesacker arrived from Werder Bremen just before the transfer deadline passed and is still adjusting to life in the Premier League. Not been helped by joining a defence short on confidence.
Form Guide: Spurs have won three Premier League matches in a row and have improved after a poor start. Arsenal have recorded a trio of victories in all competitions but are still short of confidence and have not hit anything like their top form.
Odds: Tottenham 11/10, Arsenal 23/10, Draw 5/2
TOTTENHAM:
Tottenham manager Redknapp rested his key players in the Europa League this week to make sure they are ready to face Arsenal. He has backed Adebayor to rise to the occasion of facing his former club.
"It is another great opportunity for Emmanuel Adebayor to play for Tottenham," Redknapp said. "He has been playing well for us, the crowd love him and he has been a big bonus for us so far. His performances have been fantastic. Let's hope he can keep that up.
"There is always aggravation when players leave clubs but he will get on and hopefully play well. William Gallas played against Arsenal last year and for me was the man of the match.
"He showed his character last year in that game and I am sure Manu will do the same on Sunday."
Redknapp believes Arsenal will still mount a challenge for a top-four place this season, despite their poor start.
He added: "I would not write Arsenal off. And if you write Arsenal off in your newspaper you could be made to eat all those words. They are a good side with a great manager. Liverpool will be up there and so will Tottenham and I would not write any of us off.
"We keep talking about finishing fourth - who knows, we might not. We may finish third or second - it's not impossible."
Redknapp believes Ledley King could be important. The Spurs skipper will be asked how his knee feels on the eve of the game.
"He has been great since he played this season," Redknapp said. "He made a big impact in the last three league games and has been a top class player.
"He won't train again as usual and will come out on Saturday morning and hopefully have a little 15 minutes, do okay, and play on Sunday again. I'm sure he will be great for us."
Strategy: Gareth Bale will be asked to attack at pace, as will Aaron Lennon if he is passed fit. Adebayor then provides a more direct route to goal.
Injury Update: Gallas is struggling with a calf injury. Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone are out. Lennon is hoping to be fit after problems with his groin.
ARSENAL:
While Spurs have Adebayor, Robin van Persie will be the focal point of Arsenal's attack. He approaching his best, with five goals already this season.
"I am very demanding with Robin and he does as well as I expect him to," said Wenger. "He plays well with the team, with the other players, he finishes well, his finishing record is absolutely fantastic and he is not only a finisher.
On Van Persie's future and signing a new contract, Wenger added: "That depends on us and on him. On our side we are quite clear so that is no problem.
"I do not say there is no problem because it does not depend only on us but we are clear with our intention. After that you have to respect that he has nearly two years to go so let's not make an immediate issue of something like that. Two years in football is a very, very long time."
Wenger is hoping the win against Olympiacos in midweek will help build confidence.
He said: "Any victory will help us. I have always been optimistic because I feel that the players are mentally strong, focused, I am impressed by the quality of all the players we brought in, not only on the football pitch that I knew but also their mental attitude is absolutely fantastic.
"That's why even before the Bolton game I was very positive about our future. But that is what's at stake for us - to show we can deliver week-in week-out."
Strategy: They will attempt to dictate the pace of the game with their passing style. Van Persie will lead the attack and Mikel Arteta will pull the strings in midfield.
Injury Update: Wenger needs to check on Laurent Koscielny, Theo Walcott and Gervinho.
Swansea v Stoke Preview: Peter Crouch Still Has England Ambitions
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Stoke City, Swansea, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: LIBERTY STADIUM, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2011. KICK-OFF 1500 BST
If you ever wanted to see a contrast in playing styles, then the Liberty Stadium will be the place to be.
Swansea are renowned for their eye-catching passing style and patient approach. In stark contrast, Stoke have developed a reputation for their direct and physical tactics that have served them so well in recent seasons.
Despite Brendan Rodgers' vow that the Welsh side won't change their mindset, you can bet he would love to mirror Stoke's recipe for success.
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Stoke, now an established force during their fourth season in the top-flight, face newboys Swansea who are still finding their feet at this level.
On paper, the Swans have endured winnable home fixtures and a tough run of away games.
This follows the same pattern here and they will look to take advantage of any potential Europa League hangover, and repeat Sunderland's thumping win, last month.
Key Match-Up: Garry Monk v Peter Crouch: Monk brings a calming influence to Swansea's defence. But Crouch offers a completely different threat to most, with his aerial ability once again a danger to captain Monk and the rest of the Swans rearguard.
Form Guide: Swansea are unbeaten, and are yet to concede a goal, at home. But it's a different story on their travels with them having lost every game, including against Chelsea last time out. Stoke lie in mid-table and pushed Manchester United all the way in their draw late last month.
Odds: Swansea 8/5, Stoke 6/4, Draw 9/4
SWANSEA:
Swansea manager Rodgers wants to follow Stoke City's blueprint for success as the Welsh side strive to stay in the top-flight.
Stoke were among the favourites to be relegated three seasons ago in the wake of their promotion.
But they defied the odds and have since gone from strength to strength.
Now the Swansea manager is out to emulate the Potters, and said: "I remember when they came into the league and played their first game, bookmakers stopped taking bets on them going down because they thought it was a forgone conclusion.
"It was great motivation for them and one we can look at ourselves. We can take great motivation from their story.
"It's a great model for any club to follow, in particular ourselves.
"They have improved year-on-year and they are a very tough side to beat."
Strategy: This is another home game Swansea must target. While Stoke have proved they are no pushovers, Swansea will see this as a chance to earn just their second win of the season.
Injury Update: Leon Britton (back) could add to Swansea's lengthy injury list. Andrea Orlandi, Kemy Agustien and Steven Caulker are out while Alan Tate and Ferrie Bodde are long-term absentees.
Bolton v Chelsea Preview: Didier Drogba Returns For Suspended Torres
by Ian WhittellFiled under: Bolton, Chelsea, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: REEBOK STADIUM, SUNDAY OCTOBER 2, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1330 BST
Carlos Tevez could certainly learn a thing or two from Frank Lampard as the Chelsea veteran looks to regain a starting spot after an indifferent start to the season.
Lampard, 33, scored the opener on his first start in four games as Andre Villas-Boas's side were held to a draw away at Valencia on Wednesday, and the midfielder will be hoping his display, and patience, will earn him a place against rock bottom Bolton.
The England international was apparently frustrated at being an unused substitute in his team's last league outing, a 4-1 win over Swansea, but now a solid display in Spain could be repaid with a starting place.
Daniel Sturridge is set to return to Bolton for the first time after last season's successful loan spell, in which he scored eight goals in 12 appearances, and he could heap more woe on former boss Owen Coyle.
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The Chelsea striker, who has been receiving treatment for a knee injury, will be forever in debt to Coyle who gave him the chance of regular first-team football which has seen him jump from Stamford Bridge fringe player to the brink of the England senior squad.
But how Coyle would love to have the 22-year-old back at the Reebok after a shocking run of form.
Bolton have lost 10 of their last 11 league games and were dealt another huge blow in midweek when midfielder Stuart Holden was ruled out for a further six months after a routine check on the knee injury which has kept him out since March showed further cartilage damage.
Key Match-up: Gary Cahill v Didier Drogba: With Fernando Torres suspended, Drogba may return to the starting line-up and will be up against reported Chelsea target Cahill. After Arsenal's failed summer bid for the England defender, Villas-Boas has apparently now got an eye on a January move for Cahill and will be watching to see how he handles the fit-again Chelsea striker.
Form Guide: Bolton fans have certainly seen plenty of goals this season. Unfortunately for them in the wrong end after five straight defeats since an opening day win at QPR. Chelsea, after now what seems a good opening day draw at Stoke, have quietly climbed the table. A defeat against title rivals Manchester United was a blip, but last week's win over Swansea was impressive. The last time the teams met at the Reebok, Chelsea were resounding 4-0 winners.
Odds: Bolton 11/2, Chelsea 8/15, Draw 3/1
BOLTON:
Coyle is refusing to press the panic button in the wake of Bolton's nightmare end to last season - and an even worse start to this term.
He said: "When you a playing well confidence is high, and when it's going you against you then the mental strength comes in.
You have to have belief and that's what we have here. We won't feel sorry for ourselves.
"There's little wrong. I take it on the chin and go from there as you can over analyse things."
Coyle has admitted the loss of Holden for a further six months is a blow as he looks to turn around his side's terrible to the season.
He had hoped the return of Holden would help the Trotters regain some form and return to the free-flowing football which had won them so many plaudits last season.
However, now they must prepare to be without the United States international midfielder until the closing weeks of the campaign.
Coyle said: "It is a big, big blow for Stuart, because he has worked so hard after he sustained the injury.
"But obviously the most important aspect is to ensure Stuart's well being and that's what we are focused on.
"He went for the procedure and it was picked up that the cartilage was damaged and needed to be repaired, which has now happened, and we will now support Stuart as he begins his recovery."
Meanwhile, defender Zat Knight has told his team-mates they need to get their acts together or they could be facing a relegation battle this season.
Knight told the Bolton News: "The last few weeks have been very frustrating. We're at the bottom because we haven't done well enough in the last five games and something has to change.
"Everyone has to be a bit more competitive and take things a bit more seriously. We need to get back to being difficult to beat. When you don't win, you don't lose."
Strategy: Bolton will be looking to contain Chelsea's attacking prowess as they look to avoid a ninth straight defeat at home to Chelsea. Kevin Davies will be pushing for a return as David Ngog continues to search for his first goal since his summer move.
Injury Update: Holden (knee) is definitely out alongside other long-term absentees Sam Ricketts and Sean Davis. Ivan Klasnic serves the last game of his three-match suspension.
Sunderland v West Brom Preview: Angry Steve Bruce ‘Let Down’ by Titus Bramble
by Jason MellorFiled under: Sunderland, West Brom, Premier League, Football, Match Previews, Team Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: STADIUM OF LIGHT, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST.
Steve Bruce has delivered a damning assessment of Titus Bramble, the Sunderland defender who has been suspended by the club following his arrest on suspicion of sexual assault and drug possession.
Bruce reminded his players of their responsibilities as role models after admitting he felt 'let down' by the 30-year-old.
"It's what's football management's all about unfortunately," Bruce said.
Bramble was detained by Cleveland police early on Wednesday and questioned over an alleged sexual assault and possession of a Class A drug. He was later released on police bail.
He has been suspended pending the outcome of an internal investigation by Stadium of Light chiefs, which also includes his exclusion from training with his teammates.
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Bruce added: "I'm sure you're aware there's a police investigation going on and obviously I'm restricted to what I can say. But for me the big disappointment was that he shouldn't have been there in the first place.
"With the rewards footballers get, there has to be a responsibility, a moral responsibility. I don't think that footballers should be in nightclubs on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, especially after you've just been beaten at Norwich and with how badly he performed.
"If it was me, I'd be locking myself away for 48 hours and burying my head and making sure when training comes around I go and perform better than I did on Monday and put it right. That's where unfortunately they let themselves down.
"That's the disappointing thing for me but that's what football's become. With the rewards they have, they have to show a bit more responsibility."
Despite his clear disappointment with Bramble, a player he has signed twice in his management career, Bruce insisted the club's off-the-field worries will not distracting him from the task of turning round what has been a disappointing start to the season.
He added: "Nothing will derail me. I've been doing this job a long time and I've been let down many times by certain players. It makes me even more determined through adversity. I sometimes scratch my head and think what the hell am I doing it for? But it's what football management is now.
"The vast majority of players come from a working class background and most of them remember their roots and have a respect for the people who're still there. The players are alienating the working class people who follow the game."
Even before the Bramble incident, with almost indecent haste, the pressure had been piled back on an increasingly beleaguered Sunderland manager.
West Bromwich Albion may arrive at the Stadium of Light a point and five places worse-off than their hosts. But in comparison, the scrutiny which his opposite number Roy Hodgson has been placed under has been minimal.
In defence of the avuncular Albion manager, whose side occupy an uncomfortable position in the bottom three in the embryonic Premier League table, he hasn't had a second annual £40 million summer warchest with which to bolster his squad. Bruce has.
In addition, Hodgson's record in the latter third of last season was nowhere as abject as that of Bruce, who is back under the spotlight not so much for the 2-1 defeat at Norwich, more due to the latest no-show from many of his players.
A paltry four victories in their last 24 matches in all competitions hardly helps Bruce's cause.
Such is his current predicament, only Blackburn's Steve Kean is shorter odds to be the next Premier League manager relieved of his duties. Yes, things are that bad.
Key Match-Up: Wes Brown v Peter Odemwingie: Bruce is among a number of Premier League managers to have monitored the Nigerian before Albion were handsomely rewarded for taking the plunge last year. Brown has been one of Sunderland's better performers so far this season, but hasn't been immune from the occasional lapse.
Form Guide: Form guide? More like lack of form guide. These sides have won just twice between them in 12 league outings combined so far this season, suggesting the smart money is on the shares being spoiled at the weekend.
Match Odds: Sunderland 2/1, West Brom 7/2, Draw 10/3
Blackburn v Man City Preview: Mancini Insists Carlos Tevez ‘Not My Problem’
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: EWOOD PARK, SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
The drama which unfolded on the visitors substitutes bench at the Allianz Arena may have deflected attention away from Roberto Mancini's tactical failings in Germany.
But there will be no hiding place for the Manchester City manager and his players when they look to put a terrible week behind them against Blackburn.
Mancini will not need reminding that the last time his side returned to domestic action after a Champions League game they blew a 2-0 lead at Fulham.
And that was with Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez in the side.
Tevez will definitely be missing as an investigation into his alleged refusal to come on as a substitute during the 2-0 defeat against Bayern Munich continues.
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And Bosnian striker Dzeko is sweating on a place in the side after his behaviour when hauled off in Germany.
Dzeko has since issued an apology, but it remains to be seen whether Mancini, who was less than impressed with the players's actions, is in a forgiving mood after the most testing week of his reign.
Yet Mancini knows that failure to defeat Blackburn will only increase the pressure, and he may have no choice but to play Dzeko, who scored the winner in the corresponding fixture last seaon.
Mancini is not the only manager feeling the heat.
Despite masterminding a dramatic comeback victory over Arsenal recently, Blackburn's Steve Kean remains a manager under pressure after last week's disappointing 3-1 defeat against Newcastle.
There will be a familiar face missing from the home dug-out.
Assistant manager John Jensen had his contract extended in the summer, but the club confirmed his departure on Thursday.
The reasoning behind the decision has yet to be discovered but Kean, who brought the Dane to the club in January, will be hoping it does not disrupt his players.
Key Match-up: Yakubu v Joe Hart: City keeper Hart was one of the few positives from the defeat in Germany, with the England international making a host of quality saves. And while Hart will not expect to be as busy at Ewood Park, he will have to be on alert to ensure Yakubu does not add to the two goals he scored against Arsenal.
Form Guide: City have scored 19 goals in six league games, their only blip coming in a draw away at Fulham. A hard-fought win over Everton last week proved their ability to grind out results.But will they suffer from a Munich hangover? After a first league victory against Arsenal, Blackburn returned to old habits last week with a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle.
Odds: Blackburn 5/1, Manchester City 8/13, Draw 11/4
BLACKBURN:
Kean reckons he may have to turn to fringe players as his injury problems mount.
Michel Salgado and Gael Givet both picked up injuries during the defeat at Newcastle and are doubts, while Ryan Nelsen continues to struggle with a knee problem.
Kean said: "Some of the players who perhaps haven't had much of a run this season could get their chance. Obviously if the injuries tot up then the lads that have the opportunity have to grab that.
"If they get given the chance then they have to take it. These are the times when you look at the depth of the squad. Thankfully we have other players in these positions and they can come in and play."
Kean admits his side also have to put last week's poor display at Newcastle behind them as they prepare to welcome City.
"It was a disappointing result because we felt we could go to Newcastle and get something. I do think though the way we came back into the game was positive.
"But we will go again against Manchester City full of confidence."
Strategy: Rovers know they are up against it, but will look to take advantage after the traumatic week their opponents have endured. Yakubu is expected to start up front on his own despite being somewhat isolated last week at Newcastle.
Injury Update: Salgado (hamstring) and Givet (leg) are doubts, while Nelson (knee) remains sidelined. David Dunn (calf), Morten Gamst Pedersen (thigh) and David Goodwillie (thigh) are expected to be available after injury.
MANCHESTER CITY:
Mancini has continued his hardline stance over the ongoing row regarding Tevez's alleged refusal to play by insisting it is 'not my problem'.
The Italian claimed that Tevez was 'finished' after the Bayern Munich defeat.
Tevez in a statement blamed "confusion on the bench" for the "misunderstanding", denying he refused to play in Munich.
But Mancini does not appear to have softened his views over the matter.
"It is finished," said Mancini.
"I am the manager, our focus is regarding the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup.
"Other things - it is not my problem."
Tevez has been suspended for two weeks by City as they investigate the chain of events before making a decision on the future of the Argentina international.
Mancini is trying to draw a line under the unsavoury incident and insists he is focused on helping City achieve success.
"Blackburn is an important game," he added at the pre-match press conference where the media were warned not to ask questions about Tevez.
"It will be difficult but we have to try and win."
Strategy: This is all about City attempting to return to show it is business as usual following this week's extraordinary events. A strong performance is required to send out a clear message that Mancini's is squad remains united. Mario Balotelli may make his first league start while the quality of David Silva and Sergio Aguero ought to prove too much for Blackburn.
Wolves v Newcastle Preview: McCarthy Looking For Response to Win Back Fans
by Ian EdwardsFiled under: Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Premier League, Football, Match Previews, Team Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: MOLINEUX, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
After an impressive start, Wolves have been given a reality check and owe their supporters a performance to make amends for their previous home league game.
Mick McCarthy's side have lost their last three games and their most recent at Molineux was a dreadful 3-0 defeat by Queens Park Rangers.
They are on a mission to make amends for that before they head off for an international break, especially as they return to face bitter rivals West Bromwich Albion in two weeks time.
McCarthy has never wavered from his stance that Wolves' start was nothing to get too carried away about and he is equally determined to remain calm after a disappointing run of results.
Victory will be hard to come by against Alan Pardew's side, who are making a mockery of pre-season predictions of another season of struggle at St James' Park.
They are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League outings, which is their longest run for nine years.
Newcastle have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League so far and have avoided defeat in their last four away games so will be in buoyant mood as they look to end a poor run of results at Molineux.
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Key Match-up: Kevin Doyle v Steven Taylor: Doyle has recently signed a new contract at Wolves and there are few more committed players to the cause than the Republic of Ireland striker. He will be even more motivated to celebrate his new deal with a goal to add to his solitary effort so far this season. Taylor is enjoying a new lease of life under Pardew and has been talked about as a possible England international and he will have to justify that praise to keep Doyle from having a major influence on the game.
Form Guide: Last season's stormy encounter produced 12 yellow card, more than any other Premier League fixture in 2010. Wolves are unbeaten in their last six home games against Newcastle.
Odds: Wolves 6/4, Newcastle 15/8, Draw 9/2
WOLVES:
Matt Jarvis insists that the mood in the Wolves' dressing room remains as up-beat as ever, despite losing their last three matches to puncture an impressive start.
And he acknowledges the fact the players owe the fans a performance to make up for the unacceptable display against QPR the last time they were in front of their own fans.
Jarvis insists it was a one-off bad day at the office and said: "We all know it was a bad performance against QPR and that's been the only one.
"We're at home and we're going to want to get out there and get the fans behind us. We're keen to get back out there and pick up a decent result.
"The confidence is still there. We've been in the league for three seasons now and we know what it is about.
"We know how difficult it is to pick up points and how you can go through spells like this.
"It's a case of being solid and making sure we get some results on the board and get another little run together.
"It's particularly important to do that when you are going into an international break.
"It's never a nice feeling to go two weeks without a game on the back of a bad result. We want to get a good result against Newcastle to go into the international break on a high."
Strategy: Steven Fletcher is fit again after a groin injury as his return will be crucial. The Scotland striker has hit 7 goals in his last 11 games and without him Wolves lack a cutting edge. He dovetails well with Doyle and if Jarvis can provide the kind of service he is capable of Wolves will be able to trouble Newcastle's solid back four.
Injury Update: Richard Stearman has a bruised toe and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake has not recovered from a knee injury. Kevin Foley (ankle) is out for another three weeks.
Everton v Liverpool Preview: Kenny Dalglish Plays Down Goodison Return
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Everton, Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: GOODISON PARK, SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011: KICK-OFF: 1245 BST
The last time Kenny Dalglish stood in the Goodison Park dugout as Liverpool manager, he watched his side throw away the lead four times in an epic FA Cup tie.
Two days later an exhausted and emotional Dalgish confirmed he was stepping down as manager in an announcement which sent shockwaves around the footballing world.
Fast forward 20 years and a rejuvenated and refreshed Dalglish returns to the home of Liverpool's neighbours relishing the opportunity of adding another Merseyside derby success to the many he enjoyed as both player and manager.
Dalglish was reluctant to discuss the extraordinary events of 1991 ahead of this game, the Anfield icon insisting that enough had been said in the past.
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The Liverpool manager is clearly keen to look to the future, not dwell on the past.
His side start three points ahead of Everton, who have played a game less, but Liverpool have lost their last two away games - Tottenham and Stoke - without finding the net.
Everton scored four past Pepe Reina last season as David Moyes's side took four points off Liverpool, who have not defeated the Toffees since Emiliano Insua and David Ngog were in the side in February 2010.
But two of their scorers - Mikel Arteta and Jermaine Beckford - have moved on, and Moyes will be hoping he possesses the ammunition to enable Everton to retain local bragging rights.
Key Match-up: Tim Cahill v Pepe Reina: Everton's Cahill is winning his fitness battle as the Australian looks to feature in his 14th Merseyside derby. The Australian has yet to score in a Toffees shirt this season but has proved a real nuisance to Liverpool's defence over the last seven years after scoring five times against Everton's neighbours. Liverpool keeper Reina goes into the game seeking a first clean sheet in five league games.
Form Guide: With Chelsea next after the international break, Everton need to return to winning ways after last week's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City. Liverpool entertain Manchester United after this game. Yet they make the jounrey across Stanley Park looking to avoid a third defeat in four league games.
Odds: Everton 21/10, Liverpool 7/5, Draw 11/5
EVERTON:
Cahill is relishing the opportunity of adding to his impressive goal tally against Liverpool - if he recovers from a shin injury in time.
The long-serving Cahill has scored five times in 13 Merseyside derbies since joining from Millwall seven years ago.
"I think it is one of the biggest (matches) other than playing for your country in a World Cup," said Cahill.
"The derby is magical.
"It is not only the day of the game, it is after, it is before, it is the grudges, the banter. For those 90 minutes the whole of Liverpool stops and you have countries around the world watching.
"Going into the game, whether you are injured or you have little problems whatever, it is forgotten.
"Everything is left on the pitch and for me, coming from Australia, I feel the same sort of attitude.
"I found it hard to get here, I have this opportunity so I just don't want to miss a second on the pitch - I want to try to affect it, hence why I've had so much joy in the derbies.
"For the fans and for me it means everything because it is part of my life now."
Cahill has been receiving treatment for a bruised shin he suffered during Everton's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City last week.
But he remains confident of being available for the derby.
Strategy: Past derbies have been decided by the team which dictates the tempo and controls the midfield. This will be no different. Leon Osman and Phil Neville will be key to a home success as Moyes is again likely to opt for one up front, with Marouane Fellaini playing just behind Cahill.
Injury Update: Providing Cahill is passed fit, Moyes has a near full-strength squad to select from with Victor Anichebe (groin) the only likely absentee.
LIVERPOOL:
Dalglish will not rush influential captain Steven Gerrard back into Merseyside derby action.
Gerrard is desperate to lead out Liverpool at Goodison Park for one of his side's biggest games of the season.
But manager Dalglish has hinted that his captain, who has not started a game since March 6, might have to be patient.
England international Gerrard has made two brief substitute appearances since recovering from a groin problem.
"The game's not the important thing. Steven Gerrard's more important and as I have said before, we'll manage Steven as well as we possibly can," said Dalglish, who has praised the work opposite number Moyes has done at Everton.
"Moyesy's done a fantastic job," added Dalglish. "We have a great deal of respect for him and also for Everton. He's a good lad and we know him well.
"But come Saturday the two of us will be rivals and that's the way it should be. Afterwards we'll have a drink and move on.
"We know Everton are going to stand up and be competitive. We've got to match them."
Strategy: Does Dalglish stick with the side which overcame Wolves last week or does he bring Dirk Kuyt and Gerrard back into the starting line-up? Gerrard's influence cannot be under-estimated in this fixture while Kuyt's work rate is exceptional. Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll all started against Wolves, but none have appeared in a Merseyside derby before.
Aston Villa v Wigan Preview: Victory the Order of the Day for Alex McLeish
by Brendan McLoughlinFiled under: Aston Villa, Wigan, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: VILLA PARK, SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011, KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
It would have been Wigan manager Roberto Martinez in the home dugout at Villa Park had Aston Villa landed their first-choice replacement for Gerard Houllier.
Embarrassingly for a club of Villa's stature and size, however, the Spaniard elected to remain with the Latics and honour an agreement with chairman Dave Whelan.
Consequently, Villa controversially turned their attention to Alex McLeish and it is fair to say the Scot is yet to win over the doubters - despite his team being one of just four still unbeaten in the Premier League.
That statistic fails to tell the full story, however, with Villa having won only one of those six matches as well as exiting the Carling Cup at home to Bolton last week.
Further disappointment followed last weekend when a Richard Dunne own goal in added time denied them victory against 10-man QPR and that result has served to merely crank up the pressure heading into this clash.
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Following murmurings of discontent in their previous two home matches against Newcastle and the Trotters, victory is a must for McLeish to stay onside with the claret and blue masses.
Form guide: Villa are still to lose in the Premier League this season but, conversely, have won just once. Wigan have lost their last four matches - three of them coming in the Premier League.
Key match-up: Darren Bent v Gary Caldwell. Having questioned McLeish's tactics last week, the onus now falls on fit-again Bent to rediscover his goalscoring touch. By his own high standards it has been a poor start to the new campaign from the England forward, who has scored just once. He will, however, fancy his chances of scoring against a Wigan defence which has conceded 10 goals in their last four matches, and Caldwell can expect one of his toughest tests of the season.
Odds: Aston Villa 4-6, Draw 3-1, Wigan 5-1
ASTON VILLA: Villa manager McLeish has poured cold rumours on speculation linking miniature midfield maestro Barry Bannan with Manchester United.
The Scotland international has just been named Villa's player of the month for September and he is rumoured to be attracting the attention of the champions.
But McLeish said: "Let's not go overboard and put too much pressure on the kid with the Manchester United stuff and that.
"He will want to cement his place permanently in the Villa team before anything else.
"He did very well in the second half at QPR. Like everyone else he was afflicted with a lack of a touch and passing in the first half. All of a sudden he came alive in the second half... that is what he is capable of."
Strategy: Goals are the order of the day on Saturday - this is a match McLeish has to win - so expect the Villa manager to opt for an attack-minded line-up. The Scot is likely to be call on Bent, Emile Heskey and Jermaine Jenas for the clash and, given some lacklustre displays of late, all three could be drafted straight into the team in a 4-2-3-1 formation. It could mean, however, that Charles N'Zogbia fails to make the starting line-up against his former club.
Injury Update: Carlos Cuellar (knee) is back in training, however the game comes too soon for the Spanish defender. James Collins (ankle), Jenas (kicking strain), Bent (groin), Ciaran Clark (knee) and Heskey (hamstring) are all back in contention after injuries.
Aston Villa v Wigan Preview: Victory the Order of the Day for Alex McLeish
by Brendan McLoughlinFiled under: Aston Villa, Wigan, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: VILLA PARK, SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011, KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
It would have been Wigan manager Roberto Martinez in the home dugout at Villa Park had Aston Villa landed their first-choice replacement for Gerard Houllier.
Embarrassingly for a club of Villa's stature and size, however, the Spaniard elected to remain with the Latics and honour an agreement with chairman Dave Whelan.
Consequently, Villa controversially turned their attention to Alex McLeish and it is fair to say the Scot is yet to win over the doubters - despite his team being one of just four still unbeaten in the Premier League.
That statistic fails to tell the full story, however, with Villa having won only one of those six matches as well as exiting the Carling Cup at home to Bolton last week.
Further disappointment followed last weekend when a Richard Dunne own goal in added time denied them victory against 10-man QPR and that result has served to merely crank up the pressure heading into this clash.
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Following murmurings of discontent in their previous two home matches against Newcastle and the Trotters, victory is a must for McLeish to stay onside with the claret and blue masses.
Form guide: Villa are still to lose in the Premier League this season but, conversely, have won just once. Wigan have lost their last four matches - three of them coming in the Premier League.
Key match-up: Darren Bent v Gary Caldwell. Having questioned McLeish's tactics last week, the onus now falls on fit-again Bent to rediscover his goalscoring touch. By his own high standards it has been a poor start to the new campaign from the England forward, who has scored just once. He will, however, fancy his chances of scoring against a Wigan defence which has conceded 10 goals in their last four matches, and Caldwell can expect one of his toughest tests of the season.
Odds: Aston Villa 4-6, Draw 3-1, Wigan 5-1
ASTON VILLA: Villa manager McLeish has poured cold rumours on speculation linking miniature midfield maestro Barry Bannan with Manchester United.
The Scotland international has just been named Villa's player of the month for September and he is rumoured to be attracting the attention of the champions.
But McLeish said: "Let's not go overboard and put too much pressure on the kid with the Manchester United stuff and that.
"He will want to cement his place permanently in the Villa team before anything else.
"He did very well in the second half at QPR. Like everyone else he was afflicted with a lack of a touch and passing in the first half. All of a sudden he came alive in the second half... that is what he is capable of."
Strategy: Goals are the order of the day on Saturday - this is a match McLeish has to win - so expect the Villa manager to opt for an attack-minded line-up. The Scot is likely to be call on Bent, Emile Heskey and Jermaine Jenas for the clash and, given some lacklustre displays of late, all three could be drafted straight into the team in a 4-2-3-1 formation. It could mean, however, that Charles N'Zogbia fails to make the starting line-up against his former club.
Injury Update: Carlos Cuellar (knee) is back in training, however the game comes too soon for the Spanish defender. James Collins (ankle), Jenas (kicking strain), Bent (groin), Ciaran Clark (knee) and Heskey (hamstring) are all back in contention after injuries.
Aston Villa v Wigan Preview: Victory the Order of the Day for Alex McLeish
by Brendan McLoughlinFiled under: Aston Villa, Wigan, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: VILLA PARK, SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011, KICK-OFF: 1500 BST
It would have been Wigan manager Roberto Martinez in the home dugout at Villa Park had Aston Villa landed their first-choice replacement for Gerard Houllier.
Embarrassingly for a club of Villa's stature and size, however, the Spaniard elected to remain with the Latics and honour an agreement with chairman Dave Whelan.
Consequently, Villa controversially turned their attention to Alex McLeish and it is fair to say the Scot is yet to win over the doubters - despite his team being one of just four still unbeaten in the Premier League.
That statistic fails to tell the full story, however, with Villa having won only one of those six matches as well as exiting the Carling Cup at home to Bolton last week.
Further disappointment followed last weekend when a Richard Dunne own goal in added time denied them victory against 10-man QPR and that result has served to merely crank up the pressure heading into this clash.
Tweeter Facebook FourSquare iPhone
Following murmurings of discontent in their previous two home matches against Newcastle and the Trotters, victory is a must for McLeish to stay onside with the claret and blue masses.
Form guide: Villa are still to lose in the Premier League this season but, conversely, have won just once. Wigan have lost their last four matches - three of them coming in the Premier League.
Key match-up: Darren Bent v Gary Caldwell. Having questioned McLeish's tactics last week, the onus now falls on fit-again Bent to rediscover his goalscoring touch. By his own high standards it has been a poor start to the new campaign from the England forward, who has scored just once. He will, however, fancy his chances of scoring against a Wigan defence which has conceded 10 goals in their last four matches, and Caldwell can expect one of his toughest tests of the season.
Odds: Aston Villa 4-6, Draw 3-1, Wigan 5-1
ASTON VILLA: Villa manager McLeish has poured cold rumours on speculation linking miniature midfield maestro Barry Bannan with Manchester United.
The Scotland international has just been named Villa's player of the month for September and he is rumoured to be attracting the attention of the champions.
But McLeish said: "Let's not go overboard and put too much pressure on the kid with the Manchester United stuff and that.
"He will want to cement his place permanently in the Villa team before anything else.
"He did very well in the second half at QPR. Like everyone else he was afflicted with a lack of a touch and passing in the first half. All of a sudden he came alive in the second half... that is what he is capable of."
Strategy: Goals are the order of the day on Saturday - this is a match McLeish has to win - so expect the Villa manager to opt for an attack-minded line-up. The Scot is likely to be call on Bent, Emile Heskey and Jermaine Jenas for the clash and, given some lacklustre displays of late, all three could be drafted straight into the team in a 4-2-3-1 formation. It could mean, however, that Charles N'Zogbia fails to make the starting line-up against his former club.
Injury Update: Carlos Cuellar (knee) is back in training, however the game comes too soon for the Spanish defender. James Collins (ankle), Jenas (kicking strain), Bent (groin), Ciaran Clark (knee) and Heskey (hamstring) are all back in contention after injuries.
Sunderland v West Brom Preview: Pressure Quickly Back on Steve Bruce
by Jason MellorFiled under: Sunderland, West Brom, Premier League, Football, Match Previews, Team Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: STADIUM OF LIGHT, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST.
Well, that was short-lived, wasn't it? With almost indecent haste, the pressure is back on an increasingly beleaguered Steve Bruce.
West Bromwich Albion may arrive at the Stadium of Light a point and five places worse-off than their hosts.
But in comparison, the scrutiny which his opposite number Roy Hodgson has been placed under has been minimal.
In defence of the avuncular Albion manager, whose side occupy an uncomfortable position in the bottom three in the embryonic Premier League table, he hasn't had a second annual £40 million summer warchest with which to bolster his squad. Bruce has.
In addition, Hodgson's record in the latter third of last season was nowhere as abject as that of Bruce, who is back under the spotlight not so much for the 2-1 defeat at Norwich, more due to the latest no-show from many of his players.
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A paltry four victories in their last 24 matches in all competitions hardly helps Bruce's cause.
Such is his current predicament, only Blackburn's Steve Kean is shorter odds to be the next Premier League manager relieved of his duties. Yes, things are that bad.
Key Match-Up: Wes Brown v Peter Odemwingie: Bruce is among a number of Premier League managers to have monitored the Nigerian before Albion were handsomely rewarded for taking the plunge last year. Brown has been one of Sunderland's better performers so far this season, but hasn't been immune from the occasional lapse.
Form Guide: Form guide? More like lack of form guide. These sides have won just twice between them in 12 lague outings combined so far this season, suggesting the smart money is on the shares being spoiled at the weekend.
Match Odds: Sunderland 2/1, West Brom 7/2, Draw 10/3
Sunderland v West Brom Preview: Pressure Quickly Back on Steve Bruce
by Jason MellorFiled under: Sunderland, West Brom, Premier League, Football, Match Previews, Team Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: STADIUM OF LIGHT, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST.
Well, that was short-lived, wasn't it? With almost indecent haste, the pressure is back on an increasingly beleaguered Steve Bruce.
West Bromwich Albion may arrive at the Stadium of Light a point and five places worse-off than their hosts.
But in comparison, the scrutiny which his opposite number Roy Hodgson has been placed under has been minimal.
In defence of the avuncular Albion manager, whose side occupy an uncomfortable position in the bottom three in the embryonic Premier League table, he hasn't had a second annual £40 million summer warchest with which to bolster his squad. Bruce has.
In addition, Hodgson's record in the latter third of last season was nowhere as abject as that of Bruce, who is back under the spotlight not so much for the 2-1 defeat at Norwich, more due to the latest no-show from many of his players.
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A paltry four victories in their last 24 matches in all competitions hardly helps Bruce's cause.
Such is his current predicament, only Blackburn's Steve Kean is shorter odds to be the next Premier League manager relieved of his duties. Yes, things are that bad.
Key Match-Up: Wes Brown v Peter Odemwingie: Bruce is among a number of Premier League managers to have monitored the Nigerian before Albion were handsomely rewarded for taking the plunge last year. Brown has been one of Sunderland's better performers so far this season, but hasn't been immune from the occasional lapse.
Form Guide: Form guide? More like lack of form guide. These sides have won just twice between them in 12 lague outings combined so far this season, suggesting the smart money is on the shares being spoiled at the weekend.
Match Odds: Sunderland 2/1, West Brom 7/2, Draw 10/3
Sunderland v West Brom Preview: Pressure Quickly Back on Steve Bruce
by Jason MellorFiled under: Sunderland, West Brom, Premier League, Football, Match Previews, Team Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: STADIUM OF LIGHT, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1500 BST.
Well, that was short-lived, wasn't it? With almost indecent haste, the pressure is back on an increasingly beleaguered Steve Bruce.
West Bromwich Albion may arrive at the Stadium of Light a point and five places worse-off than their hosts.
But in comparison, the scrutiny which his opposite number Roy Hodgson has been placed under has been minimal.
In defence of the avuncular Albion manager, whose side occupy an uncomfortable position in the bottom three in the embryonic Premier League table, he hasn't had a second annual £40 million summer warchest with which to bolster his squad. Bruce has.
In addition, Hodgson's record in the latter third of last season was nowhere as abject as that of Bruce, who is back under the spotlight not so much for the 2-1 defeat at Norwich, more due to the latest no-show from many of his players.
Tweeter Facebook FourSquare iPhone
A paltry four victories in their last 24 matches in all competitions hardly helps Bruce's cause.
Such is his current predicament, only Blackburn's Steve Kean is shorter odds to be the next Premier League manager relieved of his duties. Yes, things are that bad.
Key Match-Up: Wes Brown v Peter Odemwingie: Bruce is among a number of Premier League managers to have monitored the Nigerian before Albion were handsomely rewarded for taking the plunge last year. Brown has been one of Sunderland's better performers so far this season, but hasn't been immune from the occasional lapse.
Form Guide: Form guide? More like lack of form guide. These sides have won just twice between them in 12 lague outings combined so far this season, suggesting the smart money is on the shares being spoiled at the weekend.
Match Odds: Sunderland 2/1, West Brom 7/2, Draw 10/3