Barclays Premier League weekend preview

A look ahead to some of the key confrontations in this weekend's Barclays Premier League matches.


Manchester City v Newcastle United

Manchester City and Newcastle United get the weekend's fixtures underway on Saturday. Sven-Goran Eriksson and Sam Allardyce employ differing managerial styles but both have been effective so far this season, with the two teams currently occupying top five positions.

City manager Eriksson has been glowing in his praise of winger Martin Petrov this week, while expressing his sympathy for Magpies striker Michael Owen who is set to undergo a groin operation that will sideline him for several weeks.

West Ham United v Arsenal

West Ham United's match with Arsenal is one of the standout fixtures of the weekend. Hammers manager Alan Curbishley is under no illusions about the task ahead of his side. Arsenal have impressed with their free-flowing style of football and currently top the league. But in Dean Ashton, West Ham have a player regaining his form after missing the 2006/07 season. Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has spoken of his admiration for the player and knows centre-backs Kolo Toure and Philippe Senderos will have to be on their mettle at Upton Park.

Wigan Athletic v Liverpool

Liverpool travel to Wigan Athletic looking for a first win in three matches after goalless draws against Portsmouth and Birmingham City. Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick in the 4-2 Carling Cup win over Reading on Tuesday and will be competing with Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch and Andriy Voronin for a place in attack against a Wigan side who have been denied points late on in matches against Newcastle and Reading of late.

Chelsea v Fulham

Chelsea host Fulham in a west London derby, Avram Grant's first home match in charge. Didier Drogba has been declared fit for selection, news that will boost a Blues side who have been goal-shy in the Barclays Premier League of late. Fulham have won just once in the league this season, but last weekend Lawrie Sanchez's side were involved in one of the most entertaining matches of the campaign, a 3-3 draw with Manchester City.

Portsmouth v Reading

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp will be happy with his side's start to the season which has seen them face Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. The win at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers last weekend earned him plenty of kudos and he will be looking for another three points here. James Harper's late winner for Reading against Wigan last weekend must have come as a relief for Steve Coppell whose side have yet to hit their stride after an impressive debut season in the Barclays Premier League.

Derby County v Bolton Wanderers

Derby County and Bolton Wanderers have started the season poorly but both will be targeting this encounter for three precious points. Derby showed a huge improvement in the recent 1-0 win for Newcastle United but manager Billy Davies admitted after last weekend's 5-0 reverse against Arsenal that his side always faced an uphill struggle at the Emirates Stadium. The Trotters carved out a 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur last time out but it is wins Sammy Lee needs.

Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers travel to Sunderland looking to get back on track after last weekend's defeat at home to Portsmouth. They had the chances to be at least a couple of goals in front before Kanu struck at Ewood Park. Sunderland have adapted well to life in the top flight and manager Roy Keane will be looking to put one over on his former Manchester United team-mate Mark Hughes. Both were highly respected members of the United squad and have made a smooth transition into management.

Birmingham City v Manchester United

Saturday's final match of the day sees Birmingham City take on Manchester United. Blues manager Steve Bruce, another former United player, was delighted with his side's defensive display in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool last weekend and will be hoping for more of the same. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he was unhappy with the performance in the 2-0 Carling Cup defeat to Coventry City in the week but must be pleased with the way the Red Devils have recovered from a poor start in the league.

Everton v Middlesbrough

On Sunday, David Moyes' Everton host Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough. The Toffees have started the season well but know that nothing can be taken for granted against a Boro side for whom Mido has caught the eye so far this season. Southgate, though, was dealt a blow this week with the news that another key protagonist Julio Arca will be out for at least two months with medial knee ligament damage.

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa

Monday night's Barclays Premier League encounter sees Tottenham Hotspur play host to Aston Villa. Currently in the relegation zone, Spurs will be desperate for three points at White Hart Lane but will be aware that they'ill have to improve defensively against a Villa side boasting speed merchants Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young.