Liverpool vs. Manchester City preview

Liverpool suffered a horrific opening day defeat to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, and unfortunately there is already an unfair amount of pressure on new boss Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers style was evident to see in the first half where Liverpool were the significantly superior team but failed to capitalize on the many chances they created.

While Luis Suarez did miss some chances, the Uruguayan was simply sensational, and his movement and trickery are going to be vital in Rodgers' Anfield revolution. Joe Allen was excellent in possession, and with the newly arrived Nuri Sahin and Lucas Leiva, the trio should form the pivot on which Liverpool build possession and adhere to the philosophy of Rodgers' plan at Liverpool. 

The challenge with Rodgers style however, is that square pegs cannot fit into round holes. Rodgers will have to quickly establish the role and right position of skipper Steven Gerrard in the new system. Gerrard certainly won't fit into a deeper role with his propensity to look for hollywood balls, so a roving role further up the pitch might be the best solution. The game intelligence and link-up play of Stewart Downing is a far bigger concern however, with the left foot of Downing being the point where most of Liverpool's forward moves broke down on the opening weekend. Fabio Borini's unimpressive debut can be forgiven, as the Italian already has the experience and know-how to play under Rodgers.

Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson are both natural fits, however it will take time for Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel to adhere to the new tactics at Liverpool. The duo will certainly be the first choice partnership at the back for the whole season, but will have to get used to a more refined sense of tactical positioning in relation to the full-backs and midfield. To make matters complicated Agger is suspended for the first game at Anfield, and Rodgers will probably select Jamie Carragher, with the veteran's tendency to cede possession not ideal to the new game plan of Liverpool. Sebastian Coates will probably become the main back-up to Agger and Skrtel, but a game against the reigning champions might be a risky bet to insert the Uruguayan centre-back in the starting line-up.

Manchester City put in the kind of unpredictable performance on the opening weekend of the season, that only they are capable of. City failed to finish off the newly promoted Southampton after taking the lead, and after letting the Saints score two goals, City's fans were reminded of last season's dramatic conclusion on the way to winning the league. Thankfully for the cardiological benefit of everyone at Eastlands, City equalized and regained the lead by the 80th minute this time around.

Without doubt the biggest concern for City was the injury sustained to Sergio Aguero that's expected to keep him out for a month. City won't suffer too much in his absence, as compatriot Carlos Tevez now seems genuinely settled after the shenanigans of last season. A fully motivated Tevez makes a huge difference to City's attack with his tireless running allied with lethal finishing. Mancini could pair Tevez with either Mario Balotelli or Edin Dzeko without reducing the teams potency.

While David Silva seems a bit short of match fitness, Samir Nasri will have to carry on from his good performance on the opening weekend as the main creative force in the attacking third. Aside from the gaffe that led to Southampton's second goal, Jack Rodwell put in an assured debut and alongside the indomitable Yaya Toure ensured that City maintained control in midfield. Mancini might even opt to play Carlos Tevez alone up front, and bring in the defensive qualities of Nigel de Jong in midfield, in what is likely to be a tough assignment away at Anfield.

The champions showed in their opening game, that defensive frailties from last season still endure in Mancini's starting line-up. Outside of the excellence of Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott and Gael Clichy in particular can be targeted by enterprising teams. Last season, Hart delivered a man-of-the-match performance in helping City to a draw, and his services will be called upon again this time in an equally tough encounter. Despite their horrendous start, Liverpool will be expected to come out all guns blazing for their home opener at Anfield, and Rodgers does have previous in beating City at home, when Swansea dominated the Citizens with an assured performance in midfield at the Liberty Stadium. With Tevez and Nasri likely to trouble Carragher and Skrtel, and Suarez and Gerrard equally likely to give City's back-line a tough time, an entertaining score draw should prevail.

Stoke City vs. Arsenal preview

This game has become one of the big grudge matches in English football since the promotion of Stoke City to the Premier League. It's no secret that managers Tony Pulis and Arsene Wenger aren't the best of friends. The mutual dislike started when Arsene Wenger called Stoke a rugby team, and the rivalry reached its zenith when Ryan Shawcross injured Aaron Ramsey with a horrific tackle at the Britannia Stadium in 2010.

Stoke will be happy to start their home campaign at the Britannia on the back of a slightly fortuitous draw at Reading on the opening weekend of the season. Stoke have only lost once against Arsenal at the Britannia, and the passionate home crowd always seem to ratchet up the decibels when the Gunners come visiting.

Pulis' strategy is going to be no secret. The strategy will be based on imposing Stoke's physicality on Arsenal's creative midfielders, and launch an aerial bombardment against the Gunners defence. Dean Whitehead will be missed, but either Rory Delap or Wilson Palacios could easily fill in his role. Peter Crouch will be the main goalscoring threat, with quality supply expected from Matthew Etherington and new signing Michael Kightly, who is expected to feature unless Jermaine Pennant recovers in time. Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross will be expected to add a threat from corners and set-pieces.

Arsene Wenger had a chastening experience during the opening day draw at home against Sunderland. With the focus on Robin Van Persie's departure refusing to die away, the last thing Wenger wanted was a frustrating goalless performance to start the home campaign.

The sole bright spot for Wenger on the opening day was the performance of Santi Cazorla on debut. Cazorla was exceptional throughout and should arguably have had the sole assist of the match when he laid a chance on a plate for fellow new recruit Olivier Giroud, only for the Frenchman to fire wide with the goal at his mercy. The one flaw in Wenger's tactics was that they were too many players who nullified the midfield stylings of Cazorla and Mikel Arteta. The Spanish duo have the potential along with either of Jack Wilshire or Aaron Ramsey to be the best midfield trio in the league. Unfortunately the runs of Theo Walcott, the erratic play of Gervinho and the poor movement of Lukas Podolski failed to sync with the brilliance of the midfield. If Arsenal are to have a good season Wenger will either have to ask the trio to improve, or be ruthless in dropping them, although the historical precedent for Wenger axing under-performing players isn't very good.

Arsenal's record at the Britannia would suggest they are in for a really tough game against Stoke. Pulis will ensure that his players don't give an inch, and it will be down to the likes of Cazorla, Arteta and possibly Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to win the game through their creativity. However Stoke are just as likely to pose some questions of the Arsenal defence, with the possibility of Carl Jenkinson being exposed continuously by Etherington. As both teams settle into the season, a 1-1 draw seems to be the most likely outcome.

Chelsea vs. Newcastle United preview

It seems like an eternity since Chelsea were last top of the league under Carlo Ancelotti. Chelsea are now European Champions managed by a different Italian manager, Roberto di Matteo. Despite Chelsea scoring six goals in their first two matches, they still look like a team in transition, and some might say the clear direction of the team is still not obvious at this early stage.

After wins against Wigan and Reading, now comes Chelsea's first real test, as Newcastle come to Stamford Bridge. Eden Hazard has set the pulses racing, and this could be the first game in which fellow new signing, the Brazilian prodigy Oscar gets a start. It really is going to be interesting to see the two talented youngsters grow, as along with Juan Mata, the trio are expected to form the attacking axis of the team behind Fernando Torres.

Chelsea's defensive frailties were exposed by Newcastle a few months ago, courtesy of two magnificent strikes by Papiss Demba Cisse. It might be a tough ask for the Senegalese forward to repeat the trick this time around, as he played in Newcastle's Europe League game in Greece just two days ago. The key weapon for the Magpies in this game could well be Hatem Ben Arfa. Ashley Cole hasn't started the season well, and if Ben Arfa gets the better of him, Demba Ba and possibly Cisse in the later stages of the game could benefit.

Newcastle might genuinely expect to be superior in midfield through the industry of Cheick Tiote, the craft and guile of Yohan Cabaye, and the sheer running ability and subtle creativity of Jonas Gutierrez. On the other hand, Hazard and Ramires could expose Davide Santon and James Perch through a combination of trickery and smart movement.

With both teams fatigued, and the defences suspect, it could end up being a game filled with mistakes, yet with no shortage of drama. A repeat of last seasons win is unlikely for Newcastle, while Chelsea are not yet the finished product. All signs point to an entertaining score draw.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Bromwich Albion preview

Tottenham were a bit unfortunate to lose away against Newcastle on the opening day of the season. Spurs dominated for the most part and created plenty of chances, but ultimately fell to a quality piece of finishing by Demba Ba, and the trickery and invention of Hatem Ben Arfa.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has been busy in the transfer market since then, shipping out Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone and finally completing the transfer of Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City. The new boss elected to go with Sandro and Jake Livermore at the base of midfield at the Sporting Direct Arena. With Adebayor now in the team, it might be a good idea to restore Rafael Van der Vaart to the team as has a good understanding with the Togolese forward.

At White Hart Lane, Spurs are always expected to attack, so expect Bale and Lennon to play on either wing alongside Adebayor and VDV in the hole. It might prove tricky to stick with Gylfi Sigurdsson, unless AVB is confident that West Brom won't be an attacking threat, in which case just playing either Livermore or Sandro in a deeper role should suffice. Jan Vertonghen should make his debut as Younes Kaboul is injured.

West Bromwich Albion handed Steve Clarke the perfect managerial debut with a 3-0 victory that was impressive and controversial in equal measure. Albion weathered a Liverpool storm for the first half before delivering the ultimate sucker punch with a high quality goal by Zoltan Gera. Then on the back of some generous officiating, they ruthlessly picked off Liverpool on the counter.

Claudio Yacob had a decent outing, but once again the main midfield man for the Baggies is going to be powerhouse Youssuf Mulumbu. Mulumbu's dynamism is key in the Baggies midfield, and is the platform which allows James Morrison and Gera to express their creativity. Further up, Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long will score goals against all opposition throughout the season.

Andre Villas-Boas will encourage Tottenham to play the same way they did against Newcastle with some added ruthlessness in front of goal. While West Brom have already beaten one fancied opponent, doing it a second week in a row at White Hart Lane, will be a task beyond them against a Spurs side that will create many chances. It's the efficiency of Tottenham's forwards that will end up deciding the margin of victory in this potentially open match.

Southampton vs. Wigan Athletic preview

Southampton became the instant darlings of the Premier League with their courageous 3-2 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad. Nigel Adkins is said to be the promoted manager who believes in attack the most, and if that proves to be true, then the Premier League is a richer place for it.

Adam Lallana is undoubtedly going to be a good captain for the Saints throughout the season with his tireless running in midfield allied with an ability to dictate play. However, the one name in the squad that has grabbed everyone's attention is striker Rickie Lambert. Left out by Adkins in the start against the champions only to later star as a goalscoring substitute, Lambert will certainly be unleashed at St. Mary's against Wigan's weak centre.

Wigan played the ultimate price for a horrible opening ten minutes against Chelsea at the DW. Under Roberto Martinez, Wigan did display their trademark passing and posed enough questions with their impressive attack. Unfortunately, once again defensive frailty was their undoing.

With Victor Moses now gone to Chelsea, Martinez will either have to make some signings or rely on Shaun Maloney and Franco Di Santo to provide goals, a scenario that is bound to fill Latics fans with dread. Martinez's best solution until some additions are made, would be to include Jordi Gomez in midfield. This would ensure that Wigan at least retain possession through Gomez, James McCarthy and James McArthur. While it won't necessarily add any substantial goal threat for Wigan, it might at least help the defence by starving the opposition of the ball.

Wigan look set to have a perilous start to the campaign again, and will find it extremely difficult at a bouncing St. Mary's, hosting its first Premier League game since 2005. Southampton served notice with their performance against the champions, and if two goals can be scored against Kompany and Lescott in their own backyard, surely Lambert and co. will deliver a victory at home against the weakest defence in the league.