Roy’s Return awaited Keanly

With all twenty Premiership teams in action this weekend, one fixture draws the eye more than most.

 Roy Keane’s Sunderland travel to Old Trafford, marking their manager’s first return to the club he achieved so much with.

 Keane will be in unfamiliar territory as an underdog at a ground he ruled for over a decade - but if his side show as much passion as their boss, they could give United and his former mentor Alex Ferguson something to think about.

One thing’s for sure, the Irishman won’t be caught eating any prawn sandwiches at half-time.

 Here’s the weekend preview…

Saturday  

Bolton v Everton

Sammy Lee’s first win in charge couldn’t have come at a better time last week, easing Bolton’s dreadful start to the season. Lee would love nothing more to put one over old rivals Everton, who were lucky to get a point from their clash with Blackburn last week. The added news of Anelka staying will boost the Whites and they can bag another three points.

Prediction: Bolton 2 - 1 Everton

Fulham v Tottenham

Spurs played very well at Old Trafford last week, and can take heart from their unlucky defeat. They really have a lot of class in their squad, and can edge past a Fulham side who aren’t getting any rub of the green lately.

Prediction: Fulham 0 -2 Tottenham

Liverpool v Derby

There’ll be an echo of betting coupons being ripped apart at 5pm on Saturday if Rafa’s men don’t dispose of hapless Derby. Gerrard may miss out, but Liverpool could get a result with their 1970’s team against Billy Davies’s no-hopers. They’ll need luck and the next Pele to stand any kind of chance.

Prediction: Liverpool 4 - 0 Derby

Man United v Sunderland

United have really struggled to break down opponents so far this year - as their total tally of two goals so far proves. They seem unable to create chances against block defences - which is exactly the type of approach Sunderland will adopt. Don’t be surprised if they hold out for a draw, but I’m going for United to sneak it - just.

Prediction: Man Utd 1 - 0 Sunderland

Middlesbrough v Birmingham

Middlesbrough are mediocre. Birmingham are solid. Chances are, these two middle of the road teams will cancel eachother and play out a draw.

Prediction: Boro 1 - 1 Birmingham

Newcastle v Wigan

Antoine Sibierski returns to Newcastle as the best player in England. And as England is officially the home of the best league in the world, Sibierski is officially the best player on plant earth. Yep, just ask our points complilers. Antoine Sibierski is his name. Probably won’t be enough for Wigan to get any points though.

Prediction: Newcastle 2 - 1 Wigan

Reading v West Ham

West Ham seem to have an injury curse at the moment, with millions-of-pounds-worth of players sit in their treatment room. Or in Kieron Dyer’s position, the hospital bed.  Don’t mention hospitals at Reading, or they’ll put you in one. Just ask Chelsea’s goalkeepers. Reading are slightly preferred in this cagey contest.

Prediction: Reading 2 - 1 West Ham

Sunday

Arsenal v Portsmouth

Kanu returns to his former club and gives me an opportunity to display killer pub-knowledge. He is the only player to win the Champions League (Ajax), the UEFA Cup (Inter Milan), the Premiership & FA Cup (Arsenal) and be relegated from the Premiership (West Brom). He’s also played at the World Cup (Nigeria). Bet you didn’t know that. It doesn’t matter. Arsenal might struggle to break down this stubborn Pompey side, who also welcome back Tony Adams to his former club.

Prediction: Arsenal 1 - 1 Portsmouth

Aston Villa v Chelsea

Former champions Chelsea travel to a place where title rivals Liverpool have already collected three points. It will be a tough affair for Mourinho’s men, but they have enough spirit and know-how to get past the midlands outfit.

Prediction: Villa 0 - 2 Chelsea

Blackburn v Man City

Sven’s run of form has ended and it may take another downward step when City visit Ewood Park in Sunday’s feature. Blackburn are incredibly solid in every department, and can over-power the blue-half of Machester. Notice the reference to power - anyone with Roque “Rocky” Santa Cruz in their side must have power. Go on Rocky.

Prediction: Blackburn 3 - 1 Man City

REMEMBER transfers can be made from 4th September onwards! Check the aftermath of this weekend’s games before making your vital changes!

Matt @ YTM