The second week of the Premier League season kicks-off later on today with some giants going head to head.
The first weekend proved a slightly quiet one in the English top flight but this week promises to be an explosive one.
The weekends action kicks-off at noon at the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland host north-east rivals Newcastle.
The Geordies claimed a thumping 5-1 win over their Wearside rivals last season and Sunderland will be looking for revenge in this clash.
Both clubs will be also be looking for their wins of the season after first weekend draws. Sunderland claimed a creditable 1-1 draw at Liverpool, while the Black Cats drew at home against Arsenal at St James Park, in controversial fashion.
Another early kick-off sees Arsenal play host to Liverpool. The Gunners have been one of the most talked about clubs this summer thanks to transfer sagas involving Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Fabregas has now left and it seems that Nasri’s exit is imminent. Arsenals problems don’t stop there as they go into this clash without midfielder Alex Song and striker Gervinho, who are both suspended. Arsene Wenger’s side are also likely to be without the injured Jack Wilshere.
Liverpool will have been disappointed by their opening day draw with Sunderland. The Reds went into the season on a high but were slightly deflated by the home draw. Liverpool will be looking to gain their first three points of the season in this clash.
Aston Villa will host their first Premier League game of the season as Blackburn visit Villa Park. The home side drew 0-0 in a very uneventful game at Fulham in their opener and will go into this game as slight favourites.
Blackburn have endured frustration in the transfer market this summer and this week failed to sign legendary Spanish striker Raul from German side Schalke. Rovers kicked-off their season with a 2-1 home defeat to Wolves.
Premier League newcomers QPR suffered a 4-0 home mauling at the hands of Bolton in their first game back in the top flight. However the games don’t get much easier as they travel to Goodison Park to visit perennial slow starters Everton.
Everton’s opening game of the season against Tottenham was called off due to the London riots. The Toffee’s haven’t won their opening game of the season since 2007. Everton boss David Moyes has been unable to strengthen his squad due to lack of resources but still has a strong squad of players available to him.
Welsh side Swansea play host to Wigan in their first home of the season looking to bounce back from a 4-0 defeat by Manchester City on Monday. The Swans played some good football against City and these are the sort of games that Brendan Rodgers side have to win to survive in the top flight.
The visitors drew their first game of the season at home to another of the newcomers Norwich City. Wigan are one of the favourites for relegation and will be looking to get three points on the board against the new boys.
Chelsea host West Brom in the late kick-off hoping to gain their first three points of the season. The Baggies had a tough opener, losing 2-1 against champions Manchester United at the Hawthorns. Roy Hodgson’s side held the champions for most of the game before a late own goal from Steven Reid undone them.
Chelsea’s new boss Andre-Villas Boas faced a baptism of fire in English football as his side drew 0-0 at Stoke City. West Brom however are a team that like to play football and will prove a completely different proposition for the Blues. Villas-Boas will be looking forward to this match and expecting his side to gain their first victory under his management.
Who will be the winners in today’s clashes?
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