German Bundesliga Review

Bayern Munich returned to the top of the Bundesliga with their fifth straight win after seeing off Schalke 2-0.

Nils Petersen and Thomas Muller scored the goals for a Bayern side who did not even need to move out of first gear to beat the Royal Blues, who succumbed to their second straight defeat.

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, making his first return to the Arena AufSchalke since his summer transfer between the two clubs, was nothing more than a spectator for 90 minutes, as he had been as a young boy on the terraces of Gelsenkirchen's Park Stadion.

In Sunday's other game, Hannover struck twice in the last five minutes to win 2-1 and condemn Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund to a third defeat of the season.

Dortmund looked set for their first away win of the campaign on the back of Shinji Kagawa's well-taken 63rd-minute strike.

But with four minutes to go Karim Haggui struck an equalizer and Didier Konan then kept his cool to win it in the dying seconds.

The result means Dortmund have lost three of their opening six games after waltzing to the title last season.

On Saturday, Lukas Podolski inspired Cologne to a 4-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in Stale Solbakken and Robin Dutt's first Rhineland derby in charge of the respective local rivals.

Podolski created Cologne's first goal for Milivoje Novakovic just before half time before scoring the second just after the interval.

Podolski's second and Cologne's third sealed the win in the 54th minute before Simon Rolfes grabbed a consolation for the home side.

Andre Schurrle was sent off late on before Mato Jajalo completed the scoring with Cologne's fourth deep in stoppage time.

Borussia Monchengladbach climbed to second in the standings for 24 hours with a narrow 1-0 victory at rock-bottom Hamburg.

Igor de Camargo headed home the game's only goal in the 66th minute to send Lucien Favre's side level on 13 points with Werder Bremen.

Nurnberg fought back to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw in horrendous conditions against 10-man Bremen.

Heavy rain made playing conditions almost impossible and the visitors were hardly helped by the early dismissal of goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

Mehmet Ekici put Werder ahead against the run of play but Philipp Wollscheid earned his side a deserved point with his second-half goal.

Hoffenheim kept up the pressure on the leaders as two goals from Roberto Firmino guided them to a 3-1 victory over Wolfsburg.

Former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel opened the scoring after 20 minutes before Brazilian Firmino doubled the lead three minutes later.

Ashkan Dejagah pulled one back before Firmino struck again four minutes from time, after Wolfsburg goalkeeper Marvin Hitz was sent off for abusive language.

Kaiserslautern came from behind to win their first Bundesliga match of the season, beating local rivals Mainz 3-1 at the Betzenberg.

Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting gave the visitors the lead after a quarter of an hour, but an own goal from Bo Svensson brought the home side level within 10 minutes.

Itay Schechter put the Red Devils in front in the 54th minute before Christian Tiffert sealed the win in the 73rd minute.

Augsburg survived the late dismissal of Sebastien Langkamp to hold on for an decent 2-2 draw on the road at Hertha Berlin.

Hajime Hosogai fired the visitors into the lead in the first half but goals from Christian Lell and Tunay Torun early in the second period put Hertha in the driving seat.

Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker's strike on 64 minutes secured a point for the promoted side, although they endured a nervy final few minutes after Langkamp saw red for a professional foul on Raffael.

On Friday night, Martin Harnik scored twice as Stuttgart gained a 2-1 victory at Freiburg.

The Austria forward netted in each half to put the visitors firmly in control, Papiss Cisse's 85th-minute effort coming too late for the hosts.

Anelka Wants To Leave Chelsea

Andre Villas-Boas has revealed Nicolas Anelka wants to leave Chelsea as his contract nears expiry.

Anelka, 32, was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in the summer and, though no move transpired, he will be a free agent come next year.

He has shown signs that he can play a big role in Villas-Boas' debut season in charge at Chelsea but, although the Blues are eager to extend the striker's contract, it appears there is little prospect he will sign.

"It might not be the player's expectancy to renew," he said. "Nico as a person is very, very happy. He belongs to Chelsea in the last year of his contract, performing.

"We will make our efforts for him to renew but Nico has his own decision to make and I am not sure he will be willing."

Asked whether Anelka had indicated he wanted to leave, Villas-Boas replied: "Yes."

Didier Drogba is another player whose contract expires at the end of the season. He has been offered a new deal, but as yet there has been no agreement.

Asked for the details of the impasse, Villas-Boas said: "I would not like to share it with you as you would speculate with it for the rest of the season."

Chelsea Striker Set For January Loan

Chelsea misfit Fernando Torres could be loaned out in January if he fails to rediscover his form, according to the Sunday Mirror.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas is considering shifting the striker back to Spain on a short-term loan deal as he attempts to solve Torres' goal scoring problem.

The Spanish international, who arrived from Liverpool for £50m in January, has scored just one goal for the west London club, may accept a move back to his homeland to revive his stuttering career.

Villas-Boas, who has said Torres is not guaranteed a place in his side, is concerned the former Atletico Madrid man will continue to struggle if he’s left on the bench.

They Portuguese tactician will continue to monitor his form until the transfer window reopens in January which gives the striker plenty of time to turn the corner at Chelsea.

They have not considered selling Torres because his poor form has decimated his market value.

Cash-rich Malaga could offer him temporary sanctuary.

Mancini Dismisses Sergio Aguero Link To Real Madrid

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has rejected claims that star striker Sergio Aguero could be heading back to Spain at the end of the season.

Aguero has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, but Mancini has been quick to rubbish any such rumours, and stated that Aguero has a contract to fulfil at the Etihad Stadium.

Mancini told The Sunday Express: “It will be difficult for him to join Real Madrid because he has signed a five-year contract. I don’t think this will happen.

“It was important that we qualified straight into the Champions League and since then have brought in more good players. I am happy because we are playing very well.”

Stories have been circulating around La Liga that Aguero could join Real Madrid, with the unwritten rule preventing Atletico Madrid selling directly to their rivals encouraging him to join Manchester City for a year.

One aspect of this speculation is the rumour that Aguero only joined Manchester City on the proviso that the club would not stand in his way if Real Madrid made a formal approach for the forward’s services.

However, Mancini has dismissed all these claims, and will be looking for Aguero to continue his stunning form so far this season.

Neymar Passes Medical With Real Madrid

Santos forward Neymar has undergone a medical examination at the request of Real Madrid, according to news daily Estadao.

Brazilian sources suggest the 19-year-old was Friday evening at Hospital Sao Luiz in the Sao Paulo district of Morumbi in the company of his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, and Madrid's medical chief, Carlos Diez.

It is believed that Neymar will sign on Monday the contract which will see him move to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2012, this way playing the Club World Cup for Santos, in December, and being present at the club's centenary, in April.

Reports in Brazil suggest Barcelona were very close to signing Neymar in a €60 million deal, but Madrid's last-minute offer made Santos call off negotiations with the Catalan club.

Meanwhile, Wagner Ribeiro has made no secret he prefers Madrid over Barcelona as his client's destination, telling radio Transamerica: "If he was my son, I would take him to play at Real Madrid.

"That is the best option to play in Europe, because the president of Real Madrid is already rich and runs the club with passion, and I cannot say the same about Barcelona's president."

The talented youngster's agent admitted other clubs have come asking for his charged, but ruled out every single of them.

"AC Milan was interested, but they said they could not pay €45m," Ribeiro added.

"Anzhi Makhachkala also wanted to sign Neymar, but that is an ideal club for players who are older than 35. For example, Jucilei, who went to play there, is no longer remembered today and is not an option for the Brazil national team anymore."

Barcelona To Battle Tottenham For Cahill

Barcelona is weighing up a £5million bid for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill to help sure up their backline.

The 25-year-old is available on a free next summer and has been widely tipped with a move away from the Reebok Stadium in January as the Trotters will not let him leave for nothing.

The England international has been strongly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Arsenal in the previous transfer window but no club matched his £17million release clause.

It was the reported interest from the Gunners that alerted Barcelona to Cahill’s ability, and manager Pep Guardiola has been keeping tabs on him since.

With doubts over Carlos Puyol’s long-term future and worries about Javier Mascherano’s ability to play at centre-half, the Catalans are keen on signing a new defender.

Cahill is available at a bargain price and will not be cup-tied for the Champions League which are both attractive for the Spanish and European champions.

Guardiola is also believed to have consulted new signing Cesc Fabregas about the Bolton’s centre-back with the ex-Arsenal captain singing Cahill’s praises.

Thiago Silva Invites Hamsik To Milan

Milan defender Thiago Silva has asked Napoli star Marek Hamsik to join him at San Siro.

The Rossoneri have been linked with a move for Slovakian midfielder and Silva is hoping Hamsik will eventually end up at San Siro.

“It would be so much better if Hamsik were playing this game with a Rossoneri jersey,” smiled Thiago Silva in La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He has incredible technique and class. I hope he can be my Milan teammate next season.”

The Brazilian defender was then quizzed on the latest interest from Barcelona.

“I personally did not say no to anybody, but that’s because I was never contacted.

“In any case, I consider it unfair to reject any option out of hand, as you never know what could happen in future. I did the same in Brazil.”

Louis Saha Set To Leave Everton

Everton forward Louis Saha could soon leave Goodison Park after he reacted angrily at David Moyes’ decision to leave him out of the squad for the Wigan game.

The 33-year-old immediately left Goodison Park after finding out that he wasn’t part of the 18-man squad to face Wigan.

The Frenchman later vented his frustration via his Twitter account.

“I am not good enough. Absolutely destroyed,” Saha tweeted.

He later added: “It’s coz I’m confident in my ability that I’m gutted.”

Saha’s time at Everton appears to be running out and he will probably request a permission to leave the club in January.

Despite his poor record with injuries and somewhat fiery character, several Premier League clubs are interested in his services.

BPL Match Preview (Sep 18, 2011)

Tottenham Hotspurs (15th) vs Liverpool (6th)

Manager Harry Redknapp will revert to his first-choice XI after resting a number of key players for last night's Europa League clash at PAOK Salonika. Rafael van der Vaart (hamstring), Aaron Lennon (groin) and William Gallas (calf) are making good progress in their recovery from injury and could play some part in the game at White Hart Lane. Steven Pienaar (groin), Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and Ledley King (knee) face fitness tests but Michael Dawson (Achilles) is out and Sandro (knee) is unlikely to be risked despite returning to light training following a knee injury he suffered this summer.

Right-back Glen Johnson will miss out after a recurrence of a hamstring injury last weekend. Captain Steven Gerrard is nearing a return to fitness after six months out following a groin operation but he may not be risked at White Hart Lane. Defender Martin Kelly is also close to a recall after coming back from a hamstring injury.

Harry Redknapp aims to repeat last season's double over the Merseyside club, who suffered their first loss of the season at the Britannia Stadium last Saturday. Tottenham have been 2-1 victors in each of the last two meetings at White Hart Lane between the two sides. Redknapp is likely to make as many as ten changes to the side that drew in Greece as he reverts back to a starting XI similar to the one that secured the win - and Spurs' first points of the season - at Molineux.

Betting Recommendations:

Tottenham fixtures in the beginning of the season are far from easy. After missing the first matchweek, they face both the red and blue Manchester team which they lost convincingly. Now they face another strong team and despite managing to rest most of their key players, I feel this game will be tough for them as well. Go for Liverpool at level Asian Handicap.

Fulham (18th) vs Manchester City (2nd)

Bryan Ruiz is set for a return to the Fulham squad. The 26-year-old deadline day signing was ineligible for the midweek Europa League match with FC Twente, whom he played for in the Champions League play-offs earlier in the season. Aaron Hughes also missed the Group K tie with a knee injury and is a doubt, while Dickson Etuhu is struggling with a thigh injury.

Midfielder James Milner has been ruled out. Milner missed the midweek Champions League game against Napoli after a clash of heads in last week's defeat of Wigan. Midfielder Nigel de Jong (foot) remains 10 days to two weeks away from fitness while full-back Aleksandar Kolarov is not hindered by a broken nose.

Fulham are yet to win their first game in the Premier League this season with only two goals scored so far. Neither side has been able to keep a clean sheet in any of the last 14 league matches when they have faced each other. The home side have a dodgy home record against the visitors, having won nine and lost nine out of the 26 league games that have taken place in London between the two teams. The Eastlands club have been good on the road in the recent past, winning four of their last five trips away from home including a 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Betting Recommendations:

Manchester City should continue to play attacking football away from home. It has worked wonders so far with easy victories over Bolton and Spurs away from home, at the same time scoring 9 goals. Man City boasts a talented group of attacking players in their squad. Be it Dzeko or Aguero to start, the team will definitely be good enough to score a couple of goals in this game. Take Man City at -3/4 Asian Handicap.

Sunderland (16th) vs Stoke City (5th)

John O'Shea could return to bolster Sunderland's defence. The Republic of Ireland defender missed the defeat by Chelsea due to a calf strain but has returned to training. Nicklas Bendtner is likely lead the attack and Connor Wickham could make his first start. Craig Gordon, Fraizer Campbell and David Meyler (all knee) remain sidelined.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis will check on the condition of a host of players. Several squad members did not travel to Ukraine for this week's Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev, with record signing Peter Crouch staying at home as a precaution after missing training, and Matthew Etherington (back), Rory Delap (groin) and Marc Wilson (hamstring) also absent from the trip. That quartet and Jonathan Woodgate, who is not registered for the Potters' European campaign and has been working to shake off a minor injury, are among those that will be assessed, while goalkeeper Asmir Begovic - rested for the Dynamo game - is expected to return in place of Thomas Sorensen.

Betting Recommendations:

Stoke City gain a point in their Europa League match in midweek after managing a 1-1 draw with Dynamo Kiev. However, playing an extra away game in Europa League may prove a bit tough for team like Stoke, despite managing to rest a few players. Expect Sunderland to nick this game. My pick is Sunderland -1/4 on Asian Handicap.

Manchester United (1st) vs Chelsea (3rd)

Sir Alex Ferguson has reported no fresh injury concerns. Nemanja Vidic (calf), Tom Cleverley (foot) and Rafael (shoulder) remain sidelined, whilst Danny Welbeck (hamstring) is not expected to be available until next week. Changes are anticipated though, with Ferguson expected to recall many of the players who were left out of his starting line-up for the midweek Champions League draw with Benfica.

Chelsea will once again be without Didier Drogba. The striker will not be risked at Old Trafford three weeks after his sickening head injury, meaning manager Andre Villas-Boas must decide whether to start Fernando Torres or Nicolas Anelka. Ramires returns after being suspended for Tuesday's Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen, while goalkeeping understudies Hilario and Ross Turnbull are both carrying knocks, although one will be on the bench.

The two previous meetings between these sides at Old Trafford have essentially been Premier League title deciders, with Chelsea winning one and United the other. These two sides have met 19 times in the Premier League at Old Trafford, drawing seven times. Manchester United have won seven of those encounters and Chelsea a respectable five. Manchester United have scored 18 goals in four games in the league so far this season, an average of 4.5 goals per game.

Betting Recommendations:

Definitely the match of the week saw the two main title contenders going head to head. Although it is still early in the season, matches between the two can always be a morale booster towards the top prize. This game to me will not be very easy for Man Utd. So with the handicap set at Man Utd -1/2, I will gladly accept it as a Draw or Chelsea win will not be so surprising. Take Chelsea +1/2 on the Asian Handicap.

Arsenal & Barcelona Battle To Sign Paco Alcacer

Just when Arsenal fans thought they had heard the last of the club battling it out with Barcelona over the future of a player, it has emerged that the Premier League club are to fight the Spanish giants for the signature of Paco Alcacer.

Arsene Wenger's side fought a long battle to keep Pep Guardiola's Barca from signing Cesc Fabregas, but finally relented this summer.

However, it is now being reported that the French manager has identified Valencia striker Alcacer as a transfer target, despite interest from the European champions and Liverpool.

The 18-year-old is believed to have been watched by Anfield officials after making his La Liga debut last season, but Emirates boss Wenger is hoping to activate a €10 million (£8.7 million) release clause in the youngster's contract.

Real Madrid is also reportedly after the highly sought-after starlet, who notched 15 goals in 13 games for Valencia's under-17s side last term.

Liverpool Linked With Shock Transfer Raid On Ajax

Liverpool could launch a shock bid for Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen in January but could end up selling Daniel Agger as a result, with Anfield staff thought to be frustrated with his injury record.

Belgian centre back Vertonghen is a cultured defender, who like Agger possesses a mean left foot. He is also highly dangerous from free kicks.

Vertonghen indicated considerable frustration at the constant transfer rumours linking him with an exit from Ajax, but the chance to join the revolution under Kenny Dalglish at Anfield – as well as former team-mate Luis Suarez – could prove too good to resist.

As for Agger, perhaps the chance to make a fresh start could be offered at AC Milan, who have long retained interest in the Denmark international.

The famed Milan lab could help him play the constant and regular football he desperately craves.

Manchester United Ready To Sell £30m Star In January

Dimitar Berbatov is considering his options at Manchester United and could request a transfer in January.

His status in the pecking order of strikers at the club has changed drastically in the last twelve months, and he has lost his place to first Javier Hernandez (or Chicharito, as he is known), then Danny Welbeck, who came back from his loan spell at Sunderland with brilliant results.

The 30 year-old Berbatov is aware that the next contract he signs will be likely be the last major deal of his career.

He could make a move to Paris Saint-Germain in January, where he would join a rejuvenated team in part thanks to Qatari money.

Record signing Javier Pastore has inspired PSG to greater heights, and the French capital side would hope that he and Berbatov could develop the kind of telepathic understanding that intelligent footballers seem to forge.

As for Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson will be confident he already possesses decent cover in his squad – and may be glad to acquire any transfer fee he can get for his Bulgarian striker

Arsenal Contemplate Signing Chelsea Playmaker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he will consider signing Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea on a permanent basis.

The Israel captain made his first start for his club in the UEFA Champions League draw at Borussia Dortmund, and Wenger has been impressed with what he has to offer.

"It's too early to say at the moment (whether we will sign him), but I don't rule it out," stated Wenger.

"I want him to contribute as much as he can to the rest of the squad like every other player - not more, not less.

"Benayoun gives his best every time he plays and we think he can integrate well.

"He can play on both flanks. He can play in the middle, although I think he prefers to play on the wing.

"Overall he has shown on Tuesday night (against Borussia Dortmund) that he is completely physically fit again."

Spurs To Sign Teenage Peruvian Horacio Benincasa

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is reportedly ready to pull off a transfer coup in signing young Peruvian defender Horacio Benincasa.

The left back impressed hugely at the recent South American U17 Championship, where he was watched extensively by White Hart Lane scouts.

However, the Daily Mirror has claimed that the 17-year-old has also flown to the UK and taken part in a reserves games as a trialist that slipped under the radar of most news providers.

It is hoped that the youngster could be eligible to work in the UK through a Spanish passport thanks to his family ties with Spain - a fact that would avoid the often complicated and difficult process of obtaining a work permit for talented South American youngsters.

However, Redknapp might have to act quickly with Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen having also shown strong interest and held talks with the star.

Benincasa currently plays for Esther Grande de Bentin and is reportedly available for a nominal fee.

If he does sign, the young defender might hope to force his way into the manager's plans before long, with Gareth Bale, who started his career as a left back, now regularly being deployed further up the field.

Raul Albiol Looks Set To Join Malaga In January

Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol is close to agreeing a January move to ambitious Malaga, according to Radio Marca.

The former Valencia man is reported to have reached an agreement to join the Andalusian club in January, with a three-year contract offered to the player.

Albiol joined Madrid in 2009 for €15 million and featured regularly at the club in his first season, playing under Manuel Pellegrini, who is now coach of Malaga.

However, since the arrival of Jose Mourinho in 2010, the 26-year-old centre-half has often found himself on the substitute bench, with the experienced Ricardo Carvalho coming into the team to partner compatriot, Pepe at the hear of defence.

With next summer's European Championships on the horizon, Albiol is said to be keen to play more first-team football in the hope of earning a spot in Vicente Del Bosque's starting line-up for the tournament.

Madrid and Mourinho are yet to sanction the proposed move with Malaga hopeful of concluding a deal before the January transfer window opens.

Since Qatari investment last summer, Malaga have secured a number of high profile transfers with Santi Cazorla, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jeremy Toulalan, Joaquin and Joris Mathijsen just some of the names to join the ambitious club.

Samba Admits He Was Keen To Join Gunners

Blackburn defender Christopher Samba has admitted he had his head turned by Arsenal's reported interest this summer.

The Gunners were linked to a host of centre-backs in the transfer window before settling for Germany international Per Mertesacker.

And Samba, who faces Arsenal in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, has said it did have an effect on his focus.

"It's all behind me now and if this club didn't make a bid for me in the end, then that's life," he said.

"Was it unsettling? Of course. It's difficult, you think about your future, dreams, your own ambition. Some people will understand, others won't.

"I don't say I've been perfect in my approach. I should have been more focused.

"I had a chat with the manager and senior players, Ryan Nelsen, David Dunn, Paul Robinson.

"The only thing we need is me playing 100 per cent for the club.

"Being the captain is not an issue."

Chelsea Considering Bid For Real Madrid Stopper

Chelsea is considering a bid for Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol in January, according to reports in Spain.

Albiol, 25, joined Madrid from rivals Valencia in 2009 for €15 million, but has failed to live up to expectations and has slipped out of favour with coach Jose Mourinho.

With the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho preferred in central defence, Mourinho had looked to offload the Spanish international to Manchester City this summer in a deal bringing Emmanuel Adebayor to the Bernabeu.

However, that move failed to materialize and now a switch to Stamford Bridge seems an ideal solution for both parties.

Despite having several options at his disposal, Blues' boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen to bolster his defence with the possibility that Brazilian ace Alex could leave the club in January having come close to a switch during the summer.

It is reported that Chelsea scouts have been keeping a close eye on Albiol, and the club will make their move when the transfer window re-opens.

However, Villas-Boas may face competition in the shape of ambitious La Liga side Malaga, who are reportedly close to agreeing a permanent move for Albiol in January.

Africans Target Kakuta

DR Congo are hoping that Gael Kakuta will switch international allegiance to them.

The Chelsea starlet, currently on loan at Bolton, is French-born and has been capped by France up to Under-20 level.

But now Claude Le Roy is hoping to persuade him to switch to DR Congo, where his family originates from.

"If Gael would be attracted, how could I not be attracted to him? Of course, he would be welcomed, as any talented players with dual nationality," Le Roy told FranceFootball.

"I would not need to say any special words, I would remain coherent with my arguments: Congo has a great potential, only if all the players of highest level accept to give us help.

"We have the means to build an amazing team."

Betting Recommendation for BPL Match (17 September 2011)

Blackburn Rovers (20th) vs Arsenal (12th)

Blackburn playmaker Junior Hoilett is fit. The Canada-born forward was concussed after a heavy collision with Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer last week. Morten Gamst Pedersen (hamstring), David Dunn (calf) and Ryan Nelsen (knee) all face fitness tests.

Arsenal will welcome back Alex Song and Gervinho from three-match bans but midfielder Aaron Ramsey (ankle) faces a fitness test. Defender Carl Jenkinson is also available following a one-match suspension, but Tomas Rosicky (knee) and Ryo Miyaichi (calf) are doubts. Midfielders Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby (both ankle) are longer-term absentees.

This is the worst start to a Premier League season for both Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal. The home side are currently at the bottom of the standings, whereas their opponents are in 12th place after four games. Arsenal have lost only one out of the last 10 meetings between the two sides, winning seven matches in the process. My prediction will be Arsenal to win this game, 1-0 or 2-1.

Aston Villa (8th) vs Newcastle United (4th)

Aston Villa will be without Emile Heskey and Jermaine Jenas. Heskey looks set to be out for two to three weeks with a pulled hamstring, while on-loan Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jenas also misses out this weekend after suffering a thigh injury in training. Eric Lichaj is expected to be sidelined for three to four months after undergoing a hip operation. Fellow defender Carlos Cuellar is recovering well from a knee problem but lacks match fitness.

Full-back Davide Santon could be out of action for a month after suffering a cartilage injury which will require minor surgery. The 20-year-old former Inter Milan defender will miss out on a chance to make his senior debut for the club at Aston Villa on Saturday, and utility man Ryan Taylor is likely to continue in what has been a problem position for manager Alan Pardew since Jose Enrique's summer departure for Liverpool. Hatem Ben Arfa is back in training after his ankle injury but is unlikely to be risked at the weekend, although he could make the squad for Tuesday night's Carling Cup trip to Nottingham Forest, while Haris Vuckic (broken hand), Mehdi Abeid and Mike Williamson (broken arm) remain on the casualty list.

Both sides remained unbeaten in the league. With 7 of the last 10 ties between these two teams ended with the home team taking all three points, expect this game to continue with the trend. Prediction will be Aston Villa to win 2-0 or 3-1.

Everton (10th) vs Wigan (9th)

Loan signing Royston Drenthe could be pushing for his first Everton start against Wigan at Goodison Park on Saturday after featuring for the reserves in midweek. Fellow deadline-day arrival Denis Stracqualursi may also make his Toffees debut while Phil Neville is fighting to regain his place in the side after being left out last weekend. With striker Louis Saha still not fully match fit Tim Cahill is expected to start in attack again.

Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce (hamstring) is rated only 50-50. Defenders Steven Gohouri (calf) and Antolin Alcaraz (thigh) are getting closer to fitness but remain sidelined. Manager Roberto Martinez, who made seven changes in the Carling Cup in midweek, will revert to a more familiar line-up but Shaun Maloney, David Jones and Patrick van Aanholt could make league debuts.

Everton has been struggling at the moment and the departure of Mikel Arteta does not help their cause. Everton giving one goal is pretty generous to me. My pick will be Wigan +1 on the Asian Handicap.

Barclays Premier League Preview

After a busy week of European football for many teams, it is a return to Premier League action.

Seven top-flight sides played in the Champions League and Europa League in midweek and it will be interesting to see how those particular teams adapt to the rigours of the domestic division after some tough fixtures.

In what should be a cracker of a Super Sunday, Manchester United host Chelsea in the most anticipated tie of the weekend, with Tottenham taking on Liverpool.

Elsewhere, the pressure is on Blackburn manager Steve Kean as Rovers welcome Arsenal to town, while high-flying Manchester City visit Fulham.

Champions Manchester United have swept away all opposition in the league so far this season, with a ridiculous 13 goals scored in their last two games. All eyes will be on Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon when Chelsea travel to the North West, and you can watch the action live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 from 4pm. Andre Villas-Boas faces his biggest test so far since joining the Blues but will have been heartened by a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night - United drew with Benfica in Lisbon. Expect fireworks in this one.

The only other side with a 100 per cent record is Manchester City and Roberto Mancini will be looking to make it five wins from five on the banks of the Thames at Fulham. City marked their Champions League debut with a draw at home to Napoli in midweek while Fulham played Dutch outfit FC Twente in the Europa League. Martin Jol's side have made a sluggish start to the campaign but it is still early in his reign and he has plenty of time to get them going.

Tottenham earned a 0-0 draw with PAOK Salonika in the Europa League on Thursday - a competition Harry Redknapp has been none-too-shy about criticizing. His side has three days to recover before Liverpool go to the capital on Sunday, looking to bounce back from their defeat at Stoke. Kenny Dalglish was certainly outspoken after the 1-0 reverse in the Potteries and these are two teams who will be desperately trying to break into the Premier League's top four this term. Watch the action live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 from 1pm.

Blackburn fans will protest against Steve Kean before Saturday's home tie against Arsenal, which is a lunchtime kick-off. Rovers have only earned one point from a possible 12 this season and a certain section of supporters are calling for his head at this early stage. Kean insists that he has the backing of the club's owners but another defeat and he could be the Premier League's first managerial casualty, which was expected in August. Arsenal earned a credible draw at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday and are seemingly on the road to recovery after their Old Trafford nightmare.

Tony Pulis will be justly proud of his Stoke team after their draw away to Dynamo Kiev on Thursday, although the Potters were so close to a famous victory in Eastern Europe. Pulis had a number of players missing who could return when his fifth-place team goes to Sunderland. For the Wearsiders the season has not gone according to plan so far. Asamoah Gyan's shock departure to the UAE has added to Steve Bruce's woes - he needs a win.

Two sides looking to bounce back from defeats last weekend are Norwich and Bolton, with the pair locking horns at the Reebok Stadium. Manchester United tore Owen Coyle's men to shreds and there were sure to be some heated words in the dressing room at the final whistle. Norwich, meanwhile, played well against West Brom but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. The Canaries will want to get their teeth into a shaky Trotters defence.

Newcastle currently occupies fourth in the standings after an impressive start, but they face a tricky encounter away at Aston Villa, who have been unspectacular but solid under Alex McLeish. Hatem Ben Arfa is close to a return which will be a boost to the Magpies, although Davide Santon suffered a knee injury in training on Thursday. Alan Pardew's men were held to a 0-0 draw at QPR on Monday night while Villa were fortunate to come away with a point from their match at Everton.

Yorkshire grit

A good start to the season for Wolves was ended last week after they fell to Tottenham, but Mick McCarthy has the chance to see his side get back to winning ways when QPR go to Molineux. This is a meeting between two Yorkshire managers who certainly do not mince their words and there could be some interesting verbals after the match in the Black Country. Rangers are slowly settling into life back in the Premier League and this one is difficult to call.

Unrest remains the order of the day at Everton but if the Toffees can overcome Wigan at Goodison Park then they will be well placed in the top half of the division. Question marks always remain over the Wigan defence, especially away from home, but David Moyes is now short of options up front after summer sales. A North West clash is always a spicy occasion, even if there is not really any bad feeling between these two sides, and the Everton board will be hoping a win can appease the dissenters.

Finally, Swansea will be desperate to break their goalscoring duck when West Brom travels to South Wales. The Swans had a decent game at Arsenal last week and could have snatched a point were it not for Danny Graham's profligacy in the final third. The Baggies have only managed three points from four games and, with the Liberty Stadium a tough place to visit, Roy Hodgson will know this is not an easy game.