Week 2

Team Sheets and tactics due by COB Thur
Predictions close Sat 12pm. Results done Mon

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Man City v Man Utd
Cloudy, 14 Degrees, 12mph Winds

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Man City
Manager – Pull

Starting Team and Formation

------------------ J. Hart -------------------
--------------------------------------------
Zabaleta ---- Agger -- Kompany - Higginbotham
--------------------------------------------
----------------- Busquets ---------------
------------- Barry ---- Milner ------------
--------------------------------------------
- D. Silva ------------------------ Di Maria -
--------------------------------------------
------------------ Aguero -------------------

Subs:

GK Stuart Taylor
CB Kolo Toure
LB Greg Cunningham
DM Owen Hargreaves
CM Yaya Toure
WG Scott Sinclair
ST Edin Dzeko

General Tactics

We're hoping to build on last weeks encouraging performance and go one further here to get the win. This is the biggest game of the season for us and we know what it means to the fans. We're hoping to catch Utd out before they get into their rhythm.

We've gone with 4-5-1 today, and that extra man in midfield will prove vital to stifling Utd's attacks. We aim to cut the threat down at source, meaning our midfield three will have to work extremely hard to close down the ball.

We have a few new boys making their debuts today, which will hopefully give us the element of surprise against our neighbours. We've been working hard in training to build the relationships and understanding with one another.

We'll be strong and competitive at the back, with the powerful Agge out muscling the Utd attack. Busquets will form the foundation to play from in midfield. We'll use the pace on the wings to get around the back of Utd and create space for our finishers.

This is a big game for us, and one we're relishing. This is a good chance to prove our title credentials.

Player roles

Goalkeeper: Joe has grown in stature in recent years and provides some much needed confidence and stability at the back. He will be strong in his area, commanding crosses and corners. Joe is one of the best shot stoppers in the game, so if he was to come into a one on one situation, we are confident of his abilities.

Full Backs: Zabaleta and Higginbotham bring a no nonsense approach which will be key against Utd. They will look to feed the wingers and let them go forward. After the game opens up a bit, they will be given a licence to go forward and overlap the wingers to create some space down the flanks.

Centre Backs: The emphasis will be on strength and organisation for Kompany and Agger today. Constant communication will enable them to wipe out any attacking threats from the opposition early. Vincent to lead by example.

Centre Midfielders: Busquets has been asked to play the deep role today, and I'll be wanting him to be the link man in attack and the man to break up the Utd attacks. Milner and Barry to be box to box midfielders helping out in both attack and defence. Concentrate in possession and work hard to close down when in search of the ball.

Wingers: The wingers offer pace, skill and flair. Angel gets his start after an impressive impact from the bench. They've been encouraged to take people on and get involved at every opportunity. It is important also to remember their defensive duties - they need to work hard and get back to help out.

Target Man: Aguero is not your traditional target man but he is so good at keeping possession he will be key. He'll play off the shoulders of players and look for the break, using his pace. Di Maria and Silva will get up to help, creating a 4-3-3 in attack.

Plans

If winning after an hour: Keep going for ten minutes and pile the pressure on. Then calm it down, but don't get lazy. Bring on Yaya for Di Maria, and stick him in the middle with Milner going out wide. Dzeko on for Aguero to play the target man role.

If losing after an hour: Bring on Yaya for Barry and Dzeko for Milner, switching to 4-4-2. Sinclair to come on for Di Maria or Silva and add a spark of pace on the wing.

COME ON CITY!

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Man Utd
Manager – Kam

Man Utd tactics

------------------ Kuszczak ------------------
----------------------------------------------
Smalling ---- Vidic (c) ---- Rio ---- Evra
----------------------------------------------
-------------Mascherano ----Jones---------------
------------------------------------------
-- Nani------------Iniesta-------------A. Young --
----------------------------------------------
------------------- Rooney -----------------

Subs:
Kenny
Fabio
O'Hara
Giggs
Noble
Wellbeck
Hernandez

Tactics:

General:
Keeping possession and playing simple.
Main tactic is to target keep possession and let the likes of Iniesta, Nani and Young penetrate City's defence as often as possible and make City's defence run ragged with good movement.
Mascherano and Jones to protect defence and stifle Silva's hold of the game. When attacking Jones to suport attacking midfield but when defending Jones will drop back with Mascherano.

Defence:
Vidic and Rio to organise the defence and midfield and can call on Mascherano and Jones to help out when needed. The full backs will only go forward when deep in opposition territory.

Midfield:
Masch and Jones to balance the midfield and stop potential attacks on the defence. Silva would be monitored slightly as he would be the main threat from midfield so stay close but also be aware of other threats.
Iniesta, Nani and Young can all interchange and play it simple but fast. Any opportunity to play in Rooney is encouraged. Iniesta, Nani and Young to assist Ronney once deep in opposition base. Jones to move up whilst Mascherano to hold back in case of counter-attack.

Attack:
Rooney to stay on the shoulder of last man but can play anywhere on the top to make the defence moving. Iniesta and Nani to move further up and and assist Rooney.

Subs:

Winning:
Noble > Jones - 80 mins - Keep the ball and shift to to the attackers
Fabio > Young - 70 mins - Can double up with Evra if need be and not so much attacking but helping the left side of defence and midfield.

Losing:
Jones> Hernandez - 65 mins - 4-1-3-2. Mascherano to stay as DM whilst Hernandez plays up top and Rooney stays between their defence and attack.
Giggs>Young - 70mins - More direct and running at defenders

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Tottenham v Stoke City
Cloudy, 13 Degrees, 11mph Winds

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Tottenham
Manager – Fernando

------------------Friedel
Walker - Koscielny - Gallas - abidal
------------- Parker -------- Modric
Lennon -------------- -------------- Kranjcar
----------------Eto'o--- Defoe

subs
Gomes
Assou Ekotto
Corluka
Pienaar
Sandro
Dos Santos
Adebayor

Team talk
it's the 1st game of the season and i want you guys to go out and show why you deserve your place in the side, we've got a competitive squad for the season so should be solid

Defence
I want you to hold a deep line today to negate the ball in behind whilst the full backs attack up the pitch

Midfield
I want the two centre midfielders to watch for players coming through the midfield but with having modric playing from a deep laying playermaker role feeding it out to wingers , The wingers are going to attack the full backs and hopefully get at them with their pace and trickery

Forward
I want you to make runs in behind the defence you should be backed up by the wingers to help as you both have an excellent aerial presence in the box

subs
65mins defoe + Dos santos for Lennon and Parker if losing

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Stoke City
Manager – Guv

--------------------- Sorensen ----------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
------------- <------ Marchena ------> -------------
vd Wiel ------ Woodgate ---- Upson ----------- Bridge
-----------------------------------------------------
------------ Meireles ---------- Murphy --------------
J.Cole ----------------------------------- Etherington
---------------------- M.Owen ----------------------

Subs
Turnbull
Shotton
Wilkinson
Delap
Pennant
Duff
K.Jones


General:
Pray.

Defence:
Marchena will man mark Eto'o and follow him wherever he goes. Woodgate and Upson to deal with the long balls, one going to the ball, the other covering. The full backs will support the attack when we have the ball but stay back otherwise. We want to keep things tight.

Midfield:
Meireles to stay the deeper of the two central midfield players with Murphy more advanced and being the fulcrum of the play when we have possession. Both to break up play when not in possession. Get the ball wide or a through ball to Owen if the opportunity arises. Wide men to offer width when we have the ball but to support the full backs when not in possession.

Strikers
Owen to lead the line and draw Spurs' centre halves out of position. Etherington and Cole to support Owen. Both have licence to come inside and swap flanks but both need to provide a wide option once we win the ball back. If the ball goes out to one flank, the opposite wide man will move inside to support Owen.

Substitutions:
If winning:
Delap ---> Etherington at 70 mins, go to diamond with J.Cole at top, Delap at base. Fresh legs and another midfield presence. Long throws.
K.Jones ---> Owen at 75 mins, fresh legs plus greater strength and ariel ability to counter late Spurs attacks. Utilise Delap thows.

If losing:
K.Jones ---> Woodgate at 70 mins, Marchena to RCB, no more man marking. 4-4-2 with Jones/Owen up front.

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Liverpool v Chelsea
Cloudy, 12 Degrees, 15mph Winds

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Liverpool
Manager – Pav

Starting XI
------------------------------------- Reina -------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johnson ----------- Carragher -------------------- R. Johnson --------------- Aurelio
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------- Adam ----------------------- Toulalan ----------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----- Maxi R. ---------------------- Gerrard -------------------------- Suarez -----
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------ Forlan --------------------------------------
Substitutes
Paul Robinson
Luke Young
Jordan Henderson
Andy Carroll
Craig Bellamy

Tactics:
- We are the home team so will look to play our game. We want to take the game to Chelsea and look for goals in the first half. Quick tempo, short slick passing, always looking to play into the space. Stevie G's determination will rub off on everyone and we are focused on maintaining a good start to the season.

Reina will look to do what he does best, nothing else can be said really. CB's have been encouraged towards good communication to ensure they thwart Chelsea's striking option. Full backs will play a little more cautiously given the excellence of Chelsea's wingers. They are to only venture forward if we are in full on attack mode.

Adam and Toulalan between them have good stamina and will have their work cut out. Their aim is to press them high up the pitch and allow Chelsea's midfielders little time on the ball. Neither will look to move forward to drastically and will instead look to boss the midfield and ping the ball off to the more creative front 4.

The attacking midfielders are completely interchangeable and shouldn't look to stay still. Look for the space and make themselves hard to mark. Once on the ball, drive towards goal to put pressure on the opposition's defence. Wingers to track back and aid full backs if the team is defending.

Forlan has free roam. Can play wherever he likes in the final third. He knows what he is capable off and has got some creative players behind him who will supply him with chances.

If winning - remain the same for 90 mins

If loosing - Carroll on for Adam, switch to 4-4-2 and look to Carroll's aerial presence to try and get back in the game.

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Chelsea
Manager – Follow

---------------------------------- Green -----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ivanovic ---------- Cahill -------------------- Terry ----------- A Cole
----------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------- Cambiasso ----------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------- Essien ------------ Ramires --------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
------------ Robben -------------------------------- Mata ------------
--------------------------------- Torres ------------------------------

SUBS:
C.Gordon
A.Hutton
M.Skrtel
J.Riise
D.Fletcher
B.Bannan
D.Goodwillie

TACTICS:

General Tactics:

Get the ball on the ground and look to play fast counter-attacking football. Look to keep and retain possession as much as possible, keep the ball moving whenever we have it, stretch the Liverpool defence and perform to the best of your ability.

Defence:

Green will look to command his area, should come for as many corners or crosses as he can, he should be very vocal and should talk to JT and Cahill as much as possible. Terry will lead the team from the back, he should look to go for every first ball and win any aerial battles. Cahill will slot in behind him as the deeper of the two, he will be the last line of defence and if John doesn't win the first ball he should be there to win the second. Ivanovic and Cole will look to get forward and join attacks as much as possible, although Ashley will be the more attacking of the two. If one full back is pushed far forward the other one steps back.

Midfield:

The midfield have to work together at all times as the midfield battle will be the most important today. Cambiasso will need to tackle hard and look to win the ball back for the team. He sits infront of the back 4, and provides the vital protection and balance a winning team needs. He will look to dominate the game from the start, Liverpool have a strong array of central midfielders and Cambiasso will have to protect the defence by stopping the threat of them. Essien will be the link-up man in midfield, he will come deep and receive the ball from the defence and look to play the ball through to our attacking players. He will use his excellent engine and work-rate to play as a box-to-box midfielder. Ramires will be given a free role, and will be the main attacking threat from the midfield. He joins attacks whenever possible and plays in a role which he should relish. He has licence to roam free all over the park and will look to spearhead the midfield when attacking.


Attack:

The two wingers are the main supply to Torres and we will look to get them the ball as much as possible. They will get the ball down and attack the Liverpool back-line whenever the can. They will also look to mix it up throughout the game, sometimes getting the ball down the by-line and getting crosses in but they can also come inside and look to influence the game more centrally, allowing the full-back to provide width. Torres will look to play off the last man at all times. We will look to build everything off him so it is vital he is the vocal point up top at all times. However, he should look to make runs wide now and again with Ramires filling the gap up top.

Subs:

70 minutes:

Whatever the score - Fletcher on for Cambiasso - straight swap

If winning - Bannan on for Ramires - straight swap

If losing - Bannan on for Essien - Bannan pushes further forward and becomes an attacking midfielder with Ramires pushing back

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Newcastle v Aston Villa
Cloudy, 13 Degrees, 14mph Winds

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Newcastle
Manager – Driver

-------------------- Krul -------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Simpson- Colocinni(c) -- S Taylor --- Raylor
-------------------------------------------------
-----Gosling-------- Tiote ------- Cabaya -----
------Anelka----------------Johnson-------
---------------------Villa --------------------

Subs:Harper , Williamson , Ben Arfa , Jonas , Sammy , Guthrie , Ferguson

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Aston Villa
Manager – Fisher

---------------------------------------GIVEN----------------------------------------------------

ANYUKOV---------------SHAWCROSS---------------------COLLINS---------------------TAIWO

-------------------------HUDDLESTONE---------------SONG------------------------------------

-------------------------------------GOURCUFF-----------------------------------------

ALBRIGHTON-------------------------------------------------------------------KALOU---

---------------------------------IBRAHIMOVIC---------------------------------------

GER

Subs:

John Ruddy
Stephen Warnock
Ciaran Clark
Jermaine Jenas
Kevin Nolan
Fabian Delph
Marouane Chamakh

Tactics: Counter attack, keep possesion, Tight marking.

DEFENCE:

Anyukov keeps hold of Johnson, stays back at all times rarerly overlaps. Will get helped by Albrighton. Taiwo can get forward when Villa attack but main job is to defend. The 2 CB's can come forward on set peices as theyre strong in the air. Tight marking on Villa and watch Anelka coming inside.

Midfield:

Huddlestone plays as a deep lying playmaker, playing passes out wide and to Ibra. Stays fairly deep, can shoot on sight. Song uses energy and works hard, getting stuck in, playing short simple passes mainly. Albrighton will stay wide and put crosses into the box but also track back and help Anyukov. Kalou will sometimes come in and shoot and try and make his fullback guess what hes going to do. Gourcuff is playmaker, getting forward playing wide men in and trying to constantly find Ibrahimovic.

Striker:

Ibrahimovic used as target man, with ball at feet and in the air. Will link up with Gourcuff. Kalou will occasionally partner him in the middle. He tries to grab as many goals as possible.

Subs:

If winning/drawing:

Nolan for Albrighton: 80 mins (gourcuff goes to the right of a 5 man midfield)
Delph for Huddlestone: 85 mins

If losing:

Chamakh on for Albrighton: 70 mins. Gourcuff wide, 4-4-2.

Nolan on for Huddlestone. 82 mins. Moves further forward.

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Arsenal v Everton
Cloudy, 13 Degrees, 11mph Winds

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Arsenal
Manager – Luke

------------------- Szczesny ---------------------

B.Sagna ---- Dunne (c) --- Vermaelen --- Capdevila

--------------- De Jong
Walcott ------------------ Ramsey -------- Cazorla

--------------- D.Bent ---- V.Persie ---------------

Subs:

Ashdown
Gibbs
King
Wilshere
Arteta
Benayoun
Park

Tactics:
General:

Possession. Possession. Possession.
Short passing, movement off the ball, triangles all over the pitch, keeping the ball on the deck, patient build up play, wait for the right moment to probe, don't force the issue. Defend as a team from the front. Walcott and Cazorla to assist full backs. Look to use pace of Walcott and Bent to get in behind opposition defence.

Defence:

Szczesny to command his area - be very vocal and come for crosses. Encouraged to look for short options rather than kick long. Dunne and Vermaelen stay tight together. Dunne to go meet the ball, Vermaelen sweeping in behind. Dunne to stick to Zamora and beat him in the aerial battle. Whole defence to defend as a unit. Sagna and Capdevila first job is to defend, but when we are in possession provide an outlet out wide.

Midfield:

De Jong is the destroyer - sitting deep protecting the back four. Ramsey is the playmaker in the middle. Both Ramsey and Cazorla are given license to drift into space wherever they find it. All to receive ball to feet and look to hit the channels for our pacey attack. Use triangles to take players out of the game and attack from there. Don't be afraid to go backwards and start again. Tire opposition down by making them chase the ball.

Attack:

Van Persie to play just behind Bent, with license to roam looking for space. Bent to run the channels, hold the ball up and get in the right positions to score goals. Cazorla, Van Persie and Ramsey try to get in those holes behind Bent and feed cute little passes behind the defence.

Set Pieces:

Defending:
Corners - All bar Walcott back. FB's on the post. Man marking. Dunne, Vermaelen, Bent and RvP to take biggest players. Ramsey on the edge of the box. Look to counter attack straight away.

Free Kicks - All bar Walcott back. Szczesny to dictate wall. Man marking in the middle. Look to counter attack straight away.

Attacking:
Corners - Two CB's go forward. Full backs stay back. Cazorla to take from both sides. Mix up whipped crosses, short routines etc. Keep the ball away from opposition GK.

Free Kicks - Within range RvP/Cazorla to have a shot. Out of range take it short, retain possession, start again if we need to.

Subs:

Winning:
Wilshere > Bent - 70 mins - Switch to 4-2-3-1. Wilshere and De Jong playing behind Ramsey.
Arteta > Walcott - 75 mins - Play more narrow on the left, Cazorla go right.
King > Capdevila - 80 - Vermaelen go to LB. Stronger defensively.

Losing:
Arteta > Ramsey - 60 mins - Influence the game more from the middle of the park.
Wilshere > De Jong - 75 mins - More attacking with two creative CM's.
Benayoun > Walcott- 80 mins - Try to create something out of nothing.

---

Everton
Manager – Hodgey

------------------- Howard -------------------

Neville ------ Jagielka --- Juan ---------- Baines

Pedro --- Rodwell -- Fellaini -- Barkley -- Coleman

------------------- Zamora ------------------

Hibbert, Distin, Kaká, Bilyaletdinov, Benzema, Livermore

General:
Purely counter-attacking football today but the main job is to contain Arsenal. When we have the ball we will be simple and efficient and not lose possession easily. Defensively we must be hard working and cover every blade of grass to ensure that no gaps are left for Arsenal's attacking weapons. Pressurising the man on the ball is the key today and we must minimise the time Arsenal have to play. Disrupt.

Defence:
Jagielka is captain so will lead by example like he always does. One small change with Neville coming in for Heitinga but this will not disrupt our back four as they all know their individual jobs whilst also working as a unit. We did incredibly well last week to relatively silence Newcastle's attacking threat so I expect the same here. Pressurising players, giving no room for manoeuvre whilst also doing nothing silly, 'hoofing' it is fine today. One centre-half to go forward at corners only, Jagielka.

Midfield:
I have left Kaka on the bench for a reason: today we must not have any midfielder not putting a shift in. These three centre midfielders must contain Arsenal and force errors. Pressure on the man with the ball is key whilst also sitting back and helping the defenders. Again, nothing silly whilst in possession just efficient ball retention. We will not get frustrated if we don't see as much as the ball but we will work as a unit to try and get it back whilst disrupting Arsenal's play. It is deliberately congested so that our CMs have as much chance of breaking down Arsenal's play as possible. The wingers have license to roam if we have the ball but it is absolutely vital that they track back today.

Attack:
I have left Benzema on the bench for today since Zamora is under instruction to track back and is the harder worker in defence. It is vital that if we get a chance today, which we will do, that we take it. Zamora will lead the line on his own and is more than capable of doing this. He will pressurise the Arsenal defenders on the ball and look to exploit their lack of pace at the back. It is key that he makes runs today so that our midfielders can pick him out.

Substitutions
Zamora > Benzema (70 mins)

If winning:
Barkley > Livermore (70 mins/80 mins if drawing) - Livermore expected to merely defend and anchor midfield.
Pedro > Bilyaletdinov (60 mins/70 mins if drawing) - more conservative winger, will look to track runners. Essentially FB.
Coleman > Distin (80 mins/85 if drawing) - 5-4-1, Distin as 3rd CB, Rod-Fellaini-Livermore-Bily in midfield all as CM.

If losing:
Rodwell > Kaka (70 mins) - Fellaini + Barkley sit, Kaka AM.
Zamora > Benzema (60 mins)

COME ON EVERTON.

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---

-------------------- Krul -------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Simpson- Colocinni(c) -- S Taylor --- Raylor
-------------------------------------------------
-----Gosling-------- Tiote ------- Cabaya -----
------Anelka----------------Johnson-------
---------------------Villa --------------------

Subs:Harper , Williamson , Ben Arfa , Jonas , Sammy , Guthrie , Ferguson

---------------------------------------GIVEN----------------------------------------------------

ANYUKOV---------------SHAWCROSS---------------------COLLINS---------------------TAIWO

-------------------------HUDDLESTONE---------------SONG------------------------------------

-------------------------------------GOURCUFF-----------------------------------------

ALBRIGHTON-------------------------------------------------------------------KALOU---

---------------------------------IBRAHIMOVIC---------------------------------------

GER

Subs:

John Ruddy
Stephen Warnock
Ciaran Clark
Jermaine Jenas
Kevin Nolan
Fabian Delph
Marouane Chamakh

Tactics: Counter attack, keep possesion, Tight marking.

DEFENCE:

Anyukov keeps hold of Johnson, stays back at all times rarerly overlaps. Will get helped by Albrighton. Taiwo can get forward when Villa attack but main job is to defend. The 2 CB's can come forward on set peices as theyre strong in the air. Tight marking on Villa and watch Anelka coming inside.

Midfield:

Huddlestone plays as a deep lying playmaker, playing passes out wide and to Ibra. Stays fairly deep, can shoot on sight. Song uses energy and works hard, getting stuck in, playing short simple passes mainly. Albrighton will stay wide and put crosses into the box but also track back and help Anyukov. Kalou will sometimes come in and shoot and try and make his fullback guess what hes going to do. Gourcuff is playmaker, getting forward playing wide men in and trying to constantly find Ibrahimovic.

Striker:

Ibrahimovic used as target man, with ball at feet and in the air. Will link up with Gourcuff. Kalou will occasionally partner him in the middle. He tries to grab as many goals as possible.

Subs:

If winning/drawing:

Nolan for Albrighton: 80 mins (gourcuff goes to the right of a 5 man midfield)
Delph for Huddlestone: 85 mins

If losing:

Chamakh on for Albrighton: 70 mins. Gourcuff wide, 4-4-2.

Nolan on for Huddlestone. 82 mins. Moves further forward.

Stoke City Team vs Tottenham Hotspur (A)

--------------------- Sorensen ----------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
------------- <------ Marchena ------> -------------
vd Wiel ------ Woodgate ---- Upson ----------- Bridge
-----------------------------------------------------
------------ Meireles ---------- Murphy --------------
J.Cole ----------------------------------- Etherington
---------------------- M.Owen ----------------------

Subs
Turnbull
Shotton
Wilkinson
Delap
Pennant
Duff
K.Jones


General:
Pray.

Defence:
Marchena will man mark Eto'o and follow him wherever he goes. Woodgate and Upson to deal with the long balls, one going to the ball, the other covering. The full backs will support the attack when we have the ball but stay back otherwise. We want to keep things tight.

Midfield:
Meireles to stay the deeper of the two central midfield players with Murphy more advanced and being the fulcrum of the play when we have possession. Both to break up play when not in possession. Get the ball wide or a through ball to Owen if the opportunity arises. Wide men to offer width when we have the ball but to support the full backs when not in possession.

Strikers
Owen to lead the line and draw Spurs' centre halves out of position. Etherington and Cole to support Owen. Both have licence to come inside and swap flanks but both need to provide a wide option once we win the ball back. If the ball goes out to one flank, the opposite wide man will move inside to support Owen.

Substitutions:
If winning:
Delap ---> Etherington at 70 mins, go to diamond with J.Cole at top, Delap at base. Fresh legs and another midfield presence. Long throws.
K.Jones ---> Owen at 75 mins, fresh legs plus greater strength and ariel ability to counter late Spurs attacks. Utilise Delap thows.

If losing:
K.Jones ---> Woodgate at 70 mins, Marchena to RCB, no more man marking. 4-4-2 with Jones/Owen up front.

Liverpool Tactics

Starting Team and Formation

------------------ J. Hart -------------------
--------------------------------------------
Zabaleta ---- Agger -- Kompany - Higginbotham
--------------------------------------------
----------------- Busquets ---------------
------------- Barry ----- Milner -----------
--------------------------------------------
- D. Silva ------------------------ Di Maria -
--------------------------------------------
------------------ Aguero -------------------

Subs:

GK Stuart Taylor
CB Kolo Toure
LB Greg Cunningham
DM Owen Hargreaves
CM Yaya Toure
WG Scott Sinclair
ST Edin Dzeko

General Tactics

We're hoping to build on last weeks encouraging performance and go one further here to get the win. This is the biggest game of the season for us and we know what it means to the fans. We're hoping to catch Utd out before they get into their rhythm.

We've gone with 4-5-1 today, and that extra man in midfield will prove vital to stifling Utd's attacks. We aim to cut the threat down at source, meaning our midfield three will have to work extremely hard to close down the ball.

We have a few new boys making their debuts today, which will hopefully give us the element of surprise against our neighbours. We've been working hard in training to build the relationships and understanding with one another.

We'll be strong and competitive at the back, with the powerful Agge out muscling the Utd attack. Busquets will form the foundation to play from in midfield. We'll use the pace on the wings to get around the back of Utd and create space for our finishers.

This is a big game for us, and one we're relishing. This is a good chance to prove our title credentials.

Player roles

Goalkeeper: Joe has grown in stature in recent years and provides some much needed confidence and stability at the back. He will be strong in his area, commanding crosses and corners. Joe is one of the best shot stoppers in the game, so if he was to come into a one on one situation, we are confident of his abilities.

Full Backs: Zabaleta and Higginbotham bring a no nonsense approach which will be key against Utd. They will look to feed the wingers and let them go forward. After the game opens up a bit, they will be given a licence to go forward and overlap the wingers to create some space down the flanks.

Centre Backs: The emphasis will be on strength and organisation for Kompany and Agger today. Constant communication will enable them to wipe out any attacking threats from the opposition early. Vincent to lead by example.

Centre Midfielders: Busquets has been asked to play the deep role today, and I'll be wanting him to be the link man in attack and the man to break up the Utd attacks. Milner and Barry to be box to box midfielders helping out in both attack and defence. Concentrate in possession and work hard to close down when in search of the ball.

Wingers: The wingers offer pace, skill and flair. Angel gets his start after an impressive impact from the bench. They've been encouraged to take people on and get involved at every opportunity. It is important also to remember their defensive duties - they need to work hard and get back to help out.

Target Man: Aguero is not your traditional target man but he is so good at keeping possession he will be key. He'll play off the shoulders of players and look for the break, using his pace. Di Maria and Silva will get up to help, creating a 4-3-3 in attack.

Plans

If winning after an hour: Keep going for ten minutes and pile the pressure on. Then calm it down, but don't get lazy. Bring on Yaya for Di Maria, and stick him in the middle with Milner going out wide. Dzeko on for Aguero to play the target man role.

If losing after an hour: Bring on Yaya for Barry and Dzeko for Milner, switching to 4-4-2. Sinclair to come on for Di Maria or Silva and add a spark of pace on the wing.

COME ON CITY!

------------------- Howard -------------------

Neville ------ Jagielka --- Juan ---------- Baines

Pedro --- Rodwell -- Fellaini -- Barkley -- Coleman

------------------- Zamora ------------------

Hibbert, Distin, Kaká, Bilyaletdinov, Benzema, Livermore

General:
Purely counter-attacking football today but the main job is to contain Arsenal. When we have the ball we will be simple and efficient and not lose possession easily. Defensively we must be hard working and cover every blade of grass to ensure that no gaps are left for Arsenal's attacking weapons. Pressurising the man on the ball is the key today and we must minimise the time Arsenal have to play. Disrupt.

Defence:
Jagielka is captain so will lead by example like he always does. One small change with Neville coming in for Heitinga but this will not disrupt our back four as they all know their individual jobs whilst also working as a unit. We did incredibly well last week to relatively silence Newcastle's attacking threat so I expect the same here. Pressurising players, giving no room for manoeuvre whilst also doing nothing silly, 'hoofing' it is fine today. One centre-half to go forward at corners only, Jagielka.

Midfield:
I have left Kaka on the bench for a reason: today we must not have any midfielder not putting a shift in. These three centre midfielders must contain Arsenal and force errors. Pressure on the man with the ball is key whilst also sitting back and helping the defenders. Again, nothing silly whilst in possession just efficient ball retention. We will not get frustrated if we don't see as much as the ball but we will work as a unit to try and get it back whilst disrupting Arsenal's play. It is deliberately congested so that our CMs have as much chance of breaking down Arsenal's play as possible. The wingers have license to roam if we have the ball but it is absolutely vital that they track back today.

Attack:
I have left Benzema on the bench for today since Zamora is under instruction to track back and is the harder worker in defence. It is vital that if we get a chance today, which we will do, that we take it. Zamora will lead the line on his own and is more than capable of doing this. He will pressurise the Arsenal defenders on the ball and look to exploit their lack of pace at the back. It is key that he makes runs today so that our midfielders can pick him out.

Substitutions
Zamora > Benzema (70 mins)

If winning:
Barkley > Livermore (70 mins/80 mins if drawing) - Livermore expected to merely defend and anchor midfield.
Pedro > Bilyaletdinov (60 mins/70 mins if drawing) - more conservative winger, will look to track runners. Essentially FB.
Coleman > Distin (80 mins/85 if drawing) - 5-4-1, Distin as 3rd CB, Rod-Fellaini-Livermore-Bily in midfield all as CM.

If losing:
Rodwell > Kaka (70 mins) - Fellaini + Barkley sit, Kaka AM.
Zamora > Benzema (60 mins)

COME ON EVERTON.

Arsenal have named their side to play Everton at the Emirates this week.

They have made 3 changes to the side that drew with Man City last week, with Joan Capdevila coming in for Keiran Gibbs at left back, Aaron Ramsey coming in for Jack Wilshere, and in an attacking move, Darren Bent coming in for Mikel Arteta. New signing Ledley King takes his place on the bench, as does emergency loanee Jamie Ashdown.

Manager LukeLovesLuka said "we've gone a bit more attacking this week. I believe if we can get at Everton we have a chance of catching them out early on. Aaron (Ramsey) comes in having shown some great form of late, and Darren (Bent) makes his first start for the club alongside Robin (van Persie) in what has the makings of a lethal strikeforce.

Everton are looking good this year, and have made some shrewd signings, but we believe, at home, we can beat anybody, and we'll be looking to get our first win of the season."


Arsenal team vs Everton:

Team:


------------------- Szczesny ---------------------

B.Sagna ---- Dunne (c) --- Vermaelen --- Capdevila

--------------- De Jong
Walcott ------------------ Ramsey -------- Cazorla

--------------- D.Bent ---- V.Persie ---------------

Subs:

Ashdown
Gibbs
King
Wilshere
Arteta
Benayoun
Park

Tactics:
General:

Possession. Possession. Possession.
Short passing, movement off the ball, triangles all over the pitch, keeping the ball on the deck, patient build up play, wait for the right moment to probe, don't force the issue. Defend as a team from the front. Walcott and Cazorla to assist full backs. Look to use pace of Walcott and Bent to get in behind opposition defence.

Defence:

Szczesny to command his area - be very vocal and come for crosses. Encouraged to look for short options rather than kick long. Dunne and Vermaelen stay tight together. Dunne to go meet the ball, Vermaelen sweeping in behind. Dunne to stick to Zamora and beat him in the aerial battle. Whole defence to defend as a unit. Sagna and Capdevila first job is to defend, but when we are in possession provide an outlet out wide.

Midfield:

De Jong is the destroyer - sitting deep protecting the back four. Ramsey is the playmaker in the middle. Both Ramsey and Cazorla are given license to drift into space wherever they find it. All to receive ball to feet and look to hit the channels for our pacey attack. Use triangles to take players out of the game and attack from there. Don't be afraid to go backwards and start again. Tire opposition down by making them chase the ball.

Attack:

Van Persie to play just behind Bent, with license to roam looking for space. Bent to run the channels, hold the ball up and get in the right positions to score goals. Cazorla, Van Persie and Ramsey try to get in those holes behind Bent and feed cute little passes behind the defence.

Set Pieces:

Defending:
Corners - All bar Walcott back. FB's on the post. Man marking. Dunne, Vermaelen, Bent and RvP to take biggest players. Ramsey on the edge of the box. Look to counter attack straight away.

Free Kicks - All bar Walcott back. Szczesny to dictate wall. Man marking in the middle. Look to counter attack straight away.

Attacking:
Corners - Two CB's go forward. Full backs stay back. Cazorla to take from both sides. Mix up whipped crosses, short routines etc. Keep the ball away from opposition GK.

Free Kicks - Within range RvP/Cazorla to have a shot. Out of range take it short, retain possession, start again if we need to.

Subs:

Winning:
Wilshere > Bent - 70 mins - Switch to 4-2-3-1. Wilshere and De Jong playing behind Ramsey.
Arteta > Walcott - 75 mins - Play more narrow on the left, Cazorla go right.
King > Capdevila - 80 - Vermaelen go to LB. Stronger defensively.

Losing:
Arteta > Ramsey - 60 mins - Influence the game more from the middle of the park.
Wilshere > De Jong - 75 mins - More attacking with two creative CM's.
Benayoun > Walcott- 80 mins - Try to create something out of nothing.

Tactics updated

Man Utd tactics

------------------ Kuszczak ------------------
----------------------------------------------
Smalling ---- Vidic (c) ---- Rio ---- Evra
----------------------------------------------
-------------Mascherano ----Jones---------------
------------------------------------------
-- Nani------------Iniesta-------------A. Young --
----------------------------------------------
------------------- Rooney -----------------

Subs:
Kenny
Fabio
O'Hara
Giggs
Noble
Wellbeck
Hernandez

Tactics:

General:
Keeping possession and playing simple.
Main tactic is to target keep possession and let the likes of Iniesta, Nani and Young penetrate City's defence as often as possible and make City's defence run ragged with good movement.
Mascherano and Jones to protect defence and stifle Silva's hold of the game. When attacking Jones to suport attacking midfield but when defending Jones will drop back with Mascherano.

Defence:
Vidic and Rio to organise the defence and midfield and can call on Mascherano and Jones to help out when needed. The full backs will only go forward when deep in opposition territory.

Midfield:
Masch and Jones to balance the midfield and stop potential attacks on the defence. Silva would be monitored slightly as he would be the main threat from midfield so stay close but also be aware of other threats.
Iniesta, Nani and Young can all interchange and play it simple but fast. Any opportunity to play in Rooney is encouraged. Iniesta, Nani and Young to assist Ronney once deep in opposition base. Jones to move up whilst Mascherano to hold back in case of counter-attack.

Attack:
Rooney to stay on the shoulder of last man but can play anywhere on the top to make the defence moving. Iniesta and Nani to move further up and and assist Rooney.

Subs:

Winning:
Noble > Jones - 80 mins - Keep the ball and shift to to the attackers
Fabio > Young - 70 mins - Can double up with Evra if need be and not so much attacking but helping the left side of defence and midfield.

Losing:
Jones> Hernandez - 65 mins - 4-1-3-2. Mascherano to stay as DM whilst Hernandez plays up top and Rooney stays between their defence and attack.
Giggs>Young - 70mins - More direct and running at defenders

Luke, can you swap Yaya for Milner in the formation.. this was an error on my part

Manchester City 2 - 3 Manchester United
Aguero 2 --------------- Rooney
--------------------------- Nani
--------------------------- Iniesta

Cracking match between the Manchester giants. Both sides are strong going forward and both have solid midfield line ups in similar formations. The difference today was the defences where Utd were stronger and in central midfield where Iniesta ran the show for the visitors and was constantly picking out passes for the forwards. Both sets of fullbacks had busy days against some of the best wingers around and this is where both sides profited. However, Utd created the greater number of chances and nicked the win at the death when MOTM Iniesta latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box to slot home. Hard on City and especially Aguero who had an excellent match, scoring twice to keep his side in the game but the points head to OT.


Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
Adam ---------- Torres

Two sides who were hit less hard by the recent spate of injuries across the league with both sides fielding strong starting XIs. Both have strength in midfield and up front. Liverpool have their regular defence and their familiarity helped today to snub out most of Chelsea's attacks. They did take the lead however on the stroke of half time when Mata was released by Terry down the left, he cut inside Johnson before picking out Torres on the edge of the six yard box. The Spanish striker did not miss. Liverpool pushed hard in the second half and got an equaliser their efforts deserved when Charlie Adam drove home past Green with quarter of an hour remaining. Both sides could have scored a winner but both keepers made saves and the points were shared.


Newcastle United 0 - 0 Aston Villa

Both Villa's fail to score. Plenty of endeavour and effort shown by the two sides but both failed to get on the scoresheet as they played out a goalless draw. The home side went into the match with no tactics and this possibly cost them a narrow home win with Aston Villa gaining the early upper hand as their manager got his game plan into action. Newcastle are set up to make them very hard to beat though and they repelled the Villa attacks. The second half saw the home side come more into the game and create some good chances which Shay Given kept out. They tired late on though with no substitutions made and Aston Villa may have sneaked the points as a result but in the end a point each.


Arsenal 1 - 0 Everton
RvP

Everton set out intent on stopping Arsenal and trying to catch them on the break. A crowded midfield made it hard for the home side to play their way through the Everton rearguard and the side and home fans grew increasingly frustrated as the match wore on. Everton maintaioned their discipline throughout and were heading for a hard earned point when Fellaini gave away a free kick central about 20 yards from goal with 8 minutes remaining. Van Persie curled a beauty just out of the reach of Howard and into the top corner. Late changes from the Everton manager saw Kaka make his debut and Benzema join Zamora up front. They created one chance which could have nicked a point but Szczesny made a fine stop. Good game plan from Everton but ultimately it just failed to produce a result.

Man City 1-1 Man Utd
Di Maria---Rooney
Two fantastic sides and a very good Manchester derby. Both teams had their injury problems and it showed with Higginbotham having a tough time against one fo his former clubs. Nani had a great game up against him. In general City's defence struggled with a strong United attack, especially when Hernandez came on. But City looked good in midfield and Di Maria had a great debut. Aguero was also a constant threat and Kuzszack looked nervous in the United goal. City took the lead, probably deservedly just before half time when Milner and Silva combined well to find Di Maria who was just too quick for Smalling and finished very well past a hapless Kuzszack. But United looked determined and new boy Iniesta was starting to have a big impact. And with Hernandez on making clever runs, Iniesta was able to pick him out several times, but the closest he came was hitting the bar. It was Rooney who levelled on 76 minutes with a great strike from just outside the box. Both teams had late chances, with Hart saving well from Giggs and Silva hitting the side netting, with many CXity fans thinking he had won the game for them. It ended 1-1.

Tottenham 2-0 Stoke
Eto'o, Parker
A comfortable win in the end for Tottenham, but an injury ravaged Stoke made them compete for it. A defensive lineup from Stoke didnt make this great for the neutral. Stoke were well organised and did well for the first 45 mins and occassionally threatend on the break with Cole and Etherington. But Spurs midfield began to dominate with Modric and Parker seeing more of the ball. And on 47 mins Modric's superb pass found Eto'o who fired home for Spurs. And shortly after a broken Stoke were now more open and Scott Parker had a 25 yarder find the top corner. After this the game was a bit dull but Stoke did occasionally threaten with both Owen and Jones going close. 2-0.

Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea
Forlan-----Mata, Torres
A good win for Chelsea here. The key here was Chelsea winnign the midfield battle and Liverpool had a weakened defence which just never looked comfortable. Liverpool started brightly, with Suarez a constant menace against Ivanovic. And he was heavily involved in the opening goal when his pass played in Forlan who finished superbly on the volley. But Chelsea saw more and more of the ball. Essien and Cambiasso were dominant and Ramires was looking good too. Robben is a massive threat and he tore Aurelio apart. Mata was his usual self aswell, with Johnson struggling. And it was that battle that lead to the equaliser on 30 mins when Johnson was caught out going forward and Mata came inside and shot into the corner. Torres was looking near his old self, and with the crowd booing his every touch, he looked determined to make something happen. And on 70 mins he took up a great position in between Carragher and Johnson but just behind them. And an incisive pass from Mata found him, he sprant past Johnson, turned and fired into the top corner. The Kop were stunned, Chelsea delighted. And it stayed that way, despite a great effort from Suarez, to end 1-2.

Arsenal 1-0 Everton
Van Persie
A good effort from Everton but ultimately Arsenal had too much quality in the end. Everton set out well, with good organisation and a solid looking defence. Arsenal changed their set up a bit rrally and it showed early on, unable to get a real hold of the game. Everton actually had the best chance of the first 20 minutes but Zamora was way off target. Walcott and Cazorla got in to the game more after that, and both set up Bent, who came close on both occassions. Arsenal now looked the better side, and playing at home, had alot of the ball. A great save from Howard denied Ramsey and a heroic clearance from Jagielka from Cazorla somehow kept the scores level. The goal came on 51 minutes. Walcott got in behind Baines and took on Juan. He got past him and Van Persie was all alone in the box, Walcott simply squared for Arsenal to take the lead through the talisman. Arteta came on to play against his old side and came close to adding a 2nd goal. Everton had some attacking class on the bench, some may wonder why at least 1 of the two Real Madrid stars werent in the side. Benzema hit the post late on, and although Kaka clearly wasnt ready after only signing hours before the game, he lifted Everton and things could have beem different in the end with him feeding Pedro and Fellaini who both went close. Van Persie had a 2nd goal in injury time but it was rightly chalked off for offside.

Man City 2 - 4 Man Utd
Silva, Milner ; Rooney (2), Nani, Young

A high-scoring hum-dinger of a game. City will score goals from anywhere, but today I have serious concerns about their back four. Nani will have a field day, and despite some strong protection from Busquets, I just see them failing to cope with Utd's attack.

====

Tottenham 2 - 1 Stoke City
Modric, Defoe ; Etherington

Stoke have been hard hit, but have still fielded a decent side. But Spurs have some real quality, and see them causing Stoke's defence real issues with their pace. Do see Stoke looking dangerous on the counter, and the do give Spurs a bit of a scare, but ultimately not enough.

====

Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
Gerrard ; Mata

A really tough game to call. Great battles all over the park. Toulalan a shrewd buy for Liverpool allowing Gerrard to push on, but by the same token, Cambiasso gives Chelsea a real barrier in front of their defence. Chelsea to have the better of the play, but Liverpool have the quality to stay in it.

====

Newcastle 1 - 1 Aston Villa
Villa ; Gourcuff

See both sides looking stronger up front than they do at the back, which makes for an entertaining game. Newcastle's front three will cause all teams problems, but the likes of Gosling and Simpson just bring them down a bit for me. Villa have a great balance, and they snatch a late draw.

Man City 1-3 Man Utd
Di Maria: Jones, Nani, Young

Both teams have good attacks but Utd had a better defence and took advantage of this. Di Maria gave the home side the lead all via his own making but once Utd got a foothold, they never looked back. Having 2 holding midfielders allowed the front 4 to play their game and within 10 minutes, Utd had 3 goals and killed off the game. City tried to press for an equaliser but Utd were comfortable.

===
Tottenham 2-1 Stoke
Kranjcar (2): Owen

Tottenham had the edge in quality for me and with the home fans behind them, they were more motivated and up for the challenge. Kranjcar hit form for this game and hit both goals for the home side. Michael Owen responded with an excellent snap shot in response to the sway side but 2-1 was how it stayed in the end.

===
Newcastle 0-0 Aston Villa

Bit off a dull encounter at St James' Park. Nothing to write home about.

===
Arsenal 1-0 Everton
Cazorla

Credit to Everton for stifling Arsenal's game but the home side never game up and were rewarded late on for their pressure with a goal from Cazorla who to the disappointment of the away goalkeeper, beat him at his near post.

City 2 United 3

Cracker of a game here with both teams looking spicey going forward but city a bit more fragile at the back.

=====

Tottenham 2 Stoke 0

Spurs home advantage and have a bit more startdust about them.

=====

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0

Anfield is a tough place for any team to go and win and under the cosh Andy Caroll pops up late on to head the winner home.

====

Arsenal 2 Everton 1

A strong battle with home advantage eventually splitting the sides with RVP slotting a late penalty.

Man Utd 1-0 Man City
Nani

a lively derby decided after a higginbotham mistake leading to an easy nani goal

Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea
Robben

A tight game decided by a goal of class from robben

Newcastle 0-3 Villa
Ibra (2) Gourcuff
A dominate villa run riot at the sports direct arena

Arsenal 1-0 Everton
Van Persie

A defiant Everton slipped to an 89th min goal from Van Persie

Man City 2-3 Man United
(Milner, Dzeko :: Young, Nani, Iniesta)

A cracker of a derby at the City of Manchester where United had just an extra bit of quality to see themselves through. City dominated the early stages with Busquets and Barry seeing a lot of the ball and the hard working Milner dictating. Milner himself gets the first goal of the game with a lovely strike from the edge of the box. However City have had a shocking injury crisis, especially at the back, and those defensive worries appeared once United got into the game and began to stretch the patched up City back 4. Young and Nani have a field day and both get on the scoresheet to give United a half time lead. They go further in front in the second half with Iniesta making a late run to latch onto a Rooney flick on to stroke the ball home. Dzeko sets up a grandstand finish late on but United hold on for a vital 3 points.

Tottenham 2-1 Stoke
(Eto'o, Modric :: Owen)

Tottenham just managed to see off Stoke at White Hart Lane in a game which Stoke may feel hard done by not to get a point. The 5 man defence of the away side suffocated Spurs attackers and Marchena sweeps up everything in behind the big 2 centre backs. Pushing further forward Spurs are hit on the break and Meireles plays through Michael Owen who is calm as you like in slotting the ball past Friedel for a shock lead. They should have made it 2-0 soon after with Owen again going through but this time seeing his shot cannon off the crossbar. This seemed to galvanize Spurs into action and they got level through a touch of genius from Samuel Eto'o and Modric won it late on with a lovely 25 yarder which took the slightest of delfections from Upson to take the ball away from Sorensen.

Newcastle 0-1 Aston Villa
(none :: Ibrahimovic)

Villa set themselves up very well here and dominate the game for large spells and come away with a deserved 3 points. Newcastle however have the better of the early stages and squander good chances from both Anelka and Johnson. David Villa struggled to get into the game with Shawcross and Collins both very physical in their defence of the Villa goal. After the break Yoann Gourcuff started to see a lot more of the ball and began to control the game and was at the heart of everything Villa did. And it was the Frenchmen who created the goal, splitting the defence with a lovely ball through to Albrighton who cut it back to Ibrahimovic who had the simple task of passing the ball into an empty net.

Arsenal 2-1 Everton
(Cazorla, Van Persie :: Kaka)

A tight game here at the Emirates where Everton defended valiantly but just couldn't contain the Arsenal threat as they sneaked a narrow win. The first half was a drab affair with a couple of half chance from Van Persie the only real talking point. There was a complete change in the second half however with Arsenal taking a lead within minutes of the re-start, Cazorla playing a lovely 1-2 with Ramsey to get away from Neville before slotting the ball into the top corner with Howard helpless. Everton began to push further forward and introduced big names Benzema and Kaka into the game and it was the Brazilian who made the difference, picking up the ball inside his own half and skipping past 3 challenges before firing low past Szczesny. Arsenal were to have the final say however with that man Van Persie scoring late on to win a well earned three points.

Man City 1-2 Man Utd
Busquets 24'
Iniesta 36', Rooney 78'

Close game at Eastlands came down to the strength of the respective defences. City were ravaged by injuries at the back and struggled throughout the game, despite taking the lead when an unmarked Busquets fired in from the edge of the box. However, Manchester United's midfield is stronger than City's and it was Iniesta who equalised shortly after, and it was the Spanish maestro who played a delightful ball into Rooney to win the game.

===

Tottenham 1-0 Stoke City
Eto'o 89'

Incredibly hard on Stoke who are another side who really suffered from injuries today. Guv went ultra-defensive at White Hart Lane and it looked as if it had worked with Spurs becoming increasingly frustrated with their inability to break down the Potters' resistance. Going forward, Stoke posed little threat in the absence of their main men and Tottenham dominated the midfield battle which eventually proved costly, Eto'o latching onto a sumptuous ball to give his side the points.

===

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Forlan 87'
Mata 24'

A very strange game deservedly ended in a draw but Chelsea will be disappointed they could not hold on for a few more minutes with what would have been a great 3 points away from home. Despite being relatively well-matched, Chelsea dominated the first half completely and squandered plenty of chances, only going into the interval one goal to the good. Liverpool have a great balance in midfield though and their front four caused problems for Chelsea's defence all day. It was the movement of Forlan which proved pivotal as he beat two men to fire past Cech from range.

===

Newcastle 2-3 Aston Villa
Villa 20', Cabaye 64'
Ibrahimovic 27', 88', Gourcuff 45'

A very close and entertaining game was decided by a double from Ibrahimovic to stun the Sports Direct Arena. Both of these sides have weak defences which made for an action-packed game for the neutral. However, Newcastle, despite a great three-pronged attack, look weak in the middle and this is where the difference told. Gourcuff had a great game, scoring himself and supplying Ibrahimovic with a great free-kick at the death to nick the points for Fisher.

Tottenham 2 - 1 Stoke
Eto, Adebayor; Woodgate

Tottenham had to come from behind and work really hard to gain 3 points against a very organised Stoke side. Woodgate's header from a corner kick stunned the home crowd initially. Stoke was well marshalled by Marchena who covered for his CB's and denied any space for Eto and Defoe. As the game went on Fernando took more risks and brought on Adebayor for Kranjcar and he held the ball up very well and created space by force. It was his Ade's strength that brought the equaliser after he overpowered Bridge and slipped in Eto who flew past Marchena and fired it bottom corner for a deserved equaliser. Stoke seemed to be pushing back now and defending their point but it was the super-sub that won it after Modric's through-ball found Adebayor who rounded the keeper and tapped it home.
Stoke unfortunately, didnt have enough time for a fightback as the game ended at 91 mins.
------
Liverpool 2 - 3 Chelsea
Suarez (2) ---- Ramires, Robben, Mata

What a game! This game was played in a great spirit and lived up to the hype. Liverpool were unlucky not to get a penalty after the ref deemed that Suarez dived but replayed showed that Terry grabbed his shirt on the blind side of the ref. Suarez was a constant thorn to the Chelsea defence as he kept moving and created space for others. It was a great dummy by Suarez who received a 1-2 with Gerrard and after selling the dummy, Suarez was left 1on1 with Green but tucked it away with ease. Chelsea, however, came back strong as Essien and Cambiasso controlled the midfield and but Ramires headed forwarded and his well taken shot was a deserved equaliser. It was Robben that took the lead with a acute shot and Mata made it three with Chelsea playing great football. However, Suarez pulled another goal back after roasting Terry and finding the bottom corner. The Anfield crowd grew louder and on the 87th minute, Suarez was denied a controversial penalty with Terry's pull back. Pav was seething afterwards and gave his opinion on the skysports cameras.
------
Newcastle 3 - 3 Aston Villa
Villa --------------- Ibra (2) Albrighton
Anelka
A Johnson

Another great game of football but in the end a deserved point for each team was fair after they both gave their all. Newcastle were dominant when attacking but with only Tiote defending their defence, they were countered by quick attacking by Villa who past the ball quicker to Ibra and he found some joy. Albrighton was Villa's best played as he seemed to get the better of R Taylor every time and was very productive by assisting two Ibra goals. Shawcross and Collins were given a torrid time with Anelka finding gaps between them and allowing Villa and Johnson to score goals. All in all the ball didnt stay in midfield too long and it was end to end stuff which was great for the neutrals. Both managers may have been satisfied but thinking of what could have been..
--------
Arsenal 1 - 0 Everton
Wallcott

Luke started the game scratching his head to why Hodgey left Kaka and Benzema on the bench (away from home too). To be fair Hodgey's tactics were working well with Van Persie and Ramsey being harried by Toffee defenders and forced to make mistakes. Luke however, decided to change things with Wilshere who replaced De Jong and the pace of the game quicken from Arsenal. Everton remained the same philiosphy from the start but had to work harder to keep with the gunners. It was a clever move by Ramsey and Wilshere that set Wallcott free and he instinctively shot first time and rattled the underside of the bar and in for the first goal of the game at 80th minute. Hodgey brought the dynamic duo on but and it nearlu paid off when Kaka found Benzema and his fantastic shot clipped the post and headed for a goalkick. Hodgey was left thinking what copuld have been if he started with Kaka and Benzema whilst Luke chuckled when he when to greet Hodgey after the game. Luke was interviewed about Hodgey's decision and stated 'he was a brave man to start that but lucky for me, Wallcott scored late on for them to appear'.

Tottenham 1-0 Stoke
Defoe

Stoke's lineup and philosphy lead to a cagey affair and a frustrating afternoon for Spurs. Stoke had some decent breaks but Owen was a bit isolated. In the end Eto'o and Defoe's constant movement wore the Stoke defence down and Defoe managed to find some space for the winner.

===

Liverpool 1 - 2 Chelsea
Adam (pen) ; Mata, Cahill

Two strong sides on show here. Chelsea's defence is solid and dealt with the potent attack of Liverpool. Chelsea swamped the midfield and hit Liverpool twice on the break to seal the win.

===

Newcastle 0 - 1 Aston Villa
Albrighton

Newcastle fought hard but with lack of direction lost their shape a bit. Villa capitalised by getting round the back of the Toon and nicking a goal.

===

Arsenal 1 - 1 Everton
Bent ; Pedro

A decent game, Arsenal played brilliant football at times but Everton worked hard throughout, flooding the midfield and snuffing out attacks before they started. The introduction of Kaka and Benzema gave Everton a spark of class which helped Pedro grab an equaliser.