Premiership Preview (22 Sept)

Arsenal look to extend their lead at the top with their match at the Emirates with Derby, Liverpool aim to stay in touch with the Gunners when Birmingham visit Anfield. Man Utd and Chelsea go head to head in the battle of the titans on Sunday.

Arsenal sit top of the Premiership and have won their last five matches in all competitions, scoring 13 goals in their last five games. They do have a few injury worries, however, Philippe Senderos and Alexander Hleb could miss Saturday's Emirates Stadium clash with struggling Derby, while William Gallas (groin), Jens Lehmann (elbow) and Emmanuel Eboue (ankle) have been joined on the sidelines by Tomas Rosicky (hamstring). Derby go to the Emirates without a point or a goal on the road and having conceded six at Liverpool in their last away game. Cesc Fabregas will be a key player in this game.

The North East derby at the Riverside sees a clash between the two youngest managers in the Premier League. Roy Keane goes up against Gareth Southgate; Roy Keane's Sunderland have had a strange start to the season, with good wins over both Tottenham and Reading, as well as decent showings against Liverpool and United, while Middlesbrough have had a relatively impressive start to the season. Boro will miss Aliadiere and Sanli Tuncay.

Liverpool have been brought back down to earth within the past week and all of a sudden look very ordinary again, Alonso and Agger have picked up long term injuries so Hyppia and Carragher start in defence, whilst Birmingham are playing off the back of an excellent victory against Bolton last weekend.

Fulham take on Man City in an interesting encounter, and Sven will be hoping that his troops continue their brilliant start to the year, but Lawrie Sanchez' men could prove a tough challenge for City.

Meanwhile, Reading take on Wigan. Three defeats in a row have left Reading reeling in the relegation zone of the Premiership. Wigan began to look as brilliant as they did in their first season in the Premiership, their star striker Emile Heskey picked up an injury. Reading look out of form and shape at the moment compared to Wigan who look the team more likely to take something from this game.

Saturday 22nd September 2007

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Barclays Premier League

Arsenal v Derby 15.00

Fulham v Man City 17.15

Liverpool v Birmingham 15.00

Middlesbrough v Sunderland 15.00

Reading v Wigan Athletic 15.00

Sunday 23rd September 2007

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Barclays Premier League Bet

Aston Villa v Everton 14.00

Blackburn v Portsmouth 15.00

Bolton v Tottenham 15.00

Man Utd v Chelsea 16.00

Newcastle v West Ham 13.30