What: Premier League, round 3
Who: Chelsea (1st – 6 points) v Tottenham Hotspur (20th – 0 points)
When: Sunday 31st August 2008 – 13:30 (local time)
Where: Stamford Bridge Stadium, London

Flying Start For Scolari

It has been an ideal start for new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari in the Premier League so far. Two games, six points, no goals conceded and now a game against a side that are yet to get off the mark this season, as his team look to an extend a superb run of 84 home league games without defeat.

Things started superbly for Scolari with a 4-0 hammering of Portsmouth in his side’s opening game. Free-flowing football, goals and entertainment galore saw the press lavish praise on the World Cup winner. Last week’s 1-0 away victory over Wigan showed some of the qualities more recognisable with Chelsea teams, but, as has been said time and again, the ability to win ugly when you are not playing well is the key to picking up championships.

There are no noticeable weaknesses in Scolari’s Chelsea side, and new additions such as Deco and Jose Bosingwa add flair to a team now rated by the bookmakers’ as favourites to lift this season’s Premier League title. However, this will be Scolari’s first taste of a London derby and he will need to ensure there is no let up in his side’s performance against a side who can beat anybody on their day, as proved by March’s Carling Cup final victory over the Blues.

The former Brazil coach has done his research though, and will have his side fully prepared for the task in hand. Tottenham, after their poor start, represent a wounded animal – a team who could cause problems if they are given a foothold in the game. An early breakthrough could see Spurs’ wounds opened, but even if patience and a competitive battle is required, the early signs indicate that Chelsea are up to the task.

“It is important for Tottenham not to lose another game. They want their first three points in the league so we have some problems to cope with, we know this,” Scolari said in his pre-match press conference.

“Tottenham have lost both games and made some mistakes. But this is a big chance for Tottenham because it is a derby. We need to respect them even more.”

The respect will be there, but anything other than three more points would represent a disappointing afternoon for the Blues as they look to continue their flying start to the campaign.

Shocking Spurs

Although the Dimitar Berbatov saga has over-shadowed Tottenham’s summer, hopes have still been high that Spurs can have a successful season in manager Juande Ramos’ first full year in charge. Vice-captain Robbie Keane moved to Liverpool but the arrivals of the likes of Luka Modric, David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes and Giovani Dos Santos yet again prompted analysts to suggest that Spurs were the most likely side to challenge the established dominance of the Premier League’s ‘big four’.

However, it has been a shocking start for Spurs. Defeat against Middlesbrough on the opening day could have represented an unfortunate defeat in a tricky away clash, but last week’s home loss to Sunderland again highlighted the lack of a midfield general and seemingly ever-present defensive frailties – with the absence of Berbatov and Keane adding a lack of firepower up-front to Ramos’ list of problems.

Tottenham should be fine however, with a first eleven that can rival most in the Premier League and an array of talented players being led by an astute manager - they are a side capable of beating anybody on a good day. However, their inexperience and evident problems ensure that they are unlikely to launch a consistent enough league run to challenge the top four in the near future and perhaps indicate that the best avenues for immediate success lie in cup competitions.

But the league remains crucial for Tottenham and they will be desperate to get off the mark sooner, rather than later. This game in many ways represents a situation where they have nothing to lose. Nobody expects them to triumph against a powerful Chelsea side and Ramos should take the opportunity to attack, something he has hinted could happen in his pre-match comments.

“I think having a game like Chelsea at this time gives us a great chance to lift the spirits. The game plan should be to go there and play with an ambitious attacking style of football without fear,” he stated.

Spurs are dangerous opponents for Chelsea in this encounter, but even the most ardent of Tottenham fans will admit that anything they gain from Stamford Bridge tomorrow will be a bonus.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea – Deco

Deco has made an impressive start to his Chelsea career, earning a man of the match award while scoring in the 4-0 win over Portsmouth on his debut. Last week the Portuguese international enhanced his reputation further with a superb free-kick that proved decisive against Wigan at the JJB Stadium. The ex-Barcelona man will look forward to pulling the strings tomorrow with no real ball-winner to hinder him in the Spurs midfield.

Tottenham – Darren Bent

With Keane gone and Berbatov seemingly going, Darren Bent had his opportunity to announce himself as the man to lead Tottenham this season during the first two league games, following a red-hot pre-season. As yet though, the former Charlton man has failed to take his chance and with Roman Pavlyuchenko now signed for £14 million, the England international is beginning to run out of chances to prove himself to the Spurs faithful. With Juande Ramos considering playing predominantly with a lone-striker this year, Bent has to take his chance soon and this match on the big stage would be the ideal place to start.

FORM GUIDE

Chelsea

August 24 v Wigan (A) WON 1-0
August 17 v Portsmouth (H) WON 4-0

Tottenham

August 23 v Sunderland (H) LOST 2-1
August 16 v Middlesbrough (A) LOST 2-1

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka will continue to lead the line for Chelsea as Didier Drogba is still out with a knee injury. The Ivorian is reportedly scheduled to return to training in the coming weeks, but is still said to be some time away from regaining full fitness. Key midfielder Michael Essien started against Wigan last week despite nursing a minor injury and is therefore rated as 50/50 for this clash, as is Germany international Michael Ballack.

Tottenham

Dimitar Berbatov will have another crisis meeting with Spurs boss Juande Ramos ahead of the game before a decision is made on the Bulgarian’s involvement. Scotland international full-back Alan Hutton is no closer to a return having suffered a stress fracture in his foot, meaning that Didier Zokora will continue to deputise at right-back. It is as yet unclear if new £14 million signing Roman Pavlyuchenko has been registered in time to play a part.

MATCHDAY SQUADS

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ivanovic, Alex, Belletti, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, A Cole, Bridge, Ballack, Essien, J Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Deco, Anelka, Malouda, Kalou.

Tottenham (from): Gomes, Cesar, Zokora, Gunter, Assou-Ekotto, Gilberto, Bale, King, Woodgate, Dawson, Modric, Jenas, Huddlestone, O’Hara, Lennon, Bentley, Dos Santos, Berbatov, Bent.

PREVIOUS STARTING LINE-UPS

Chelsea (1-0 Away V Wigan) (4-5-1/4-3-3): Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole; Essien, Ballack, Lampard, Deco, Joe Cole, Anelka.

Tottenham (1-2 Home V Sunderland) (4-5-1): Gomes, Zokora, King, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto; Bentley, Bale, Modric, Lennon, Jenas; Bent.

PREDICTION

It is hard to see Chelsea’s incredible home record being brought to an end by Spurs tomorrow, but Juande Ramos’ side do have nothing to lose. If both sides are true to their pre-match words then there should be goals in this encounter as Chelsea look to build the early season pressure on their title rivals and the visitors attempt to pick up their first points of the season.

I expect to see an improved Tottenham side tomorrow, one that will not go down without a fight and are likely to test Chelsea’s reserves before the international break. However, the Blues are strong in all areas and should be confident of making it three wins out of three for Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham

Ref From Chris Myson, Goal.com

What: Premier League Round 2
Who: Fulham (13th, 0pts) vs Arsenal (8th, 3pts)
When: Saturday 23 August, Kick-off 17:30
Where: Craven Cottage, London

The first London derby of the new season favours Arsenal. This Premier League fixture, held at Craven Cottage, has only occured seven times in the past, and the north Londoners have emerged victorious no less than six occasions - despite playing away from home.

Both clubs have made headlines this week: with Wenger’s eyebrow-raising trouvaille of strengthening his defence with long-serving Mancunian servant Mikael Silvestre; and Roy Hodgson’s sanctioning of David Healy’s transfer to Sunderland.

The Northern Ireland international was seen as surplus to requirements due to the west London club’s Andy Johnson coup. Johnson is unlikely to start this weekend though due to carrying an injury brought over from his days as a Toffee. Mikael Silvestre is also doubtful as he has a slight muscular problem.

After Fulham’s capitulation at the quick-thinking feet of Hull City at the KC Stadium, Hodgson will be eager for them to make amends. While a home win may be reserved for the Cottagers’ dreams, a draw may be a possibility as Arsenal have been particularly wasteful in front of goal of late.

Emmanuel Adebayor missed a number of chances to double the Gunners’ lead last weekend as they played host to Premier League new-boys West Bromwich Albion. If Arsenal want to prove their many doubters wrong then Seyi will need to re-find his goal-scoring touch and their defence will need to be mindful of Fulham’s height.

The Whites contain a height advantage over an Arsenal back four that lacks it. Should both Toure and Gallas start (neither are taller than 6′0”) they may become unstuck from Fulham set-pieces due to the towering Hangeland who stands at an imposing 6′5”. To counter this, Arsene Wenger would normally start his tallest centre-back, Phillipe Senderos (6′3”), but he is still nursing a hamstring injury, so will have to opt for Djourou.

Fulham on the other hand will have a tough time marking Samir Nasri who, along with Deco, is sure to be a contender for signing of the summer.

Arsenal will feel confident going into this game. Fulham have conceded an average of just under three goals per game when the Gunners visit, and their home record last season was nothing short of abysmal.

FORM GUIDE

Fulham

Fulham will be hugely disappointed with their loss last weekend against a team billed by many to break Derby’s dire record of 11 points in a single top tier campaign. In light of the defeat Hodgson admitted it is his side who will have to work hard to avoid the drop. “It’s going to be a long, hard season and we’re expecting a tough fight against relegation.”

Arsenal

Arsenal began with a bang. Scoring the first goal of the new season when Nasri capped a debut performance with a goal. Ironically the early goal sucked the life out of the game, while the second never came, they still did enough to collect three points.

Fulham

16 August: Hull City 2 Fulham 1
9th August: Fulham 2 Torino 2
2nd August: Birmingham City 1 Fulham 1
26th July: Ulsan Hyundai 1 Fulham 2
23rd July: Busan l’Park 1 Fulham 0

Arsenal

16 August: Arsenal 1 West Bromwich Albion 0
13th August: FC Twente 0 Arsenal 2
9th August: Sevilla 1 Arsenal 1
8th August: Ajax 2 Arsenal 3
6th August: Huddersfield 1 Arsenal 2

TEAM NEWS

Fulham

Hodgson is likely to start the same side that made the trip to Hull. Regarding Johnson’s fitness, the Fulham manager said: “We do not want to take any risks as he could be out for a further period of time.” Johnson did return to training this week so there may be a place for him on the seven man bench.

Possible Starting XI: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Gera, Murphy, Bullard, Davies, Zamora, Ki-Hyeon.

Arsenal

Toure is still regaining full fitness, Silvestre has a minor muscle problem, and Senderos is still sidelined so Djourou will partner Gallas. Song returns from the Olympics and will be regarded as a preferential option in holding the midfield, compared to Eboue. Diaby is still out, as is Eduardo. Walcott underperformed last weekend and may be benched to give way for Eboue who can balance the wings.

Possible Starting XI: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Eboue, Denilson, Song, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Fulham

Fulham’s most prized possession Jimmy Bullard could either prove his worth to the Cottagers regarding a new contract, or raise his stock to potential suitors. With only nine days left in the summer window, other Premier League managers will be casting a watchful eye over the midfield schemer.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s recent raid on Marseille’s French attack-minded midfielder is already paying dividends. Samir Nasri had a free-roaming role against the Baggies last weekend and he could be in an equally devastating mood on Saturday.

Prediction

Fulham 0-3 Arsenal

Ref From Alan Dawson - goal.com

What: International Friendly

Who: England versus Czech Republic

When: Wednesday 20th August, 20:00 (GMT)

Where: Wembley, London

INTRODUCTION

An interesting encounter for two managers both considered rookies on the international scene. Fabio Capello has the benefit of overseeing proceedings on four previous England games, whereas Petr Rada takes the ‘Cecho’ reins for the first time.

Capello and Rada are provided with just 90 more pitch minutes - this is the last scheduled friendly in the international calender - before they embark on their separate World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Three Lions Must Roar

Wembley will be willing the national side on but an air of apprehension will no doubt encircle SW1. Since the humiliating humbling they received from Slaven Bilic’s efficient Croatian display, England have played with the heartache that fans have felt from watching mediocrity after mediocrity. They can’t keep drawing on the 5-1 German thrashing six years ago for comfort. From game to game though this year, there have been improvements.

The first match of the Italian technician’s tenure saw him pitted against Switzerland. About twenty minutes of good passing movement was the only positive to take from the game, that and the result.  Against the French in their Parisian backyard, they were just as uninspiring.

Against the USA, England started to find their stride. Still far from world-beating, but at least they began to control games. Whenever David Beckham plays, the England turn into the international version of Aston Villa - the majority of their goals arriving from set play - but is that an advantage or a disadvantage? If the team wins, surely it can only be beneficial.

Then against Trinidad and Tobago, there was a gulf in class. Despite a three-nil victory, England were capable of more, and probably could have gone on to net a few more times. It will take a while for Fabio Capello to get the team to come to terms with his strategies and tactics. But with the World Cup qualifying round looming, time is no longer a luxury Capello can afford.

Wayne Rooney has been told by managers at both club and country to be more selfish, to not help out his midfield as much, and to concentrate more in the final third. If he has taken this constructive criticism on board, England will play with more fluency. If Rooney plays well, England will play well. He can be the heartbeat. The only thing he has to keep on watching is his temperament. Opposing teams know they can rile him up, but a recently launched FA scheme - focusing on respect - starting this season, hopefully controlling his passion through the right channels will play on his mind.

John Terry has been named full-time captain, again. Hardly a surprising choice. He is the most vocal, a natural leader, and past blemishes aside, he does embody the traditional English ethic of work hard, never stay down, give 110 per cent.

This week Joe Cole stressed the need of a good start. He said all the players would walk through brick walls to pull on the white shirt of the Three Lions. Fabio Capello also mentioned that the English were technically comparable to the European Champions, Spain. As a cynic it appears this was said with the intention of appeasing certain English fans. It’s time for the Fabio Capello, and every member of that squad to do their talking on their pitch, because all they’re doing at the moment is blowing hot air.

Czech Mate

By their own standards the Czech Republic underperformed at this years European Championship. So like England, they will be carrying heartache, the only difference being England have had a bit of time to get over it. The game against the Turks was one of the matches of the tournament. Turkey looked all but out, the manner of their comeback was superb, but the Czech’s must have felt robbed of their passage through to the knockout stages. Petr Cech looked worse off, he was uncharacteristically at fault for his nation’s shortcomings.

Further bad news for the eastern Europeans is the news that they will be Koller-less. The tall targetman, Czech Republic’s highest goal-scorer, has bowed out of the international scene having retired after the summer’s competition. Libor Sionko will also be missed as a leg injury rules him out. Tomas Rosicky too will not be on the name sheet, but his exclusion won’t surprise Arsenal fans, who are used to the attack-minded midfielder’s absence.

A stubborn defence awaits England. Zdenek Grygera, Tomas Ujfalusi, and Marek Jankulovski wear the club colour’s of some of Europe’s heavyweight sides, kitting out for Juventus, Athletico Madrid, and AC Milan, respectively.

Vaclav Sverkos has been called up, who may be remembered for scoring Czech Republic’s only winning goal of Euro 2008, against the Swiss in their opening game.

FORM GUIDE

England

21-11-2007 versus Croatia LOST 3-2 (H) Euro 2008 Qualifier

06-02-2008 versus Switzerland WON 2-1 (H) Friendly

26-03-2008 versus France LOST 1-0 (A) Friendly

28-05-2008 versus USA WON 2-0 (H) Friendly

01-06-2008 versus Trinidad & Tobago WON 3-0 (A) Friendly

Czech Republic

27-05-2008 versus Lithuania WON 2-0 (H) Friendly

30-05-2008 versus Scotland WON 3-1 (H) Friendly

07-06-2008 versus Switzerland WON 1-0 (A) Euro 2008

11-06-2008 versus Portugal LOST 3-1(N) Euro 2008

15-06-2008 versus Turkey LOST 3-2 (N) Euro 2008

TEAM NEWS

England

Peter Crouch is a notable absentee, deemed not worthy of a place perhaps due to not being a prominent member of the Liverpool line-up last year. Emile Heskey, who was an ever-present for Wigan Athletic, is instead favoured. Jonathan Woodgate may not feature - long-term fitness issued cited as his exclusion from training on Monday. Michael Carrick was in the original squad but has since been replaced with Jermain Jenas. Paul Robinson makes a return, as does Jermain Defoe.

Squad

Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Paul Robinson (Blackburn Rovers), Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Wes Brown (Manchester United), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham United), Jonathan Woodgate (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Jermain Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur) Joe Cole (Chelsea) David Bentley (Tottenham Hotspur), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

Strikers: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Emile Heskey (Wigan Athletic).

Possible Starting XI: James, Brown, Ferdinand, Terry, Cole, Beckham, Gerrard, Barry, Lampard, Cole, Rooney.

Czech Republic

Reading midfielder Marek Matejovsky has been ruled out of this fixture. He picked up an ankle inury during Reading’s tie with Nottingham Forest last weekend. Former Arsenal striker Papadopoulos may feature. Tomas Rosicky and Libor Sionko have not been called up due to injuries, whereas Jan Koller has stayed with his club. Czech Republic will forever have to make do without Tomas Galasek and Jaromir Blazek, because the pair both retired from international football following the Czech’s exit from Euro 2008.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Petr Cech (Chelsea), Daniel Zitka (Anderlecht).

Defenders: Zdenek Grygera (Juventus), Marek Jankulovski (AC Milan), Michal Kadlec (Sparta Praha), Zdenek Pospech (FC Kobenhavn), David Rozehnal (Lazio), Tomas Ujfalusi (Atletico Madrid).

Midfielders: David Jarolim (Hamburg), Radoslav Kovac (Spartak Moskva), Marek Matejovsky (Reading), Jaroslav Plasil (Osasuna), Jan Polak (Anderlecht), Stanislav Vlcek (Anderlecht), Jan Rajnoch (Mlada Boleslav), Radek Sirl (Zenit St. Petersburg).

Strikers:Milan Baros (Olympique Lyonnais), Michal Papadopulos (Mlada Boleslav), Vaclav Sverkos (Banik Ostrava).

Possible Starting XI: Cech, Grygera, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi, Jankulovski, Jarolim, Vlcek, Kovac, Plasil, Polak, Baros.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

England

Recently criticised for helping out his team too much, Wayne Rooney has been told by both club and country managers that he needs to be more selfish and focus on his goalscoring game. He is England’s best player, and when on form he makes the three lions tick. Providing he gets the right service, and doesn’t try to come back into midfield to do things himself, then he will be a handful for the Czech defence.

Czech Republic

Like Emile Heskey, Milan Baros is far from a prolific goal-scorer in club football, but like his English counterpart he makes a nuisance of himself in the oppostion half that his team-mates feed off. He won a penalty against Manchester United in the quarter final of the FA Cup for Portsmouth earlier in the year, and also fed Nwankwo Kanu a fine pass that the Nigerian duly slotted home in the Semi. Without his contributions in their cup charge, Portsmouth may not be playing European football this year. England will have to be on guard.

PREDICTION

England 1-1 Czech Republic

Ref From Alan Dawson - goal.com