Previews

United looking to bounce back

Author: Craig Williams
Date: 22/08/2009
Football betting

There are no early or late kick-offs but still six quality fixtures for Premier League fans to enjoy on Saturday.

Following a busy midweek of domestic and European action there is already some major stories developing in the top-flight, with Manchester United's unconvincing start to their title defence surely the most talked about.

After labouring to an opening-day 1-0 win over Birmingham City the sportsbook favourites were stunned by a 1-0 defeat at Burnley on Wednesday night.

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the defeat could prove costly so what will happen when they face Wigan on Saturday?

Can United bounce back from defeat at the first possible opportunity? - Latest Football Betting

Wigan enjoyed a spectacular start to the new campaign with a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa, but this was soon soured with a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers and manager Roberto Martinez could have had an easier game ahead of him to get back to winning ways.

With Hugo Rodallega looking impressive in an advanced role, the Latics will be asking for the tricky frontman to continue his goalscoring exploits after he scored against the Red Devils last term and opened up Wigan's account with a fizzing long-range strike at Villa Park last Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson has a strong squad to choose from, although he is still without many of his first-choice defenders.

Rio Ferdinand (thigh), Jonny Evans (ankle), Edwin van der Sar (thumb) and Owen Hargreaves (knee) are out, but Nemanja Vidic is back after a calf injury.

Arsenal entertain Portsmouth at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime fresh from a fantastic opening week to their competitive campaign.

With Cesc Fabregas, Andriy Arshavin, Eduardo and Robin van Persie, amongst others, looking in ominous form so early in the season, Pompey may not be relishing their trip to the capital to face Arsene Wenger's men.

Birmingham City host Stoke City with both sides looking to maintain their encouraging starts to the season.

However, a draw looks the most likely result at St Andrew's with neither side particularly lethal in front of goal

It's a similar story at Sunderland where there is precious little to separate the Black Cats and Saturday's visitors Blackburn Rovers.

Darren Bent could prove the difference for the home side as he has looked in good goalscoring form since his £10million arrival on Wearside.

Bolton will be hoping to profit from Hull City's losing start to the season as they look to put their own first points on the board.

Hull have lost both of their two opening games while the Trotters narrowly lost out to Sunderland on opening day.

Big-spending Manchester City will parade their expensively assembled squad at the City of Manchester Stadium for the first time this season when they face newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers.

With precocious talents like Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry, Robinho, Stephen Ireland, Emmanuel Adebayor and many others all knocking on the door for a starting berth, manager Mark Hughes could have bigger problems.

He has a couple of injury problems still causing him a slight headache, however. Youngster Michael Johnson (groin), Roque Santa Cruz (knee) and Vincent Kompany (ankle) are all still missing.

Wolves lost at home to West Ham United on day one but turned their disappointing start around with an excellent win at Wigan Athletic in midweek which has renewed optimism at the West Midlands club.

Mick McCarthy will be praying his backline find it in them to stem and thwart City's attacks, but it must be said that with the flair and panache within the Citizens' squad, it could be difficult to expect anything other than a home win.

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