Premier League Fixtures 21st August 2010 Part 1

Arsenal v Blackpool
A team under pressure take on a team who just want to enjoy the Premier League while they’re in it. The team under pressure should still win but I can’t help feeling a little bit worried. Blackpool demolished Wigan Athletic last week and Wigan beat Arsenal the last time they played… But the last time Blackpool beat Arsenal, Arsene Wenger was about eight years old.
Arsenal’s leading goalscorer is Pepe Reina. Not something they would have expected, even if Liverpool had accepted Arsenal’s bid for him. Hopefully we’ll have a new top goalscorer by tomorrow.
Aaron Ramsey won’t play for Arsenal again until November.
David Vaughan is likely to be in Blackpool’s starting line-up with Neal Eardley and Rob Edwards on the bench at least.

Birmingham City v Blackburn Rovers
Both teams finished in the top half of the season. In both cases it was a bit of a surprise, with Birmingham newly promoted and Blackburn looking like they were in relegation trouble at one stage. This could go either way – not least as the referee is younger than Stuart ‘Ghost Goal’ Attwell. Scary thought.
Jason Brown was Blackburn’s second-choice goalkeeper last season but he wasn’t on the bench last week so maybe he’s been overtaken in the pecking order.

Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Everton often have a slow start to the season before going on a great run and getting into Europe. This could be great news for Wolves, who are expected to struggle again next season and need all the points they can get.
Wolves’ Dave Edwards is out with a groin injury and teenager Jake Cassidy is unlikely to play any part in Wolves’ Premier League campaign but David Jones should start after his wonder goal last week and Wayne Hennessey will be on the bench.

Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur
Stoke are famed for their good home form (and, of course for their throw-ins) and they’ll need to maintain it if they hope for another improved finish this season. So they probably aren’t looking forward to a visit from Tottenham – although if they play as they did against Young Boys in the Champions’ League qualifier, Stoke are in with a chance.
Ryan Shawcross will be Stoke City’s captain again but Danny Collins will probably be on the bench.
Tottenham have huge problems up front after the poor darlings couldn’t cope with that nasty plastic pitch in the Champions’ League. So they’ll be grateful for the presence of Gareth Bale, a potent attacking threat even when he plays in defence.