Premier League Fixtures 2nd October 2010 Part 1

Wigan Athletic v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wigan and Wolves face one another in this alphabetical derby. They sat in the bottom two places in the league before the season started and they could be there at the end too if they’re not too careful.
David Jones and Dave Edwards will both hope to start after being in and out of Wolves’ starting line-up recently. Wayne Hennessey will be on the bench.

Stoke City v Blackburn Rovers
Stoke are up and running in terms of points but they have relied on their home form to keep them in the Premier League. Currently their home and away forms are identical. It could be a bit of a battle – both sides have been criticised for their physical style of play.
Danny Collins hopes to celebrate his recall to the Wales squad by keeping his place in Stoke’s starting line-up. Ryan Shawcross should also start.

Sunderland v Manchester United
Sunderland are unbeaten at home and they’ll be glad to host Manchester United at a time when they’re not at their best.
Manchester United will be without a number of players, including Ryan Giggs, who has a hamstring injury, and Owen Hargreaves, who is building up his fitness in preparation for his latest comeback. Michael Owen is fit and should start but probably won’t.

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
When Tottenham have played well, they’ve looked pretty much unstoppable but there have been a surprising number of hangovers for Tottenham this season – amazing really when you consider they’re not really supposed to drink. And who’s their best player this season? Well, he’s Welsh… and he’s teetotal.
Gareth Bale will start unless Harry Redknapp thinks he needs another rest – and if those evil advertising boards didn’t do him any serious damage.
James Collins should play in defence for Aston Villa.