Premiership Weekend Preview
by Adam Marshall - Last Updated 10 Sep 2004
The Premiership takes centre stage again following the World Cup qualifiers, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all on the road on Saturday.
Chelsea kick off early in the live Premier Plus clash with Aston Villa before United and Arsenal both face local opposition, The Red Devils at Bolton Wanderers and The Gunners at Fulham.
Graeme Souness is on gardening leave as his new club Newcastle United tackle Blackburn Rovers while Super Sunday's clash is between Tottenham and Norwich City.
After the weekend, Charlton Athletic entertain Southampton in the live Monday fixture.
Team news will appear via the match links when available.
Saturday:
Aston Villa v Chelsea, Live on Premier Plus, 12.45
Chelsea have not won at Villa Park on their last five Premiership visits. The Blues have allowed their opponents four shots on target this term - the lowest number in the league.
Bolton v Man United
Wanderers have not beaten United at home in their five Premiership meetings. Paul Scholes has bagged six goals in eight Premiership appearances against Bolton.
Fulham v Arsenal
Fulham have failed to win any of their Premiership London derbies played at Craven Cottage. Thierry Henry already has six assists this season - as many as he managed in the whole of 2003/2004.
Liverpool v West Brom
Milan Baros has scored three goals in two appearances against West Brom. The Reds have won seven and drawn two of their last nine Premiership matches against visitors from the Midlands.
Man City v Everton
There have been 29 goals in seven Premiership meetings where City have hosted Everton. The Eastlands outfit have lost only one of their last 11 home Premiership North West derbies.
Middlesbrough v Birmingham
The four Premiership meetings between these two sides have all ended in home wins. Middlesbrough have already won more points (four) from games in which they trailed this season than the whole of last term (three).
Newcastle v Blackburn
Blackburn have scored exactly one goal in eight of their nine trips to St James' Park in Premiership history. Rovers have the worst disciplinary record so far this term with nine yellows and two red cards as well as having committed the most fouls (84).
Portsmouth v Crystal Palace, Live on Sky Sports 2, 17.15
Palace have scored on their last nine visits to Fratton Park. Julian Speroni has made more saves than any other keeper so far this season (22).
Sunday:
Tottenham v Norwich, Live on Sky Sports 1, 16.05
Jermain Defoe is the most relied upon striker in The Premiership with 75 percent of his club's goals. Ledley King has yet to concede a foul in 360 minutes of Premiership football. Defoe and Darren Huckerby have been caught offside more often than any other players this term (10).
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