Liverpool cannot buy a goal

Sunderland 0 Vs Liverpool 0
A dearth of goals is threatening Brendan Rodgers’ nascent managerial career at Anfield. Luis Suarez remains erratic while the jury is still out on Fabio Borini. The Kop’s best chance of getting a result at the Stadium of Light might thus lie in keeping out Sunderland.

Norwich 2 Vs West Ham 2
There is a championship feel about this fixture. Norwich and West Ham are two of the most direct teams in the league. Big, bustling and full of heart; they should cancel each other out in an aerial duel. Andy Carroll is a big miss for the Hammers as he tormented Fulham.

Arsenal 2 Vs Southampton1
Abou Diaby had poise, control and vision as he guided the Gunners to a 2-0 victory over Liverpool. A winning central midfield partnership with Santi Carzola is brewing. Nigel Adkins’ spirited visitors have already pushed the two Manchester giants, but a result at the Emirates Stadium is out of reach.

Aston Villa 2 Vs Swansea 1
Paul Lambert’s influence was visible in the one-all draw with Newcastle. They created a hatful of chances and expect the same against a Swansea-lona side that is brimming with confidence following a dream start to the season. Swansea recruited wisely though I can’t see them taking anything from Villa Park.

Fulham 1 Vs West Brom 1
Ordinarily strong at home, the Cottagers are struggling to cope with the departure of their two most influential players – Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey. Dimitar Berbatov will be pushing for a starting slot after that lovely Cameo against West Ham but the Brummies will prove hard nuts to crack.

Man United 3 Vs Wigan 1
Any perceived Red Devils title assault is incumbent on them starting to keep clean sheets. I don’t expect them to keep out a Wigan side hell-bent on proving that their 1-0 win at the back end of last season was no fluke. Fortunately for United, Robin van Persie is firing on all cylinders. But will he be fit?

QPR 1 Vs Chelsea 2
Chelsea may be table-toppers but Atletico Madrid proved they are a work in process in the Super Cup. They come up against a QPR that is struggling to find rhythm having made too many changes. Chelsea players will have an axe to grind, following their bitter 0-1 defeat last season.

Stoke 0 Vs Man City 1
This is a repeat of the 2011 FA Cup final. On that occasion, a less powerful City brushed aside Stoke 3-0. Roberto Mancini has publicly stated he wants a clean sheet even though that will only come if the defense gets better cover and the midfield keeps the ball better.

Reading 1 Vs Tottenham 1
Andre Villas Boas’ White Hart Lane revolution is not going according to plan. Conceding late goals is proving perilous to his ambitions. AVB might have to abandon the 4-3-3 as the two wide players are not giving Jermaine Defoe adequate support. It is time for Emmanuel Adebayor to justify his astronomical wages.

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