Week 2 match-ups

Now, with just one set of games in the books and midweek games pending, it may be somewhat premature to think there are certain trends in teams' play. I would have to say the jury is still out on many squads; there may have been some anomalous results to start the season. The Tues/Wed games will help shed a bit more light on how some teams really look.

A couple of games caught my attention right away:

LIV v. W.HAM - Notoriously tight at the back, Liverpool at home is pretty close to a sure thing defensively. They won't give up many shots or scoring chances. Perhaps more importantly, West Ham likes to attack and gives opponents space on the counter. This could mean big points for Gerrard, Bellamy, etc., but watch their CL qualifier for an indication of the line-up. That's not to say that the Hammers won't score, as evidenced in the FA Cup final last year. With first-choice defenders Carragher and Riise out, the clean sheet proposition may be slightly diminished.

ManU @ WATFORD - After the thrashing they gave Fulham, I can't see ManU not winning this game handily. Yes, even with Rooney the boy wonder they will do quite well against a promoted team that will struggle with the Red Devils' quality all over the pitch. Saha is on fine form, as is Ronaldo. At the back, Heinze is still out resting his knee, so it's a toss up b/t Evra and Silvestre to fill that left back slot. Van Der Sar is a safe, albeit pricey, GK pick. Watford looks a team that will scrap and not get blown out often, but I can't see them getting much from this match.

CHE @ BBURN - The champs are away to a tough Rovers team, but based on their first match, they did not play well. It was probably due to the fact that key defender Ryan Nelson was absent and Lucas Neill got red carded. If either or both are still out, this should mean a solid, if not unspectacular, win for the Blues. They have enough flair to score on the road and the ability to clamp down opponents. And I did not see enough from BBurn to suggest they can threaten the Chelsea goal, though I do expect Hughes to get them motivated. Cudicini looks a good pick in goal, and YFF favourites Lampard, Robben, Sheva and Terry will grace many team sheets this week, with good reason.

FUL v. SHEFF - A more risky match-up. Fulham was absolutely thrashed by ManU and the defence looked shambolic. However, hearken back to last season where they lost but a few games at Craven Cottage (to the top teams of course). Whether it continues to be a stronghold remains to be seen. While Sheffield held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw, they really did not create much all game and I feel that they may have been playing off the euphoria of a first home game in the Premiership. On the road they may find it more difficult...Niemi's price has plummeted after allowing 5 goals ($7.12). He's class and I've always liked him as a shot-stopper - he's normally good for several saves a game. Jimmy Bullard seems to have assumed all set piece duties and recorded a healthy YFF score in the blow-out. I even like Dead Snake (Boa Morte) as a darkhorse, but it's a bit wasteful as he is listed at striker and players more of a left-winger role. There aren't too many Sheffield players I would recommend at the moment. ** A caveat: one game into the season may be too early to tell just how good or bad these teams really are, pick with caution **