PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW: WEEK 2
By Eric White
DESPITE saying he would ‘categorically not be at Liverpool’, it seems Brendan Rodgers may have had a change of heart when it comes to Mario Balotelli as we move into the second week of the Premier League season.
Liverpool yesterday had a £16m bid for the player accepted by AC Milan and the decision to pursue the maverick striker is made all the more appealing given the notable furore he can cause off the pitch as well as on it, in a similar way to a certain Luis Suarez.
Liverpool face Balotelli’s old club Manchester City on Monday in a match between the top two in the league from last season. Both managers feel their respective teams have improved since then and it very much has the feel of a big game even at this stage.
Arsenal travel to Goodison Park with there being a firm belief they can improve on their title challenge that faltered in the final months last season.
Arsene Wenger’s side suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat back in April in that crucial dip in form and the Frenchman knows a repeat would be catastrophic for the team’s confidence and something he can far from afford.
Sunderland host Manchester United on Sunday with Louis Van Gaal in dire need of a victory to convince the fans that the club is not set for the wilderness, as club legend Paul Scholes said this week.
The Red Devils have brought in defender Marcos Rojo for £16m since their dismal defeat to Swansea on the opening day and need to rebuild their belief quickly if they are to start moving up the table.
Tottenham face Queens Park Rangers with Harry Redknapp knowing a win against his old club would be hugely detrimental for Spurs’ faint aspirations of a top four place.
Mauricio Pochettino has reason to be confident though after his side battled to a superb 1-0 win away to another London rival, West Ham, last week.
Chelsea entertain Leicester at Stamford Bridge with the fixture being the perfect platform for Jose Mourinho to convince the fans his team are set to fare better against teams from the lower ends of the table, something that cost them so dearly last season in their title bid.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace host West Ham as both teams look to improve on their opening day defeats in what is set to be an enthralling weekend of football.
