The action gets started with an epic clash of hated rivals as Liverpool will play Manchester United at Old Trafford in what has to be considered a pivotal game for both clubs. Looking down the fixture list, and I might just have to say this is the best week (on paper) of the season. So many clubs playing rivals, or teams directly near them, or generally “thought” to be near them as far as perennial status goes, will be taking each other on.

Liverpool knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup two weekend ago, United will be looking for revenge as they host the Reds at Old Trafford on Saturday morning lunchtime.

It’s hard to pick the highlights since every match is a cracker, but some of my favorites include Everton v. Chelsea, Sunderland v. Arsenal, Fulham v. Stoke, Tottenham v. Newcastle, OK, I must stop because I want to list them all! The only remedy for me is to just get straight into it.

Manchester United v. Liverpool: 7:45 am Saturday on ESPN2

Anytime Manchester United plays on ESPN, it makes me nervous, call it the “Curse of Macca” but nevertheless, I proceed. After losing back-to-back fixtures in late December and early January, United have taken 10 points from their 12 available since.

Liverpool’s results over their last six have been a tiny window into their entire season. Two wins, two draws and two defeats. Results like these have plagued Liverpool in the league but the Reds have made the domestic cups their prize this season.

United have conceded 14 goals in their 12 home matches to this point in the league, a record that is both untypical and one that must change if they are going to win their 20th league trophy. Will the Stretford End be loud enough to put the Red Devils over the top in this one? It’s this American’s opinion that they’ve been relatively mum this season…

United 2 Liverpool 0 

Swansea City v. Norwich City: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 2Go

I don’t think either team thought this meeting would be taking place under any better circumstances. Norwich sit 9th and the Swans sit 10th in the league table, barring a collapse the size and scope of which no one has ever witnessed in league history, both clubs will be returning to the Premier League and if I must editorialize, I believe both clubs have that added drive that has seen Stoke maintain its Premier League status.

The Canaries won the first Premier League encounter between the two sides by a convincing 3-1 scoreline at Carrow Road. However, this one will be taking place at Liberty Stadium, where the Swans have lost just once all season.

The Swans have scored just 16 goals at home though, so one might think that another clean sheet will be necessary if they are to pick up all three points and leapfrog their promotion rivals.

Swansea 1 Norwich City 1 

Thierry Henry only has two more games in which he's eligible to take the pitch for Arsenal before he must return to the States. Will Wenger start him away to Sunderland?

Sunderland v. Arsenal: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus

After losing three of four matches, Arsenal throttled Blackburn 7-1 last time out and will be looking to take that type of performance on the road as they head to Wearside on Saturday.

Martin O’Neill’s men have won five of their last six to hit the magic 40-point barrier, which is a turnaround that still has gone acutely under-appreciated by those in the Premier League landscape.

The Gunners have taken just one point from their last three away matches while Sunderland are perfect in their last three home matches, and have conceded just two league goals since the end of November at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland 1 Arsenal 1 

Blackburn v. QPR: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 2Go

Just about everybody’s “Clanger” in a week chalk full of excellent match ups, I’d argue that this one might have goals galore in it.

Blackburn are coming off their bloodiest defeat (1-7 at Arsenal) of the season whilst QPR lost to Wolves at home in a game most expected them to win. When you dig even deeper, more story lines appear.

Blackburn currently sit 19th whilst QPR hover above the drop zone in 17th. It’s not inconceivable that Blackburn could leap frog their opponents with a win. A two-goal Blackburn win would send them ahead of QPR as the Hoops sit four goals to the good in comparison with Rovers, but Rovers have scored more goals overall, so a two goal win would mean Blackburn would go level with QPR on difference but would receive the kicker from goals scored, (a Blackburn fan’s wet dream, I presume).

Blackburn 2 QPR 2

Everton v. Chelsea: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer

Since the January transfers have come to Goodison Park, Everton have stemmed the tide of successive bad results. The Toffees are unbeaten in their last four league matches but only have six points to show from those games.

Chelsea continue to be in one of the most uncomfortable spots they’ve been in for years. A measly 43 points to their name in what’s essentially mid-February with three capable clubs breathing down their neck to capture the fourth and final Champions League spot.

Everton are scoring exactly one goal per home match, and they haven’t scored more than once at home, (something they have done only three times all season) since November. However, Chelsea have not lost away since October.

Everton 1 Chelsea 2 

Bolton v. Wigan: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 2Go

This match can only be viewed as a relegation six pointer, and one that Wigan certainly cannot lose.

Last season, 40 points was the magic number for survival and for Wigan to reach that this season, they’ll need to take 26 points from the remaining 42 available to reach that mark. With the same amount of games left last season, the Latics took 20 from 42. 20 this season would give them 36 which would likely guarantee relegation this season.

Bolton have had a mixed bag of results of late, which has been better than consecutive losses, which they’ve somewhat grown accustomed to. They’ve claimed eight points from their last six matches, but have been unbeaten at home in their last three.

Bolton 2 Wigan 1

Fulham v. Stoke City: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 2Go

Fulham were well beaten away to Manchester City last week, but they return home, where they have won four of their last six to play a struggling Stoke City side trying to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat.

Stoke have experience this type of slump already this season. Losing four of five league fixtures in October and November. The Europa League will return next week, and when games are coming thick and fast, Stoke have seemed to fair slightly better but they desperately need a result to stem the tide on Saturday.

Fulham can’t seem to string consecutive positive performances together. After being Arsenal 2-1 they lost to Blackburn 3-1 and after throttling Newcastle 5-2, they’ve since drawn with West Brom and as I mentioned, got tanked by Manchester City.

Fulham 2 Stoke 1 

Tottenham Hotspur v. Newcastle United: 12:30 pm Saturday on Fox Soccer

Harry Redknapp’s name has been thrown around for the England job which we will get to see how much of a distraction it might be as they take on a tough Newcastle side at White Hart Lane on Saturday, tea time.

Spurs couldn’t take advantage of Chelsea’s slip up, but remained seven points ahead of the Blues for the final Champions League Group Stage spot. Newcastle are also in for European Football next season, occupying the Europa League spot but are just two adrift from Chelsea for the final Champions League spot.

This match is essentially vying for “third prize” if there is one in the Premier League. Newcastle have won four of their last five but have lost two of their last three on the road. Tottenham have taken just five points from their last four matches, but slip ups from the teams at the top of the table and around them have not made that a consequential stat.

Tottenham 3 Newcastle 2

Wolverhampton v. West Bromwich Albion: 8:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer Plus

Last week’s win away to QPR cooled the coals under Mr. McCarthy’s chair, but a loss to table neighbor West Brom at the Molineux would have them glowing once more you feel.

West Brom have gotten the right results when they’ve been absolutely necessary, and while they sit six points adrift of relegation, a sense of urgency is a must if they want to dispatch the notion that they are a potential relegation team.

The Baggies have scored six more goals on their travels than they have at home and are essentially the only team in the Premier League with a better return from their away matches than their home matches. Conversely, Wolves have lost their last three home matches and have not won at the Molineux since December 4th.

Wolves 2 West Brom 1 

Aston Villa v. Manchester City: 11:00 am Sunday on Fox Soccer

A fan protest is set to be staged before kick-off advocating the ousting of Manager Alex McLeish. The Scot has really never been in favor at the club since arriving from cross-town rivals Birmingham City after he saw them relegated to the Championship on the final day of last season.

Villa fans might be a little more positive if they knew that over the course of the last ten matches, Villa have dominated the Citizens. The Villians have won seven, drawn two, and lost only once. However, five of those victories came at the Etihad, but they still remain unbeaten at Villa Park in the same span of time.

A win for Villa should settle things a bit for McLeish as it could potentially take Villa into the top half of the table. Villa’s home form this season has been dreadful, and City have won just one of their last six away matches. Something has to give.

Villa 1 City 3

Andy Carroll has found his form, and as a result, so has Liverpool. They play in the second headliner of the week on Monday as Liverpool host Spurs, which can be seen on ESPN2

Several down-table matches should provide emerging relegation story lines, while several mid-table teams clash with one another as well. The week will be concluded on Monday with a showdown at Anfield as Spurs look to squash the inspired form the Reds have found sans-Suarez. That cannot occur before the Super Sunday matchup has been finished, as Manchester United look to exorcise their demons at Stamford Bridge. I cannot wait!

Arsenal v. Blackburn - 8:00 am Saturday on ESPN2

After recovering from an early season malaise that had many predicting the club’s demise under Arsene Wenger-including a dramatic 4-3 loss to Blackburn at Ewood Park amongst those bad performances, Arsenal once again fine their form slipping to unimaginable lows.

Blackburn have been battling at or near the foot of the table all season and will look to manage another shock result against Arsenal for the second time this season.

A run of form that has produced just five points from their last six matches, Arsenal now sit 7th, and five points behind the final Champion’s League spot. If they can’t beat a struggling side in front of their home fans when they absolutely have to, they simply don’t deserve European football next season.

Arsenal 2 Blackburn 1

West Bromwich Albion v. Swansea City – 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 2Go (formerly foxsoccer.tv)

Both teams are coming off of solid away draws at the midweek against formidable opposition in West London. The Baggies sharing the spoils with Fulham whilst the Swans snatched a point at Stamford Bridge.

West Brom is currently eight points above the drop and are just fourteen away from the mythical 40-point mark that supposedly guarantees safety. A win would see them leapfrog their opponents in the table.

Swansea City sit one point and one place ahead of their competition, and have managed seven draws on their travels, just the type of results a promoted side requires to stay in the Premiership.

West Brom 1 Swansea 2

Wigan Athletic v. Everton – 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer

After putting in a brave performance but disappointingly losing 1-0 at home to Manchester City the Latics have been beaten by convincing 3-1 score lines in their two matches since.

Everton got a much needed and rare win in front of their home fans that sent a shockwave up the table as they beat Manchester City 1-0 as former Manchester United player and January transfer, Darren Gibson set Goodison on fire and helped his former team go level with “Cit’eh” on points at the top.

Wigan have taken just one point from their last possible 18 and have not won since 10 December. Everton are unbeaten in three and have a decent away record this season.

Wigan 1 Everton 2

Is Mick McCarthy the next Premier League boss to head to the unemployment line? He has to just about be the bookmaker's odd's on favorite, especially if Wolves can't produce a result at the once-struggling QPR.

Queens Park Rangers v. Wolverhampton – 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 2Go

QPR are providing an interesting precedent Wolves might be looking to follow as Mick McCarthy’s job security is about as flimsy as tissue paper at this point, while new QPR manager Mark Hughes has produced two consecutive results to take the Hoops out of the drop zone.

Wolves have taken just three points from their last six matches, conceding three goals in each of their last two matches. The only silver lining might be that those three points all came from away draws.

My personal jury is still out on how effective Hughes can be long term at QPR (or whether he’ll even be there next season if he keeps them in the Premier League). If there is a good sign to his tenure is that his team have managed to net five times in the three league matches under his tutelage, which is brilliant for a side that had netted just 19 league goals before he took over.

QPR 3 Wolves 2

Stoke City v. Sunderland – 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus

Only goal difference sets these two teams apart but that disparity is large, with Stoke City being on the wrong end. This match should be a gem.

Stoke City are beginning to go into one of their worrying bouts of form that they suffered in late fall before responding fully in December. After going unbeaten in four, they’ve lost two in a row and looked absolutely lifeless going forward at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Sunderland, what more can you say about them? Martin O’Neill is reaching iconic status after just a handful of games in charge on Wearside. The Black Cats have taken 13 points from their last six matches and could feel hard done by their 1-0 reverse at Stamford Bridge in January.

Stoke City 1 Sunderland 1 

Norwich City v. Bolton – 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 2Go

Despite being disappointed on Wednesday with their 0-3 away loss at Sunderland the Canaries are well on pace to stay in the Premier League while their opponents are struggling to make sure they stay up as well.

Bolton have finally started to grind out results with a thorough 3-1 victory over Liverpool followed by an impressive draw against Arsenal on the midweek. They will have to amass the same amount of points in the remaining fifteen matches that they’ve managed in the first 23 if they are to reach that mythic 40-point mark.

Norwich have taken eight points from their last six games but have failed to win at Carrow Road since 10 December. You have to think they’ll view this match as a probable win.

Norwich 2 Bolton 1 

Manchester City v. Fulham – 12:30 pm Saturday on Fox Soccer

Manchester City have taken just one more point (10) from their last six league matches than have Fulham (9) as they try to maintain their tenuous (goal difference) lead over their city rivals.

This match really isn’t too difficult to predict, in spite of Fulham’s form ticking up in recent weeks. The Cottagers have the second worst away record in the league.

Manchester City have won every single one of their home league matches this season. They’ve conceded just six goals in those 11 games.

Manchester City 3 Fulham 1 

Newcastle United v. Aston Villa – 8:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer 

Aston Villa travel to the Northeast having not lost in a month, but they are still having trouble putting teams away that they should be beating and they’ve failed to produce a convincing result against any team around them or ahead of them.

The Magpies currently sit in 5th, and are trying to maintain their status as European qualifiers. They’ve lost just twice in front of their home fans and have produced some fantastic results at St. James’ so far.

One thing is for sure, this game might need an early goal to open up each team’s normally stout defense.

Newcastle 2 Aston Villa 1

After going level with City on points in midweek, United head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, a venue where they have not been victorious in 10 years.

Chelsea v. Manchester United – 11 am Sunday on Fox Broadcasting Company

Chelsea and Manchester United square off on Super Bowl Sunday for the second year in a row. Last year United won 3-1 at Old Trafford and would like to duplicate that performance at a venue where they’ve had no success.

United have not won at Stamford Bridge in the league since 2002, and the Blues have won 7 of their 11 matches their this season, but they’ve also conceded 16 goals in those matches, not a typical statistic.

Wayne Rooney has not appeared in either of Manchester United’s last two matches, but one has to assume he’ll be starting on Sunday. He scored the opening goal in this fixture last season before Chelsea clawed back for a 2-1 victory.

Chelsea 1 Manchester United 2

Liverpool v. Tottenham – 3 pm Monday on ESPN2 

Liverpool will look to continue their good form as they host a Tottenham side who still possess a slight title challenge.

The Reds’ struggles at home have been well documented, just four wins and seven draws, while Tottenham have six away wins to their credit.

I can see this game going to the team who controls the center of midfield the most effectively. Liverpool will have Gerrard fit to start. If Tottenham can be ambitious going forward from the outset, I expect them to threaten Pepe Reina’s goal often.

Liverpool 2 Tottenham 2

Tom Brady changes into his practice gear in front of a locker that has Manning in gold plating on the door, much to the chagrin of Colts Nation, the New England Patriots are the AFC representatives for Super Bowl XLVI to be played in the playground home of Peyton Manning and his Indianapolis Colts teammates.  The Patriots, that archrival and hated enemy of Colts fans everywhere will attempt to win their fourth Super Bowl of the Brady and Bill Belichick era in the Colts own Lucas Oil Stadium.  Manning didn’t even have a chance at playing in his home stadium for the Super Bowl with his third neck surgery sidelining him for the entire 2011 season and left the Colts with subpar play at the quarterback position and an abysmal 2-14 record.

The Patriots earned home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a 13-3 regular season and an AFC East crown.  They destroyed Tebowmania and the Broncos with a 45-10 victory before a heart pounding 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens landed them in Indianapolis against their nemesis from Super Bowl XXXXII, the New York Giants.  Ravens wide receiver Lee Evans couldn’t control a potential last minute game winning touchdown catch and then survived a hooked last second field goal attempt by Billy Cundiff to send the game to overtime.  The Ravens misfortune was the Patriots good fortune and they happily punched their ticket to Indianapolis.

Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick and Brady have been on the same page for this fifth Super Bowl together.  Brady is an extension of Belichick on the field and enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his storied career.  Brady threw for over 5,200 yards with 39 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.  His yardage total would have been an NFL record except Drew Brees exceeded Brady.

Brady is the cool cat under fire that has led the Patriots to three Super Bowl victories and another appearance during his Hall of Fame career.  Brady has Pro Bowl receiving targets in wide receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski.  Tight end Aaron Hernandez is another popular target with 79 catches for over 900 yards.  Welker led the entire NFL with 122 catches for 1,569 yards while the indefensible Gronkowski caught 90 balls for over 1,300 yards.  Gronkowski and Hernandez are the prototype tight ends for this era in the NFL; big and fast.  They are too fast to be covered by linebackers and too big for safeties.  They are a defensive coordinators worst nightmare.  The Pats running game is led by the less than famous BenJarvus Green-Ellis.  The Patriots run to keep the defense honest and to give the receivers a breather but their bread and butter is their lethal passing attack.  The Patriots protect Brady behind an offensive line led by Pro Bowl guards in Logan Mankins and Brian Waters.  Veteran left tackle Matt Light protects Brady’s blind side while rookie right tackle Nate Solder is a mountain of a man.

The Patriot defense ranked next to last in total yards allowed but ranked 15^th in scoring defense.  Clearly a bend but don’t break philosophy.  The Pats defense merely needs to be average for the Patriots to win games.  The New England pass rush was hurt by the season ending injury to DE Andre Carter.  NT Vince Wilfork is a human eclipse with his amazing girth and ability to swallow ball carriers in the running game.  Jerod Mayo leads the linebacking corps.  Cornerback Kyle Arrington led the NFL with seven interceptions.

The Patriots are intent on rubbing out the memory of Giants wide receiver, David Tyrees’ miraculous catch against his helmet that was preceded by Eli Manning’s miraculous escape from the Patriot pass rush to keep the game winning drive alive in SB XXXII.  New England entered that game at 18-0 with a perfect regular season and two playoff victories.  They wanted to erase the annual champagne toast of the 17-0 Miami Dolphins squad of 1972.  This version of the Patriots doesn’t have the pressure of a perfect season but Tom Brady is trying to match Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana as four time Super Bowl winning quarterbacks.  Brady would relish tying Bradshaw and Montana but he would also enjoy the jab at Manning with his fourth title to Manning’s one title, on Manning’s home field, in Manning’s locker room, in front of Manning’s locker.

Manchester United ran riot over Arsenal in August, beating the Gunners 8-2 in one of the worst days in Arsenal's footballing storied history. They meet for the second and final time in the league this season on Sunday at the Emirates stadium. The game will be televised live in the United States on FOX, the first time this has ever happened.

Welcoming myself and you all back to a sorely missed part of my week. Apologies for the hiatus for any of you who’ve read my weekly predictions before. I was incredibly unsuccessful over the course of my absence, with my best two weeks amounting to only 4-6 record, following the two previous weeks of a combined 5-15. That brings my overall record to 88-91, so I am back under the 50% mark for the first time in a long time. I’ll be trying to right the ship this week.

There are several important clashes this week. QPR, which has found itself sputtering so badly it’s in the relegation zone hosts a Wigan Athletic side who sit bottom of the league. Several of the matches feature teams jockeying for position in the middle of the table, while Sunday offers up two titillating matches. First, Manchester City will host Tottenham Hostpur at the Etihad Stadium while immediate following that match, Arsenal play host to Manchester United. While the season is still 17 weeks long, a chance for City to go six points clear at the top has to be the ideal way to exit this weekend.

Norwich City v. Chelsea: 7:45 am Saturday, on ESPN2

Both clubs enter this fixture after winning two straight and taking a total of nine points from their last 18 available. The only difference? Expectations. While Norwich City can be happy with that sort of point output, 9 from 18 is far from the standards Chelsea set for themselves.

Chelsea won the first encounter of the season 3-1, having to respond to a Grant Holt first half equalizer. Chelsea have been far from perfect all season, but have lost only twice on their travels this season.

For a promoted club, Norwich City’s home form has been outstanding, which is the primary reason both Swansea and the Canaries sit in the top half as we’re well and truly into the second half of the season. The Canaries are just twelve points from the mythical 40-point-equals-safety number, so you can image they’ll be gunning for a result in this one.

Norwich City 1 Chelsea 2

Everton v. Blackburn: 10 am Saturday, on Fox Soccer

January has not been so kind to the Toffees, as they’ve taken just four points from the available 12 in the new year. Their five home losses can be greatly attributed to their bottom-half status. It’s hard to win games, when you’ve scored just 10 goals in front of your home fans all season.

Blackburn have won two of their last three, and have taken seven points from the most recent 12 available to them, which has propelled them out of the drop-zone for the first time since September.

Everton have not scored more than one goal in any match since November 26, and have scored more than once at home just three times all season. Conversely, Blackburn have scored seven times in their last three matches, but their away form is one of the worst in the Premier League, just one win.

Everton 1 Blackburn 1 

Fulham v. Newcastle United: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus

If you’re a neutral fan, and you can’t watch either of the big two games on Sunday, this is a good one to watch. Fulham have been producing a mixed bag of results all season including a handful of head scratching wins and defeats.

Newcastle United’s season has been well-documented. A fantastic start that saw them reach second for a brief period of time, came crashing down following a quick succession of injuries, but they responded well to that crisis and have won three of their last four to take them back into European contention.

When form is taken into consideration, one would think Newcastle is the obvious choice, but they’ve struggled at times to do a proper job against teams in the bottom third of the table. Fulham has played just once at home in a calendar month’s time, and their last league match at Craven Cottage produced a 2-1 win over London rivals Arsenal so I expect the Cottagers’ crowd to be up for this one.

Fulham 2 Newcastle United 1 

Sunderland v. Swansea City: 10 am Saturday, on foxsoccer.tv

Sunderland will be returning to the Stadium of Light following an expected, albeit disappointing result at Chelsea last time out, whilst Swansea City will be buoyed by two straight wins, including last week’s massive 3-2 defeat of Arsenal in Wales.

Martin O’Neill is already reaching cult-icon status, but its games like these that Sunderland must win if they’re going to finish the season in the top half. Sunderland are unbeaten at home under O’Neill’s watch and will be looking to continue that against the Swans, surely.

Swansea has mimicked Jekyll and Hyde as far as their home/road form is concerned. 20 of their 26 points have come in front of their home fans, where they can score goals and they don’t concede many (just six for the year). But on their travels, they’ve managed to score just eight times in ten matches-joint worst in the Premier League.

Sunderland 2 Swansea 0 

Wolverhampton v. Aston Villa: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Based on current form and their position in the table, this has to be the worst match on paper, this week. Wolves have claimed just five points over the course of their last six matches, whilst Villa have claimed a whopping six points in the same stretch of games.

The silver lining for Wolves in this affair might be that it will take place at the Molineux, where they’ve collected 11 of their 18 total points. That said, Wolves have not won at home in all competitions (they were just knocked out of the FA Cup by Birmingham City in a replay at the Molineux on midweek) since December 4th, and prior to that, won only one of their matches at home since September.

Alex McLeish’s side might be leading the race for the “Biggest Disappointment” award for the 2011-12 BPL campaign. The shocking 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on New Years day was just their third league win since October 1st. It’s McLeish’s brand of football and it is infuriating the masses at Birmingham’s biggest club. That’s what Villa gets for hiring a manager who’s previous expectations have never eclipsed “Stay in the league.”

Wolves 1 Villa 1 

Queens Park Rangers v. Wigan Athletic: 10 am Saturday, on foxsoccer.tv

Despite losing 1-0 at St. James’ Park in Mark Hughes’ league debut as QPR’s manager, the club responded with a good win this week, advancing to the FA Cup Fourth Round via a 1-0 win over MK Dons in a replay. It was some positive news for a club that has been in freefall in the league–their last league win came on November 19, and they’ve taken just two points from the 27 points available since.

Just when Wigan had started to put some positive results together, (draws against teams they should likely have lost to) they’ve gone and lost three of four and are at the foot of the table, 25 points from the magic 40 point barrier.

The Latics have mustered just three wins all season, but they head to Loftus Road, where QPR possess the second-worst home record in the league this season. One could make the argument that these are the two worst teams in the league at the moment, but both have managers who can do the job.

QPR 2 Wigan 1

Stoke City v. West Bromwich Albion: 10 am Saturday, on foxsoccer.tv

If Stoke City have one final push for Europa League qualification in them, it must begin with a win against West Brom on Saturday.

Since finding form in late November and carrying it into late December, a span that saw them win four consecutive league matches, the Potters have claimed six points from the 15 points allotted since.

West Brom will be trying to avoid losing four straight, and will have to get a result in a venue where the home side have lost just twice. The Baggies will also have to cope with Stoke’s impressive size, without their talismanic captain, the 6’1″ tough-as-nails Chris Brunt who faces a 10-week injury layoff.

 Stoke City 1 West Brom 0 

Bolton v. Liverpool: 12:45 pm Saturday, on Fox Soccer

Bolton and Owen Coyle have tried desperately to pull themselves out of the bottom throws of the league, but they’ve been in the drop zone virtually all season. They’ll certainly be entertaining the notion that their opponents Liverpool are ripe to have points taken from them.

The sale of Gary Cahill to Chelsea last week won’t make the task of staying in the league any easier, but Liverpool have simply not found a cutting edge in front of goal, regardless of how strong or weak the opposing defense.

The Reds are second only to the Alex McLeishes in draws, with eight on the season. However, they’ve drawn just one match on the road all season, winning five, and losing the other four.

Bolton 1 Liverpool 2 

Manchester City v. Tottenham Hotspur: 8:30 pm Sunday, on Fox Soccer 

Tottenham will come to the Etihad with something to prove, following a disappointing away draw to Wolves which prevented them from going level with Manchester United on points in a de facto tie for second.

City responded to a hard 1-0 defeat at Sunderland by thumping Liverpool 3-0, and following that up with a very unconvincing 1-0 win away to Wigan last week.

Tottenham were a bit out of sorts to start the season, and were punished by Manchester City 5-1 at White Hart Lane on August 28th. That result prompted a run that has really been unmatched by any other team this year, as Spurs won nine of ten following that match, still claiming a point from the odd match.

A City win would send news to the Emirates Stadium of a six-point lead opened up at the top of the table, likely heaping more pressure on Manchester United. A Tottenham victory would also add pressure on United, as they’ll be starting the game in third, were Spurs to pull off an upset win. To me, this match will boil down to who scores first. If City score first, I think they go onto win. If Tottenham score first, especially if it’s after a half an hour has elapsed, they should claim at least a point-the result Manchester United will be hoping for.

Manchester City 2 Tottenham 0 

Arsenal v. Manchester United: 11 am Sunday, on FOX (Broadcasting Network)

The first Premier League game to ever be televised LIVE to a national audience, should carry a lot of weight, stateside. Obviously there isn’t a bigger match on this weekend “across the pond” for our English brethren.

Following a November-December surge that saw them back into the Champions League race, Arsenal have sputtered, losing their last two league matches, and taking just seven points from their last six league encounters.

Manchester United responded well last week, beating Bolton 3-0 following two consecutive league defeats which dropped them back three points against their  city rivals.

Something will have to give on Sunday, though. Manchester United possess the league’s best away record, (7 wins, 2 draws and one defeat), while Arsenal possess the identical record in front of their home fans. Each team has conceded six goals at home (Arsenal) and away (United), while United have scored twice more on their travels than Arsenal have at home. With both Henry and Scholes back into the fold, this has the makings of one of the best Arsenal-United clashes in recent history.

Arsenal 1 United 2 

Robert Griffin III and his Heisman Trophy aren't a bad "consolation prize".

Through 13 weeks of the NFL season, it was a foregone conclusion the Indianapolis Colts would hold the first pick in the 2012 draft– better known as the rights to so-called  quarterback prodigy Andrew Luck.

With Curtis Painter at the helm and Peyton Manning’s future uncertain, the “Suck For Luck” bandwagon picked up steam with each Pat McAfee punt. Each week, Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz reiterated the importance of securing the top pick, and essentially rebuilding the franchise around Luck instead of Manning’s bum neck and $20 million salary.

For their part, owner Jim Irsay and president Bill Polian hinted they would draft an elite quarterback if given the chance, while publicly saying they had every intention of keeping Manning in the fold as well. (the obvious question from fans is, “How can you afford to pay  Manning and presumably Luck’s salary and field a competitive team with so many other roster holes?”)

After painting a perfect 0-11 record and the #1 pick all but secure, Caldwell (or whoever actually coaches this franchise), made the decision to start Dan Orlovsky at QB. With his last start coming during the Lions winless 2008 season and road games against Baltimore and New England, before finishing against all three AFC South rivals, the Manning/Luck, Luck/Manning debate gained national attention. Then Orlovsky happened. The seven year veteran, who had never won an NFL start, rallied the Colts to wins over Tennessee and Houston.

This Sunday, Indianapolis heads to Jacksonville to play a four win Jaguars team with: departing owners, an interim coach, and a rookie quarterback. The unlikely winning streak has local columnists, talk shows, and fans panicking because a win would drop the Colts to #2 in the draft (barring a St. Louis miracle against San Francisco).

Put it this way, The Indianapolis Star will lose a lot of credibility as well because they’ve talked about little else besides Manning vs. Luck the past two months. Kravitz, especially, is acting like the Colts are screwed for the next decade if they don’t land Luck. He’d be right, if there also wasn’t a guy by the name of Robert Griffin III available*. (*RG III technically has a year of eligibility left, but he’s already graduated from Baylor and his parents have been looking into agents since December).

The Rams hold the key with how the top of the draft will play out. Matt Barkley returning to USC for his senior year made the #1 pick even more valuable this year. You have to think teams in the quarterback market include: Indy, Cleveland, Washington, Miami, Seattle, and possibly Kansas City, Denver. Sporting News also talks about RG3 shooting up draft boards. And of course here’s ESPN already slobbering on themselves over Andrew Luck.

Scenarios:

Colts Win

If Indy beats Jacksonville, the Rams will be awarded the #1 pick barring a win over the 49ers. With St. Louis heavily invested in 2009 #1 pick Sam Bradford and roster needs everywhere, there is a high probability they deal the pick to a team coveting Luck. It would not be a shock to see Washington, Miami, or Cleveland sell every asset (pick, player) to St. Louis for the top prize.

The Colts would be quite foolish to make a deal with the Rams to move up one spot, considering all they had to do was lose a meaningless week 17 game and the asking price would be too high. Even at #2, the Colts are still in position to draft a franchise quarterback by taking Griffin III. As much as nobody wants to talk about it publicly, Manning’s career is in severe jeopardy. Until he is on the sideline in uniform, you have to plan for the worst. Taking RG III who is a gifted passer and has been compared athletically to Michael Vick should be a no-brainer. Heck, if the media hadn’t already convinced us that Luck is Manning, Brady, Rodgers, Montana, Elway, Brees all wrapped up in one player, there would be a solid debate for who the better prospect is.

Miami, Washington, Cleveland, etc. have been looking for a franchise quarterback longer than a decade. They don’t grow on trees. If the Colts pass on RG III at #2, the franchise will take a serious long-term hit, especially if Manning can never play again. If Peyton is healthy enough to come back, Griffin III is probably better suited sitting a year or two than Luck would be. Meaning, if Irsay and Polian are sincere about bringing back a healthy Manning, selecting RG III actually makes more sense.

Colts Lose

A loss in Jacksonville likely means Luck ends up in Indianapolis. Once Irsay and Polian crunch the numbers, they will realize Manning’s salary limits building the roster and he would likely be traded or cut. Stranger things have happened, but it’s hard to fathom Manning and Luck co-existing on the same team. Even if Indy is impressed by Griffin III, it is unlikely they trade down to get him because the Rams could theoretically trade #2 to a QB seeking team.There is still a high probability of the Rams trading the #2 pick to a team wanting RG III, so throw in the teams that also had interest in Luck once they realize Griffin is the real deal too.

If the Colts don’t land Luck or Griffin III in April, it will be a long time before football is relevant again in Indianapolis.

Liverpool v. Newcastle: 2:45 pm Friday on Fox Soccer

Liverpool are in the all-to-familiar position of struggling to qualify for Europe, and a loss to Newcastle would see the Magpies go ahead of them in the table.

Despite being unbeaten at Anfield, the Reds have drawn six of their nine matches there. Newcastle have a pretty decent road record, taking 15 points from 24 available.

Newcastle got their first win in seven while Liverpool will be looking to avoid a third consecutive draw. Liverpool have won their last five matches against Newcastle at Anfield, the last a 3-0 victory last season.

Liverpool 1 Newcastle 1 

Dimitar Berbatov took his opportunity to start for United the right way, netting a hat trick against Wigan. He might have earned a spot in the starting lineup to face struggling Blackburn as United look to go top of the table.

Manchester United v. Blackburn: 7:45 am Saturday on ESPN2 

Manchester United would go top of the table with a positive result, but only a win will do against struggling Blackburn.

Blackburn’s struggles at the bottom of the table have been well documented, and United have moved level on points with City rivals in just a matter of weeks after trailing Manchester City by five points for the better part of two months.

Manchester United have won their last five league matches, and have also won their last five at home against Blackburn in the league.

Manchester United 3 Blackburn 0 

Arsenal v. Queens Park Rangers: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus

Arsenal were held to a frustrating draw against Wolves last time out and will want to get it right against a struggling QPR side.

Rangers have taken just two points from their last possible 18 and hover above the drop zone by just three points. Neil Warnock’s side have lost their way a bit, and need to get back on the right footing to have a chance at staying up.

QPR have not won since 19 November while Arsenal will want to stay hot on the heels of Chelsea who continue to slip up.

Arsenal 2 QPR 0 

Bolton v. Wolverhampton: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

After winning the battle of the worsts, Bolton resumed their normal form, losing 0-2 to Newcastle at the Reebok, and now look to have lost their main man in the center of defense, as Gary Cahill has agreed to join Chelsea on 1 January.

Wolves have ground out two solid draws and those two points have kept them above the drop zone for the time being.

Bolton have the worst home record this season, one win and eight defeats, but they did win 1-0 last season through a Daniel Sturridge extra time smash-and-grab.

Bolton 2 Wolves 1 

Chelsea v. Aston Villa: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer

Chelsea’s form has been up and down all season, and will hope to be on another uptick after having drawn their last three matches.

Aston Villa continue to tread water in the middle of the table, doing enough to avoid trouble, but not doing enough to move up the table-a frustrating trend for many at Villa Park.

The corresponding match last year was a thriller. Villa reversed an early goal from Frank Lampard to take a 2-1 lead, but Drogba and Terry put the hosts ahead after 89 minutes, but an extra time equalizer spoiled the home fans’ joy for a 3-3 finish.

Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 1 

Norwich City v. Fulham: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

The Canaries continue to impress in the middle of the table, and have taken five points from the last available 12.

Fulham are starting to find their form, and their 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day might push them on. A win in this one and they’ll leapfrog the Canaries in the table.

Fulham did win 1-0 the last time these teams met in the league back in 2004, but they’ve managed just five goals away from home this season, and the Canaries haven’t had much trouble scoring in front of their home fans.

Norwich 2 Fulham 2

Stoke City v. Wigan Athletic: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

After winning four in a row, Stoke have taken just one point from their last two matches, while Wigan come into the potteries bruised from a 5-0 thrashing at Old Trafford but buoyant about previous results which saw a return to form.

Hugo Rodallega won the corresponding tie last season with a goal in a 1-0 victory on the last day of the season, keeping Wigan in the league.

Stoke have conceded nine goals in their nine home matches this season whilst Wigan have only managed six goals away from home this season.

Stoke City 2 Wigan 1

Swansea City v. Tottenham Hotspur: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Brendan Rodgers will want to end 2011 on a positive note as his side, who have the league’s best home form come back to their home ground to face a surging Spurs side.

The Swans have managed just five points in their last five matches, and have still only conceded three goals in the Liberty Stadium this season.

Spurs have embraced their new found position as title challenger and will certainly want to maintain, if not increase the distance between them and Chelsea to secure a Champions League spot.

Swansea City 1 Spurs 2 

West Bromwich Albion v. Everton: 7:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer Plus

The Baggies are on a brilliant run of form that has seen them take seven points from the last available nine, whilst Everton have taken five points from their matches in the same stretch.

Roy Hodgson’s men should be buoyed by the 0-0 draw with Manchester City on Boxing Day, and will look to push on against an Everton side who have been relatively consistent on their travels.

David Moyes’ considered his troops lucky to claim a point at Sunderland, but they do face a West Brom side with a negative goal difference in front of their home fans.

West Brom 1 Everton 1 

Sunderland v. Manchester City: 10 am Sunday on Fox Soccer 

Martin O’Neill has brought some interesting enthusiasm to Sunderland, the Black Cats have taken seven points from the 12 available since his arrival.

Manchester City might be feeling the pressure of the rapid pace at which fixtures are flying at them at the moment, but they have won three of the last five league matches at the Stadium of Light.

It’s highly likely that City will be three points behind their neighbors once this match kicks off, so nothing but three points will do for Roberto Mancini.

Sunderland 1 Manchester City 2

Sergio Aguero and Manchester City remain the team to beat as they polished off Stoke 3-0 last time out, and will be looking defeat West Brom to remain top of the heap after Boxing Day.

The first set of fixtures of the festive period were good to me. Another 6-4 week brought me to a 79-70 record overall, and I added two more perfect predictions to the tally.

As we get set for the Boxing Day fixtures, some new trends (or rather a deepening of an already existing one) at the top. Right now, it looks as if the title chase is a two-horse race between the two Manchester Clubs.

Both Tottenham and Chelsea had the opportunity to stay in the title chase but produced the worst result for both of them, a draw against each other on Thursday. Spurs trail second place Manchester United by seven points whilst Chelsea trail the Red Devils by nine points.

However, the 3-5 places, all have European implications, and they are still hotly contested amongst about seven different teams.

The Boxing Day fixture list throws up some interesting ties. Chelsea host Fulham in a West London Derby, while Swansea host QPR in an all-promoted fixture on Tuesday.

Chelsea v. Fulham: 8 am Monday, on Fox Soccer

Just as Chelsea looked to be getting it all together by capping off a three-match win streak with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester City, they’ve drawn their last two, and are now by all accounts out of the title picture.

Fulham have been on a brief run of form where wins and losses have alternated over their last four. If the pattern is to continue, they would have to win at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.

Fulham have drawn two of their last five meetings at Stamford Bridge, and the two clubs have garnered the same amount of points from this derby over their last ten matches.

Chelsea 2 Fulham 1 

Bolton v. Newcastle United: 10 am Monday on ESPN3.com

With their backs against the wall, Bolton were able to claim a vital victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park last time out, now they look to take advantage from a Newcastle side who have seen a steady decline in form.

The Magpies have taken just two points from the last available 18, while Bolton’s win on Tuesday halted a six match losing streak.

The Trotters do possess the worst home form in the league, while Newcastle has been fairly productive and consistent away from home.

Bolton 1 Newcastle 2

Liverpool v. Blackburn: 10 am Monday on foxsoccer.tv

Liverpool have found it hard to string a bunch of wins together this season and that is the reason they currently sit outside of a guaranteed place in European competitions.

Blackburn are treading water, and the atmosphere at Ewood Park in their loss to Bolton on Tuesday was vile and mutinous. The 3 December win over Swansea City seems a distant memory at this point as Steve Kean’s men have lost three straight.

Liverpool still have plenty of time to right the ship and make a push in the second half of the season to qualify for the Champions League, they just have to win games like these, something they couldn’t do against Wigan, last time out.

Liverpool 2 Blackburn 1 

Manchester United v. Wigan Athletic: 10 am Monday on ESPN2 

United have won four straight and five of their last six taking 16 points from the available 18, which has propelled them to just a two point deficit in the table behind their city rivals.

Wigan have started producing the results they were always capable of thanks to their squad finally reaching full health. they have taken nine points from their last 18 possible, to take them one point from exiting the drop zone.

Wigan have never beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford and they are winless against the Red Devils over their last ten league matches against them.

Manchester United 3 Wigan 0

Sunderland v. Everton: 10 am Monday on foxsoccer.tv

Sunderland have won two of the three matches they’ve played under Martin O’Neill’s tutelage and played fairly well in their 1-0 loss to Tottenham in that stretch.

Everton continued their miserly play on Wednesday, notching a 1-0 home win over Swansea. Only three teams have conceded fewer goals than the Toffees, but only two teams have scored fewer goals than David Moyes’ men this season.

Sunderland have taken six points from nine since O’Neill came on as manager, which has put an arm’s length from them and the drop zone, and they’re really just a few decent results from being near the middle of the table, but the Black Cats are winless in their last five against Everton at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland 2 Everton 1

West Bromwich Albion v. Manchester City: 10 am on Fox Soccer

The Baggies will be seeking a third straight win as they host the league leaders on Boxing Day.

City have bounced back from their defeat to Chelsea with two good victories over Arsenal and Stoke City, respectively.

The Brummies’ win over Newcastle was their first over a top side this season, they have lost to every single team occupying the current Top Six, minus City.

West Brom 0 Manchester City 3 

Stoke City v. Aston Villa: 2:45 pm Monday on Fox Soccer

The Potters loss to Manchester City on Wednesday halted a run of four consecutive wins, but Stoke still look to have the quality that will keep them in the top half all season.

Aston Villa on the other hand have faded fast. Currently sitting 12th in the table, the Villans have claimed just four points from their last 18 available.

Aston Villa don’t have recent history to look to either. The Villans are winless against the Potters in their last six league meetings, with Robert Huth delivering an injury time loss to the Second City men.

Stoke 2 Aston Villa 1

Arsenal v. Wolverhampton: 10 am Tuesday on Fox Soccer Plus

Arsenal got back on track with a win after losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the previous game, beating Aston Villa 2-1 on Wednesday.

Wolves continue to keep their nose just in front of the drop zone, and have done so by fighting hard in close games, as they showed coming back from two one-goal deficits to earn a point against Norwich City on Wednesday.

Arsenal have won their last three home fixtures against Wolves and won last year 2-0 with that man Van Persie getting both goals to start the great run he’s had in 2011.

Arsenal 2 Wolves 0 

Swansea City v. Queens Park Rangers: 12 pm Tuesday on Fox Soccer

Swansea City will be back in the comforts of home as they host QPR in an all-promoted matchup on Tuesday.

Neither club are in great form at the moment, with Swansea taking five points from their last 18 possible whilst QPR boast just four in the same amount of games.

Swansea still possess the most miserly defensive record in front of a home crowd, having surrendered just two goals all season. QPR have still not claimed an away draw, winning three and losing five of their eight road matches.

Swansea 2 QPR 0 

Norwich City v. Tottenham Hotspur: 2:30 pm Tuesday on Fox Soccer 

Tottenham will look to continue to push the two Manchester clubs as it faces a tough road test at Norwich this week.

The Canaries have lost just once in their last five and have taken eight points from the 15 available in that stretch and now sit just 19 points from the always-safe 40 point mark.

Tottenham will feel they deserved a win against Chelsea on Thursday but had to settle for a point. This is really a must win match for Spurs if they want to stay in the title hunt.

Norwich 1 Tottenham 2

Last year, IU fans wanted to show Tom Crean the way out of Indiana.

When Indiana University Head Basketball Coach Tom Crean was hired, he made a comment; “There are a lot of schools that don’t want Indiana to be good”.  For three years, those schools were relishing their opportunity to stick it to the Hoosiers on the basketball court and on the recruiting circuit. Twelve games into the 2011-12 season those schools have reason for concern.

Folks, the Hoosiers are good and only going to get better.  There was consternation in Hoosier Nation for three years that Crean wasn’t getting it done on the court or with future recruits.  Indiana stumbled to a 28-66 record in Crean’s first three years, the only 20 loss seasons in Indiana history.  Arch rivals Kentucky and Purdue fans poked barbs at Hoosier fans that Crean was actually a tanning booth version of Clappy the Clown.  His hyper pacing act on the sideline with constant clapping trying to keep his downtrodden squads from imploding brought out trash talking from Boilermaker and Wildcat fans.

Crean seems to have toned the hyperactivity on the sidelines this year as his team has given him little reason to pace and worry.  The relentless trash talking from the rivals has also dissipated as the Hoosiers disposed of #1 ranked Kentucky with a heart pounding three point shot at the buzzer by junior forward Christian Watford.

Indiana has benefited from a less than strenuous non-conference schedule as Sagarin rating strength of schedule approaches #300 in the country.  Even their projected tougher contests against Butler, Notre Dame, and a road game at North Carolina State didn’t materialize due to down seasons.  The rest of the schedule resembles directional school central.  Nonetheless, the Hoosiers have been double digit victors in every game other than Kentucky.

So what has caused this sudden turn of events in Indiana’s favor?  November 11, 2010!  Veterans Day of 2010 marked the day that Cody Zeller announced that he would be taking his talents up the road to Bloomington, Indiana to play for IU.  Zeller, the 6’-11” youngest sibling of the basketball playing Zeller brothers decided to become a Hoosier after a recruiting battle with Butler and North Carolina where his brother Tyler is a senior.

Zeller became the pied piper of Hoosier Hoops as several other Indiana recruiting targets announced that they wanted to play with Cody at Indiana.  This spawned the #2 ranked recruiting class for 2012 that will matriculate to Indiana next year.  Zeller has changed the entire outlook for Hoosier basketball in 2011-12 as his brilliant all around game changes the dynamics of the entire team.  Cody brings a diverse set of skills to the Hoosier team.  He is an excellent low post player that demands special attention from the defense opening up opportunities for other players.  He is an excellent passer, rebounder, and defensive player giving Indiana a post presence that they lacked in Crean’s three prior seasons.

No team relies on only one player and the Hoosiers have received strong play from its sophomore duo of Victor Oladipo and Will Sheehey.  This rapidly improving combination of wing players is affectionately named Sheeladipo.  Oladipo is an athletic, quick, leaper with a vastly improved all around game highlighted by soaring dunks.  Sheehey, the sixth man for Indiana is a long, athletic wingman with a confident swagger and a quick trigger.  Junior Jordan Hulls is the point guard with serious game and serious deficiencies.  Hulls is a smart floor general and ball handler with a deadly shot.  He also lacks quickness and size and frequently gets burned by quick point guards such as Marquis Teague of Kentucky.

Senior guard Verdell Jones III is the whipping boy of the internet.  Blogging Hoosier fans have often taken Jones to task for his sometimes questionable shot selection, poor decision making, and matador defense.  Verdell has improved in all of these areas this season but still reverts to bad habits from prior years.  The other starter is the enigmatic Watford.  Christian has games where he can be the leading scorer and an effective rebounder but at times disappears with a seemingly cavalier attitude.  As Watford goes, so go the Hoosiers.

The bench is led by Sheehey, junior 6’-8” forward Derek Elston, 6’-9” senior Tom Pritchard, and freshman guard Remy Abell.  Elston is the free spirit on the team and never met a shot he didn’t like.  Pritchard has shared the doghouse with Jones the last three years with frustrating play in the post.  Abell is gaining confidence with increased playing time as he brings athleticism and an ability to “take it the hole” offensive game.

The cupcake portion of the schedule is now over and the question remains if the Hoosiers are for real or that they “Caught Lightning in a Bottle” against Kentucky.  Indiana has a meat grinder opening to the conference season as they open at Michigan State for a battle of teacher and student as Tom Izzo matches wits with his former assistant Tom Crean.  Subsequent home games with Ohio State and Michigan followed by a road game at Ohio State a couple of weeks later highlight their first six Big Ten games.

Skeptics still expect this team to struggle in conference play but they pass the “sight” test.  Unlike Crean’s first three Hoosier teams; this one plays defense, they share the ball, and they can shoot.  Maybe the most important ingredient in their twelve game run is the change in attitude.   Zeller, winner of three Indiana State Championships has brought a winning habit and the older players have bought into Crean’s system and are relishing their first success in an Indiana uniform.

We’ve now gotten into what is commonly referred to in England as the “festive” period which in football terms, means matches are coming thick and fast. A full 10 matches will be played over the course of Tuesday, Wednesday with a full slate coming again on Boxing Day (December 26). I’ll be here, previewing and reacting to all.

Both Manchester clubs stayed in first and second after the weekend’s proceedings whilst Tottenham climbed back into third following an abysmal display from former-third Chelsea away to Wigan on Saturday, tea time.

The results from the weekend offered up a few more story lines than were present heading into those games, and some of those story lines will be played out in the first set of matches this week, including a juicy relegation-six-pointer when Blackburn host Bolton on Tuesday.

Wolverhampton v. Norwich City: 2:45 pm Tuesday, on foxsoccer.tv

Wolves started brilliantly against Stoke before turning three points into none on Saturday, while Norwich come to the West Midlands having taken a good point from a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

The Canaries are six points and eight places better off than their opponents at the moment, and have taken seven points from their last four matches, whilst Wolves have taken just three points in the same stretch.

Norwich have lost only one match to teams that sit below them in the current table, with a 3-2 reverse suffered at Villa Park on 5 November the only setback.

Wolves 2 Norwich City 2 

Lapses in concentration in the back like this one, allowing Peter Odemwingie to score a winning goal have kept Blackburn from achieving their goals this season, making their matchup against Bolton on Tuesday the first real "relegation six-pointer" of the season.

Blackburn v. Bolton: 3pm Tuesday, on ESPN3.com

Editorial Note: Despite the call for Steve Kean’s head at Ewood Park, there is only so much a manager can do aside from closing down attackers himself. Blackburn’s laziness and mental toughness on the defensive side of the ball are the root cause of their problems. They have the talent in the side, they just don’t have the want-to. I know Kean’s head is on the block, but severing or kept attach won’t fix Blackburn’s issues. 

The story lines for this one are endless: Both sit 19th and 20th respectively, and their total points combined would only see them to 11th in the league. Each has a manager who’s worn out their collective welcome, and if form weren’t enough, a draw would only perpetuate the misery.

Relegation six-pointers are usually held until the calendar flips over, but this one is just that. A win for either side and some favorable results elsewhere, might spurn a triumphant turn around. Obviously the loser will likely lose its manager and almost certainly put itself in the Championship next season.

With all that said, Blackburn’s form is simply much better both in results and on the pitch. Bolton have lost five in a row, scoring just two goals while conceding 11 in that stretch. Blackburn have snatched defeat from the jaws of taking points from their last two matches.

Blackburn 3 Bolton 1 

Aston Villa v. Arsenal: 2:45 Wednesday on ESPN3.com

Arsenal’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Manchester City kept them from going level on points with Chelsea, but the North London outfit is still in fine form and will be looking to extend the misery for the Aston Villa fan base.

Those fans have not embraced manager Alex McCleish’s miserly approach to his tactics, and while they’re comfortably mid-table, one win every three or four matches is just not cutting it among those who pay good money to see and support the product.

Arsenal will need to take advantage of a fledgling Villa side to get themselves even with Chelsea before playing two very manageable home games against Wolves and QPR before the year is up.

Aston Villa 1 Arsenal 2 

Manchester City v. Stoke City: 2:45 pm Tuesday, on Fox Soccer Plus

Tony Pulis’ men will be travelling to the Etihad Stadium possessing the better form of the two clubs. Stoke has responded well to an early slump by rattling off four straight wins, two of them being rather impressive results.

The normally high-flying Light Blues have scored just one goal in three of their last four matches, a stretch which has seen a perfect record tarnished with a draw and a defeat. With the festive season always playing an important role in the title picture, City will be wanting to take the full three points from this tricky fixture before playing in what seems to be two very manageable away fixtures ahead of their second meeting with Liverpool just after the New Year.

Stoke have re-located the miserly defensive record that has kept them in the Premier League since their arrival in the 07-08 campaign, allowing just three goals in their last four games, thanks in part at least, to the returned-to-form Tomas Sorensen in goal.

Manchester City 2 Stoke 0

Newcastle v. West Bromwich Albion: 2:45 pm Wednesday, on foxsoccer.tv

Newcastle were unfortunate to claim victory Saturday, settling for a scoreless draw instead, but the point was needed to stem the tide of a run of three losses in four matches.

For the most part as a club, West Brom’s “Title” is for the club to remain in the Premier League year in and year out, while trying to achieve top-half status. For the most part they’ve done enough in pursuit of those goals this season by beating teams around them.

With the Baggies’ away form trumping their efforts at The Hawthorns, perhaps a trip to the Northeast won’t be the thankless task it has been for many other clubs this season, where Alan Pardew’s men have lost just once all season.

Newcastle 2 West Brom 1

Everton v. Swansea City: 3 pm Wednesday on ESPN3.com

The Toffees are another team who have seen their road form best their home form this season (one of six club’s that can say so) so there might be mixed feelings about the visit of Swansea to Goodison Park on Wednesday.

David Moyes’ men might be taking comfort in the fact that the Swans have the worst away form in the league this season, with the Welsh club taking just three points from eight away matches.

Still, it’s Everton’s prowess in front of net, or lack thereof rather, that has led to a -2 goal deficit at home, and they’ll need to strap on their finishin’ boots if they want all three points against one of the Premier League’s rising stars at the Goalkeeper position.

Everton 2 Swansea City 1

Fulham will be looking to win their third straight in front of their home fans when they host Manchester United on Wednesday.

Fulham v. Manchester United: 3 pm Wednesday, on Fox Soccer

After struggling for much of the opening of the season Fulham have found form, taking points from four of their last five matches in the league to a total of eight points out of the possible 15 keeping three clean sheets in that stretch. Each of the two wins in that stretch came in the two home matches they played.

While the Champions struggled mightily on the road all last season, they still were able to reach their record 19th title. This season, road form has been much better, possessing the league’s only unbeaten away record, which was added to in another West London borough on Sunday in a 2-0 win at Loftus Road against Queen’s Park Rangers.

United have struggled at Craven Cottage in recent years, and are winless in their last three league matches there.  Fulham did hold Manchester City and Arsenal to a draws at Craven Cottage, and beat Liverpool there recently so United will be up against it.

Fulham 1 Manchester United 2

Queens Park Rangers v. Sunderland: 3 pm Wednesday, on foxsoccer.tv

QPR have taken just four points from the last 21 available to them in a poor run of form that has seen them drop into 15th.

Sunderland felt their first loss of the Martin O’Neill era, but the new manager was spinning positives out of the negative result following the match. Sunderland are also in torrid form and sit one below QPR in the table, but a valuable away win would take them ahead of their opponents.

QPR are also fifth-bottom in terms of their home record, having just won once at Loftus Road all season, however they are creating chances, which can’t be said for Sunderland who didn’t create much on their trip to White Hart Lane this weekend.

QPR 2 Sunderland 1 

Wigan Athletic v. Liverpool: 3 pm Wednesday on ESPN3.com

Wigan have done their best of late to try and crawl out of the bottom three. The unexpected draw against Chelsea on Saturday would have been welcomed at the DW, but a festive period that includes three consecutive matches against teams ranked 6th, 2nd, and 8th before getting the “relief” of a match against Sunderland on the 2nd of January.

Liverpool have achieved five of their eight wins in the league this season on the road, thanks in large part to a defense that has conceded just seven goals in those matches. Wigan however, have scored a total of seven goals in the four matches that have yielded them points.

The Reds will be wanting to capitalize on their first two matches of this quick holiday spell which also includes a second team that currently stands to be relegated in Blackburn, on Boxing Day.

Wigan 0 Liverpool 3

Tottenham v. Chelsea: 3 pm Thursday, on ESPN2. 

Obviously the most mouthwatering fixture of the first series of holiday season matches is this one. Spurs leaped Chelsea in the table this weekend and should they beat the Blues on Thursday, wondering minds may inquire as to the practicality of a Chelsea title challenge, as well as the employment status of Andre Villas-Boas.

This fixture ended in a 1-1 draw last season, making Chelsea winless in their last five attempts at White Hart Lane.

However, Harry Redknapp has problems of his own, with Aaron Lennon out long-term with a hamstring injury and Gareth Bale suffering from a similar injury, Spurs’ speedy wing play is unavoidably “clipped” (pardon the pun), so count on tactics playing a huge role in who gets the victory in this one.

Tottenham 1 Chelsea 1 

Manchester City stumbled and fell to their first loss of the season Monday night. They'll have to bounce back in what could be another tough fixture, at home to the White-Hot Arsenal.

disappointing 4-6 record,dropping my comprehensive mark to 67-62 (52%). So this week I’ll try to hone in on what can get me away from that relevance-questioning 50% mark.

This week, the fixture list if I am honest-has back-loaded all of the exciting games. Saturday is largely filled with important matches insofar as the middle of the table might be concerned, but only features one team from the current top six. Whereas on Sunday, the fixture list is anything but drab, with Manchester City hosting Arsenal to cap off the weekend.

Blackburn v. West Bromwich Albion: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Despite being five points ahead of relegation-threatened Blackburn, West Brom have seen its form dip to two points worse than their opponents over the last six matches, although both teams have four points from their last four matches.

The corresponding fixture took place last January and Blackburn will be hoping to replicate their result, which saw them grab all three points in a 2-0 win.

Both teams have also conceded an identical number of goals over their last four games (7) but each managed to scratch out a win and a draw in those matches.

Blackburn 1 West Brom 1

Everton v. Norwich City: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer

Norwich were the first to pounce on the injury-induced crisis spurning Newcastle last week in front of their home fans, shocking most pundits with a 4-2 drubbing of the Magpies.

Everton will be trying to avoid three straight defeats and would leap frog their opponents in the table should the come away victorious.

Everton have scored one goal per home match so far this season whilst Norwich have conceded just one goal greater than road matches played. Another match where there is very little separating the sides except perhaps a moment of brilliance.

Everton 1 Norwich City 1 

Fulham v. Bolton: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus

You have to imagine that if Owen Coyle can’t produce a result at Craven Cottage Saturday afternoon, he might be out of work by breakfast time Sunday.

Fulham were starting to improve prior to losing last weekend at Swansea 2-0, taking 8 points from the previous five matches, but the Swansea loss was compounded by a shock exit of the Europa League on Thursday, so the seat might be getting a bit warmer under Martin Jol’s behind as well.

Bolton have managed just nine points this season, but six of those points come from their two away wins. They’ll have to get a result at Fulham to avoid losing five straight and six of their last seven matches.

Fulham 2 Bolton o 

Newcastle United v. Swansea City: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Since climbing all the way to third in the beginning of November, Newcastle have lost three of their four matches since, getting a largely undeserved draw in the odd game. The slide has taken them to seventh in just four weeks’ time.

Swansea have had the mixed results you normally would associate with a promoted  side competitive enough to stay in the league, having taken eight points from their last six matches. However, the Swans are still looking for their first road victory.

Whether tactics will have to be switched at St. James’ Park to accommodate a weaker side defensively, remains to be seen. Surely, the Swans’ away form provides comforting relief to a side that will be playing in front of their own fans for just the second time in five matches.

Newcastle 2 Swansea 1 

Wolverhampton v. Stoke City: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Stoke City travel down the M6 to the West Midlands having won three straight after having lost the previous four.

Wolves might still be licking the wounds of a 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford last week, but should certainly be up for this one given their success in this fixture last season (a 2-1 win).

With Newcastle United slipping up, some in the Potteries might be dreaming of challenging for fifth, as they are now just five points back of a guaranteed spot in the Europa League.

Wolves 2 Stoke City 1

Wigan Athletic v. Chelsea: 12:30 pm Saturday, on Fox Soccer

Both teams are in great form relative to their expectations. Chelsea have won three on the bounce and four of the last five, whilst Roberto Martinez’s men have lifted themselves towards safety with two wins in three, and seven points from their last 12.

The recent history between these sides has been as far from predictable, with Wigan winning five of the last 10 to Chelsea’s four wins, with one stalemate between them. If that wasn’t shocking than I’m not sure how the fact that the away side claimed eight of those nine victories with Wigan possessing the only home win in the last 10.

Still, when these two met in the second week of the season last year, Chelsea lit up the DW Stadium with a brilliant 6-0 display. With the form Chelsea are in, and the expectations of keeping pressure on the top two still there, they are still the clear favorites in this one despite the fixture’s recent history.

Wigan 1 Chelsea 4

Two of Manchester United's talismans were back firing on all cylinders against Wolverhampton Wanderers as braces from Wayne Rooney (pictured) and Portuguese Winger Nani.

Queen’s Park Rangers v. Manchester United: 7:00 am Sunday, on Fox Soccer Plus

Neil Warnock’s men will return to Loftus Road after having played three of their last four matches in as many weeks on the road. Given their home form, they may not be as excited to see the home fans as the fans might be to see them.

QPR’s only home win came back in late October in a 1-0 win over a nine-man Chelsea side, and they’ve only managed to score six goals in seven matches at Loftus Road while conceding 10. However the continued absence of three away matches in four might bring an added spring in the players’ steps.

Manchester United will be playing this one knowing they can go top if they were to take all three points as City don’t kickoff against Arsenal a full two hours after the game should be completed. Loftus Road is not an easy task, especially when an injury crisis like the one United has incurred in both midfield and defense rears its ugly head.

QPR 1 Manchester United 2 

Aston Villa v. Liverpool: 8:05 am Sunday, on Fox Soccer Plus

While Aston Villa’s 2-1 win last week over Bolton stemmed the tide of a poor run of form, given how poorly Bolton have played, the win still had to feel more like relief than expectation at Villa Park. Aston Villa is simply getting the McCleish treatment, which has already worn out its welcome in the Second City.

Liverpool on the other hand, have lost just once since Sept. 18th, but true to their form as a club in recent years have had far too many draws, which total five at this point in the season. While Dalglish’s brand of football has been fully re-implemented at Anfield, drawing a third of your games is not going to bring Liverpool back into the European fold.

Liverpool’s road form is a see-saw, and Villa will be looking to take advantage of that as they did in May when they won the corresponding fixture in a 1-0 sleeper which produced no goals in the final 56 minutes of play.

Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2

Tottenham v. Sunderland: 10 am Sunday on foxsoccer.tv

Tottenham welcome Martin O’Neill and his Black Cats to White Hart Lane on Sunday having lost for the first time in six matches.

Despite getting a dramatic win in his first game in charge as Sunderland boss, Martin O’Neill will have the challenge of beating a Tottenham team who have lost only once this season in six matches in front of their home fans.

Last year’s corresponding fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, with the now-reviled Asamoah Gyan getting a quick leveler after Van der Vaart had put the hosts ahead three minutes prior. Sunderland have beaten Tottenham just twice in their last 10 league meetings however.

Tottenham 3 Sunderland 1 

Manchester City v. Arsenal: 11 am Sunday on Fox Soccer 

Manchester City’s long, unbeaten start to the season ended in their 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Monday capping of a disastrous week for the club which also saw them exit the Champions League.

Arsenal’s recent form has possibly solidified North London as the Premier League’s most power region at the moment. After taking just seven points from their opening seven fixtures, Arsenal have stormed back by winning seven of their eight fixtures since in an unbeaten run.

Arsenal got a 3-0 away win in this fixture last year, and such a result on Sunday could send shock waves through the blue half of Manchester. Nothing would indicate that’s going to be the case, as City retain a firm grasp of a flawless home record scoring 24 goals while conceding just four in seven matches.

Manchester City 2 Arsenal 1

Chelsea have seemed to turned their fortunes around with some solid offensive displays. They'll need more of that as they face league leaders Manchester City in this week's marquis matchup.

This week brings some interesting matches, especially considering the shocking midweek result of both Manchester clubs falling from the Champions League.

Arsenal host Everton and Liverpool will hope to respond to their surprise defeat on Monday when they host a formidable QPR side, both matches taking place on Saturday. The headliner is obviously Monday’s clash of the titans when Chelsea host Manchester City.

Arsenal v. Everton: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 

Arsenal’s recent form has allowed fans to mostly forget about the club’s early season disasters. They’ve won seven of eight matches and get a ho-hum match-up at the Emirates in Everton this weekend.

It’s feast or famine with Everton, who’ve claimed nine points from their last possible 18 and sit in the group of 8th-16th places that are all separated by 4 points or less in the current table.

Arsenal are unbeaten in eight matches, and are unbeaten against Everton in their last five matches played at the Emirates.

Arsenal 2 Everton 0 

Bolton v. Aston Villa: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Bolton will host Aston Villa Saturday in a game of monumental importance for both clubs.

Bolton currently sit 19th and count a single goal in superior goal difference as what keeps them from the foot of the table, while Aston Villa have been playing non other than what can be described as “McLeish Football.”

The Villans have taken just five points from their last possible 18, while Bolton have taken just three points in the same span. Surprisingly, five goals were scored in this corresponding fixture back in February last season.

Bolton 1 Aston Villa 1

Liverpool v. Queen’s Park Rangers: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

Liverpool just can’t string a winning streak together, and as a result, they’re paying a price in the table, currently sitting three places and five points from the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.

QPR have completely different expectations, (staying in the league) and were recently able to take three points from three of the top four teams in the current table.

It’s been since November 20th that Liverpool had its last victory and both teams have taken just four points from the nine points available to each since.

Liverpool 2 QPR 1 

Manchester United v. Wolverhampton: 10 am Saturday on ESPN 2. 

Manchester United must put their noses to the grindstone if they want to salvage anything from this season after going out of the Champions League after the Group Stage and subsequently losing their best player for the season to a major knee injury.

Wolves comes to Old Trafford, where they nearly took a point in last season’s corresponding fixture, having won two of their last four matches which took them out of the drop zone and into a more comfortable 16th.

Wolves split with Manchester United last season but in their last six league meetings, United have been victorious the other five times.

Manchester United 2 Wolves 1

Norwich City v. Newcastle United: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Norwich City remain in that group jumbled in the middle of the table, but they have managed only five points from the last possible 18. Newcastle meanwhile had a stretch of three games against top four competition, taking just one solitary point from those matches, which was a gift in and of itself.

Now Alan Pardew has to deal with two crucial injuries in a back line that has carried his side to prominence this season, but with some weaker (on paper, at least) opponents coming up on the fixture list, Newcastle can expect to stay near the top six for now.

Both teams have relied heavily on above-average defensive displays this season. You feel that Norwich needs to capitalize at home against a weakened Newcastle defense if they are to remain up this season.

Norwich City 1 Newcastle United 1 

Swansea City v. Fulham: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

In spite of early season inconsistency, Clint Dempsey’s late winner against Liverpool on Monday night sent Fulham to a much more comfortable position and out of the relegation-threatened portion of the table.

Martin Jol’s men have taken eight points from their last possible 15 against relatively stiff competition. Swansea have not fared nearly as well against slightly weaker (than Fulham’s) opposition recently.

The 4-2 away defeat to lowly Blackburn had to have sent a chill of “we might not yet want to consider ourselves Premier League quality” among the manager and fan base. With more Premier League stalwarts ahead on the fixture list, Brendan Rodgers will want to stop a skid of claiming just six points from the last 18 available which has seen them well into the bottom half. Swansea do still boast the league’s best home scoring record though.

Swansea City 1 Fulham 0 

West Bromwich Albion v. Wigan Athletic: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

West Brom have not competed well against the heavy hitters this season but have gotten enough positive results against teams around or below them to keep their proverbial head above water in the table.

Wigan are still trying to right the ship after a disastrous run of eight straight losses by taking four points from their last three matches. The Latics still sit bottom of the table.

Roberto Martinez’s men have netted just four times on their travels while conceding 13 to their away opposition. However, the Baggies have only netted six times in seven matches in front of their home fans this season.

West Brom 2 Wigan 1 

Sunderland v. Blackburn: 8:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

A poor run of form that saw the Black Cats lose consecutive matches to lowly Wolves and Wigan signaled the end to Steve Bruce as manager. Enter Martin O’Neill who was most previously a relative success at Aston Villa.

Sitting just one point from the drop zone, O’Neill has a large task in front of him, although expectations for the remainder of the season should realistically be muted for the Sunderland faithful.

Blackburn have nearly moved out of the table that sees them just one spot behind their opponents after a run where they took five points from a possible nine against teams they should be competitive against.

Sunderland 0 Blackburn 0 

Stoke City have to channel the form that has seen them win two straight when they host the hottest team in the league in Tottenham on Sunday.

Stoke City v. Tottenham Hotspur: 11 am Sunday on Fox Soccer

After losing five of six in the league, Stoke have managed to win their last two league matches taking them to 8th and relieving many concerned fans.

Spurs have won six straight and 10 of their last 11 league matches and look absolutely unstoppable. Their 14 goals scored away from home is third in the Premier League, making them dangerous everywhere.

A point for Stoke would be a great result but there has been a total of zero draws in the last six meetings between the clubs, with the away team winning two of three.

Stoke City 1 Tottenham 3

Chelsea v. Manchester City: 3:00 pm on ESPN 2

Chelsea sit ten points adrift of City heading into this match. Manchester City will be coping with the disappointment of exiting the Champions League while Chelsea will be relieved to have qualified for the knockout stages.

Another away win for City in this one and Chelsea would almost certainly be knocked out of the title race, but a win for Chelsea and the race becomes white hot.

Chelsea have won four of the last five against City at Stamford Bridge and there has not been a single stalemate in the last ten league matches contested between these two clubs with the away team winning a total of three matches.

Chelsea 1 Manchester City 2

Michigan State Spartans (10-2, 7-1 in the Legends Division) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (10-2, 6-2 in the Leaders Division) (-7.5)

If the rematch is anything like the first meeting, B1G football fans are in for a delicious evening of hard hitting football.  Saturday, December 3^rd, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is the scene of the inaugural B1G Championship Football Game.  The Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers square off for the right to earn a bid to the Rose Bowl.  The Spartans and Badgers battled in East Lansing earlier in the season with one of the most dramatic finishes of the entire college football season.  Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins lofted a Hail Mary pass towards the end zone on the last play of regulation with the score tied.  The ball bounced off hands in the end zone back to about the two yard line where Spartan receiver Keith Nichol caught the ball and lunged toward the end zone.  Two or three Badger defenders tried desperately to keep Nichol out of the end zone and the referees initially ruled that he was tackled short of the goal line.  The subsequent replay reversed the call giving the Spartans the victory and igniting a wild celebration by Spartan Nation.

 While Spartan Nation reveled in the upset victory, Badger fans saw their dreams of a potential national championship melt in the October air.  The powerful Badgers were bludgeoning opponents and seemed to have all of the weapons necessary for a championship run.  A last second loss in Columbus against Ohio State the following week further dampened the Badger hopes of a BCS bid.  Since the back to back losses on the road, Wisconsin has regained their footing and is back to destroying the opposition.  The Badgers dominated the B1G Conference All League teams with quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Montee Ball named as the best in the conference at their positions.  Every member of the brutish Badger offensive line was named either first or second team all conference or honorable mention.  The Badger defense had several all conference performers as well.  Wisconsin seems to have regained their dominance and will have revenge on its mind in the rematch with the Spartans.

The Spartans under the leadership of Coach Mark Dantonio rolled through the conference season with only one blemish, a 24-3 defeat in Lincoln against Nebraska.  The Spartans have been resourceful and focused.  Their maturity is evidenced by their victory this past week at Northwestern.  The Wildcats entered the contest on a four game winning streak and the Spartans had already clinched a spot in the Championship Game.  MSU dealt Northwestern a 31-17 defeat when it would have been easy to overlook the Wildcats with an eye on Indianapolis.  The Spartan defense has been a strength all season and the offense has been improving by the week.  Senior quarterback Kirk Cousins has been a great leader and had a fine season earning second team all conference from the coaches poll.  Several other Spartans earned all conference recognition including consensus first teamers in offensive lineman Joel Foreman and defensive lineman Jerel Worthy.

 Matchups

Wisconsin has a very balanced attack led by quarterback Russell Wilson.  The Badgers are content to ram the ball down your throats behind their massive offensive line or hitting big plays to their receivers in Nick Toon and Jared Abredderis.  Montee Ball scored 34 touchdowns from the running back spot and James White is an explosive backup.  Wisconsin has the #1 offense in the B1G and leads in rushing and is fifth in passing.  Michigan State counters with the #4 total defense ranking second against the run but ninth against the pass.  Look for Wisconsin to pass more than usual to soften up the Spartans and open up the running game.  Michigan State has the #4 offense in the conference ranking eleventh running the ball but second in passing.  The Spartan running game has been disappointing this year as Edwin Baker has had a subpar season compared to 2010a.  Le’Veon Bell should get the majority of the carries.  Cousins will look for favorite targets in B.J. Cunningham and Keshawn Martin.  The Badger defense ranks first in the B1G at third against the run and second against the pass.  The statistical edge goes to the Badgers but the Spartans have been resourceful and win without overwhelming numbers.  A key statistic that might determine the outcome is third down conversions where Wisconsin was first in the league at 52.6% conversions while Michigan State was 7^th at 38.4%.  Sustaining drives will be a key to victory.

 Outcome

The Badgers look like a winner on paper and certainly have the revenge factor on their side but the Spartans seem to be a team of destiny.  This one should be close with the Badgers winning another tight game but not covering the spread.  The Badgers will be Rose Bowl bound while the Spartans head to the Capital One Bowl.

In private, they are wondering if they will ever experience another Rose Bowl or possible National Championship Game.  Meyer amassed a record of 104-23 with two years at Bowling Green, two years at Utah, and six years at Florida. 

Two of his Gator teams won National Championships before Meyer “retired” from Florida citing health concerns and wanting to spend more time with his family.  One year later, he must have found some miracle medicine and figured that his family didn’t need him 24/7 as he has unretired to become the new coach at one of the top 5 football schools in the country.

Urban Meyer is an Ohio native and is returning to his Midwest roots.  Ohio is one of the top five high school football states in the country and will provide a fertile recruiting haul for the Buckeyes on an annual basis.  Meyer will also utilize his recruiting ties in the south to recruit the speed necessary to compete with the top SEC programs and overwhelm his competition in the B1G.  Ohio State just ensured that they will be a top five team in the country every year and will compete for national championships on a regular basis.

 Fallout from the tattoo scandal at Ohio State will be a speed bump to Urban Meyer as recruits will flock to Columbus even with possible short term sanctions to the Buckeye program.  I hope Brady Hoke enjoyed his victory over the Buckeyes this year because they will be few and far between in the years ahead.  

This week is full of difficult picks with several teams playing teams somewhat near them in the table.

Chelsea though, will love seeing Wolves hit their schedule this week having lost three of their last five in all competitions. Andre Villas-Boas is under immense pressure as Chelsea play another home contest in the league this week.

Stoke City v. Blackburn: 7:45 am Saturday on ESPN 3

Each of these teams is either at or near the bottom of the current form table, so this is a battle of the “who wills”.

Stoke have lost four in a row, being picked apart for 14 goals in the process, which is not typical of that team. Blackburn have won just one match all season.

Stoke will take some solace in knowing they’re unbeaten in the last five against Blackburn, winning three.

Stoke 2 Blackburn 1

Bolton v. Everton: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Bolton and Everton have matching records (2-4-0) in their last six, so this should be a fairly even match.

Everton have finished all-square in just one match this season while the Trotters have yet to draw a match.

Everton holds a big advantage in the matches between these two, and Bolton’s one home win might make Everton all the more dominant.

Bolton 2 Everton 2

Chelsea are reeling at the moment and if they don't beat Wolves on Saturday, it could spell the end of a quick coaching tenure for Villas-Boas.

Chelsea v. Wolverhampton: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer

Chelsea are reeling from two straight defeats, including one in the Champions League that has left qualification hanging in the balance.

Wolves have lost their last four on the road and are sitting just above the drop zone, a familiar place for them and boss Mick McCarthy.

Last season Wolves won this fixture 1-0. Should they repeat, you kind of start to wonder if AVB would be the Chelsea manager before breakfast on Sunday morning.

Chelsea 2 Wolves 0 

Manchester United v. Newcastle United: 10 am Saturday on ESPN 2

Newcastle United will make their second trip to Manchester in as many weeks and will be trying to avoid consecutive losses after having not lost up until last week’s defeat at Eastlands.

Both sides come in with the same record over their last six (4-1-1) but it’s United who will be looking to put pressure on their neighbors who will be idle until Sunday.

Newcastle have not beaten United in the last 18 tries spanning all competitions.

Manchester United 3 Newcastle 1

Norwich City v. Queens Park Rangers: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Norwich City host fellow promoted side QPR having just taken two points from their last six matches.

QPR are in decent form winning two of their last four matches as they try to crack the top eight.

Goal drought central. The last four meetings between these sides have resulted in just three goals.

Norwich City 1 QPR 1 

Sunderland v. Wigan Athletic: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Sunderland return to the Stadium of light where they’ve taken six point from their last possible 12.

Wigan’s 3-3 controversial draw last week against Blackburn ended a run of eight straight defeats, but they still sit at the foot of the table.

Sunderland must win this type of game if they hope to establish themselves as a permanent top-half quality side.

Sunderland 3 Wigan 1

Aside from Manchester City, Tottenham are easily the hottest team in the Prem. They'll be going to The Hawthorns this weekend, where they have not won in five tries.

West Bromwich Albion v. Tottenham Hotspur: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

West Brom have won three of their last five matches in the league propelling themselves into 10th, and looked solid in a 2-1 victory against Bolton last weekend.

Spurs just continue to win, and have dropped just two points since their opening two losses to start the season, and sit a deserved third in the table.

Both meetings last year were draws, and Spurs have not won in their last five trips to the West Midlands.

West Brom 1 Spurs 2

Arsenal v. Fulham: 12:45 pm Saturday on Fox Soccer

Arsenal, like their North London neighbors are on an absolute tear. They’ve won their last five league matches which has seen them into seventh, with all to play for still.

Fulham are struggling near the foot of the table, and a loss against Arsenal could potentially see them into the drop zone.

Fulham have never beat Arsenal on the Gunners’ home ground(s) in 25 attempts.

Arsenal 2 Fulham 1

Swansea City v. Aston Villa: 8:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

Swansea can actually be bolstered by their performance in last week’s 0-1 loss to Manchester United. They can bounce back well against a struggling Aston Villa side.

Villa have taken four points from a possible 18 on the road this season, in a winless streak. They’ll be trying to change that against the league’s stoutest home defense.

The last five meetings have resulted in home victories, but for what that is worth–it’s been since 1983 since these teams met last.

Swansea 1 Aston Villa 1

Liverpool v. Manchester City: 11 am Sunday on Fox Soccer

Liverpool are unbeaten in front of their home fans but the Kop has seen far too many draws this season for their liking.

Manchester City take their near-perfect record into one of the Premier League’s cauldron’s, which didn’t stop them last time out when they tromped their neighbors 6-1 at Old Trafford.

These teams have been untouchable at home against one another most recently. Last season both home teams won by 3-0 scorelines.

Liverpool 1 City 2

The B1G season is in the home stretch with this weekend being the final week of the regular season heading into the inaugural B1G Championship Game in Indianapolis next Saturday evening.  The Michigan State Spartans punched their ticket to the Championship Game clinching the Legends Division with a 55-3 thrashing of Indiana while Nebraska was pounded in the Big House by the Wolverines.  Wisconsin kept their hopes alive for the Leaders Division crown with a come from behind victory against Illinois.  Penn State improved their bowl positioning holding off the Buckeyes in Columbus.  Iowa shook off their road woes and handled the Boilermakers at Purdue.  Northwestern continued their hot play with a fourth straight victory in defeating the Gophers.

Hoosier Bill needs to head to the “Salt and Pepper” League for a little seasoning for his wretched performance in picking games against the spread.  Another sub “500” record at 2-4 lowers the season mark to 39-51 or 43% success.  A 4-2 record in outright winners brings the season record to 62-28 or a 69% slate.  HB advised you to bet the farm, wife, and kids on the Purdue-Iowa game last week.  How are you enjoying the lonely, homeless life with no family or house after that fine advice?  Hoosier Bill needs to hone his picking skills at the Art Schlichter School for Degenerate Gamblers.

The final week of the conference season features the annual Michigan-Ohio State struggle in Ann Arbor.  Both teams are positioning themselves for bowl berths but the Wolverines are aiming for a possible BCS berth or other January 1^st game.  The Buckeyes are hoping to avoid a “500” season in what is likely the last game as head coach for Luke Fickell.  The Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers battle in Lincoln in what could be called the “Corn Bowl”.  Both teams are trying to improve their bowl scenario.  Purdue is trying to regain the Old Oaken Bucket in Bloomington against the hapless Hoosiers.  A Purdue victory would make them bowl eligible and possibly save the job of Coach Danny Hope.  Illinois limps into Minneapolis to take on the Gophers and hopes of breaking their five game losing skid.  Michigan State invades Evanston to battle Northwestern.  The Spartans have already clinched the Legends division title and still might be celebrating while facing the rapidly improving Wildcats.  The game of the week features Penn State at Wisconsin in a winner take all meeting to decide the Leaders Division Championship.

Iowa (7-4, 4-3) vs. Nebraska (8-3, 4-3) (-10.5)

The Hawkeyes continued their schizophrenic ways last week with their road victory over Purdue.  Iowa remains an enigma because every week brings another game of uncertainty as either the “Good Hawkeyes” show up or the “Bad Hawkeyes” rear their ugly heads.  Iowa has the offense to punish on the ground with Markus Coker or dazzle through the air with James Vandenberg to Marvin McNutt.  The Cornhusker fans have to be disappointed with their inaugural B1G season.  There are probably a lot of Husker fans that had their travel plans to Indianapolis for the Championship Game ruined by an untypically porous defense and an inconsistent offense.  Both teams are trying to improve their bowl plans so there is plenty of incentive to prove on the field.  Take Iowa and the points in a narrow Husker victory.

Michigan State (9-2, 6-1) vs. Northwestern (6-5, 3-4) (+7)

The Spartans are still celebrating their Legends Division Championship and punched ticket to the conference championship game next Saturday.  Michigan State is playing a somewhat meaningless game in Evanston.  Northwestern is on a four game winning streak and are a definite threat to defeat the Spartans if they are unfocused.  Wildcat quarterback Dan Persa plays his final home game and will want the chance to dazzle the home crowd one more time.  The Spartan defense is one of the best in the conference but they are facing some hungry Wildcats.  Northwestern wants to ensure their bowl status and position themselves for a better bowl by defeating the Spartans.  Northwestern is on a roll and the Spartans will be distracted, the Wildcats will win outright.

Purdue (5-6, 3-4) vs. Indiana (1-10, 0-7) (+9.5)

The Boilers have a boatload of motivation riding on Saturday’s game; a “500” record on the season and in the conference, becoming bowl eligible, regaining the Old Oaken Bucket, and possibly saving Coach Danny Hope’s job.  The Hoosiers hope to keep the Bucket and avoid the embarrassment of a winless B1G season.  Indiana was punch less and punched in the mouth last week by the Spartans.  Freshman quarterback Tre Roberson is the future hope of the Hoosiers but he needs help.  The Indiana running game has been fairly reliable behind Stephen Houston and Roberson.  The receiver corps has been decimated by injuries and the suspension of senior Demarlo Belcher.  The Indiana defense is the worst in the conference and Purdue should score early and often.  Purdue boasts a strong running game behind Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers.  Their rotating quarterbacks have been ordinary but they will look superhuman against the Hoosiers.  The Hoosiers will score some points but Purdue will score a lot more.  Purdue wins easily and covers the spread.

Illinois (6-5, 2-5) vs. Minnesota (2-9, 1-6) (+13)

Remember last week when I told you to bet the farm, wife, and kids for Purdue to beat Iowa?  Well this is the week to double down and bring that baggage back into your life.  The 13 point line that Illinois is giving to the Gophers is a joke.  Minnesota has been improving during the second half of the conference season while Illinois has tanked five straight games.  Illinois might be fighting for Ron Zook’s job as another disappointing season winds down.  Zook is an ace recruiter with a talented roster but poor game preparation and management have been his undoing.  New Minnesota Coach Jerry Kill has improved the Gophers on a weekly basis.  Bet all of those farm implements and family members on the Gophers to keep it close and for the Illini not to cover.

Ohio State (6-5, 3-4) vs. Michigan (9-2, 5-2) (-8.5)

The Buckeyes have dominated the Wolverines in recent years but this year the worm will turn.  Michigan Coach Brady Hoke is restoring pride on the maize and blue sideline while the Buckeyes are playing out the string for interim Coach Luke Fickell.  Rumors are very strong that Urban Meyer will take over the Buckeye reins next year and a new era of Buckeye dominance might be on the horizon.  The Michigan defense will stack the box to contain Boom Herron and quarterback Braxton Miller as their passing game is non-existent.  The Wolverine defense has gone from one of the worst to one of the best in the conference in one season under Hoke.  The Michigan offense is led by quarterback Denard Robinson and running back Fitzgerald Toussaint.  The Buckeye defense is good but not great.  The Wolverines will want to send the seniors out with their first victory over the Buckeyes and won’t be denied.  Michigan wins and covers the spread.

B1G Game of the Week

Penn State (9-2, 6-1) vs. Wisconsin (9-2, 5-2) (-18.5)

This is a huge point spread for the second place team to be favored over the leader of the Leaders Division.  The winner of this contest will be in the inaugural Championship Game next Saturday in Indianapolis.  Penn State is still reeling from the sex scandal and the firing of legendary Coach Joe Paterno.  Wisconsin is two miracle plays away from being in the picture for the BCS Championship Game.  Penn State has been very average offensively all season behind weak quarterback play.  The Wisconsin defense will give up ground grudgingly.  While the Penn State defense has been rock solid all year, they haven’t faced an offense like the Badger attack.  The Badgers are balanced with quarterback Russell Wilson orchestrating behind their massive offensive line.  Running backs Montee Ball and James White benefit from superior blocking.  Wilson has ample protection to hit Nick Toon and Jared Abrederris down field.  Wisconsin also benefits from Abrederris in the return game.  A possible Achilles heel for the Badgers has been spotty special teams play with several blocked kicks against them.  This one is tough to call on the point spread but the Badgers will win and cover.

The college basketball season is upon us and every team is still in the race for an NCAA tournament berth and a run to the national championship.  November is one of the best times of the year in the sports world as huge college and NFL football contests are played with Thanksgiving Day providing traditional NFL games in Detroit and Dallas.

College football rivalry games dot the landscape with Ohio State-Michigan, the Bedlam Game; Iron Bowl etc determine bowl positioning.  The other reason to give thanks is the opening of college basketball and no lockouts or strikes in sight.  November offers up cupcake city with teams playing schools they haven’t heard of in the name of padding the resume for the NCAA tournament.  November also offers up the tournaments such as the Maui Invitational, NIT Preseason Tipoff, and the Great Alaska Shootout.  These tournaments typically provide exciting out of conference matchups between college basketball heavyweights.

Who can deny the fun in seeing Bill Rafferty, Jay Bilas, and Sean McDonough in flowered shirts in Maui?  The B1G season promises to offer up surprising upsets as two out of the twelve teams seem destined at the top and bottom of the conference standings.  The consensus amongst the pundits is that the top spot is reserved for Ohio State and the basement has been accorded to that wonderful athletic department at Penn State.  The other ten schools could shake out in an infinite number of scenarios to determine the order of finish.  We will preview each team alphabetically, predict the final standings, choose an all conference first and second team, and choose an all newcomer team.

Illinois Fighting Illini

Head Coach:  Bruce Weber (193-86 in 8 seasons)

The Fighting Illini are rebounding from another underachieving season in 2011 as has become the norm under head coach Bruce Weber.  The Illini were loaded with senior talent but Weber was never able to mold that group into a cohesive unit due to personal agendas by the players.  An influx of freshmen along with a smattering of returning players gives new hope on the Champaign-Urbana campus.  The key returnees include 7’-1” sophomore center; Meyers Leonard, a highly regarded player out of high school who came off the bench last year.  D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul return as starting guards with a significant amount of experience from the last two years.  Weber recruited several freshmen out of the Chicago area including Mike Shaw, Tracy Abrams, 6’-11” center; Nnanna Egwu and an immediately eligible transfer from Bradley in point guard Sam Maniscalco.  Bruce Weber has to start overachieving or at least living up to expectations as his seat is going to be warming up from an increasingly frustrated Illini Nation.

Prized recruit Cody Zeller has put IU back on the map, as several other top prospects have followed suit by signing with the Hoosiers.

Indiana Hoosiers

Head Coach:  Tom Crean (28-66 in 3 seasons)

Indiana coach Tom Crean has faced an unenviable task of rebuilding one of the top brand names in college basketball from scratch.  Crean arrived on the scene in 2008 with the aftermath of Kelvin Sampson’s debacle with a gutted team and no scholarship players due to transfers, academic casualties, and drug issues.  Crean has faced an uphill battle since as an untalented roster along with injuries to key players has subjected Hoosier Nation to three horrific seasons. 

The free pass granted to Crean has now expired as his roster is now more mature and he added one of the finest freshman post players in the country in Cody Zeller.  Zeller is the first talented big man in the Crean era that gives the Hoosiers an inside scoring and rebounding threat.  Crean was able to win a spirited recruiting battle with North Carolina and Butler for the services of Mr. Zeller. 

An added benefit from the arrival of Zeller is an extremely talented recruiting class that will arrive next season in Bloomington that wanted to play with Cody.  Christian Watford and Will Sheehey will join Zeller on the frontline.  Watford led the Hoosiers in scoring last year at 16 ppg.  Sheehey came off the bench and showed flashes of potential last year and has impressed in preseason workouts and exhibition games. 

The backcourt features Jordan Hulls and Verdell Jones III.  Hulls and Jones are quality shooters but both are liabilities on defense.  Derek Elston and Tom Pritchard will come off the bench for the frontline.  Victor Oladipo brings athleticism and defense off the bench in the backcourt.  Coach Crean needs to show significant progress this season and a propensity to play defense or his seat will start to get warm in Bloomington.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Head Coach:  Fran McCaffery (11-20 in 1 season)

Iowa coach Fran McCaffery inherited an atrophying program from Todd Lickliter before last season.  McCaffery instilled a competitive fire in his team that was still missing top notch talent.  This year, Iowa has a dangerous squad that will fight hard and is gaining experience.  They have a number of interchangeable parts and a considerable amount of depth in the program but still no “go to” player.  Matt Gatens and Bryce Cartwright are senior starters in the backcourt which is always good news.  Eric May and Roy Marble bring athleticism in the backcourt as well. 

Melsahn Basabe anchors the frontcourt at power forward.  Basabe had a fine freshman campaign as he scored in double figures and led the team in rebounding and shot blocking.  He will be joined by Devon Archie, Zach McCabe and Andrew Brommer on the frontline.  Freshmen newcomers include Josh Oglesby, Aaron White, and Gabe Olaseni.  The Hawkeyes are going to surprise the experts this year and be much more competitive in year 2 of the McCaffery era.  They bring athleticism and toughness and a roster with depth every night.

Michigan Wolverines

Head Coach:  John Beilein (67-67 in 4 seasons)

Michigan coach John Beilein has his program humming in his fifth season in Ann Arbor.  The Wolverines finished with a 21 win season in 2011 and lost by two points to Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.  Most of the key elements of last year’s team return with the exception of Darius Morris who took his talents to the locked out NBA.  Seniors Zach Novak and Stu Douglass return for their final campaigns with a boatload of playing experience. 

The Wolverines have a dynamic sophomore class led by Tim Hardaway Jr. in the backcourt and Jordan Morgan , Jon Horford, and Evan Smotrycz up front.  Freshman point guard Trey Burke is expected to lead the team from day one.  Hardaway Jr. is a budding star after averaging almost 14 points per game as a freshman. 

Michigan’s bench will be supported by freshman guard Carlton Brundidge and freshman forward Max Bielfeldt.  Beilein is accumulating talent in Ann Arbor and should earn a spot in the first five finishers in the conference and a sure NCAA berth.

 Michigan State Spartans

Head Coach:  Tom Izzo (383-161 in 16 seasons)

Cupcake City; that describes the first two games of Michigan State’s season as they open up with North Carolina on the flight deck of the U.S. Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and then the Duke Blue Devils.  What, the Lakers and Heat weren’t available due to the lockout.  Coach Tom Izzo always challenges his team in the non-conference season to test his team and ready them for conference wars and the NCAA Tournament. 

The Spartans had a non-Izzo like campaign in 2011 as they barely made the Tournament and lost in the first round rather than the normal Final Four appearance.  MSU returns Draymond Green, Adreian Payne, and Derrick Nix in the frontcourt.  Green is an excellent all around player as he can score, rebound, and pass.  Green is also the unquestioned leader of the team.  Freshman Branden Dawson will probably start from day one as Izzo out recruited Purdue for his services.  Dawson is a relentless rebounder, a trait that is always big with Izzo. 

Sophomore Keith Appling returns in the backcourt along with Austin Thornton.  Newcomers are senior transfer Brandon Wood from Valparaiso who brings an outside shot and court savvy.  Freshman Travis Trice will get time running the point.  The Spartans will probably struggle in the early going against the tough schedule but as their younger players mature, they will be a force late in the year.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Head Coach:  Tubby Smith (80-53 in 4 seasons)

The Gophers have one of the top frontlines in the B1G but one of the weakest backcourts.  Coach Tubby Smith has had a ho hum record since arriving in Minneapolis.  His teams just never seem to achieve on the court like they do on paper.  Some of his top recruits never make it to campus such as Royce White.  The touted frontliners such as Ralph Sampson III, Colton Iverson, and Rodney Williams never live up to their press clippings.  Iverson transferred after last season and didn’t stick around for his senior year.  Trevor Mbakwe did stick around and he is one of the top players in the conference.  He is a three way performer in scoring, rebounding, and shot blocking. 

The backcourt features sophomore Austin Hollins and freshman Andre Hollins.  Backups will be Chip Armelin and Joe Coleman.  The Minnesota front court will keep them in games but the backcourt won’t be good enough to win them.  Look for the gophers to drift towards the bottom three or four spots in the conference and a miss on the NCAA Tournament.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Head Coach:  Doc Sadler (89-71 in 5 seasons)

Nebraska is the ultimate football school that would love to prove that they can play some basketball as well.  Coach Doc Sadler has a winning record and proved to be a dangerous team in the Big 12 last year.  The leading returning scorer is Jorge Brian Diaz, a 6’-11” junior center who averaged 10.5 ppg in 2011.  He will be aided in the frontcourt by Brandon Ubel who is another of 5 Nebraska players at least 6’-10”. 

Other returning players are 6’-6” forward Toney McCray and guards Caleb Walker and Brandon Richardson.  Newcomers include Corey Hilliard and Dylan Talley at guard and David Rivers and Josiah Moore up front.  The Cornhuskers are an unknown to the B1G and vice versa.  The Huskers will struggle to secure an NCAA berth but might slip into the NIT.

Northwestern Wildcats

Head Coach:  Bill Carmody (160-177 in 11 seasons)

The Wildcats are still searching for their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance.  Last year offered promise for that initial opportunity but losses piled up in conference play and they were passed over.  Coach Carmody has his Cats thinking Tournament this year as they return everyone except point guard Juice Thompson.  Senior John Shurna returns as a sharp shooter who can average over 20 points per game.  Shurna has an unorthodox and ugly shot; it just goes in! 

Drew Crawford and JerShon Cobb return in the backcourt along with Alex Marcotullio.  Davide Curletti will start alongside Shurna at forward while Luka Mirkovic patrols the middle.  Tre Demps is the top newcomer in the backcourt.  Northwestern has a veteran club led by Shurna, if they can find an effective floor leader to replace Thompson they will challenge for a Tournament berth.

Jared Sullinger chose wisely to skip the NBA Lockout and return to Columbus.

Ohio o State Buckeyes

Head Coach:  Thad Matta (190-57 in 7 seasons)

The Buckeyes seem to be the perennial favorites to win the B1G in recent years.  Coach Thad Matta is a wizard on the recruiting trail and always seems to have a boatload of talent that reloads every year.  The best recruiting job Matta did for the 2011-12 season was to convince Mr. All-Everything center; Jared Sullinger to return for his sophomore season and senior guard William Buford to return as well.  Sullinger was virtually assured of being a high lottery pick and Buford was a likely first round pick as well. 

The return of Sullinger in the middle, Buford on the wing, and sophomore Aaron Craft at the point make the Buckeyes prohibitive favorites to win the league and the conference tournament and a likely #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Craft is a crafty ball handler and tenacious defender that provides the energy to make the Buckeyes go.  

A new starter for the Bucks will be sophomore DeShaun Thomas at small forward.  Thomas was a key performer off the bench last year and was highly touted coming out of high school.  The remaining starter will probably be Lenzelle Smith, a sophomore guard or Jordan Sibert, another sophomore guard.  Matta has another fine recruiting class led by 6’-11” center; Amir Williams.  Sam Thompson and Shannon Scott also figure to see action as well.  This team has all the elements for a deep tourney run and a Final four berth is the minimum expectation.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Head Coach:  Patrick Chambers (1st Year)

New Penn State Coach Patrick Chambers has the unenviable task of taking over the reins of the basketball team from Ed DeChellis just as graduation decimated the roster and the sex scandal at Penn State has tainted the entire University and athletic department.  Don’t think that there won’t be things said during conference road games by opposing fans.  Distractions aside, Chambers must find a serviceable starting five to avert a total disaster of a season.  Junior guard Tim Frazier is the only returning starter. 

The Nittany Lions bring in a couple of 6’-11” centers in Patrick Ackerman and Peter Alexis.  Jermaine Marshall, Billy Oliver, and Cammeron Woodyard are the only other returning players on a thin roster.  This should be a very thin, rebuilding year at Penn State and an 0-18 record in the conference is a distinct possibility.  There are two almost for sure placings in the conference with first place conceded to the Buckeyes and Penn State being a nearly unanimous choice for the cellar.

Purdue Boilermakers

Head Coach:  Matt Painter (138-64 in 6 seasons)

The Boilermakers graduated two outstanding four year standouts in center JaJuan Johnson and E’Twuan Moore.  The third member of that fabled recruiting class is Robbie Hummel.  He missed the last third of the prior season and all of last season with ACL tears.  Last year could have been a Final Four type team with Hummel but last year’s loss is this year’s gain.  The Boilers without Hummel would be a team without a proven scorer.  With Hummel, they are dangerous and competitive with most of the teams on their schedule.  The returning scoring threats are three point specialist Ryne Smith and ultra quick and diminutive point guard in Lewis Jackson.  Those three seniors will lead Purdue with help from the Johnsons; Anthony and Terone in the backcourt. 

Kelsey Barlow is a dynamic athlete but inconsistent and will pull Painters’ hair out.  D.J. Byrd is a wing with some shooting touch and rebounding skill.  The center position could be the Achilles heel of the Boilers with neither Travis Carroll or Sandi Marcius distinguishing themselves.  Painters teams always rely on defensive intensity and this group will need to rely on that defense with only one proven scorer.  Painters’ team will find a way to finish in the top half of the conference. 

Wisconsin Badgers

Head Coach:  Bo Ryan (242-91 in 10 seasons)

Badger coach Bo Ryan is poised to pull some rabbits out of the hat once again as another college basketball season is upon us.  The Badgers always seem to overachieve and just when you think the talent has run dry in Madison, Ryan reloads with seemingly average talent that turns into gold.  He lost Jon Leuer, Keaton Nankivil, and Tim Jarmusz off last year’s squad but reloads with some more big men and the senior season of all league and potential All-American guard in Jordan Taylor. 

Sophomore Josh Gasser returns at guard along with carrot top Mike Brusewitz at forward.  Ryan Evans returns on the wing and the long line of big boys in Madison includes Jared Berggren, and then freshmen big men in Jarrod Uthoff, Evan Anderson, and Frank Kaminsky.  The Badgers are almost impossible to beat at home as evidenced by Ryan’s 154-11 record at home.  The Badgers have a very good shot at finishing second or third in the league once again.

Projected Standings

Ohio State

Wisconsin

Michigan

Purdue

Indiana

Michigan State

Illinois

Northwestern

Iowa

Minnesota

Nebraska

Penn State

Bold=NCAA Tournament

All Conference 1^st Team

C-Jared Sullinger/Ohio State

F-Robbie Hummel/Purdue

F-Trevor Mbakwe/Minnesota

G-Jordan Taylor/Wisconsin

G-William Buford/Ohio State

All Conference 2^nd Team

C-Cody Zeller/Indiana

F-Draymond Green/Michigan State

F-John Shurna/Northwestern

G-Aaron Craft/Ohio State

G-Tim Hardaway Jr./Michigan

All Newcomer Team

Cody Zeller-Indiana

Jarrod Uthoff-Wisconsin

Branden Dawson-Michigan State

Trey Burke-Michigan

Amir Williams-Ohio State

Player of the Year

Jared Sullinger-Ohio State

Newcomer of the Year

Cody Zeller-Indiana

Last time out, I managed a decent 6-4 showing bringing my record up to 58-51 (53.2% correct results) so I am doing much better than I was last year at about the same time. This weekend brings plenty of exciting games but there are two that really stand out. The first being a normal Saturday kickoff between Manchester City and Newcastle, with the second of course being the Super Sunday clash between Chelsea and Liverpool. Exciting times in the BPL for sure.

Norwich City v. Arsenal: 7:45 am Saturday on ESPN 2

The start to the season couldn’t be much better for the Canaries. They currently sit ninth in the table and could pull within three points of their opponents with a win.

The Gunners travel to Norwich after going to Stamford Bridge and running away 5-3 winners on the day. Prior to that triumph however, Arsenal were on a three match road losing skid.

The 2004/2005 season produced the last league meeting between the two sides. Arsenal won both matches by identical 4-1 scorelines.

Norwich City 1 Arsenal 2

Everton v. Wolverhampton: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

These two teams have a solitary point separating them but sit three spots away from each other in the table, with Everton just above the drop zone on 10 points.

The Toffees have lost five of their last six league matches whilst Wolves won for just the first time after taking seven points from their first three matches.

Three of the last four meetings between the sides have ended in draws.

Everton 2 Wolves 1 

High-flying Newcastle will be put to the test as they travel to Eastlands to face unbeaten and top side Manchester City in what could be the match of the year so far.

Manchester City v. Newcastle United: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 

Another meeting of unbeatens for Man City. The last time they faced an unbeaten side, they came out 6-1 winners on the day.

City have won every league match in front of their home fans this season, but Newcastle’s resurgence as a top tier club has produced five wins in six.

Over the last nine meetings between these two sides, City have won seven, with the other two matches being draws.

Manchester City 2 Newcastle 1

Stoke City v. Queens Park Rangers: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Stoke are on a bit of a troubling run of form, losing their last three matches. They might take solace in the fact that they’ve been much better at home, losing just once.

QPR have lost two in a row themselves will be looking to avoid the same fate Stoke City have experienced.

Stoke have the second fewest goals scored this season (8) whilst Queens Park Rangers have produced just five goals in their five away matches.

Stoke City 1 QPR 1

Sunderland v. Fulham: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Sunderland have only now started to find their way together after the club made 10 summer signings and had to deal with the departure of a talismanic striker.

They’ve taken five points from their last possible nine at the Stadium of Light and will face a Fulham side who’ve taken only four points from five matches on the road this season.

Fulham did win the corresponding fixture last season 3-0, but this fixture has not been goal-heavy. Prior to the 3-0 victory, the two sides’ last five meetings have produced just two goals.

Sunderland 1 Fulham 1 

West Bromwich Albion v. Bolton: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

This is another match that won’t receive headlines but should be one of the better ones on the weekend.

After struggling mightily to find themselves, Bolton will be hoping their 5-0 thumping of Stoke last time out is a step in the right direction.

The Baggies however have sputtered, losing two in a row after having been unbeaten in the previous four. The last three corresponding fixtures have been draws.

West Brom 1 Bolton 2 

Wigan Athletic v. Blackburn: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

This derby will highlight each team sitting last and second-to-last in the table. While you hesitate to call a match in Week 12 a relegation six-pointer, this one looks to have the makings of just that.

Wigan have lost eight on the trot, whilst Blackburn have scrounged just two points from their last six matches.

Wigan did show some signs of life their last time out, but Blackburn have taken the same amount of points at home as they have on their travels.

Wigan 2 Blackburn 1 

Swansea City v. Manchester United: 12:30 pm on Fox Soccer

The tea time fixture features a Swansea team hosting the Champions having won their last three in front of their home fans in Wales, to remain unbeaten at home all season.

United won’t be looking forward to this fixture if history is any guide. They’ve never won at Swansea.

Swansea own the fewest goals conceded at home (1) in their five home matches, and have scored 8, and have taken 11 out of 15 points at home.

Swansea City 1 Manchester United 1

Chelsea v. Liverpool: 11 am Sunday on Fox Soccer

Chelsea will be looking forward to righting the ship after losing their first home match of the season last time out, to London rivals Arsenal.

Liverpool are unbeaten in six but have had too many draws, keeping them out of contention for a European slot.

Liverpool have been either good or bad on the road, having not claimed a draw yet. Chelsea did lose to Liverpool in both matches last season however.

Chelsea 3 Liverpool 2 

Tottenham Hotspur v. Aston Villa: 3:30 pm Monday on ESPN 2 

Harry Redknapp hopes to be fit for touchline duties following minor heart surgery that sidelined him for Spurs’ previous game.

Tottenham are on a hot streak, following two consecutive defeats (to both Manchester Clubs) to begin the season they’ve taken 22 points from the remaining 24 possible.

Aston Villa are on a bit of the opposite track and whilst they’ve drawn four of their five away fixtures so far, Alex McCleish’s men have yet to win a match away from Villa Park this season.

Tottenham 3 Aston Villa 1 

The B1G weaklings were tired of getting sand kicked in their faces last week as they either beat the elite teams or threw strong scares into their spoiled fan bases.  The Iowa Hawkeyes upset Michigan at Kinnick Stadium last Saturday with a goal line stand to keep the Wolverines at bay.  Northwestern rolled into Lincoln for their first taste of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and returned to Evanston with a 28-25 victory leaving the Corn Heads picking corn out of their teeth.  Minnesota and Indiana both went on the road to Michigan State and Ohio State respectively and gave their victory starved fans a glimpse of hope for the future with strong showings that ultimately ended in defeat.  Wisconsin sent Purdue back to West Lafayette with Badger claws on their backs as the Badgers returned to the win column.

Hoosier Bill continues to stink up the joint with a 3-2 record in outright picks bringing the season record to 54-24.  Another losing record against the spread at 2-3 and a season long slump at 34-44 overall has HB looking for money buried in the back yard to cover the bookie losses.  Hoosier Bill has the same talent picking against the spread as Bill Polian does in evaluating football players.

Michigan State (7-2, 4-1) vs. Iowa (6-3, 3-2) (+3)

The Iowa Hawkeyes go for their second straight win at home over a team from the state of Michigan.  Will the Hawkeyes be the Michigan state champs?  Iowa has been a bit of an enigma this year with some good wins wrapped around some head scratching losses.  If Iowa can defeat the Spartans, they are back in the race for the Legends Division crown.  Every team in the Legends Division has at least two losses except the one loss Spartans.  MSU must pick up their performance after the tight victory over Minnesota last week and a pummeling at Nebraska the week before.  The Spartan defense has not played up to earlier proficiency and their offense which looks formidable on paper hasn’t seemed to jell.  Iowa always plays the Spartans tough and they win the game outright in Iowa City.

Ohio State (6-3, 3-2) vs. Purdue (4-5, 2-3) (+8)

The Purdue Boilermakers need two wins in their last three games to become bowl eligible.  The Ohio State Buckeyes need to win out and get some help to reach the conference championship game.  Who has more to play for in this game?  The Boilers pulled off an upset of the Buckeyes at home in 2009 and will be looking for a similar result in 2011.  Buckeye freshman quarterback Braxton Miller has proven to be a formidable runner but hasn’t excelled in the passing game.  If Purdue gets ahead and forces the Buckeyes to pass, it could be another upset in West Lafayette.  The key to victory for Purdue is getting off to a good start like they did against Illinois in their last home game.  The Boilers executed to perfection in the first half.  Indiana had some success on the ground against the Buckeyes and the Purdue ground attack has been potent at times led by Ralph Bolden.  The Boilers get ahead and force the Bucks to pass.  Purdue wins a tight game outright.

Rice (3-6) vs. Northwestern (4-5) (-15.5)

The Northwestern Wildcats are in hot pursuit of bowl eligibility and their third straight victory.  The Wildcats are fresh off a stunning victory at Nebraska and expect quarterback Dan Persa to return against Rice.  The Northwestern offense has proven to be very explosive and look for them to put up big numbers against the Owls.  Rice did defeat Purdue at home back in September and have some confidence that they can beat a B1G team.  Northwestern wants that bowl appearance and they win going away, even giving the points.

Michigan (7-2, 3-2) vs. Illinois (6-3, 2-3) (+3)

The Fighting Illini had a bye week to plug leaks in their sinking ship as they have lost three straight games after a season opening six game win streak.  The Wolverines try to regain their winning ways after a tough defeat in Iowa City last week, failing to score on the goal line late in the game.  Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson has struggled in the passing game and has been bottled up running against better defenses.  Illinois has an effective pass rush and could put some pressure on Robinson.  Look for the Wolverines to give Devin Gardner some snaps behind center to try to spark the offense.  Nathan Scheelhaase must regain his form at quarterback for the Illini to have a chance in this game.  The bye was what the doctor ordered.  Take the Illini outright to swing the upset at home.

Wisconsin (7-2, 3-2) vs. Minnesota (2-7, 1-4) (+28.5)

The bludgeoning Badgers returned to form last week with a resounding home victory over Purdue at home.  The Badgers have featured a balanced attack all year with the running of Montee Ball and James White with the passing attack led by quarterback Russell Wilson.  Minnesota has improved significantly the last two weeks with a home victory over Iowa and a narrow defeat at Michigan State.  Gopher first year coach Jerry Kill is starting to have his team buy into his program.  Although Wisconsin is returning to form, the Gopher improvement will keep them within the spread so take the Gophers and the points.

Big Ten Game of the Week

Nebraska (7-2, 3-2) vs. Penn State (8-1, 5-0) (+3)

One week ago, this was just a game between two teams that are fighting for their respective Division titles.  JoePa was going to be patrolling the sidelines in search of win number 410 in his career.  Not so fast my friend!  The Penn State sex scandal perpetrated by former Defensive Coordinator Jerry Sandusky is picking up enablers like a Kansas tornado including Joe Paterno who was fired this week by the PSU Board of Trustees.  Tom Bradley will be the interim coach and a cloud will hang over Beaver Stadium during the last Penn State home game for 2011.  It is difficult to imagine that the Nittany Lion team won’t be distracted by the storm of controversy swirling around their program and university.

With a dreadful offense and a stout defense, Penn State has a two game lead in the Leaders Division as they head into the meat of their schedule.  Two wins in the final three games will put them in the conference championship game on December 3^rd in Indianapolis.  Road games at Ohio State and Wisconsin will complete their regular season schedule.  The PSU defense will need to play out of their minds to stop a potent Cornhusker running game led by Rex Burkhead and quarterback Taylor Martinez.  They will also need a balanced attack with an effective running game led by Silas Redd and timely passing by Matt McGloin.  Penn State is too distracted by the scandal and the Cornhuskers will win by more than the spread.  Take Nebraska and give the points. 

Joe Paterno won't be saying "Coooooome to Pennnnn Staaaaaate" ever again.

One week ago, everything was happy in Happy Valley. Today, the name Penn State is hanging in effigy throughout the country.

The disgusting, perverted behavior of former Penn State Defensive Coordinator; Jerry Sandusky with young boys who were supposed to be benefiting from Sandusky’s Foundation was compounded by the cover up perpetrated by the Penn State Administration from University President, Athletic Director, Graduate Assistant Mike McQueary, and the figurehead of Penn State football Joe Paterno.

Paterno, first of all, should have retired 15 years ago. Ego and empowerment kept JoePa coaching the Nittany Lions until he could set the all time NCAA coaching victory record.

The energy and mental capacity of any 84 year old man is not up to the standards that his players deserve. I’m not so sure that Joe’s mental capacity grasped the seriousness of Sandusky’s crimes and may have contributed to Paterno’s inaction in notifying the authorities of the atrocities at his football complex.

Joe Paterno had the legacy of being one of the most beloved icons in college football history. Penn State always did things the “right way”. They didn’t cheat, the players graduated, and Joe was well known for the generosity of his time and money to worthy causes in State College. Unfortunately, his legacy is now that of a man that looked the other way while young, innocent, boys were victimized by a grown man who used his fame and position for wayward purposes. Joe, if you had done the right thing when you were first aware of the situation, your legacy would have been worthy of the statue outside of Beaver Stadium.

Hoosier Bill has undergone surgery to change his appearance after last week’s reprehensible

1-5 record against the spread.  HB lost the kid’s trust funds on last week’s wagers and the Vegas mafia is hot on the trail.  The season record against the spread has slipped to 32-41.  A 3-3 record in outright winners reduced the winning percentage and now stands at 51-22.  As Lindsey Nelson used to say on the old Notre Dame Football Highlights show on Sunday mornings back in the 1970’s; “Due to time constraints we move to further action”.  This will be an abbreviated preview due to Hoosier Bill having to stay on the move.

Indiana (1-8, 0-5) vs. Ohio State (5-3, 2-2) (-29)

The Buckeyes had their most impressive victory of the season last week as true freshman quarterback Braxton Miller pulled a rabbit out of a hat in the closing seconds to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers.  Ohio State seems to be improving with Miller gaining confidence and experience and the return of formerly suspended players like Dan Herron.  The Hoosiers also start a true freshman quarterback in Tre Roberson and his performances the last two weeks give the Hoosier faithful hope for the future.  The Hoosier ground attack led by Stephen Houston has been effective; however, the defense has acted like the French and thrown up the white flag to surrender.  The Buckeyes will score at will against the Hoosiers and Braxton Miller will look like a polished veteran.  Buckeyes pick the score and give the points.

Michigan (7-1, 3-1) vs. Iowa (5-3, 2-2) (+3.5)

Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz might hear some catcalls at home if they struggle against the Wolverines after their inexplicable loss against Minnesota.  Iowa is a middle of the road team in literally all of the conference statistics facing a Wolverines team that is near the top both offensively and surprisingly on defense as well.  Michigan has too much to play for and Brady Hoke will have them focused.  Michigan will win and cover the spread.

Minnesota (2-6, 1-3) vs. Michigan State (6-2, 3-1) (-28)

The Gophers found divine inspiration against Iowa last week and the Spartans left Lincoln wondering who let Nebraska into the B1G.  The Spartans are still in the running for the Legends Division title while the Gophers are ready to go back into hibernation for the winter.  The Spartans will win but won’t cover the spread as their offense won’t generate enough points to cover.

Northwestern (3-5, 1-4) vs. Nebraska (7-1, 3-1) (-19)

Northwestern is at a distinct disadvantage in this game as their offense is still worn out from running up so much yardage and points last week against Indiana.  Their defense played well enough to lose most games but the offense bailed them out.  Nebraska shut down the Spartans in a 24-3 beat down.  The Cornhuskers have visions of a trip to Indianapolis in December and won’t be denied by the Wildcats.  The Husker defense will slow the Northwestern attack and take the game and the points.

Purdue (4-4, 2-2) vs. Wisconsin (6-2, 2-2) (-26.5)

An angry Badger is an animal that you don’t want to corner.  The Wisconsin Badgers are going to be in a foul mood after their disastrous two game road trip to Michigan State and Ohio State resulted in two last second heart pounding defeats.  Purdue has been up and down all season but they will be way down after this game.  The Badgers are going to run the ball down the throats of the Purdue defense with their road grader offensive line.  Wisconsin will cover the spread and restore hope of a Division title.

Sitting at 52-47 or 53% correct, I really couldn’t be happier. After last weekend’s results, I think I can honestly say that the cream has risen to the top for the time being. Newcastle rightly deserve their place in third, whilst Tottenham, Liverpool, and Arsenal round out a very strong top seven.

There are several challenging fixtures for those top seven teams this weekend, and I can’t wait to preview them. Let’s get to it!

Newcastle look practically unbeatable, and last week's Hat-Trick Hero Demba Ba is a big reason why.

Newcastle United v. Everton: 8:45 am on ESPN2 

Newcastle are one of two remaining unbeatens in the Premier League as they square off in a lunchtime fixture with Everton, who felt aggrieved not to get a point against visitors Manchester United last week.

David Moyes’ men have lost four of their last five matches, while Allen Pardew’s Magpies have won four of their last five.

Newcastle’s home form is identical to their away form, with three wins and two draws in each, although last season’s encounters both ended in away wins.

Newcastle 1 Everton 1 

Arsenal vs. West Bromwich Albion: 11 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Arsenal will host West Brom having won four straight in front of their home fans.

Prior to last season, Arsene Wenger’s side had won five straight meetings between these two sides, but last year West Brom took four points off of the Gunners.

Arsenal have conceded just four goals at home in five appearances this season.

Arsenal 2 West Brom 1 

Aston Villa v. Norwich City: 11 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Aston Villa have seen a sharp dip in form which is reflected in their fall to 14th in the current form table.

Alex McLeish’s side have managed just one point from their last three matches, while Norwich have lost just once in their last six.

Norwich haven’t beaten Villa since 1993, but four of the six matches played since have ended all square.

Aston Villa 2 Norwich City 1

Blackburn v. Chelsea: 11 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Channel

Blackburn enter this match having taken just two points from their previous five matches, although they sit just two points from safety in the drop zone’s more promising slot.

Chelsea have lost two matches in a row and will surely be wanting to avoid a third defeat in succession.

Rovers have not beaten Chelsea since May 2006 at Ewood Park. Of the 13 matches contested between then, Chelsea have won 10.

Blackburn 1 Chelsea 2

Liverpool v. Swansea City: 11 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Liverpool’s home form is not exactly what they’d like it to be. Having just won two of their five matches, and drawing the other three, they are unbeaten but I doubt that record impresses anyone in the Kop.

Whilst Swansea are undefeated at home, they’ve taken just one point from their travels this season.

The two sides have not met since an FA Cup third round replay in which Liverpool won 8-0 at Anfield. Swansea’s lone victory over Liverpool also came in the FA Cup, a 2-1 victory in February of 1964.

Liverpool 2 Swansea City 0 

Manchester United v. Sunderland: 11 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

Sunderland will be searching for their first victory at Old Trafford since 1968 on the day the Red sections of Mancunians will be celebrating Sir Alex Ferguson’s 25 years at the club.

Since that victory Sunderland have lost 15 and drawn nine of their last 24 visits to Old Trafford.

United rarely lose at home, but with the 1-6 defeat to City still lingering in the back of their minds, they’ll be out to start another unbeaten home run.

Manchester United 3 Sunderland 1

QPR return home where they scalped Chelsea last time out. Manchester City will be coming to Loftus Road this week hoping to avoid a similar fate.

Queens Park Rangers v. Manchester City: 1:30 pm Saturday on Fox Soccer Channel

Manchester City come to Loftus Road for the tea time fixture having gone unbeaten so far this season.

Mancini’s Blues have been rampant, winning their last five while scoring 19 and conceding just three in those games. However, Neil Warnock’s men are unbeaten at home in their last four fixtures.

City have not won at Loftus Road in the league in their last four attempts, with their last victory coming in October 1994.

QPR 1 Manchester City 2 

Wolverhampton v. Wigan Athletic: 8:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer Plus

Each of these sides are in the bottom two of the form table, with Wolves losing six of their last seven, and Wigan losing seven straight.

Wigan have won four of the last five meetings against Wolves, and did the double over the West Midlands side last season.

Wolves need to find their early season form which saw them into the top four after just three matches, taking seven points from those fixtures.

Wolves 2 Wigan 1 

Bolton v. Stoke City: 10 am Sunday on foxsoccer.tv

Bolton have not won at home this season, losing all five of their fixtures in front of their home fans, scoring just four goals to 17 conceded.

Stoke have lost their last three road matches, and have won just one match in their last six overall.

It was a 5-0 thumping from Stoke in the FA Cup that sent Bolton crashing in the table last season. They’ll want to avenge that.

Bolton 1 Stoke City 1

Fulham v. Tottenham Hotspur: 11 am Sunday on Fox Soccer Channel

Martin Jol will be facing his ex-club for the first time since his departure in October of 2007.

Tottenham are on a hot streak, having won six of their last seven matches in the league.

Spurs did the double over their London counterparts last season but Fulham did enjoy a 4-0 FA Cup victory.

Fulham 2 Tottenham 2 

Hail Mary, two words which will live in infamy with the Wisconsin Badger Nation and Coach Bret Bielema after last week’s pulsating ending to the Michigan State-Wisconsin game in East Lansing.  The Spartans prevailed 37-31 on a last play Hail Mary pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins that ricocheted out of the end zone into the waiting arms of MSU receiver Keith Nichol who proceeded to bull his way towards the Wisconsin end zone.  Two Badger defenders vainly tried to keep him from crossing the goal line. 

The officials called him down which would have sent the game into overtime but the replay showed that the ball had passed the goal line and was reversed setting off a party that must have lasted to all hours of the morning in Sparty land.  The loss effectively ended the Badger dreams of a national championship. They now have to hope to finish strong, win the Leaders Division, and win the B1G Championship Game to advance to a BCS Bowl.  The Spartans control their own destiny in the Legends Division as they lead the division but face another tough matchup this weekend in Lincoln against the Cornhuskers.

Hoosier Bill suffered a relapse of brain drain as the bill collectors resumed their relentless pursuit of HB as I was added to their speed dials with a record of 2-3 in outright games and against the spread.  HB has left the country without a forwarding address to escape the wrath of the bill collectors and the leg breakers from Vegas.  HB has slipped to 48-19 in outright games and 31-36 against the spread.  This week’s picks are being made from an offshore undisclosed location.

Northwestern (2-5, 0-4) vs. Indiana (1-7, 0-4) (+9.5)

The Over/Under bet on this game is 60.5 as nobody will be holding up those signs with the letter “D” with a white picket fence.  Northwestern has one of the top offenses in the conference and the leading quarterback in Dan Persa but also rank near the bottom defensively.  The Hoosier offense hasn’t been high scoring but under the leadership of true freshman QB; Tre Roberson, Indiana has a chance to put up some points on the Wildcats.  The Hoosier defense is so bad that they couldn’t “catch a cold” when defending the opposition.  This is the first B1G game that Indiana has a chance to win.  The Hoosiers will make it close but no cigar.  Take Northwestern to win but not cover the spread.

Purdue (4-3, 2-1) vs. Michigan (6-1, 2-1) (-15)

The Boilermakers played their best game of the season and beat the ranked Illinois Fighting Illini.  The Boilers roared out to a 21-0 halftime lead before hanging on for a 21-14 victory.  The Purdue defense held Illinois in check until the fourth quarter while the offense was efficient.  More improvement will be needed including four solid quarters of play if the Boilers want to have a shot against Michigan.  The Wolverines had a bye last week and made use of the time by working Devin Gardner into the rotation at quarterback with Denard Robinson.  While Robinson’s running excels against weaker competition, he starts to struggle on the ground against the league’s better defenses.  Robinson’s passing has always been behind his running ability.  Coach Brady Hoke is looking for a more balanced offense and a better passing attack with Gardner.  Look for Robinson to take about 75% of the Wolverine snaps.  Michigan has an improved defense in 2011 and will try to slow the Boiler running attack.  The Wolverines at home with two weeks to prepare will win but not cover the spread!

Illinois (6-2, 2-2) vs. Penn State (7-1, 4-0) (-6)

Joe Pa, the ageless wonder at the reins of the Penn State Nittany Lions continues to defy the prognosticators with his team at the top of the Leaders Division with a 4-0 mark.  A stout defense has masked a deficiency on offense with an unsettled quarterback position.  The Illini have come back to earth the last two weeks with losses to Ohio State and Purdue.  Illinois was a victim of Purdue’s best effort of the season and their own multiple mistakes.  The Nathan Scheelhaase to A.J. Jenkins combination never got untracked at Purdue and must return to form to have a chance to defeat PSU.  The  Nittany Lions have the number one scoring defense in the conference and they will give up points grudgingly to the Illini. 

The Illini usually find ways to lose close games and Joe Pa finds ways to win with Geritol and Denture Grip.  Take the points but Penn State will still win the game.

Iowa (5-2, 2-1) vs. Minnesota (1-6, 0-3) (+17.5)The Floyd of Rosedale Trophy awaits the victor of this long running series.  A pig statue causes these two teams to fight tooth and nail for the honor of hoisting Floyd after the game.  The Hawkeyes are a bit of an enigma this year.  Seven weeks into the season and I’m still not sure what to make of Kirk Ferentz’ team.  They give up 24 points to a weak Indiana team allowing them to gain over 200 yards on the ground.  They also scored only three points against Penn State and with the offensive talent on the Iowa roster is just unacceptable.  I do know what the Minnesota Gophers bring to the table and that is a bad football team, worst in the conference.  The Gophers don’t do anything very well.  The Iowa offense will score at will on the Gophers with Marvin McNutt continuing his touchdown assault on the school record books for touchdown catches.  The Iowa uniforms resemble the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Hawkeye defense will look like the Steel Curtain against the Gophers.  Take the Hawkeyes and give the points as 17.5 ain’t nearly enough for me to lay a nickel on Minnesota.

Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1) vs. Ohio State (4-3, 1-2) (+8.5) 

When is the last time that The Ohio State Buckeyes were an 8.5 point home dog?  Probably the Eisenhower Administration.  Wisconsin is reeling after seeing their National Title hopes dashed on the Hail Mary in East Lansing on Saturday night.  Coach Bret Bielema called two timeouts on that drive to stop the clock thinking that his Badgers would get the ball back and a chance to score and win the game in regulation.  With perfect 20/20 hindsight, we can see that those timeouts contributed to the loss because they gave the Spartans enough time to get into Hail Mary range.  The Badgers are a wounded animal and expect them to bounce back against the Buckeyes.  The Badger offense will score plenty of points against a good Ohio State defense and the Ohio State offense has been subpar in 2011 due to inexperienced quarterbacks and player suspensions.  The Spartans did expose a weakness in the Badger lineup and that is a lack of foot speed in the defensive backfield.  The Buckeye offense won’t be able to keep pace with the Wisconsin offense should this develop into a shootout.  The Buckeyes might be getting 8.5 points but it won’t be enough as the Badgers beat the Buckeyes and the spread.

Big Ten Game of the Week

Michigan State (6-1,3-0) vs. Nebraska (6-1, 2-1) (-5.5)

The Spartans better have their feet on the ground and refocused after their stunning last play victory over previously undefeated Wisconsin last week.  Michigan State has defeated Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin in October and faces one more formidable hurdle in the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln.  A victory by the Spartans would pave a likely path to the B1G Championship Game in Indianapolis on December 3^rd.  Michigan State won as the result of superior special teams play with two blocked kicks and a speedy corps of receivers that torched the Badger defensive backfield.  Effective running by Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell kept the Badgers off balance.  Senior quarterback Kirk Cousins is the glue that orchestrates the MSU offense.  The Spartan defense has been leading the conference while playing a difficult schedule.  Nebraska has a lethal running game led by QB Taylor Martinez and running back Rex Burkhead.  The Huskers like to play with a lead because they can pound the ball down your throat.  The Husker defense has been vulnerable all year and the Spartans should be able to score on the Nebraska “D”.  Sparty sticks a corn cob up the Huskers and wins the game outright.  The Spartans are hot and conclude an incredible October.

My hotstreak continued as last week I bagged seven of the ten matches, including two dead ringers, bringing my total over .500 for the first time this season. My record currently sits at 41-38 or 52% correct results. I’m hoping to continue my good fortune into a week of exciting games.

While the Manchester Derby is sure to steal the headlines this weekend, there are several mid-table battles to be waged, and I think we should be looking forward to them just as much.

Wolverhampton v. Swansea City: 7:45 am Saturday on ESPN2

After claiming seven points from their opening three matches, Wolves were in the top four. Since, they have not won, and have fallen to the bottom of the form table, and 16th in the actual table.

Swansea, who sit 13th have struggled on the road, and have yet to take a single point on their travels.

Wolves have the statistical advantage, it would seem. They have beaten the Swans six times in their last eight meetings.

Wolves 2 Swansea 1

Aston Villa v. West Bromwich Albion: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

Villa suffered their first defeat of the season last week against top side Manchester City, and will be looking to bounce back against West Brom.

Villa remain unbeaten at home however, and will be hosting a Baggies side that has taken five points from their last three matches.

Odds are on for a 2-1 finish, the last four meetings between the two sides have ended with that scoreline, with Villa winning three of them.

Aston Villa 2 West Brom 0 

Bolton v. Sunderland: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

After losing six in a row and falling to last in the Premier League, Bolton were able to score a vital win against Wigan last time out. They do remain in the drop zone.

Sunderland however, are just above the drop zone on goal difference alone, so a loss would mean the relegation zone for sure for Steve Bruce’s side.

The Black Cats have taken just one point from their last possible nine, but they have won their last four meetings with Bolton.

Bolton 1 Sunderland 1

Newcastle have shown they can be the best of the non "Big Five" crowd this season, and currently sit fourth in the Barclays Premier League table.

Newcastle United v. Wigan Athletic: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer 

Newcastle United remain one of the few unbeaten sides as they host a Wigan team that has lost five consecutive matches.

However, the Latics have had success at St. James’ Park in recent seasons, securing two draws in their last two matches in the Northeast.

Sitting in 4th, the Geordie faithful are seemingly on fire for their team, making St. James’ Park a tough venue. There is real belief in the Toon Army.

Newcastle 3 Wigan Athletic 1 

Liverpool v. Norwich City: 12:30 pm Saturday on Fox Soccer

Norwich City visit Anfield on a high, taking nine points from their last four matches.

Liverpool however, have taken seven points from a possible nine, and there’s no doubt that they want to win to keep pace to get back into the Champions League places.

It’s been the Reds who have been victorious in this series over the most recent encounters. Liverpool has been victorious in their last four encounters with the Canaries.

Liverpool 2 Norwich City 1 

Arsenal v. Stoke City: 8:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

Arsenal seemingly have their groove back. They’ve been victorious in five of their last six matches spanning all competitions, a run that’s brought them back into the top half.

Stoke visit the Emirates keen on avoiding dropping three away matches on the bounce.

In their last nine encounters, there has not been a single draw, with Arsenal enjoying a 6-3 split in victories with the Potters.

Arsenal 2 Stoke City 1

Fulham v. Everton: 8:30 am Sunday on foxsoccer.tv

Fulham bagged six against QPR in their most recent home fixture, but have had troubles on the road, which has only allowed them 14th place.

Everton have also struggled on their travels, losing their last two away fixtures and have lost three matches on the bounce in the league overall.

However, the Toffee faithful can take solace in the fact that they’ve claimed 13 points from the last six meetings between these two sides in the league.

Fulham 1 Everton 1 

Last season it was the Nani-Rooney partnership (and an brilliant Rooney goal) that sunk City 2-1 at Old Trafford. The two teams meet there on Sunday for the first of the two Manchester Derbies this season.

Manchester United v. Manchester City: 8:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer

Has their been a more anticipated Manchester Derby in recent memory? The City of Manchester boast the top two teams in the Premier League, and they’ll play the first of two massively important fixtures on Sunday.

Manchester United has not lost at Old Trafford since Chelsea beat them in April of 2010 and they have not lost to City in the league in six matches, winning five of them. A Wayne Rooney bicycle won this fixture last season.

Last time these two teams met, it was City that took the glory, an FA Cup Semifinal victory that eventually led to City’s first trophy in decades.

Manchester United 2 Manchester City 1

Blackburn v. Tottenham Hotspur : 10 am Sunday on foxsoccer.tv

Blackburn have yet to win in front of their home fans and currently sit at the foot of the table.

Spurs are unbeaten in their last five, winning four of those matches.

Harry Redknapp’s club have won the last four meetings between the sides.

Blackburn 0 Tottenham 3

Queens Park Rangers v. Chelsea: 11 am Sunday on Fox Soccer

Chelsea have done very little wrong in keeping pace with the two Manchester outfits. They’ve won six of their last seven matches in the league.

QPR have stagnated a bit, dropping into the bottom half, and they have yet to win in front of their home fans since their return to the Premier League this season.

A local derby, Chelsea have beaten QPR in five of their last six meetings in all competitions, the odd game was a draw.

QPR 1 Chelsea 3

Hoosier Bill is going to earn a new nickname “Billy the Greek” after a third straight week of beating those amateurs in Vegas.  HB was 3-2 in outright games and against the spread last week.  The seasonal ledger is 46-16 in outright picks and 29-33 against the spread but 12-4 the last three weeks.  This week’s B1G schedule features four games with home dogs, highly unusual.  One of those dogs will be victorious and prove that the odds makers don’t know the B1G like Hoosier Bill.  All five games this weekend are homecoming games giving extra incentive to the home standing squads.

Illinois (6-1, 2-1) vs. Purdue (3-3, 1-1) (+6)

The Illini suffered their first defeat of the 2011 season last week at the hands of Ohio State in Champaign.  Their offense went dormant as they only scored 7 points against the Buckeyes.  The Illini rank fifth in the conference in total offense and only eighth in defense while the Boilers are third in offense and fifth in defense primarily due to their game against Minnesota and the offensively challenged Nittany Lions of Penn State.  Illinois is due to break out against the Boilers as quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase will look to hook up with A.J. Jenkins.  Purdue actually is better running the ball than passing as their two quarterbacks would prefer to hand the rock to Ralph Bolden and the speedy Akeem Shavers.  Purdue has yet to beat a quality opponent and that won’t change this week.  Illinois bounces back against the Boilers and covers the spread.

Indiana (1-6, 0-3) vs. Iowa (4-2, 1-1) (-21.5)

The Indiana Hoosiers invade Iowa City for another beat down in conference play.  Where are the Gophers when you need them on the schedule?  Indiana is reeling from another demolition at Wisconsin last week.  A rather strange occurrence was that the Hoosiers ran for over 200 yards against the Badgers.  Indiana will need to continue the strong running effort against the Hawkeyes because the quarterback play from IU has been horrendous.  Coach Kevin Wilson seems content to start either Edward Wright-Baker or Dusty Kiel when his most talented QB is true freshman; Tre Roberson.  Wilson has been mixing in Roberson but never really turning the reins over to the talented newcomer.  The Indiana defense was shredded by the Badgers last week.  Iowa remains an enigma as there is talent offensively with steady play from James Vandenberg at quarterback throwing to Marvin McNutt and Keenan Davis.  I guarantee there will be a bomb to McNutt for a long TD against the Hoosiers.  Markus Coker leads the rushing attack.  This is not one of Kirk Ferentz’ better teams but they won’t have to be to defeat the Hoosiers.  The Hawkeyes will put this one away by the middle of the third quarter and will cover the spread.

Nebraska (5-1, 1-1) vs. Minnesota (1-5, 0-2) (+26.5)

Nebraska and Minnesota are both coming off bye weeks.  Nebraska used theirs to get better the Gophers used theirs to lick their wounds.  The Cornhuskers could send their JV to Minneapolis and still beat the hapless Gophers.  Nebraska is led by the strong running duo of QB Taylor Martinez and running back Rex Burkhead.  Together, they might rush for 300 yards against Minnesota.  One difficult note for the Huskers was the loss of All American defensive tackle; Jared Crick for the season.  This loss will be felt against stiffer competition.  The Gophers continue to alternate quarterbacks without success.  Minnesota ranks at the bottom of the conference in both offense and defense and a game with Nebraska will certainly not improve those stats.  The Cornhuskers almost have their second bye week in a row as they will barely raise a sweat with an easy destruction of the Gophers by more than the spread.

Penn State (6-1, 3-0) vs.  Northwestern (2-4, 0-3) (+3)

Coach Joe Pa’s Nittany Lions just might be the worst 6-1 team in the country with a very real opportunity to improve to 7-1 and 4-0 in the conference!  Penn State’s early conference schedule had them playing Indiana and Purdue along with a subpar Iowa team and now a struggling Northwestern.  Penn State continues to get by with a strong defense and mediocre offense.  Northwestern, behind quarterback Dan Persa, will test the Nittany Lions defense.  The Penn State offense might have a chance to move the ball against a Wildcat defense that ranks near the bottom of the B1G.  Hoosier Bill is calling for an upset with Northwestern sending Joe Pa home with two lousy quarterbacks and a loss.

Big Ten Game of the Week

Wisconsin (6-0, 2-0) vs. Michigan State (5-1, 2-0) (+7)

The ESPN Gameday crew will be in East Lansing this week for the huge matchup between the Badgers and Spartans.  This could be a preview of the conference championship game in December.  The irresistible force in the Wisconsin Badger offense meets the immoveable object in the MSU defense.  The high octane Badgers are led by senior QB Russell Wilson, a dominating offensive line, and a stout running game led by Montee Ball and James White.  The Spartans are led by Jerel Worthy and William Gholston on the #1 defense in the league.  The saying goes that a good defense will stop a good offense.  I don’t think the Spartans have faced this type of offense and the Badgers will put up some points.  On the other side of the ball, look for MSU to try to get its ground game going behind Edwin Baker and L’Veon Bell.  Indiana ran for over 200 yards against the Badgers last week and the Spartans will probably attack that weakness.  This game could boil down to special teams play.  The home standing Spartan crowd is going to be fired up but the helmet that Lee Corso puts on his head before the game will be the Badger “W”, but take the points as this will be a three point game.

Looking at today’s results there were very few surprises, but the competition is still far from over for the teams vying for those two crucial knockout stage qualification spots in each group.

GROUP E: 

West London was the venue for Chelsea hosting Belgian side Genk. It was no surprise as the home side trotted off with a 5-0 victory.

Valencia scored an early goal in Leverkusen and took it into halftime, but it was the home side that walked away 2-1 victors as Bayer Leverkusen got goals from Andre Schurrle and Sidney Sam to claim three vital points.

1. Chelsea – 7 pts

2. Leverkusen – 6 pts

3. Valencia – 2 pts

4. Genk – 1 pts

Valencia’s loss to Leverkusen makes it all the more likely that we’ll only see the “big two” Spanish sides in the final sixteen. However, a home win over Leverkusen in two weeks should get them back into contention. Chelsea are certainly the class of the group however.

GROUP F:

Marseille looked to have maintained their lead at the top until an extra time winner from Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey got the Gunners a crucial away win which catapulted them to the top of the group.

Olympiakos handed Borussia Dortmund their second loss of the competition in Greece by the score of 3-1. The German champions will need a miracle if they are going to advance.

1. Arsenal – 7 pts

2. Marseille – 6 pts

3. Olympiakos – 3 pts

4. Dortmund – 1 pts.

Dortmund can leap frog Olympiakos with a home win in two weeks time, so maybe a miracle isn’t totally necessary. A positive result for Marseille in London is imperative, especially if Dortmund get that much needed victory. This group could go anyway now, but Arsenal look to at least put qualification to bed, you’d think they’d need something like two points from their remaining three games to reach the knockout stage.

GROUP G: 

Apoel Nicosia continues to blow the minds of the footballing world as they got a deserved 1-1 draw away to Porto this evening.

Russia met Ukraine as Shakhtar Donetsk and Zenit St. Petersburg couldn’t find the difference between each other in a 2-2 draw played out in Donetsk.

1. Nicosia – 5 pts

2. Zenit – 4 pts

3. Porto – 4 pts (2 goal deficit)

4. Shakhtar – 2 pts

As most predicted once the groups were drawn back in August, Group G is the most competitive with nary a single team coming from one of Europe’s big three or four leagues. As I predicted, Porto is struggling coping with their league and the Champions league. What’s worse is they still have to travel twice. What’ll happen in this group remains to be seen. Shakhtar can still be heard from, and this group is still wide open.

GROUP H: 

Both Barcelona and AC Milan are doing exactly what they were supposed to do, draw with each other and claim victory against their two other inferior group opponents. Barcelona won 2-0 against Champions League rookie Viktoria Plzen and Milan beat BATE Borisov by an identical score.

1. Barcelona – 7 pts

2. Milan – 7 pts (3 goal deficit)

3. Plzen – 1 pts

4. BATE – 1 pts (3 goal deficit)

Should Barcelona and Milan repeat their success today in two weeks’ time, all that will be left to do is decide who finishes first and who finishes third as the two Champions League juggernauts will have qualified with two matches remaining. The prospective matches between Barcelona and Milan and BATE and Plzen will both be important to all four teams and won’t be played until Matchday 6.

With the exception of Group G, these groups are going a bit more as they were expected to as compared to the previous four groups.

I will be back recapping both days of the UEFA Champions League Matchday 4. Until then, enjoy!

There are still three games remaining for all of the teams to change their destiny one way or the other. Today’s fixtures were important for just about all teams involved, as the mid-group stage jostling was in full effect.

GROUP A: 

It looked rather bleak for Manchester City after they went down to Villarreal 1-0 early on, but an own goal from the Yellows of Spain late in the first half allowed City to play a cagey second half only to find a late winner through Kun Aguero.

Bayern Munich looked well on their way to a continued perfect start to the Group of Death, but Napoli drew level after the Germans conceded an own goal from Holger Badstuber. In the end, the own goal was all the Napoli needed to claim a vital point which kept them in second place in the group.

1. Bayern Munich – 7 pts

2. Napoli – 5 pts

3. Manchester City – 4 pts

4. Villarreal – 0 pts

Given how the group stands after three matches, it’s easy to say Villarreal will be done with European football come December. The draw in Naples this evening really opens up the top three positions though. The “Group of Death” has not disappointed so far.

GROUP B:

CSKA Moscow ran away 3-0 winners over Trabzonspor in the earliest fixture of today’s proceedings. It was a vital win for Moscow, who had disappointed in their first two matches, taking just one point from them.

Internazionale reached the league summit after a nervy 1-0 win away to French side Lille. As group favorites, the Italian side are where they want to be, halfway through the group stage.

1. Inter Milan – 6 pts

2. CSKA Moscow – 4 pts

3. Trabzonspor – 4 pts (four goal deficit)

4. Lille – 2 pts

With just four points separating top from bottom, this group despite its lack of traditionally “big” clubs, is very competitive. While I still think Inter and CSKA are the class of the group, it’s far from over. The battle for the Europa League spot is further from settled than the top two are.

GROUP C: 

This group looked the most puzzling coming into Matchday Three after Manchester United had claimed just two points from its first two fixtures. By the end of the day though, the group is looking much more like we thought it would.

It was United who got their first win in a cagey affair in Romania over Otelul Galati by a 2-0 margin spurned from two Wayne Rooney penalty conversions. The match saw several yellow cards, and two dismissals. I’d be shocked if United do not appeal the harsh straight red given to Nemanja Vidic whose high footed challenge was barely a yellow card offense when viewed in replay.

Benfica established itself as one of the top two teams in the group after they traveled to Switzerland and beat FC Basel by a 2-0 scoreline. The Portuguese are sitting top of the group as a result.

1. Benfica – 7 pts

2. Man U – 5 pts

3. FC Basel – 4 pts

4. Otelul Galati – 0 pts

The group is now in position where Matchday 4, which will be a replay of Matchday 3 (as is the tradition) is going to be vitally important especially in Benfica, when FC Basel have to travel there needing nothing worse than a win to maintain a chance at advancement. Sadly for the Romanian debutantes, they will be almost assured of a last place finish unless they do the unthinkable at Old Trafford in two weeks’ time.

GROUP D: 

Real Madrid carried on looking like the best team in the competition to date, with a 4-0 thumping of French powerhouse Lyon at the Bernabeu. The French side were thoroughly picked apart, and have some work to do in order to qualify for the final 16.

Zagreb were handed a thorough defeat by Ajax on their home turf. The Croatians never really looked like they could mount a comeback after going 1-0 down in the first half. Ajax then added a second goal for good measure to move them into second place in the group on goal difference.

1. Real Madrid – 9 pts

2. Ajax – 4 pts

3. Lyon – 4 pts (1 goal deficit)

4. Zagreb – 0 pts

The Croats look to be the doormat that everyone gets the mud out on. Ajax surely needs to claim victory against them in two weeks’ time when they take on Zagreb in Amsterdam. Lyon need to be much more competitive against Madrid at home, a loss there would make it very difficult to qualify, but a positive result would be a big boost to their qualification hopes. Ajax have had a hard time qualifying for the knockout stages in recent seasons, so I expect this one to go down to the final day.

That’s it for today’s analysis. I’ll be back tomorrow to recap the second day of Matchday Three proceedings. Until then, enjoy yourselves.

After two long weeks, injuries and fatigue for some players who played in a full slate of international game provides challenges galore for club managers. It’s these weeks in which league matches resume after the international breaks that lends to slip ups for the bigger teams.

Manchester United and Liverpool begin the proceedings with a lunchtime fixture on Saturday that will surely be intriguing. Other matches I have my eye on are Man City v. Aston Villa, Norwich City v. Swansea City, and Newcastle v. Tottenham.

Danny Welbeck was back fit, and back on the score sheet as United edged Norwich in a tough contest at Old Trafford last time out.

Liverpool v. Manchester United: 7:45 am Saturday on ESPN2 

Anfield has been a sort of White Elephant for United in recent seasons, having lost their last three consecutive league trips there. Their last win coming in the 07-08 season with a late Carlos Tevez winner, which was very close to mimicking John O’Shea’s late winner there the year prior.

United have not lost this season, so Liverpool will surely be up for putting the first chink in United’s armor.

Draws are just simply not common when these two teams meet. Their last draw came in 2005, and I don’t think tomorrow will be the first since.

Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2

Manchester City v. Aston Villa: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer

City play host to an Aston Villa side that has yet to be defeated.

City do have the advantage of playing at home in this one, where they have not lost in 13 consecutive matches. Meanwhile Villa have struggled mightily at Eastlands, losing their last five matches there.

City boss Mancini has weathered international breaks well so far, but with so few Aston Villa first team players preoccupied with international duty, they may have a slight fitness edge. City have yet to concede a goal at home.

Manchester City 2 Aston Villa 0 

Norwich City v. Swansea City: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

Norwich and Swansea sit 9th and 10th in the current table, respectively. Both promoted clubs are off to solid starts and will meet for the first time as Premier League foes on Saturday.

The glaring stat in this game comes from the fact that Swansea has lost all three of their away fixtures while scoring just one goal in the process.

When the two played in the Championship last year, decisive wins came for the home teams.

Norwich City 2 Swansea City 1

Queens Park Rangers v. Blackburn: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Each of these sides conceded 10 goals between them in their last games. QPR were hammered 6-0 by Fulham whilst Blackburn were thoroughly beaten 4-0 to Manchester City in front of their home fans.

Blackburn have a terrible away record this season, claiming just one point on their travels, but they could be optimistic as QPR have yet to win in front of their home fans.

For what it’s worth, Blackburn have not been beaten at Loftus Road in their last four visits, claiming victory three times.

QPR 3 Blackburn 1

Stoke City v. Fulham: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Fulham did get their first league win under Martin Jol last time out in the 6-0 dismantling of QPR, but the Cottagers have taken just one point on their travels so far this season.

Jol’s side are unbeaten in their last four and travel to the Britannia Stadium where both Chelsea and Manchester United have already been held.

Tony Pulis’ side have seen a dip in form, taking one point from their last possible nine. It was Fulham who did the double last season against the Potters, but Pulis’ men did the double over Fulham a season earlier.

Stoke City 2 Fulham 1 

Wigan Athletic v. Bolton: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

It’s the battle for the bottom in this one. Wigan are entering the game with four consecutive defeats whilst Bolton do the “two-up” on them, having lost their last six.

Three of the four matches the teams contested last season ended in draws, but Bolton did record victory at the DW Stadium in an FA Cup replay.

2008 was the last time the Latics bested the Trotters, if this one ends poorly for Bolton, I’d expect to see Owen Coyle sacked after church on Sunday.

Wigan 1 Bolton 2

Chelsea v. Everton: 12:30 pm Saturday on Fox Soccer

Chelsea look to stay right on the heels of the two Manchester squads as they host an Everton side who will be looking to avoid a third defeat in succession.

The Toffees will be bolstered by the fact of recent success at Stamford Bridge, having drawn in each of their last five visits, a point in this one would surely do for David Moyes.

Draws are commonplace among these teams. They met four times last season with the results being three draws and a home victory for Everton.

Chelsea 1 Everton 0

West Bromwich Albion v. Wolverhampton: 7:00 am Sunday on foxsoccer.tv

West Brom are still seeking their first home win as they host fellow West Midlands side Wolves who are also really struggling to re-find their early season form.

Wolves have been stuck on the same seven points they took from their first three games, losing their last four.

West Brom will be trying to avoid a third consecutive draw.

WBA 1 Wolves 1

Arsenal v. Sunderland: 8:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

I think it’s easy to say that these two teams own each of the top two most disappointing starts to the campaign. Arsenal have lost four already this season in seven fixtures, while Steve Bruce’s Sunderland side that made 10 summer signings have managed just one win in their first seven.

Sunderland have never won away to Arsenal in the league, and therefore have yet to come close to enjoying victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite a tough loss to Tottenham last time out, Arsenal seem to slowly but surely be gelling into a more cohesive unit. Arsenal and their fans have to believe this is a winnable game.

Newcastle are the surprise of the season, they host a red-hot Tottenham side on Sunday.

Arsenal 2 Sunderland 1

Newcastle United v. Tottenham Hotspur: 11 am Sunday on Fox Soccer

If not for the Liverpool-United contest at the opposite end of the weekend, this would be by far-and-away the match of the week.

Spurs have won four in a row, which has helped them into the top six, Newcastle is off to its best start in years, unbeaten and in the top four.

Newcastle have been great in front of their home fans, dropping just two points whilst Spurs have been rampant both at home and on their travels.

Tottenham have not won in their last five visits to St. James’ Park, losing four of those matches.

Newcastle 2 Tottenham 2 

The undefeated Illini are the Big Ten's surprise team so far this year.

Hoosier Bill is in the process of penning a future bestselling novel; “How to Take Vegas to the Cleaners” after a second consecutive glorious week of B1G prognostications.  HB turned in a 4-1 record against the spread to make it 9-2 for the past two weeks.  Of course the 26-31 record for the season won’t pay the light bill but at least the bill collectors have quit calling this week.  Ol’ Bill managed a 4-1 mark in outright winners bringing the ledger to a respectable 43-14 mark for the campaign.

Indiana (1-5, 0-2) vs. Wisconsin (5-0, 1-0) (-38)

Yep, you read that point spread right, 38 points is no typo!  The Indiana Hoosiers return to the scene of the crime from last year’s 83-20 homicide in Madison.  I have solved the crime in the 2010 version of the game of “Clue”; Bret Bielema did it in Camp Randall Stadium with a 1700 pound offensive line!  The problem for Indiana is that this Badger team is better than last year with a more explosive offense thanks to quarterback Russell Wilson and the Hoosiers are still trying to adapt to a new regime under Coach Kevin Wilson.  Wisconsin leads the conference in total offense, total defense, and scoring.  The Hoosiers are playing a lot of young players and rank near the bottom of the B1G in most statistical categories.  The Badgers could be playing their bench in the second quarter of this mismatch.  Believe it or not, 38 points isn’t nearly enough to place my money on Indiana.  Give the points and bet the family farm!

Purdue (3-2, 1-0) vs. Penn State (5-1, 2-0) (-13)

The records of both Purdue and Penn State are deceiving.  Neither team is as good as its record indicates.  Penn State has emerged victorious in five of its six games despite an offense that could only score 16 points against Indiana!  The Nittany Lions have a revolving door at quarterback with Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden both proving on a weekly basis that they are not B1G worthy talents.  The PSU defense has kept them in games but at some point, you are going to need firepower to win a shootout.  Purdue has been impressive in their last two games against substandard competition.  However, their performance against quality opponents has been poor.  Purdue has had success running the ball against poor competition; however Notre Dame ground them to a halt.  Penn State’s defense can do the same to the Boilers.  Penn State will win in a yawner but can’t score enough to beat the spread, take Purdue and the points.

Ohio State (3-3, 0-2) vs. Illinois (6-0, 2-0) (-3.5)

Those records must be a misprint.  The Buckeyes at 3-3 and the Illini at 6-0 are a shocker to say the least.  Ohio State at 0-2 in the conference happens about once or twice per century as the Bucknuts have struggled against two of the better teams in the Legends Division in Michigan State and Nebraska.  Ohio State was rolling impressively in Lincoln last week until an injury to quarterback Braxton Miller and momentum dealt them a devastating defeat.  OSU with Joe Bauserman at quarterback is not a good offensive team.  Their young defense was punished by the Cornhusker ground game in the second half last week.  The Illini are the surprise team in the conference as they have rolled to a 6-0 mark.  Their schedule has been favorable with only one road game at lowly Indiana and a less than formidable home schedule.  The Nathan Scheelhaase to A.J. Jenkins combination has been lethal in the last two weeks as the Illini have demonstrated a balanced offensive attack.  The Illinois defense has been adequate enough to give the offense the opportunity to win games.  The Illini will move to 7-0 and cover the spread with a comfortable victory over the toothless Buckeyes.

Northwestern (2-3, 0-2) vs. Iowa (3-2, 0-1) (-7)

The Wildcats and Hawkeyes are both disappointing combatants in this Legends Division matchup in Iowa City.  Northwestern is coming off of a collapse at home against Michigan as NW let a halftime lead dissolve into a second half disaster.  Iowa is rebounding from a disappointing loss at Penn State where they only scored three points.  Northwestern is a formidable offensive team with Dan Persa behind center but their defense has been unreliable.  Iowa is underachieving considering their offensive weapons with Marvin McNutt and Keenan Davis at receiver and Marcus Coker in the backfield.  James Vandenberg has been an able replacement for Ricki Stanzi at quarterback.  Iowa has a better defense than Northwestern and are tough to beat at Kinnick Stadium.  Take the Hawkeyes and give the points.

B1G Game of the Week

Michigan (6-0, 2-0) vs. Michigan State (4-1, 1-0) (-3)

The battle for bragging rights in the state of Michigan occurs in East Lansing this Saturday as the Wolverines and Spartans face off in a key Legends Division contest.  The winner of this contest will likely battle Nebraska for the division title and a shot at the conference championship game in Indianapolis in December.  The Wolverines have been successful because of a vastly improved defense over 2010.  Michigan had one of the poorest defenses in school history last season but has been stout under new Coach Brady Hoke.  The offense has been explosive with the dynamic leadership of quarterback Denard Robinson and a balanced attack.  The Spartans are led by the number one defense in the B1G.  MSU has been downright stingy against the run, pass, and on the scoreboard.  The Spartan offense is led by senior quarterback Kirk Cousins and an effective passing attack.  The Michigan State ground game has been disappointing considering the returning talent in the backfield.  Michigan State has not faced an offense like Michigan and the balanced Wolverine attack will lead them to an outright victory and bragging rights at the company office cooler on Monday morning.

Older than dirt.

Hoosier Bill has reemerged from the witness protection program after hiding from those Vegas henchmen last week.  HB fleeced several Vegas casinos with a 5-1 record against the spread last week improving to a 22-30 mark on the season.  Steven Spielberg has been hired to produce the sequel to “21”, the movie about Vegas card counters.  The sequel is called “5-1” and how Hoosier Bill bilked the casinos out of millions on B1G football games!  HB also went 5-1 in outright winners to bring the seasonal ledger to 39-13 or a fine winning percentage of 75%.

Minnesota (1-4, 0-1) vs. Purdue (2-2, 0-0) (-10)

This game might draw crickets in West Lafayette as the students are on fall break and the football players are as well.  Two of the three worst teams in the conference meet in a titanic struggle to escape cellar dwelling in their respective divisions.  These two squads are definitely not Legends or Leaders!  Purdue can’t decide on a quarterback and it probably doesn’t matter who the Gophers put behind center.  The Gophers rank last in the B1G in total defense and total offense.  Purdue is near the middle in both statistics.  Purdue has demonstrated that they can beat crappy teams, the Gophers have not.  Purdue beats another crappy opponent and will have a winning record overall, in the conference, and they will cover the spread.

Illinois (5-0, 1-0) vs. Indiana (1-4, 0-1) (+14)

The Flying Illini actually has to leave the comforts of home for the first time this season as they have churned out five consecutive home victories.  The short trip to Bloomington will seem like home cooking as well as Illinois battles the struggling Hoosiers.  Illinois is led by quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase and receiver A.J. Jenkins.  The Hoosiers can’t figure out who they’re led by.  A revolving door at quarterback has emerged at Indiana with any of three quarterbacks possibly taking the reins but nobody is taking charge.  The Illini have a balanced offense and a solid defense.  The Hoosiers are balanced as well, they can’t run, throw, or stop anyone!  This one could get ugly folks as the Illini feel like they are still at home and make road kill of the Hoosiers by more than the spread.

Iowa (3-1, 0-0) vs. Penn State (4-1, 1-0) (-2)

The Penn State Nittany Lions have amassed a 4-1 record while struggling to find a competent quarterback as both Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin have been less than impressive.  The saying goes; “If you have two quarterbacks, you have none” is very appropriate for Penn State.  The one quality opponent for PSU was Alabama that won handily in Happy Valley.  Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg has been very good and the Hawkeyes have responded to his leadership.  Receivers Marvin McNutt and Keenan Davis are deep threats and will make life difficult for the Nittany Lions.  Penn State will struggle to score points with their mediocre offense.  Iowa will win this one outright as this is not one of Joe Pa’s better teams.

Michigan (5-0, 1-0) vs. Northwestern (2-2, 0-1) (+6)

The Michigan Wolverines have been one of the pleasant surprises in the conference under the first year tutelage of Brady Hoke.  They pulled out the miracle victory over Notre Dame and have crushed the rest of their schedule.  The Michigan defense has been vastly improved over the porous 2010 version and quarterback Denard Robinson has continued his electrifying play.  The Michigan offense is second in the conference in total offense.  Northwestern has been a mixed bag for Coach Pat Fitzgerald as they have won impressively at Boston College and lost disgustingly at Army.  They lost a heartbreaker at Illinois last week as starting quarterback Dan Persa returned but then reinjured his achilles. Northwestern ranks near the bottom of the B1G in both offense and defense.  A healthy Persa led Wildcat squad could give Michigan a game but without him the Wolverines will win handily and cover the spread.

B1G Game of the Week

Ohio State (3-2, 0-1) vs. Nebraska (4-1, 0-1) (-10)

Who woulda thunk that the matchup between Ohio State and Nebraska would be between winless teams in conference play!  Ohio State was punch less last week in a home loss to Michigan State while the Cornhuskers suffered a “Welcome to the B1G” bludgeoning at the claws of the Badgers in Madison.  The Buckeyes continue to reel from suspensions to key players as the result of their multitude of transgressions while the Cornhuskers simply ran into a buzz saw at Wisconsin.  The Buckeyes remain unsettled at quarterback this season as neither freshman Braxton Miller or senior Joe Bauserman has gained control of the team.  Nebraska is led by sophomore quarterback Taylor Martinez who is one of the best running QBs in the country.  Rex Burkhead is a quality running back as well.  Neither team wants to fall to 0-2 in league play so expect a physical, tough battle.  Nebraska has too much offense for the anemic Buckeyes to overcome, the Huskers will gain their first conference win over the usually mighty Buckeyes and will cover the spread.

Wisconsin-Idle

Michigan State-Idle

This weekend provides some interesting match ups, some of which may have some impact in the table. The highlighted matches bookend the weekend’s action. The season’s first Merseyside derby will be taking place at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime (in England), and the weekend will be concluded with the always-fiery North London derby, as Spurs play host to an Arsenal side who look to be back on track.

Manchester United were the last team to drop points this season with their 1-1 draw away to Stoke last week, but the Champions remained at the top on goal difference.

Everton v. Liverpool: 7:45 am on ESPN 2

The distance between Goodison Park and Anfield is about 700 yards. The two teams at opposite ends of Stanley Park square off and Liverpool will be hoping to avoid their third successive away loss.

Everton have taken just seven points from a possible 15 to start the campaign, but have not lost at home in 14 league matches.

Draws are a rarity in this particular fixture, with the Reds winning the majority of the encounters in recent seasons.

Everton 1 Liverpool 2

Aston Villa v. Wigan Athletic: 10 am on foxsoccer.tv

Aston Villa sit in 8th place after an unbeaten start to the season. However, Alex McLeish’s men have not won since the opening day of the season, drawing their last five matches in the league.

After taking five points from their first three matches (against all three newly promoted sides), Wigan have lost three in a row.

Surprisingly, Aston Villa have never won this fixture in the league. Drawing three and losing the other three of the six that have been played so far.

Aston Villa 2 Wigan 1

Blackburn v. Manchester City: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

Blackburn have won just once this season, but they have taken four points from their last three fixtures, after losing their opening three matches.

Manchester City will have to forget about a midweek thumping at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League, a storyline on its own, which was overshadowed by the refusal of Carlos Tevez to enter the game.

Still, Blackburn have not kept a clean sheet in the Premier League this season, and have not beaten the Citizens in their last seven attempts, losing four and drawing three.

Blackburn 1 Manchester City 3

Norwich City saw themselves to the top half of the table with a 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Monday night. They will travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United who have not been beaten in the league there in 22 attempts.

Manchester United v. Norwich City: 10 am Saturday on Fox Soccer Channel. 

Manchester United dropped their first points in all competitions in front of their home fans in months after Basel came from 2-0 down to scratch out a 3-3 draw against the Champions.

Norwich City have won two in a row in the league and now sit in the top half, but a league visit to Old Trafford will make three in a row a tough ask.

Manchester United have won 22 league fixtures in a row at Old Trafford, but the Canaries did taste victory against the Reds, at Carrow Road their last time in the Premier League, in 2005.

Manchester United 4 Norwich City 1

Sunderland v. West Bromwich Albion: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Each of these teams have experienced rough starts to the campaign and the Brummies sit in 19th while Sunderland hover outside the drop zone, in 14th.

Sunderland have won just once in seven, while the Baggies have lost four of their last six league matches.

West Brom have been victorious in the last three meetings of the side, but did lose the four previous.

Sunderland 3 West Brom 1

Wolverhampton v. Newcastle: 10 am Saturday on foxsoccer.tv

Wolves will be trying to stop a three-game losing skid after taking seven points from their first three contests when they host Newcastle on Saturday.

Newcastle on the other hand, continue their dream start, having taken twelve points from eighteen to start the season.

Alan Pardew’s club have not won at Wolves since 1990, which is their only win over Wolves at their place since 1958 over the span of 22 visits in all competitions.

Wolves 1 Newcastle 2

Fernando Torres and Chelsea responded to their Old Trafford Agony by thrashing League debutantes Swansea 4-1 last weekend to keep their pace with the Champions. This week they might just send Owen Coyle to the bread lines.

Bolton v. Chelsea: 8:30 am Sunday on Fox Soccer Plus and foxsoccer.tv

After thrashing QPR away from home 4-0 on opening day, Bolton have lost their next five matches, and have lost 10 of 11 dating back to last season.

While four of those five losses have come against arguably the best teams in the Premiership, the results are still worrying, and manager Owen Coyle will need to impress against Chelsea.

Chelsea just needs to keep winning to keep pace at the top. They have won the last seven meetings with Bolton without conceding a goal in six of those encounters.

Bolton 0 Chelsea 2

Fulham v. Queens Park Rangers: 10 am Sunday on foxsoccer.tv

Fulham’s midweek win in the Europa League stopped an eight-match winless streak over all competitions, so they should be bolstered by that in seeking their first Premier League win of the season.

QPR are unbeaten in their last three matches, climbing to 10th in the table with a well-deserved draw on Sunday against Aston Villa.

Rangers have been impressive away from home this season. Both wins have come on their travels, and they will be keen to continue that trend on Sunday.

Fulham 2 QPR 1

Swansea City v. Stoke City: 10 am Sunday on foxsoccer.tv

Stoke City come off a solid point against Manchester United last week, and will be keen to avoid a similar slip up as the one which saw them to their one and only loss of the season having to recover once more from midweek Europa League competition.

Swansea have made their home Liberty Stadium a tough ground to claim a win at. The Swans have five points from three matches there and are unbeaten in front of their home fans this season.

Swansea have yet to concede a goal in front of their home fans this season while Stoke’s away goal deficit is -3.

Swansea 1 Stoke 1 

Tottenham Hotspur v. Arsenal: 11 am Sunday on Fox Soccer

The Super Sunday matchup pits old rivals against each other as Arsenal navigate the Tottenham borough of London to White Hart Lane having secured their first Champions League win and first winning streak of the season after thrashing Bolton last weekend.

Tottenham will have something to say about that, having won four in a row in all competitions after a dismal start to league proceedings.

The Gunners have struggled on the road especially this season, claiming just one measly point from their three separate chances.

Tottenham 3 Arsenal 2

Notes: As always, times shown are Eastern Time (U.S./Canada). Fox Soccer/Fox Soccer Plus, and foxsoccer.tv are all reserved to Fox Broadcasting Company, respectively. Each week I input my pick into TalkSport’s weekly “Pick ‘Em” game, in order to keep competitive track.