On Saturday, the English Premier League threw five matches at us at once. On Sunday, the league takes a different, staged approach. Manchester United's trip to Stoke-on-Trent starts the day, with Liverpool's match against Blackburn kicking-off shortly before the main event: Arsenal's trip to Eastlands to take-on second place Manchester City.
English Premier League Sunday: Wayne Rooney, Roy Hodgson Undercards Precede Manchester City, Arsenal’s Main Event
For the two fixtures on the undercard, individual stories are overshadowing the matches. Through he will not play because of injury, Wayne Rooney’s short-lived row with United obscures the Red Devils’ having won only three of their eight league matches. Though they have yet to lose, United’s accumulation of draws threatens to derail their title pursuit.
Liverpool’s worries lie in the other direction. The Reds sit 18th ahead of Blackburn’s visit to Anfield, and new manager Roy Hodgson’s job has become the subject of speculation. A loss on Sunday and his position on Mersey may be untenable.
So by the time they kick-off at Eastlands, the weekend's biggest match may be overshadowed. Still, Arsenal's match-up with Manchester City should present a compelling clash of styles. As it effects the table, a result from the Gunners can quell the notion that the league's top two are starting to pull away from the pack, if not on points than at least on quality. With their captain, Cesc Fàbregas, returning, Arsene Wenger's charge have few excuses.
The drama begins shortly at the Britannia Stadium, Manchester United taking on Stoke City.
| Day | Time (EDT) | Home | Road | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 8:30 a.m. | Stoke City | Manchester United | 3-1, United |
| 10:00 a.m. | Liverpool | Blackburn Rovers | 1-1 | |
| 11:00 a.m. | Manchester City | Arsenal | 2-1, Arsenal |
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