As English Premier League Saturdays go, today’s is relatively light, a good thing considering the league at times tries to cram eight matches into the weekend’s first act. Today there are only six spread over two start times, and most importantly to this boy who enjoys his San Diego, California lifestyle? A reasonable wake-up time. though I do find it perverse that 6 a.m. isn’t a time the sun’s out.
English Premier League Saturday: Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez-Less Trip To West Ham Highlights Six Match Slate
England's first set of fixtures kick-off a short time from now, at 10 a.m. Eastern, when the best club in action will be Manchester City. The Carlos Tévez-less Citizens are at Upton Park to take on West Ham United, still mired at the bottom of the league. With a win, City can go joint top, if only for a day or two.
Other matches at the 10:00 a.m. start time: a derby in Birmingham between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion; a tussle between relegation battlers Everton (still relegation battling?) and Wigan; we'll try to stay away through Fulham and Sunderland, a fixture that's produced only two goals over its last four iterations; and Stoke City hosting Blackpool, what stands to be the day's most entertaining match.
At the late start time (12:30 p.m. Eastern), Alan Pardew will make his Magpies debut when Newcastle hosts Liverpool. Newcastle hasn't won since their November 7 upset at the Emirates, while Liverpool, still falling short of top gear, can leap into sixth with a win at St. James' Park. While Liverpool is only 1-2-5 on the road this season, Newcastle has won only two of eight home fixtures. Something's gotta give! Unless it's a draw, of course.
We’re just 30 minutes away from the 10:00 a.m. Eastern start time, as of this posting. SB Nation Soccer will be updating live throughout the day, so stick around, refresh - you know how this internet thing works. And in case you’ve already forgotten today’s matches, here’s a table. You’re welcome.
| Day | Time (EST) | Home | Road | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m. | Aston Villa | West Bromwich Albion | 2-1, Villa |
| Everton | Wigan Athletic | 1-0, Everton | ||
| Fulham | Sunderland | 0-0 | ||
| Stoke City | Blackpool | 3-2, Stoke | ||
| West Ham United | Manchester City | 2-0, City | ||
| 12:30 p.m. | Newcastle United | Liverpool | 1-0, Liverpool |
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