Tony Cascarino’s Column: Thoughts on Chelsea v Liverpool, Sunderland v Newcastle & Arsenal’s CL Win

The top two clash this weekend at the Bridge and personally I expect Chelsea to win. I just don’t think Liverpool can keep nicking results like they have been lately especially as at the weekend they looked extremely vulnerable at the back whilst the Blues certainly don’t.

You can’t fault Liverpool’s character at the moment and this is summed up by the form of Dirk Kuyt. The lad has not set the Premier League alight since his big money move from Feyenoord as his overall performance in front of goal hasn’t been great, however, there’s no way you can criticise the Dutchman’s work-rate. For me, though Liverpool’s character and commitment won’t be enough against a Chelsea side that will be too strong for them. After all, Liverpool don’t generally score at the Bridge and their away record against the other big four sides is very poor. Chelsea are simply a very good team and have in their locker to win.

Once again Chelsea were great at the weekend and John Terry was fantastic. Salomon Kalou also had a good game and he’s getting better and better lately. He may be a bit-part player alongside Chelsea’s array of stars but the fact is when he gets a chance lately he comes in and makes an impact. However, for me, one if not the signing of the summer has to be Portuguese right-back Jose Bosingwa who has settled in immediately and added a new dimension to the team. Chelsea did have a weakness at right-back last season but that has been well and truly eradicated. The lad has pace, can defend and also is one of best attacking full-backs in the Premier League. If he is not the best signing of the season and you have to put Wigan’s Amr Zaki up there, then he’s definitely the best defender signed this summer.

Chelsea host Italian club Roma tonight in another match I expect them to win as I personally feel Italian football has suffered in recent years. They’ve lost a few players and if as expected French centre-half Philippe Mexes is in the team, Chelsea will get chances. I can only see a home win.

In terms of the upcoming North-East derby between Sunderland and Newcastle my money is definitely on a home win. I think Roy Keane’s side will have too much willpower, ability and will out battle their rivals. I think Roy overpaid for certain players but they are performing pretty well and were unlucky not to win at Fulham at the weekend. Alternatively Newcastle don’t look such a threat without Michael Owen whilst Obafemi Martins needs to do a whole lot more for the team. I have a strong feeling Sunderland will turn them over this weekend.

I was very impressed by Arsenal’s performance in Istanbul last night as I know from experience how intimidating playing in Turkey can be. In fact, my last appearance for the Republic of Ireland was over there and I was red carded. Therefore if Giovanni Trapattoni is thinking about recalling me, it’s worth noting that I am still serving a 2-match ban! On a serious note, for the Gunners to go to Fenerbahce with such a young side and to take them apart in such style was very impressive. The key is silencing the home crowd and by scoring two goals in 11 minutes they certainly took the sting out of the atmosphere.

Finally congratulations to all of our recent jackpot winners on Footy 15 and Premier 10 which has now totalled over £500,000 in the past 3 weeks alone. This includes a £300,000 rollover jackpot win on Footy 15 and a £100,000 rollover jackpot win on Premier 10. Now there’s also Midweek 10 to play with some very tasty Premier League games coming up next week so it’s well worth putting your football knowledge to the test!

Enjoy the football and be lucky

Tony

Read Alan Hansen’s Latest Column: Click here>>

Read John Barnes views on upcoming Chelsea v Liverpool match: Click here>>

Tags: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sunderland

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