BPL Week One Round-Up

40 Percent? Not very good, especially since 3 of the four were strong favorites. Let's take a closer look.

Sunderland v. Tottenham As much as it pains me to predict a Spuds (Arsenal supporter's nick name for Tottenham) victory--bet with your brain, not your heart. This is Sunderland's first game since promotion to the BPL, and I just don't see them taking a point off a talented (if inconsistent) Tottenham.

Okay, maybe this was a hedge--predict the enemy to win and be delighted when they lose. Congrats to the Black Cats--well done to steal it at the end. Maybe Spurs combe back down to earth and stop dreaming of the top-four.

Bolton v. Newcastle This one has draw written all over it. Both managers will be looking to not lose, rather than win in their first game at the helm of their respective clubs.

To my surprise, Fat Sam had his Newcastle side ready. They were disciplined and in what seemed like mid-season form. If the barcodes (Newcastle) can hold onto Oberfemi Martins, they will definitely challenge for a European spot--or at least a strong showing in the FA and Carling cups. Good win and Martins first goal was spectacular.

Derby v. Portsmouth Derby sucks. Portsmouth does not suck. I don't see Derby getting a goal off of a good Portsmouth defense.

Yum! Crow is not so bad. Derby proved me wrong. To top it off, I have Derby goal scorer, Matthew Oakley in my fantasy team--albeit on the bench, argh!

Everton v. Wigan Wigan have not done anything to improve in the transfer season, and Everton remain a decent well-coached team. I don't see Wigan coming to Goodison and getting anything out of this one.

Finally, I got one right. Wigan were simply outclassed, and I see them going down this season unless they break the bank and buy some players.

Middlesboro v. Blackburn Although Blackburn are the favored team, I just have a feeling about this one--albeit not a confident one.

I don't feel so bad about this one. Middlesboro had plenty of chances, but the better team won. Mark Hughes made two key substitutions at the end which produced both goals complete a nice come from behind victory on the road. Look out for this club--can you say dark horse?

West Ham v. Man City These two clubs have had a significant amount of turnover this season, and this one won't be pretty. I probably would give a slight edge to the Hammers, but not enough to change my prediction.

Wrong again. Wow, my "I know the score" entry isn't getting off to a good start. Sven (City's new manager), however, was able to get his new signings integrated in time to get off to a good start. Well done. West Ham didn't look too bad either, I think they just need a little more time.

Villa v. Liverpool Villa are worthy opponents, but 'Pool have a solid core and I think they will keep a clean sheet in this one.

Wasn't too hard of a prediction, but Villa almost cost Liverpool 2 points, as Carragher was penalized for a very slight "hand-ball" in the box. But, Gerrard was the scouser's savior once again as he popped an absolutely beautiful free-kick into the top right corner to seal the victory. Liverpool's new signings Torres and Babel looked pretty good in their first Premiership match.

Arsenal v. Fulham Will Arsenal repeat performances of last season at home by going down a goal? Well, that's my bet--they pull through in the end though. P.S., betting on van Persie to score would be worth a few bucks as well.

Well, I nailed this one--didn't think they'd give up a goal in the first minute of play though. Lawrie Sanchez must have thought it was Christmas in August when Jens (Arsenal keeper) misplayed a touch directly to Fulham's Healy, who had no trouble finishing. Not that Fulham didn't have their chances, but like last season, Arsenal wasted most of their chances until Carlos Bocanegra was penalized in the 83rd for impeding Kolo Toure inside the box. Robin van Persie left nothing to chance as he blasted the penalty into the roof of the net after sending the otherwise perfect Fulham keeper (Warner) the wrong way. Arsenal completed their comback when Hleb took a pass down off his chest and pulled his shot just far enough from the Fulham keeper.

Chelsea v. Birmingham Hmm, Chelsea have tons of injuries, but even their reserves are better than Birmingham's starters. Look for Chelsea to spread things out up front with Drogba's absence and attack the Birmingham defense from the flanks with speed.

Malouda, Wright-Phillips, and Kalou looked good going foward and Essien's goal was marvelous. However, in John Terry's absence, Chelsea looked a little weak on defense and have two tough games agains Reading and Liverpool this week. Could prove an interesting start to their league campaign. Newly promoted Birmingham put up a strong fight, even though the ball spent most of the day in their half of the pitch.

Manchester United v. Reading Both these teams play attacking football, but I have to give the edge to ManU. They go up early and Reading drop a couple more trying to find the equalizer. This might be the most entertaining match of the weekend as well.

What a match this was. Reading had a couple of chances, but the ball rarely left their side of the pitch. United was relentless in their attack, but Reading were equal to the challenge--with a flawless performace from their keeper, Marcus Hanneman. Well done boys, way to earn a point.

What a way to start things, off--didn't expect to see the table look like this after the first game, but hey, it is the first game after all. We'll see how it goes, but I'm looking forward to many competetive matches this season.Here's a look at the current table: