The Weekend After The Break

Time for some picks. I haven't posted in a little while because I was enjoying the international break like so many non-Irish people. That said, this might have been the BEST international break in recent history. In fact, I can't think of too much that went wrong, France's dubious goal aside. Torres and Co. needed time to recover, as did many other top clubs. There's a grueling schedule coming up as we head into winter, with the Champions League and some clutch fixtures. So, onto the picks:

Liverpool hosts Manchester City

The game of the week has everybody talking about who's going to halt their downward spiral first. My money's on Liverpool, because they're playing at Anfield and Stevie G is back in town. No Torres? No problem, when Glen Johnson and Jamie Carragher return to the squad, it means that defensive solidarity and some nice runs down the wing will give the flop-tastic David N'Gog something to work with. Don't think he'll score though, but expect an interesting performance from Craig Bellamy for the Citizens. Oh, and just for the hell of it, Lucas gets a goal. Liverpool 2-1 City.

Chelsea welcomes Wolverhampton

I'll be quick and to the point, just like Chelsea will be. Drogba out, Anelka scores 2, Lampard chips in with one. Chelsea 3-0 Wolves.

Arsenal travel light, go to Sunderland

Hmmm. The upset pick this week? The way Sunderland have been playing you COULD say yes, but Darren Bent has not been on form lately. He hasn't scored in 3 or so matches. I'm hoping he breaks his duck, especially here and since Arsenal is defensively fragile. Don't think he will though, as the on form Gallas shuts him down time and time again. You know who will get a goal after a lengthy drought? Vermaelen and Eduardo. Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland.

Fulham are off to Birmingham

On paper it looks boring, but this match will be one of the most exciting you'll see as it's back and forth, back and forth. A late winner from Cristian Benitez might put Birmingham ahead at the death. Birmingham 2-1 Fulham.

Hull City host West Ham

A fixture between the cellar dwellers, and one that nobody will care about. Both defenses are too shoddy to break, both attacks too shitty to make an impact, so I'll go with the big difference maker: Carlton Cole. West Ham 1-0 Hull City.

Aston Villa travel to Burnley

Burnley have an absolutely sensational run going at home, where they are unbeaten in some number that I don't remember. Aston Villa are there to make sure it doesn't continue past this weekend. My bet is that it will- expect goals from Agbonlahor and Milner, but Burnley fight back with true underdog style. Aston Villa 2-2 Burnley.

Manchester United vs. Everton

The Toffees have been playing terribly lately, and although a win would boost their spirits immensely, it's just not on the cards. Welcome home Wayne Rooney though, because he'll have an extra bite playing against Everton. Either a goal or an assist from the young Englishman. ManU 1-0 Everton.

Bolton hosts Blackburn

Snore. Nobody cares. Nice headed goal from Kevin Davies and then another 80 or so minutes of boring football. Bolton 2-0 Blackburn.

Tottenham host a tough Wigan side

Tottenham suffers a surprise loss at the hands of Wigan's master of disaster this season, Huga Rodallega. A goal and an assist from him cancel's out Robbie Keane's furious opener. Wigan 2-1 Tottenham.

Stoke vs. Portsmouth

Portsmouth blows, yet somehow they play attractive footy? Doesn't matter at Stoke City, where the tough-as-nails organization of Tony Pulis' side will put them in the ground. They specialize in grinding out results. Stoke 1-0 Portsmouth.

There you have it, a pretty ordinary weekend with an upset or two for the BPL faithful. Enjoy the games, I know I will. And we have Champions League matches to look forward to as well.