Everton strive to chalk up first win

Last season, Manchester United emerged empty-handed from Goodison Park after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Everton.

The result was a huge setback for the Red Devils in what was an ideal hunting ground for them over the years.

Indeed, this was only their third Premier League defeat at Everton since the inauguration of the new league in 1992. The other two loses came in 2004-05 (0-1) and 1994-95 (0-1). Duncan Ferguson netted both goals in the two spells he had at Goodison Park.

Everton are still in search of their first win in this campaign as they only have one point to show from three matches.

Wayne Rooney, again in the news for the wrong reasons following speculation on his private life by the tabloids, is expected to get another tough time in Goodison Park by his former fans.

United have reportedly opened talks with Panathinaikos for Greek youngster Sotiris Ninin, 20. He is considered as a future talent, one who can solve United’s problems in the middle of the park.

A London derby is scheduled at Upton Park today where West Ham, seeking their first point, will take on leaders Chelsea, who have a maximum record after three matches.

The West Ham fans have already started to question the ability of new manager Avram Grant and the Israeli can find himself at the front of the ‘sack race’ if negative outcomes persist.

Co-owner David Sullivan said Grant’s position is not under threat but the powerful British press are already saying that Grant have three other games to save his job.

Today, the Hammers will be without summer signing Thomas Hitzlsperger due to injury.

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal entertain Bolton, both teams undefeated after three outings. For the last three seasons, the Gunners did the double on the Trotters.

Bolton defender Gary Cahill had an impressive debut for England at home to Bulgaria. Keeper Adam Bogdam, 22, will continue to guard the Bolton goal since Jussi Jaaskelainen is suspended.

In midweek, former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier took over at Aston Villa. His first match will be away to Stoke on Monday night.

Brad Friedel and Stephen Warnock expressed their worries following the Frenchman’s appointment since they endured a difficult time under his charge during his spell at Anfield.

On the only two occasions Villa and Stoke met in the Premier League, spoils were shared following 0-0 and 2-2 draws.

Birmingham are another side still without defeat. Tomorrow, they cross swords with Liverpool at St Andrews.

After his international competitive debut for England, Joe Hart, formerly of Birmingham, said he would always be indebted to the Blues after giving him the chance to show his true talent when on loan from Man. City last season.

Jamie Carragher, who had a testimonial match against Everton at Anfield on Saturday, was glad that the 35,000 plus crowd raised more than a million pounds for charity.

The Lancashire derby at the City of Manchester Stadium, between the Citizens and Blackburn Rovers, will give coach Roberto Mancini the impetus to highlight his side’s presence on the big scene in the Premier League.

City will have to put behind them the loss at Sunderland and go all out to make amends at the Rovers’ expense this afternoon.

Seventh-placed Wolves will take a trip to London to duel with Fulham at Craven Cottage as Tottenham, having lost defender Michael Dawson and striker Jermain Defoe to injuries while on England duty, face West Brom at the Hawthorns.

A clash between newcomers Newcastle and Blackpool will be played at St James’s Park today. Both are on four points and this will be their first-ever meeting in the Premier League.

Last season, Newcastle hammered Ian Holloway’s Blackpool 4-1 at home in a Championship match.

Sunderland, buoyed by their fine win over Manchester City at home in their last outing, will be on the road to take on Wigan. The latter are coming from a surprise 1-0 win at Tottenham.

Last season, the Black Cats failed to beat the Latics following a 1-1 home draw and a 0-1 away loss.

Fixtures and forecast

Premier League

Arsenal-Bolton - 1
Everton-Man. Utd (13:45) - 2
Fulham-Wolves - X
Man. City-Blackburn - 1
Newcastle-Blackpool - 1
West Brom-Tottenham - 2
West Ham-Chelsea - 2
Wigan-Sunderland - X

Tomorrow:
B’ngham-Liverpool (17:00) - 2

Monday:
Stoke-Aston Villa (21:00) - X

Standings: Chelsea 9; Arsenal, Man. United 7; Aston Villa 6; Bolton, Birmingham, Wolves 5; Newcastle, Man. City, Sunderland, Tottenham, Blackpool, Liverpool 4; Fulham, Blackburn, West Brom, Wigan 3; Everton 1; Stoke, West Ham 0.

Hot four
Arsenal
Manchester City
Newcastle
Chelsea