Premier League Preview

Hey folks, and welcome to the innaugural post here on "the flag is up" As we anxiously count down to Sunday's mouthwatering clash between the reds and the blues, time to preview Saturday's fixtures in the Premier League:

Sunderland vs. Bolton Wanderers 12:45 stadium of light
 I can't help but cheer for both of these squads. Sunderland have one of my favorite players in Asamoah Gyan and a great manager in Steven Bruce while the Boltoners have a man that could well be the best manager in England, right now, that being Owen Coyle. Coyle was instrumental bringing my second love (Burnley) to the Premier League last season for the first time in a decade. After his departure from the club, they found themselves mired in 19th place and out of the Premier League. Now, he has Bolton in the thick of the title hunt (that's right, I just said that!) and playing some of the most sound football from end to end in all the land. Hip, Hip, Hooray for the boys from Bolton, even if they may be rivals with my Clarets. Two great goalscorers for Bolton will show up more than two great scorers from Sundy.
Bolton 2:1 Sunderland

Arsenal vs. Stoke (15:00, emirates stadium)

The gunners are coming off a dissapointing defeat in primetime, further proving that they cannot come through in the clutch against top teams in the Premier League. Now, it's up to them to further prove that they can consistently win, perhaps more than anyone else against teams in the second half of the table. I'm sure Stoke manager Tony Pulis will have something to say about that though...
Arsenal 2:1 Stoke

Birmingham City vs. Newcastle United (15:00, St. Andrew's Ground)

Birmingham love to draw and Newcastle don't. Andy Caroll continues to prove that he may be a legitimate frontrunner in the race for the golden boot with ten in the league up to this point. Another important game for new manager Alan Pardew makes me think that the black and whites can take this one, but BCFC tend to be hard to beat at home.
Birmingham 1:1 Newcastle

Wigan vs. Aston Villa (15:00, DW Stadium)
I love Roberto Martinez as a manager but the Wiganites don't have what it takes against a team that has not impressed thus far but have the defense to grab three points at the DW.
Wigan 1:2 Villa

Blackburn Rovers vs. West Ham United (15:00, Ewood Park)

Blackburn are going through some rough times, having just sacked their manager. It will be up to new coach Steve Kean to take charge and get a home win against the struggling Hammers. West ham on the road? No thank you.
BR 1:0 West Ham

Liverpool vs. Fulham (17:30, Anfield)

This would have proven to be a fascinating affair if the game were held at Craven Cottage in west London. But the fact that it is at a rejuvinated Anfield has me believe that Liverpool will get another win, one that could help them feel they could be on the road to relevancy in the Premier League.
Liverpool 2:0 Fulham