EPL Preview: The Clash of the Reds & The Clash of the $$$$$

Today is probably one of the most exciting week in the EPL eventhough it is still early in the season. As early season pacesetters, Liverpool and Chelsea will face stern test to stay at the top of the table after this weekend. Both their opponents today come from the city of Manchester, Manchester United and Manchester City.

The most anticipated match today will pits Liverpool with their long time nemesis, Manchester United. Analysing the current form, I doubt Liverpool can overcome Red Devils. Even a draw is very difficult if they continue to play ugly like their 1st three games. However, anything can happens in football. If Rafa can get it right this time added with luck, i'm pretty sure Liverpool can beat Red Devils for the 1st time in the league under Rafa's reign. They already received huge news with magnificient Torres and superb Gerrard declared fit to play. But they must be careful with United especially with the striking force of Rooney and Berbatov. They look very dangerous and can cause problems to Caragher and co. Overall I hope Liverpool will overcome Red Devils and stay at the top of the table. (psss: Hope Robbie Keane can score to silences Fergie)

The other big match today, dubbed 'The Clash of the Cash' is between Roman Abramovich's Chelsea and Manchester City owned by Arabian billionaire. It is interesting to see how Robinho will make his debut for City after one of the most bizarre transfer saga in the history of EPL. Robinho was poised to come to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid until the new owner of City, the Sheikh from UAE hijacked Chelsea's bid and stole Robinho under Scolari's nose. Scolari was very dissapointed with this news and also expressed his concern about lack of new players in Chelsea. Since then, City's owner clearly expressed his intentions to capture more international stars in the future. May be next year we can see a fantasy football team in City? I hope this will not happen as I think it will destroys the EPL. Back to the game, I think it will be a draw between this two teams. About the teams news, Chelsea lost Michael Essien for about seven months after he was injured during his national duty. They are also without Michael Ballack who had knee injury. For City, Martin Petrov (knee) is definitely out and Michael Johnson (groin) is doubtful. Lastly, enjoy this weekend and Selamat Berpuasa to all Muslims in the world.