EPL Picks - Week 3

This week in English football, the headlines were dominated by the outbreak of violence in the Carling Cup game between eternal rivals Millwall and West Ham United. One of the worst nights of violence in recent memory included a stabbing, many arrests, and several pitch invasions. Check out an interesting read about the history of the rivalry here. This stuff makes the Malice in the Palace look like a playground spat and stateside rivalries look like love feasts. Hooliganism and fan violence have been greatly reduced in England in the past 20 years, but the events of this past week have brought the issue back to light. Some pundits believe that the violence could cost England's chances of hosting the 2018 World Cup. That's an extreme overreaction, but it is a sign that firms and violence are still a problem that needs addressed in the beautiful game worldwide, not just in England. Now onto the Week 3 EPL picks.

Last Week's Results:

Mr. Yoder I: 7-2-1 22 pts

Mr. Yoder II: 6-3-1 19 pts

Dr. Yoder: 6-3-1 19 pts

Total After Week 2:

Mr. Yoder II: 17-8-1 52 pts

Mr. Yoder I: 17-8-1 52 pts

Dr. Yoder: 15-10-1 46 pts

Burnley (2-1-0) @ Chelsea (3-0-0)

I'll bet nobody thought that Burnley would have 6 points after 3 games, and I'll bet nobody thinks they can win at Stamford Bridge Saturday (ESPN2). Burnley has exceeded expectations already, but Chelsea has looked great under Ancelotti and his diamond formation in the midfield. Last week at Fulham, Nicolas Anelka & Didier Drogba (right) combined as well as I've seen in Chelsea uniforms. If they play well together, and the midfield continues to click, it could be another banner year for the Blues.

Y1: Chelsea Y2: Chelsea Doc: Chelsea

Birmingham (1-1-1) @ Tottenham (3-0-0) @

Speaking of banner years, Tottenham Hotspur is off to a great start under Sir Harry. Of course, credit can go to Bill Simmons for finally getting on the soccer/EPL/Spurs bandwagon. Few teams can match the striking depth that Spurs have with Crouch, Keane, Defoe, and Pavlyuchenko. However, it's been the midfield steel of Wilson Palacios that has really impressed. B-Ham doesn't look like scoring a lot of goals this season, which could be a problem in keeping them up. Spurs in a romp.

Y1: Spurs Y2: Spurs Doc: Spurs

West Ham (1-1-0) @ Blackburn (0-2-0)

Speaking of teams in trouble, Blackburn could be in for a very, very long season. Sam Allardyce has done well in the past with teams that aren't exactly Champions League quality. However, this current crop of Rovers might be near the bottom of the barrel. West Ham's story last week was the brilliance and insanity of Carlton Cole in a home loss to Spurs. Their story this week was one of the worst nights of violence in recent English football with mass fighting and craziness at Upton Park (left) against eternal rivals Milwall in the Carling Cup. The majority thinks they'll be able to put it back together on the pitch this week.

Y1: West Ham Y2: Blackburn Doc: West Ham

Liverpool (1-2-0) @ Bolton (0-2-0)

Well, this is a must win game for Liverpool. Thank goodness they're playing a Bolton team that has played very poorly in the new campaign. Then again, with things going the way they are at Anfield this season, I wouldn't be surprised to see a Lucas OG/Red Card/Penalty cost Liverpool at least 2 points. As a Reds fan, I'm already looking forward to the Champions League, which isn't promising to finally bring home that 19th League title. Xabi Alonso ain't walkin through that door folks...

Y1: L'Pool Y2: Liverpool Doc: Liverpool

Sunderland (2-1-0) @ Stoke City (1-1-1)

This game may be one of the most compelling this weekend from a competitive standpoint. The Britannia is always a tough place to play, and with the double signings of Huth and Tuncay, Stoke City's squad will be greatly enhanced. Great work by Tony Pulis. Sundy has played well so far with Bent and Jones both providing goals to win games. They could be a top 10 team if Steve Bruce can add a couple more pieces. This one really could go either way, us Yoders are split.

Y1: Stoke Y2: Sunderland Doc: Sunderland

Hull City (1-2-0) @ Wolves (1-2-0)

Seeing our boy Jozy Altidore (right) make such an impact in his EPL debut gave me a warm, fuzzy, proud to be an American feeling. Lee Greenwood songs were going off in my head, I set off fireworks in my apartment, it was a great time! Seriously though, if Ghilas, Altidore, and Geovanni can provide the goals, Hull just might stay up again. Wolves have not been as impressive as I anticipated... the Yoder curse strikes again I guess. Hull's momentum might see them take the day, I could see a draw though.

Y1: Hull Y2: Wolves Doc: Hull

Arsenal (2-0-0) @ Manchester Utd (2-1-0)

Our first Big 4 encounter this season sees the Gunners and United clash at Old Trafford in the Game of the Week. On form alone, Arsenal would be the pick after dispatching of Celtic in the CL and scoring 10 goals in their first 2 EPL games. United finally found their goal-scoring boots in the 2nd half at Wigan last week, even Michael Owen got in on the action! If Arsenal can pull off the win, they might really be a threat this season with the youngsters leading the way. I've climbed aboard the Gunners bandwagon after picking them 7th this season (whoops!), while Mr. Yoder 2 and Doc go with United at the Theater of Dreams.

Y1: Arsenal Y2: Man U Doc: Man U

Manchester City (2-0-0) @ Portsmouth (0-3-0)

Everything is turning up roses for Manchester City. They finally got Joleon Lescott to partner Kolo Toure in the center of defense (and ditch perennial red card Richard Dunne), Adebayor is scoring goals, and they get to play Pompey to continue the momentum! Really, there's no way any of us can see Portsmouth winning this game. This might look more like a Cup game between an EPL team and a League One side, that's how bad Pompey have looked this season. It'll be at least a 3-0 win for City.

Y1: Man City Y2: Man City Doc: Man City

Wigan (1-2-0) @ Everton (0-2-0)

Well, at least Wigan will have their Week 1 victory over Aston Villa! They went toe-to-toe with United for 6 rounds last weekend, but then ended up getting knocked down 5 times in a 2nd half thrashing. At least their season hasn't been as bad as Everton's. First they give up 6 goals to Arsenal, then they finally let go of Joleon Lescott, then they lose at Burnley. They are another Merseyside team that really needs a win this weekend. Doc stays on the Wigan bandwagon, while the Yoder Bros. believe in David Moyes to right the ship.

Y1: Everton Y2: Everton Doc: Wigan

Fulham (1-1-0) @ Aston Villa (1-1-0)

This Sunday encounter is another one that could go either way. Fulham is always a tough out, but it will all depend on which Aston Villa team shows up. Will it be the team that dominated at Anfield? Or the one that got knocked out of the Europa League by Rapid Vienna? The key will be former Hammer captain Nigel Reo-Coker (left). If he returns to his favored midfield role permanently, he can fill Gareth Barry's shoes. This game could tell us a lot about each team's futures this season. It should be a good one.

Y1: Aston Villa Y2: Fulham Doc: Fulham