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Battle ready

Merse expects goals galore on Super Sunday

Paul Merson Posted 20th November 2009 view comments

The Premier League is back so join Sky Sports as we bring you two big matches on Super Sunday.

First of all we're off to the Reebok Stadium for Sam Allardyce's return to Bolton Wanderers with his steadily improving Blackburn Rovers side.

Then we head to the Britannia where Portsmouth will be hoping to ease the threat of relegation with a tricky trip to Stoke City.

Allardyce: takes on former club

Allardyce: takes on former club

Sky Sports expert Paul Merson gives his views ahead of both games...

Bolton v Blackburn
1.00pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1 & HD1

I might turn my television sideways for this one. That way it'll be taller and I might see more of the ball...

Bolton and Blackburn like to put the ball in the air, they play the percentage game and they'll get it forward as quickly possible. It's a derby game and it isn't going to be for the connoisseur, put it that way.

Blackburn didn't go down last year for one reason - Sam Allardyce was their manager.

Paul Merson
Quotes of the week

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Bolton v Blackburn

1.00pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
Stoke v Portsmouth
3.30pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1 & HD1

But they do both have some skilful players when the ball is in the opposition half and I do think we'll see a few goals. It's definitely worth watching because we'll get a real battle.

It's a big game too. People say it's only November, but whoever goes down will probably go down by three points this year. It doesn't matter when you lose those three points, November or May.

At this moment in time, these teams are in that scrap. I don't think either are capable of winning four on the trot, but they might lose four on the trot. They could have nervous times this year.

Blackburn didn't go down last year for one reason - Sam Allardyce was their manager.

He had more experience than anyone else in that relegation battle and it told in the end. Bolton will still be grateful to him for taking them much further than they could ever have dreamed of.

It was like a middleweight punching at heavyweight and it was going to be difficult for anyone to follow Alalrdyce at Bolton. I think Gary Megson is the best man for the job because he's so thick skinned; people boo him when it's 0-0 after 20 minutes but he hasn't cracked.

I have a lot of respect for him for putting up with all the criticism because he's done a decent job there.

Both managers will be telling their defenders that it's all about concentration on Sunday. Balls will be coming in the box regularly and it could be tight so one flick-on could decide it.

They both fancy this one though. Neither side will be overly pleased with a draw and I think both will go for it.

PAUL'S PREDICTION
Draw - Blackburn went to Arsenal and Man United and had a go, so surely they'll have a go at the Reebok. I can see it being a decent game with a few goals, neither defence has been keeping many clean sheets, so I'll go for 2-2.

MERSON'S MAGIC MAN
Chrostopher Samba - He could be key at both ends. He'll be looking to clear balls in his own box and get on the end of set-piece deliveries at the other end. He's a good attacker and he often pops up with the odd goal, so I expect him to affect the game.

Stoke City v Portsmouth
3.30pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1 & HD1

Stoke were on the end of a shocker in their last game against Hull.

I couldn't see them losing the game for 85 minutes and then they let it slip, which surprised me because I think they should be setting their sights higher this season.

Last year I thought they might go down, but they stayed up at a canter and should do the same this year. I think they should be looking to do what Fulham have done and trouble the top half.

Sometimes I hear Stoke's players in interviews and they seem happy with what they've got. They talk about getting to 40 points, but I think they can move beyond that now. Tony Pulis has bought well, they are a strong team and they'll only get stronger now winter has kicked in. I know the players shouldn't get carried away, but why can't they challenge for Europe?

The Stoke players shouldn't be happy losing to Hull and Sunday's game is massive for them now. People will turn up expecting to see them beat the team at the bottom of the league, but I think this will be difficult.

Portsmouth are not playing badly. They had an awful start, but since the Everton game they have been doing well and if they'd taken a few big chances in front of goal they'd be in a much healthier position.

They played in one of the worst Premier League games of all time against Hull the other week - Phil Thompson was sat next to me watching it and he was pulling his hair out - and that will worry Paul Hart. If they play like that again, Stoke will wipe the floor with them.

Pompey have quick and pacy players who can pose a threat on the counter attack, but can they defend the constant barrage that will be coming from Stoke?

Every time you kick the ball out for a throw, you know Stoke are going to launch it into the box. I ain't sure Portsmouth can keep them out for 90 minutes...

PAUL'S PREDICTION
Home win - Stoke need to get back to winning ways and I can only see a home win, but it could be a close contest and I can't see Portsmouth getting slaughtered. I'll go for 2-1 to Stoke, who will have just too much power in this game. They have what it takes to trouble any defence in this division.

MERSON'S MAGIC MAN
Liam Lawrence - I thought he was outstanding against France and now he has to come back and do it for his club. While Damien Duff was floating balls in, Lawrence was putting in great balls with pace and whip. It'll be interesting to see how all the Ireland players get on this weekend because it will be difficult to deal with that joke goal.

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