Curbishley begins Hammers reign with Man Utd clash

The spotlight is on Alan Curbishley this weekend, whose first game is against the league leaders, Manchester United. His last game with Charlton was a 4-0 drubbing at United. Will he start his Upton Park reign against the Red Devils in similar fashion?

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Premiership Preview
Charlton v Liverpool (Saturday 12:45pm Prem Plus)

Charlton go into this game on a dismal run of form, with just one win in their last six games. They will however take some solace from their home form, where they are unbeaten in four.

Top scorer Darren Bent hasn't scored in five and goals have dried up with just 13 scored all season. Liverpool finally broke their away duck at Wigan two weeks ago, scoring four times as many as they had done in their previous seven games away from Anfield.

The Merseysiders have got back on track recently; they are unbeaten in five games keeping five consecutive clean sheets. Given that both teams are at opposite ends of the table, Sporting Index reckon the boys from Anfield will come out on top by one clear goal.

Last year's 2-0 defeat didn't feature Steven Gerrard, but with their talisman returning to the centre of their midfield, it looks bleak for Charlton. However, The Valley is somewhat of a bogey ground for Liverpool, having suffered three defeats in their last four visits. Will the Addicks spring a surprise?

Aston Villa v Bolton (Saturday 17:15pm Prem Plus)
Last year's meeting at Villa Park had four goals in the first 10 minutes; which makes Sporting Index prediction of just two goals in the match very interesting. Martin O'Neill will be looking to stop the rot of five games without a win.

Having recently lost their unbeaten home record to Man City, they face a Bolton side buoyed by the 4-0 demolition of West Ham last Saturday. Nicolas Anelka is beginning to repay his £8m transfer fee, with three goals in as many games. He could find himself on the scoresheet once more, with Villa's defence shipping eight goals in their previous four games.

Luckily for Villa, everyone is chipping in with the goals, with Gareth Barry grabbing six and Juan Pablo Angel pitching in with four. Given that they are unbeaten in five home games against Bolton and that the Trotters haven't won away in four, Villa will be confident of a result. Will it be a home banker? With just two points separating the teams, Sporting Index predict this one ending in a stalemate.

Everton v Chelsea (Sunday 13:45pm Sky Sports 1)
Ever since Tim Cahill was ruled to the sidelines, no-one has slipped into his shooting boots. Four goals in seven games tells its own story. Chelsea on the other hand will look to improve on their recent good record at Everton, where they are unbeaten in five.

The Blues should not 'expect' to win at Goodison as Mourinho predicted would be case against Newcastle - Everton have lost just once at home all season. Last season saw the two sides draw 1-1 twice at Goodison, with Chelsea having to come from behind in both the league and cup game - so a battle will be expected.

Sporting Index reckon that Mark Halsey will keep the proceedings in check whilst dishing out four yellow cards. Lampard will be looking to get back on track at a ground he seems to like. The England man was Chelsea's saviour twice last season, grabbing both equalisers in those meetings. The opportunity to dominate the middle of the park should be easier for Chelsea, as Everton are also missing Arteta and Neville in midfield. Sporting Index predict Chelsea will win by a one goal margin.

West Ham v Man Utd (Sunday 16:00pm Sky Sports 1)
A new era begins at Upton Park, with the visit of the league's in-form team. United have been relentless on the road, winning seven and drawing one of their eight games away from Old Trafford, and Alan Curbishley will not look fondly to the fact that the Hammers have not beaten United at home in the Premiership.

He takes over a side that has won one out of its last six and they've failed to score in their last three games. The Hammers' home record is average at best with them winning only half of their games at Upton Park, and United strikers Rooney and Saha will look to add to their already impressive strike rate against a defence that has conceded eight goals in three games.

Unsurprisingly, Sporting Index predict Fergie's men to win by a clear goal. This fixture can be a volatile affair; in the corresponding fixture last season six players were booked. Sporting Index reckon referee Phil Dowd won't be as stern, but will still caution four players.

Hopefully that's given you something to think about. For all the latest prices and to open your Sporting Index account, click here.