Commentary: Premiership Clubs after the World Cup Qualifiers

The weekend after a break in the domestic leagues for International football can be a very dangerous time for the big clubs. Their squad departs to all corners of the World for a two week period, often coming back with injuries.It is a small window of opportunity for the lesser teams to cause a surprise result, as Middlesbrough showed after the last International break when beating Arsenal. This weekend the Gunners travel to West Brom, and while the Baggies are yet to pick up from where they were at the end of last term, a surprise victory can't be ruled out. Chelsea didn't lose after the last International break, although were held by Sunderland for the first half. A better team may well have given the champions a few more problems. This time Bolton are the visitors to Stamford Bridge, and they are the type of side that could take advantage of a lacklustre Blues performance. A couple of speculative bets on West Brom at 6/1 and Bolton at 12/1 may prove a profitable decision should the major London clubs not instantly find their rhythm. In the early live game, Wigan aim to continue their remarkable start to the season with victory over Newcastle. The Premiership newcomers have won four of their last five and so will be very confident going up against the Magpies. Newcastle continue to struggle on the injury front and will be without Nolberto Solano, Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Celestine Babayaro. However, with Michael Owen in attack there is always hope.The England player scored in midweek and will no doubt be in confident mood. It is somewhat surprising to such a generous 11/8 at bet365 for a proven goalscorer, especially one of the calibre of the former Liverpool and Madrid employee. This price will surely disappear before kick-off, and so the advice is to get on quick.