English soccer returns after W. Cup frenzy

By Vic Mills

LONDON (JP): Premiership soccer returns to England after another frenzied bout of World Cup action. Blackburn Rovers currently heads the league on goal difference from Manchester United with West Ham United third three points behind.

The reversal in fortunes at Blackburn can be laid firmly at the feet of new manager, Roy Hodgson. Honed on the continent, his new regime features twice daily training sessions -- afternoon sessions were previously an English taboo -- communal pasta meals and a special Italian fitness instructor.

The benefits are most obvious in attack where Chris Sutton and Kevin Gallacher have hit 11 goals to date and will look to add their tally at home to struggling Leeds United on Sunday.

A far harder task awaits the West Ham United strike force of John Hartson and Paul Kiston as they venture north for a meeting with a Manchester United defense that has yet to concede a goal in five Premiership games this season.

The game will provide another chance to assess the exciting potential of West Ham's young center back, Rio Ferdinand. His afternoon will be made marginally easier with Teddy Sheringham sidelined with a rib injury. The setback will mean a second start for Andy Cole alongside either Ryan Giggs or Karel Poborksy.

For all the talk of forwards and defenders, the contest is likely to be decided in midfield where Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane have more than enough class to win the day for United.

With the capital boasting six Premiership clubs this season, the frequency of derby games is higher than usual. Tomorrow brings yet another with the visit of Chelsea to Crystal Palace. And a more ill-matched contest it would be hard to find.

Palace has lost both home games to date and scored just one goal. Chelsea arrives with an away record boasting two wins, a defeat and 10 goals scored.

The attacking permutations afforded by Ginafranco Zola, Gianluca Vialli, Mark Hughes and Tor Andre Flo have been increased with the news that manager Ruud Gullit has declared himself fit and ready to come off the bench.

The other game in London tomorrow is at Highbury where fifth place Arsenal plays host to Bolton Wanderers. With 14 yellow cards already, the problem for the Gunners this season, as last, is one of discipline.

Left to concentrate on its football, unbeaten Arsenal is one of the most attractive sides in the Premiership. With Patrik Vieira raiding from midfield, Marc Overmars fast finding the confidence to run at full backs, and Dennis Bergkamp in irresistible form up front, Arsenal look to have too many options for a workmanlike Wanderers side.

Tomorrow could see the return of club captain, Tony Adams. The central defender played in the reserves Tuesday and looks set to be included in the Arsenal squad.

Record

Having played just two games due to European commitments, Newcastle United still boast the only hundred percent record in the league. The growing belief on Tyneside following qualification for the Champions League is unlikely to be threatened by the visit of bottom club, Wimbledon.

Newcastle could add to its forward power in the next few days with the signing of Paris St Germain winger, Bernard Allou. The Ivory Coast-born ace is trialing at St Hames' Park at the moment with a view to a permanent move.

Liverpool has the home fixture on Merseyside this weekend with the visit of Sheffield Wednesday. It also has Robbie Fowler and Oyvind Leonhardsen fit and available for the first time this season.

There is encouraging news of Jamie Redknapp. The midfielder broke an ankle in May and was expected to be out until December. But Redknapp is back in training and is set to play competitively sometime next month.

The extra competition for places should bring greater urgency to a Liverpool side that began modestly with just five points from four games.

Everton, meanwhile, travels to Pride Park for a meeting with Derby County. At the wrong end of the table, a single point separates the two sides. The game is set to be just as close with goals at something of a premium. Derby includes a fit again Dean Sturridge in its squad.

Buoyed by a valiant rearguard action in its last match against Arsenal, improving Tottenham Hotspur travel to Leicester City tomorrow. With little between the two clubs, much will depend on the key confrontations between Sol Campbell and Emile Heskey, and Steve Walsh and Les Ferdinand.

In the other Midlands game, Coventry City, unlucky loser at Old Trafford in its last outing, will again rely on the twin threat of Dion Dublin and Darren Huckerby at home to lowly Southampton. The good news for the visitors is that Matthew Le Tissier has targeted the game against Liverpool later this month to make his return to competitive football.

Finally, to Oakwell where the Premiership adventure continues for Barnsley with the visit of Aston Villa. The Yorkshire club is set to persist with its passing game, but will do well to breach the visitors defense superbly marshaled by new captain, Gareth Southgate. At the other end, Stan Collymore and Dwight Yorke will again ask questions of the Barnsley defense.