If Chelsea can secure a home win over their biggest rival (a task they couldn't achieve last season) they'll overtake Manchester United atop the Premier League table. The Red Devils were lucky to escape yesterday's Sunderland match with a tie following a late own goal. With Petr Cech sidelined due to suspension the pressure will be on reserve keeper Hilario as he faces a Liverpool attack anchored by Fernando Torres.

The match is airing shortly on Fox Soccer Channel, and I can pretty much guarantee that it will be more entertaining than Sunday NFL Countdown.

Later in the day the soccer world's attention turns to Spain, where Real Madrid will be without Cristiano Ronaldo when they travel to face unbeaten Sevilla. Ronaldo carried his Galacticos side to a midweek Champions League win over Marseille with two goals, however the Portuguese star went down with an ankle injury later in the contest. Oh well, they still have that Kaka guy.

Stick around here today to talk about the action on the pitch. And hey, how about a round of applause for Pompey? It only took them eight matches to secure their first point. Next step: figuring out who is supposed to be paying these guys.

Yesterdays notable results...

Hull City 1 - 0 Bolton Wanderers

American striker Jozy Altidore saw his first action in the English Premier League since joining Hull City on loan from Villareal as a 59th minute substitute. Moments later he had the Tiger faithful in a frenzy.

Bolton threatened consistently, but were unable to break through with a goal.

Manchester United 5 - 0 Wigan Athletic

The Red Devils opened up their attack in the second half at Wigan and the goals came in waves. Wayne Rooney tallied the first two with Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, and Nani adding scores of their own. The first score marked Rooney's 100th with the club, while Owen's 85th minute goal was his first. The attacking display is a great sign for Manchester fans considering the questions that have loomed following the loss of Ronaldo and Tevez. For Wigan it was another disappointment at home following a promising opener at Villa Park.

Arsenal 4 - 1 Portsmough

The Gunners put together another impressive performance, this time at the expense of an overmatched Pompey side. Abou Diaby tallied the first two scores of the match, with William Gallas and Aaron Ramsey adding one a piece. The news wasn't all good for Arsenal, they lost captain Cesc Fabregas with a hamstring injury halfway through the game. The team's top playmaker will likely be out for the upcoming Champions League match against Celtic, and could miss up to three weeks.

Sunderland 2 - 1 Blackburn Rovers

Sunderland picked up their second win of the season with a pair of goals from Kenwyne Jones.

Today's featured match...

Fulham vs. Chelsea

Chelsea have gone down a goal in each of their two most recent matches, however they remain perfect on the year, including their Community Shield win over Man United. Fulham will be without striker Andrew Johnson, although they've proven to be a tough test for opponents at Craven Cottage.

Enjoy the Sunday morning soccer, and feel free to stick around in the comment section throughout the game.

Image via

Other televised matches of interest...

EPL - West Brom vs. Manchester City in progress on Setanta

Serie A - Torino vs. Napoli in progress on FSC

La Liga - Mallorca vs. Sevilla at 11 am on GolTV

La Liga - Villarreal vs. Barcelona at 1 pm on GolTV
(We'll just call it the co-game of the day).

Serie A - AC Milan vs. Udinese at 2:30 on FSC

Ligue 1 - Monaco vs. Bordeaux at 2:55 on Setanta

Enjoy all of today's matches, and as always, follow along with the action in the comments.

Oh crap, I just realized that this match kicks off at the same exact time as the SEC Championship. Of course I just moved and I don't have a DVR setup at the new abode. Fuck me.

Other televised matches of interest:

EPL - Arsenal vs. Wigan at 10 am on FSC
If you want to piss off an Arsenal fan (and really, who doesn't?) just remind them how close they were to landing Ronaldo. Consider it your duty to remind them how differently the last few years could have played out had the newly minted Ballon d'Or winner suited up for the Gunners. In actual Arsenal news, it looks like it won't be long before Eduardo makes his return to the lineup. You casual fans remember Eduardo, he's the one that made you physically ill 10 months ago (you know what, don't click that link). Perhaps he could see some action in two weeks against a certain team from Liverpool.

EPL - Blackburn vs. Liverpool at 10 am on Setanta
Speaking of the league leaders, they're playing Blackburn, so just chalk up those three points now. Why yes, I am attempting to jinx those fuckers, thanks for asking.

Bundesliga - Schalke 04 vs. Hertha Berlin at 11:30 on GolTV
The side from Berlin currently sits in third behind TSG Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich, who are now tied in points thanks to the latter's dramatic win in yesterday thanks to a stoppage time goal from Luca Toni. I know, I didn't believe it at first either, but Toni did in fact score a crucial goal in a huge match. Go figure. As for The Old Lady, they can pull to within a point of the first place tie, however their goal differential is pretty putrid. Oh and did you know that they are managed by one Lucien Favre? That's right, there are more Favre's out there! Just do me a favor and don't tell Tony Kornheiser.

EPL - Manchester United vs. Sunderland at 12:30 on FSC
So Roy Keane is out at Sunderland after a brief managerial reign, which is pretty unfortunate according to pretty much everyone but frustrated Sunderland supporters with unrealistic ambitions.

La Liga - Villarreal vs. Getafe at 2:00 on GolTV
Getafe have been stealing points from the big boys as of late with a tie against Barca and a thrashing of Real Madrid last weekend, and now they're up against another great team. Villarreal could find themselves trailing the league leaders by a single point by the end of the day, but it will take a win here coupled with a big upset in Barcelona.

Serie A - Lazio vs. Inter at 2:30 on FSC
Sure they're two of the top teams in Italy, but that doesn't mean any of us have to care, right? Right.

Ligue 1 - PSG vs. Le Man at 3:00 on Setanta
Not a bad match to check out if you're looking to kill some time before Barca-Valencia.

Serie A - Chievo vs. Roma at 4:30 on FSC
No fucking way. In fact, I'm a bit insulted that this is being televised at all.

EPL - Bolton Wanderers vs. Chelsea at 5:00 on Setanta (same day tape)
Tape delay? FUCK YOU, YOU FUCKING FUCKS! I have shit to do at 5:00 and I fucking hate watching Chelsea on my god damn laptop. You bastards at Setanta need to bump the Frenchies and move this replay up a couple of hours.

Enjoy the games, and as always, follow along in the comment section throughout the day.

Co-Matches of the Day...

EPL - Aston Villa vs. Manchester United at 1:00 pm on FSC
Honestly, what more needs to be said about this match between the third and fifth place squads on the EPL table? Martin O'Neill's club has been superb in recent weeks, and now even Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Villa could wind up qualifying for the Champions League by finishing in one of the coveted spots among the top four. Of course to do that the Scotsman will have to unseat one of the big four, but that hardly seems out of the question at this point in the season. Villa is coming off of a dismantling of Arsenal which has left them tied with the Gunners at 23 points, good enough for a top four spot on the table. Sir Alex's side rests just one point clear of today's challengers, and they'll need a superb effort all over the pitch to ensure a victory over an inspired Villa side.

Serie A- Inter Milan vs. Juventus at 2:30 pm on FSC
A win for Juve would vault them into a tie on points with Inter, however the Milanese side would likely remain atop the table based on goal differential (+3 over Juve going into the match). Of course Inter's rivals will have something to say about that on Sunday seeing as how they currently sit between the two age-old rivals. Jose Mourinho is calling it "another match" although the rest of Italy would probably beg to differ. The biggest question for the former Chelsea boss is whether he'll fit a disgruntled Adriano into the starting 11 for Internazionale. Regardless, the Special One will be looking to gain a huge leg up in the arduous Serie A season with three crucial points on the line. And yes, this is one of those Serie A matches that I'll force myself to watch, no matter how much I hate Inter. Sure college football will be on, but every good household should be equipped with a pair of televisions.

Other televised matches of interest...

EPL - Liverpool vs Fulham at 10:00 am on Setanta
Hey Fulham, you're going to lose, so the least you could do is let Deuce Dempsey play more than 20 minutes. Don't forget, we saved your asses in WWII and we kept you out of relegation last year. And that ends this week's installment of The Entitled American.

EPL - Chelsea vs. Newcastle at 10:00 am on FSC
Just win, baby! Oh, and be sure to humiliate the Magpies if you get a chance. Although I do enjoy their beer.

Bundesilga - Bayern Munich vs Energie Cottbus at 11:30 on GolTV
Don't blink or you'll likely miss a lot of balls traveling at high rates of speed past the Energie keeper. Seriously, how has Lukas Podalski not ruptured a net?

La Liga - Real Madrid vs Recreativo at 2:00 pm on GolTV
Another huge mismatch that should be good for the fan of goal scoring. Real is coming off of a bad loss against Valladolid and they've allowed a combined six goals in their past two victories, so to say Bernd Schuster's could use a positive result would be a gross understatement. Regardless, I'm taking it upon myself to set the number of goals scored by Madrid's Dutch internationals at 2 even without the services of Arjen Robben (stupid doctors).

Ligue 1 - PSG vs Lyon at 3:00 pm on Setanta
The Parisians are on fire so they couldn't possibly ask for a better time to face the dominating league champions from Lyon. The French might not have the money and star power of their European brethren, but this match will show that they still put out an impressive product.

La Liga - Sevilla vs Valencia at 4:00 pm on GolTV
Good God, what an awesome match this is going to be. In all honesty it should be amongst the day's featured matches listed above, but if you miss it it's your own damn fault. Pretty much any televised match from La Liga is worth your time, but when you're talking about two top contenders for the league's top four positions you should expect an epic clash. Earlier I mentioned Inter's Adriano, but the his namesake and fellow Brazilian playing for Sevilla is much more fun to watch.

EPL - Manchester City vs Arsenal at 5:00 pm (tape delay) on Setanta
Tape delay? Fuck you, television!

I'm sorry, I take that back. I love you television, with all my heart. If you love me back you'll show me nothing but glorious goals from Robinho and his fellow Citizens, no matter how hard Bertin and Hirshey pray for the opposite.

Enjoy the games and be sure to follow along in the comments as always.

Other televised matches of interest...

EPL - Everton vs Middlesbrough at 8:25 pm on Setanta
It's okay if you're still sleeping.

Serie A - AC Milan vs. Chievo at 9:00 am on FSC
The snooze button is your friend.

EPL - Hull City vs. Manchester City at 11:00 am on FSC
WAKE THE FUCK UP! Hull City is great to watch, and Robinho is amazing, even if everything else is a bit fucked up right now for the Citizens.

La Liga - Malaga vs Villareal at 11:00 am on GolTV
Not enjoying the endless NFL pregame nonsense? Watch La Liga and put Terry Bradshaw out of your mind for good.

Serie A - Roma vs. Lazio at 2:30 on FSC
Nap time.

Ligue 1 - Lyon vs Bordeaux at 02:55 pm on Setanta
Two of the top four in France, so it should be pretty good.

La Liga - Recreativo vs. Barcelona at 3:00 pm on GolTV
Seriously, watch more Spaniards. Even if the country tends to be a bit unabashedly racist.

Enjoy the games, and as always, follow along in the comments.

Lazio vs. Catania at 9 am on FSC

When in doubt, root against Lazio.

Bolton vs. Manchester City at 11 am on FSC

Zabaleta returns from suspension for the pale blues and they'll be looking for second straight win, this time against the league's bottom-feeders.

Valladolid vs. Sevilla at 11 am on GolTV

Hey, it's better than spending your morning listening to Chris Berman.

Almeria vs. Real Madrid at 1 pm on GolTV

Only recommended if you happen to be a big fan of either side. A win for Real would put them even with Barcelona in points.

AC Milan vs. Napoli at 2:30 pm on FSC

You may not be a big fan of Serie A, but this really is the match of the day. If either team gets the full three points they will move ahead of Inter for first place.

Real Betis vs. Deportivo La Coruna at 3 pm on GolTV

I'm not even sure why they're televising this.

Lyon vs. Le Mans at 3 pm on Setanta

Things are awfully tight in Ligue 1, although Lyon can pull four points clear of second place with a victory over a solid Le Mans side.

Match of the Week

EPL Chelsea vs. Liverpool at 9:30 on Setanta
The Scousers have never managed so much as a single goal at Stamford Bridge during league play under Rafa Benitez, and with Torres injurd it seems highly unlikely that Liverpool will earn a point, much less three. Of course Chelsea is somewhat depleted in their own right. Ballack, Drogba, and Joe Cole join Michael Essien in the spectators booth. However Carvalho will return to the lineup to form an dominating back line in front of Petr Cech.

Other Televised Matches of Potential Interest

Serie A - Atalanta vs. AC Milan at 10:00 am on FSC
Why aren't you watching Chelsea?

EPL - West Ham vs. Arsenal at 12:00 pm on FSC
Watch the Gunners attempt to claw back within a point of mighty Hull City.

La Liga - Recreativo Huelva vs. Valencia at 12:00 pm on GolTV
Honestly, it's better than the FOX pregame show.

EPL - Portsmouth vs. Fulham at 1:00 pm on Setanta
Pompey will play for the first time since losing their manager Harry Redknapp to the woefully underachieving Spurs.

La Liga - Villarreal vs. Atletico Madrid at 2:00 pm on GolTV
Will Jozy suit up? Probably not, but hey, enjoy the stylings of Sergio Aguero.

Serie A - Palermo vs. Fiorentina at 3:30 pm on FSC
How do you say "fuck no" in Italian?

La Liga - Real Madrid vs. Atletico Bilbao at 4:00 pm on GolTV
Real is poised to move back towards the top of the table and Bilbao can't score for shit.

Ligue 1 - Marseilles vs. PSG at 4:00 pm on Setanta
The French aren't all bad. Except for Paris. They suck.

EPL - Chelsea vs. Liverpool at 6:00 pm (same day tape) on Setanta
Just in case you missed it the first time around.

Enjoy your day, and so help me god if I see a spoiler for this Chelsea match before I can watch it on the DVR I'll bury the lot of you in a shallow grave.

Match of the Day
EPL- Everton vs. Manchester United at 7:00 am on Setanta
The Red Devils are really coming together, especially up front with Rooney and Berbatov. They'll be joined by Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand who return from injuries against a struggling Everton side. The Toffees have been extra crappy in their own home park, a trend they'll be hard-pressed to break this morning.

Other Matches That Could Be of Potential Interest to Some

EPL- West Bromwich Albion vs. Hull City at 10:00 am on FSC
If Hull City picks up these three points there's an excellent chance they're going to be tied with Liverpool for second place tomorrow afternoon.

Bundesliga - Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg at 11:30 am on GolTV
Klinsmann's side looked pretty impressive in their midweek Champions League win. Next stop: Conquering the Bundesliga...then on to Poland.

EPL - Blackburn Rovers vs. Middlesbrough at 12:30 on FSC
It's an all-out battle for mediocrity!

La Liga - Osasuna vs Real Betis at 2 pm on GolTV
No.

Serie A - Juventus vs. Torino at 2:30 on FSC
The Juventus edition of the Air Max '95 was selling for $275 in LA. Is that a potential write-off?

Ligue 1 - Toulouse vs Monaco at 3 pm on Setanta
Monaco may suck, but hey, that's FREDDY ADU!

La Liga - Barcelona vs Almeria at 4 pm on GolTV
Barca is always worth watching if you have some free time.

Serie A - Siena vs. Catania at 4:30 pm on GolTV
Fuck no.

There you go, enjoy the soccer and follow along with the fun in the comment section. Especially if you're drunk and your team is losing. Or about to lose, like Liverpool.

Match of the Day
River Plate vs. Boca Juniors at 4:30 pm on FSC
Casual fans of the beautiful game are surely familiar with the two Argentinian powerhouses, but aside from Boca's Riquelme they may not be all that familiar with a lot of the players. Let me tell you, it doesn't matter in the least. If you enjoy watching great soccer it's simply a game that cannot be missed. The teams are stocked with plenty of local talent and the atmosphere (see above) at the Buenos Aires derby fairly ridiculous. River Plate hosts this time around, and the most successful club in the nation's history is in desperate need of a win. Sure they've sucked all season, but all it takes to break out of a funk is a date with your arch-rival.

Other Televised Matches of Interest

Hull City vs. West Ham United at 10:00 am Setanta
Hammers! Tigers! It's Sunday morning on Setanta! You know you love it.

Stoke City vs. Tottenham Hotspur at 11:00 am FSC
Okay Spurs, try not to be overwhelmed by Stoke's star power. You might just be able to steal a point here!

Hamburger vs Schalke 04 at 11:00 am on GolTV
Mmm...hamburger. As for Schalke, I'm pretty sure you shouldn't eat it.

Atl. Bilbao vs Barcelona at 1:00 pm GolTV
Not a big NFL fan? Great, watch Barca score a shitton of goals. Barca hasn't been a world-beater in La Liga this year, but they do sport a +11 goal differential, best in Spain's top league.

Roma vs. Inter at 2:30 pm FSC
Will Totti play for Roma? They sure as shit hope he will. Will Materazzi play for Inter? Probably, but he's still a fucking cock.

Match of the Day
Arsenal vs. Everton at 10:00 am on FSC
Okay, so it's not exactly the match of the century, but shit, it sure isn't bad. The Gunners have struggled to find their way at times, yet they clearly have the ability to dominate an Everton side on the right day. Arsenal's midfield is a bit depleted, especially if Cesc Fabregas is limited by the broken nose he suffered mid-week. Their reliance the 21 year-old Spaniard is not to be understated seeing as how he could be considered as an elder statesman of the group loaded with peach-fuzzed teenagers. Even if they do have flashy names like Theo Walcott (stop swooning).

Other Televised Matches of Interest

Middlesbrough vs. Chelsea at 7:30 AM on Setanta
Chelsea will likely need all three points to keep pace atop the EPL, and they should get them, regardless of their injury concerns. Oh, and everybody has to be nice to Ashley Cole this week. He's still a bit traumatized from the booing he received last week while playing for England against mighty Kazakhstan. It's hard enough being called Ashley without everyone hating you so damn much. And really, what has the guy done wrong? I mean aside from throwing a hissy fit at Arsenal over a relatively small amount of money, allowing the Kazakhs to score on mighty England, and fucking around on Cheryl Cole (she's a national treasure you dipshit!). God, he better not fuck things up for Chelsea.

Liverpool vs. Wigan Athletic at 9:45 on Setanta
It shouldn't be too much of a test for the Scousers today, but next week they travel to Madrid for their Champions League match against Atletico and their horribly racist supporters.

Werder Bremen vs Borussia Dortmund at 11:30 on GolTV
I may not use a Krupps coffee pot or drive a BMW, but this Jew is perfectly capable of enjoying some German football. The Bundesliga's balance of power makes for excellent competition week in and week out.

Manchester United vs. West Brom at 12:30 FSC
Can other promoted team knock off another one of the big four? Possibly, but probably not here. Carlos Tevez has bemoaned his lack of scoring touch in recent weeks, but playing alongside guys like Berbatov and Rooney means you don't always have to be on point.

Atletico Mardid vs Real Madrid at 2:00 pm GolTV
Speaking of Atletico, they face a much tougher match in advance of their date with the Liverpudlians. Hopefully their fans can keep the banana waving and monkey hooting while UEFA is reevaluating the club's punishment. Initially the despicable actions of their supporters in a match against Marseille was met with a two-match home ban preventing the club from hosting a match within 200 miles of Madrid. That was recently lifted when Liverpool supporters with accomodations planned in Madrid threw a kinipshin at the news of the match's new venue.

Napoli vs. Juventus at 2:30 pm on FSC
Lyon vs. Lille at 3:00 pm on Setanta
Espanyol vs Villareal at 4:00 pm on GolTV
Aston Villa vs. Portsmouth at 5:00 pm (same day tape) on Setanta