With the busy Christmas schedule well and truly upon us,
this weekend’s fixtures could prove crucial at both ends of the Premier League
table. Below is a small match preview for all Premier League fixtures along
with my predictions.
Blackburn v West
Brom
Struggling Blackburn welcome West Brom to Ewood Park on
Saturday with pressure on manager Steve Kean mounting. Blackburn let a 1-0 lead
slip when they visited Sunderland last Sunday. West Brom suffered another
defeat last week at home to Wigan leaving the Baggies 15th just
three points clear of the relegation zone. Expect a close game with the
visitors snatching victory.
Verdict: Blackburn
0-1 West Brom
Everton v Norwich
David Moyes will be looking for his side to bounce back when
they host newly promoted Norwich at Goodison Park. The Toffee’s suffered two
defeats in a row without scoring. This week will be the 10th
anniversary of the appointment of David Moyes. Norwich have enjoyed their
return to the top flight and a 4-2 win against Newcastle last week saw the
Canaries move up to tenth. Everton have struggled with goals and that could
cost them all three points this week and may have to settle for a bore draw.
Verdict: Everton
0-0 West Brom
Fulham v Bolton
A Europa League exit on Thursday evening might have been a
blessing in disguise for Fulham and Martin Jol as they look to bounce back from
last week’s 1-0 defeat away to Swansea. On the other hand it has been a
nightmare start for Bolton and their boss Owen Coyle. Defeat at home to Aston
Villa last week turned up the heat on Coyle who could find himself sitting a
little bit more uncomfortable with a defeat in this game.
Verdict: Fulham
2-0 Bolton
Newcastle v
Swansea
No win in three for Newcastle has perhaps brought the
expectations back to reality at St James Park after a superb start to the
season. With an injury crisis at the back and constant rumours of Cheick Tiote’s
future at the club manager Alan Pardew will be desperate to win this fixture.
The visitors to Newcastle this week have had a solid start to their first ever
season in the Premier League. A 1-0 win last week against Fulham has set
Brendan Rodger’s side up to earn something this weekend.
Verdict: Newcastle
1-1 Swansea
Wolverhampton v
Stoke
Wolves find themselves sitting just two points clear of the
relegation zone after last week’s 4-1 hammering against Manchester United. Mick
McCarthy will look to Steven Fletcher to continue his fine goal scoring form after
he has netted 16 times in his last 23 games. Stoke progressed through to the
final 16 of the Europa League and will look to bring that form to the Premier
League and will claim three more points.
Verdict: Wolves
1-3 Stoke
Wigan v Chelsea
Roberto Martinez grabbed a vital win last week at West Brom
although they shouldn’t expect much from this game. Andres Villas Boas has
begun to turn it round at Stamford Bridge after a poor start to the season.
Monday night’s 2-1 victory over Man City moved Chelsea to fourth in the table.
They should claim an easy victory at the DW stadium.
Verdict: Wigan 0-4
Chelsea
Sunday
QPR v Manchester
United
Being in the Europa draw isn’t something that Manchester
United fans have become accustomed to in recent times but after being handed a
last 16 tie against Ajax in Fridays draw it is back to the bread and butter of
the league on Sunday as they travel to Loftus Road. QPR lost narrowly at
Anfield last week and that should offer them some hope of beating the reigning
Champions, however, United should claim a victory.
Verdict: QPR 0-2
Manchester United
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Villa could move up to eighth if they can beat Liverpool
this weekend. Last week a 2-1 victory at Bolton ended their miserable form of
late. Liverpool have started to pick up of late, bar a 1-0 defeat at Fulham two
weeks ago. Luis Suarez is in fine form and will look to trouble a disjointed
Villa back line.
Verdict: Aston
Villa 1-1 Liverpool
Tottenham v
Sunderland
Tottenham ended their Europa League adventure this week with
a 4-0 thumping of Shamrock Rovers. Harry Redknapp will be delighted with Spurs
so far as they currently find themselves positioned fourth in the division.
Times of late have been tough for Sunderland, however, after appointing Martin
O’Neill last week the Black Cats beat Blackburn 2-1 although this will be a
much tougher test.
Verdict: Tottenham
3-1 Sunderland
Manchester City v
Arsenal
No doubt the game of the weekend comes from the Etihad
stadium as top of the table Manchester City welcome a resurgent Arsenal. City
lost their unbeaten run against Chelsea last Monday so will look to bounce
back. Arsenal have the inform Robin Van Persie in attack as they look for a
victory that could add to their growing title challenge.
Verdict:
Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
As always let me know what you think. Do you agree? Send me
your predictions.
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