Battle to be best

Friday, 20/01/2012

by Ger McCarthy

This weekend's Premier League is dominated by the two big games on Sunday as Manchester takes on North London.

Arsenal host Man United as they seek revenge for their horrific drubbing at Old Trafford earlier in the season, whilst Tottenham travel to the Etihad Stadium hoping to strengthen their title hopes and hold back Man City.

But before those two matches kick-off there are a host of other important games to be played...

Norwich v Chelsea

Paul Lambert’s in-form Norwich host a Chelsea side desperate to keep pace with the top three. The Canaries are currently enjoying a magnificent spell with only one loss in their last eight league outings. Andre Villas-Boas has seen his side’s title challenge falter with three draws in their last five outings despite a welcome 1-0 win at home to Sunderland last time out. Drogba and Kalou are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Verdict: Draw

Everton v Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn will be anxious to build on their encouraging 3-1 win over Fulham last weekend when they visit Goodison Park. Yakubu is suspended having been sent off last Saturday and much of Rovers’ hopes will rest with emerging midfielders Junior Hoillet and Steven N’zonzi. David Moyes earned a battling point away to Villa in Everton’s previous fixture but the addition of on-loan Landon Donovan from LA Galaxy and the current form of Victor Anichebe offers the Toffees’ an exciting front pairing. Verdict: Everton win

Fulham v Newcastle

The Toon Army will be without their first choice front pairing of Demba Ba and new signing Papiss Cisse who are both away with Senegal. Newcastle coped admirably last Sunday however with a solitary Leon Best strike proving enough to see off a spirited QPR. Martin Jol is looking for a repeat performance of the excellent 2-1 win at home to Arsenal on January 2 and will look to Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey for goals. Newcastle’s recent upturn in form is down to a newfound defensive solidity so expect the Magpies. Verdict: Draw

QPR v Wigan Athletic

Mark Hughes starts his first home league game as the new manager of QPR with a relegation six-pointer against Wigan. The Loftus Road faithful are hoping to see a first League victory in ten attempts with Rangers just two points off the bottom. Wigan go into the weekend propping up the table despite pushing leaders Manchester City all the way in their last encounter. Verdict: QPR win

Stoke City v West Brom

Stoke are undefeated in their last four League fixtures and entertain West Brom at the Britannia Stadium. Peter Crouch and Jon Walters are just two of Stoke’s most consistent performers this term. Roy Hodgson’s side is on a three game losing streak having failed to score from open play during that dismal period. The return of Shane Long should provide some much needed firepower. Verdict: Stoke win

Sunderland v Swansea

Swansea are still on a high following the newly promoted club’s marvellous 3-2 defeat of Arsenal last Sunday. Brendan Rodgers’ side earned many plaudits for the manner of their victory with Nathan Dyer and Danny Graham standing out in a superb all-round team display. Sunderland should offer just as stiff a test at the Stadium of Light despite losing narrowly away to Chelsea last time out. The Black Cats have risen to 12th since the arrival of Martin O’Neill and the in-form James McClean should feature prominently. Verdict: Sunderland win

Wolves v Aston Villa

Mick McCarthy’s Wolves are hovering a point above the relegation zone ahead of a local derby with Aston Villa. Wolves are coming off the back of another midweek derby encounter where near neighbours Birmingham City knocked McCarthy’s side out of the FA Cup. The home fans are unlikely to take kindly to consecutive derby losses so ace sharpshooter Steven Fletcher must add to his personal tally of nine goals if Wanderers are to get anything. Villa have only won twice on the road this season but the addition of on-loan Robbie Keane offers an experienced attacking outlet. Villa’s only victory in their previous seven fixtures came at Stamford Bridge on January 2. Verdict: Draw

Bolton v Liverpool

Saturday's evening kick-off sees Bolton looking for their second win on home soil with the visit of Kenny Dalglish’s Champions League chasing side. Liverpool’s failed to break down a dogged Stoke at Anfield last weekend and are looking for their sixth on the road victory. Owen Coyle’s side are just a point above bottom placed Wigan. Verdict: Liverpool win

Sunday

Man City v Tottenham

The Premier League leaders welcome third placed Spurs to the Etihad Stadium hoping to extend their advantage. City’s perfect record of ten home wins out of ten is in danger if Spurs reproduce the counter-attacking style of football that has seen the North London club go on an encouraging run since losing both opening fixtures of the season (including a hiding from City). The attacking prowess of Aguero, Silva and Balotelli could be a deciding factor. Verdict: Man City win

Arsenal v Man United

Two of the most decorated Premier League clubs in English football clash at the Emirates Stadium on with Arsenal looking for revenge on a United side that inflicted a shock 8-2 walloping on the Gunners at Old Trafford earlier this season. Arsene Wenger’s side are currently fifth and will be desperate to erase the memory of that humiliating defeat. United ended a run of two consecutive losses with a welcome 3-0 win at Bolton last time out. Verdict: Draw

Follow Ger on Twitter: @offcentrecircle

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