A preview of the weekend's fixtures
Chelsea v Sunderland
This fixture looms large and awkward for the hosts. Chelsea’s home form has been too jittery for comfort, their propensity to implode when chasing victory having cost them three times. The fragile Sunderland of early season might have offered respite, but Martin O’Neill’s revitalised charges represent a considerable threat.
Odds: Chelsea 4-11 Sunderland 15-2 Draw 7-2
Swansea v Arsenal
Whatever the outcome, this is unlikely to leave purists short-changed. Both teams play an attractive, patient style, with the only frustration coming from the subsequent lack of goals, with the obvious exception of Robin Van Persie. Despite Thierry Henry’s impact against Leeds, he will likely start on the bench.
Odds: Swansea 4-1 Arsenal 7-10 Draw 5-2
Tottenham v Wolves
Wolves, without a win since December 4th, look ill-equipped to break Tottenham’s confident stride. They did, however, do the double over Harry Redknapp’s team two seasons ago, and, with Emmanuel Adebayor in profligate form recently, that seems their only chance of a repeat. Scott Parker could return for the hosts.
Odds: Tottenham 2-7 Wolves 9-1 Draw 21-5
Aston Villa v Everton
Two Irish internationals should make their debuts for new sides today – Robbie Keane for Villa and Darron Gibson for Everton. Alex McLeish’s side have not scored in six of their last nine league games and will hope Keane can correct this. David Moyes will be hoping Gibson can inspire his side after recent defeats to Spurs and Bolton.
Odds: Aston Villa 29-20 Everton 37-20 Draw 11-5
Newcastle v QPR
Mark Hughes travels north for his first game in charge of a QPR side one point above the relegation zone. While Alan Pardew is probably delighted Newcastle’s former midfielder Joey Barton is suspended, Hughes may be be reassured to learn Barton has urged team-mates to “buy into” their new manager’s philosophy.
Odds Newcastle 8-11 QPR 15-4 Draw 13-5
WBA v Norwich
The game between these sides at Carrow Road in September seemed to bode badly for Norwich. The Canaries played well but lost, and the season had started with four games without a win. Since then, though, Norwich have picked up only four points fewer than Chelsea and the Baggies are in desperate need of a boost. They might not get it on Saturday, with six injury doubts.
Odds: West Brom 10-9 Norwich 13-5 Draw 12-5
Blackburn v Fulham
Rarely can a team embark on a home fixture against poor travellers with such trepidation. Blackburn may have beaten Manchester United recently, but they remain wretched at Ewood Park, losing their most recent match there to Stoke. Christopher Samba’s potential absence only adds to manager Steve Kean’s woes.
Odds: Blackburn 7-4 Fulham 6-4 Draw 9-4
Man U v Bolton
A win for United over Bolton would leave Manchester City leading the table purely on goal difference before they go to Wigan on Monday. However, In 10 league matches at home United have been beaten by Bolton twice and held to a draw once. Whatever their sorrows at home, Bolton have four away wins in the Premier League this season.
Odds: Man Utd 3-20 Bolton 14-1 Draw 13-2
Liverpool v Stoke C
Liverpool have never lost a top-flight game at home to Stoke in 48 matches, and will be confident after the League Cup win at Manchester City. This is the 50th game of Dalglish’s second spell in charge – he has 26 wins, 12 draws and 11 losses – while Stoke’s away form is greatly improved, having lost once in eight league games.
Odds: Liverpool 2-5 Stoke 7-1 Draw 100-30
Wigan v Man City
Out of the Champions League, FA Cup and on the brink of exiting the League Cup: City’s focus on the league is strengthening. It will concern Roberto Mancini’s men if they begin this match sharing top spot with Manchester United and Tottenham. Having not won any of their last four away league games, City may end up relying on a returning David Silva to put Wigan to the sword.
Odds: Wigan 15-2 Man City 1-3 Draw 100-30
