ASTON VILLA V ARSENAL
With Cesc Fabregas missing - again - due to that troublesome hamstring Mr Wenger will be looking to his other superstars to continue Arsenal's impressive away form. It will be interesting to see if Nicolas Bendtner will be in the squad after his dismal 'pink-footed' showing in Braga. Villa's kids have shown they can give the PL heavyweights a run for their money during their match against Manchester United, although they will be without talisman Mark Albrighton.
KEY MAN: Robin Van Persie
BOLTON V BLACKPOOL
Look forward to an all out attacking game with both teams fans of playing the ball on the ground. Johan Elmander's contract talks are still ongoing but hopefully he can continue his purple patch as he leads the line with Kevin Davies. Blackpool will surely be their energetic self in their aim to survive in their first season in the top tier.
KEY MAN: Charlie Adam
EVERTON V WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Marouane Fellaini is serving his suspension which could be worrying in a match that may well be won in midfield. The availability of James Morrison will be beneficial to the away team who have lost four of their last six matches.
KEY MAN: Phil Neville
FULHAM V BIRMINGHAM
After losing at home to Manchester City last time out Mark Hughes will be looking for a big improvement from his team. With Bobby Zamora still out and Andy Johnson a doubt they may again struggle to score goals. Birmingham have a good record against London teams and the travelling fans will hope that continues.
KEY MAN: Alexander Hleb
MANCHESTER UNITED V BLACKBURN
So Wayne Rooney is back and it looks as if all is forgiven but we all know that will only last as long as he keeps scoring. The Lancashire visitors will no doubt be their usual bolshy self and there may be a few hard tackles that Sir Alex's men could do without. He'll be hoping his long term
KEY MAN: Wayne Rooney
NEWCASTLE UNITED V CHELSEA
St. James Park could do without a visit from the Champions especially with his first choice defence of Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini unavailable. Terry and Lampard are still out injured while Michael Essien serves his one match ban. It could all be about the two solid front men of Dider Drogba and Andy Carroll.
KEY MAN: Alex
STOKE CITY V MANCHESTER CITY
Both of these sides have won three of their last six matches though that may count for nothing as opposites attract at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke are only six points behind Roberto Mancini's men and this will be a serious test for them. City have to win games like this if they are to have any chance of challenging for the league.
KEY MAN: Who else but Carlos Tevez?
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V LIVERPOOL
The newest member of the top four meet one of the old guard at White Hart Lane. 'Arry Redknapp is still without Michael Dawson, although I can testify they seem to manage alright without him. Roy Hodgson is without everyone's favourite midfielder Stevie G but can be buoyed by the return of Joe Cole who could of been lining up for the home team if he had made a
Here's a little stat for you: Jamie Carragher has scored three of his seven own goals when playing against Spurs.
KEY MAN: Jermain Defoe
WEST HAM V WIGAN
Avram Grant holds the dubious record of having spent the past year in the relegation zone and needs a win like Joey Barton needs anger management. His board may have backed him in the press but I wonder how long the real Hammers can continue to be patient. Hopefully the appointment of Wally Downes as his no.2 can restore some semblance of order on the pitch. Wigan need a win equally as much, sitting just two spots above them in the table. Without Hugo Rodallega and James McCarthy they may play more on the defensive side in the hope of grabbing a crucial point.
KEY MAN: (If he plays) Scottie Parker
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS V SUNDERLAND
With the Black Cats missing Titus Bramble and Michael Turner, Mick Mac will spend the hours before the match praying his strikers finally start to take their chances. They need points and goals, if only to keep their boss from spontaneously combusting. Steve Bruce's men look a completely different team to the one that was battered at Newcastle and sitting 7th in the table they look increasingly comfortable.
KEY MAN: Anton Ferdinand
It will be very interesting to see if Robin starts and if he does, will Chamakh start at the same time in the 4-2-3-1? We shall see ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and your comment, it's much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteIt seems clear Mr Wenger isn't happy with RVP's physical - and possibly mental - state at the moment. Personally I'm loving what Chamakh brings to the team and if he stays fit he'll continue to be a great asset for Arsenal. Particularly against the more physical teams where we have sometimes been lacking.