• Premier League preview

Chasing pack look to bridge the gap

November 25, 2011

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Betting: Tottenham to maintain momentum

The Premier League will feature a tale of two managers this weekend as Andre Villas-Boas fights for his job when Wolves visit Chelsea, while former media target Arsene Wenger bids to keep the Robin van Persie-driven Arsenal bandwagon rolling at home to Fulham - in front of the ESPN cameras.

Manchester City have a point to prove after their Champions League dream was derailed in Naples, can they improve on the 3-0 loss suffered at Liverpool last season? If not, neighbours United will want to capitalise against now-beaten Newcastle, and Tottenham's bold title claims will get examined at West Brom.

For talking points, key battles and predictions from each of the weekend's games, allow ESPN to preview the action below...

Saturday

Arsenal v Fulham - live on ESPN

Form: Fatigue is unlikely to be a factor for Arsenal, despite the Gunners playing in midweek, after they beat Borussia Dortmund to qualify for the Champions League knockout stage for the 12th successive season. Turning to domestic matters, Arsene Wenger's men are flying, winning their last five to climb up to seventh. Since thumping QPR 6-0, Fulham's form has been patchy at best - they've lost three, won one and drawn one in the league. Worryingly, they've only won once on the road all campaign.
Key battle: The importance of Thomas Vermaelen was obvious in his absence, but now he appears to be back to full fitness, the Gunners look like a different proposition at the back. Bobby Zamora's inclusion in the recent England squad shows that he is still respected in the league and he will look to use his bulk and pace to cause his opponent problems and prove he is back to his best after injury.
Player to watch: Responsible for saving a point with a stunning late save against Sunderland, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was high on Wenger's shopping list before the emergence of Wojciech Szczesny. Tall, experienced and commanding of his area, the goalkeeper will need to be in top form again if Fulham are to leave with a positive result.
Talking point: When is Robin van Persie's incredible form going to slow? Two more goals in midweek took his tally for the season to 16.
Bet of the day: Arsenal to triumph 2-0, 6/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-0

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Stoke v Blackburn

Form: Only Wigan have a worse recent record than Stoke, who have won just once (against Fulham) in their last six games, and are currently on a four-game losing streak. Blackburn would probably be advised not to laugh too hard at that inept record, however - Steve Kean's beleaguered side have accrued three draws but not a single win over the same span.
Key battle: So many questions from this game, perhaps most pertinently - has Morten Gamst Pedersen learned the rules surrounding corners this week (even more pertinently, has that referee)? You know what you are getting when you come to the Britannia, so a lot of pressure will be on Christopher Samba to deal with the twin threats of Peter Crouch's height and Rory Delap's long throws.
Player to watch: Junior Hoilett has impressed with his performances so far this season, the one bright spot in an otherwise abject campaign to date, but now that is attracting attention from other clubs. With Tottenham strongly linked with a January bid this week, it will be interesting to see how the Canadian reacts to the additional pressure to perform.
Talking point: Much has been made in recent times of how difficult it is to go to the Britannia Stadium and get a result, yet QPR were just the latest side to claim three away points last weekend. Possessing just the eighth best home record of all Premier League sides last season, if Blackburn pick up points will it finally be time to dispel the myth that the Potters' home is a real fortress?
Bet of the day: This game is unlikely to be exciting on the pitch, so we'll have to create some off it. Yakubu to score first in a 2-2 draw is a (justifiably) improbable 90/1 with bet365. But if it comes off...
Prediction: 2-2

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Bolton v Everton

Form: A 5-0 mauling of Stoke aside, Bolton's recent form has been less than impressive and their stats at home make for particularly ugly reading - they've only picked up three points at the Reebok Stadium all season. Everton sit marooned in mid-table mediocrity, and they'll need to start scoring more goals if they want to make their way up the standings.
Key battle: All the talk in the summer was of a potential move to Arsenal for Gary Cahill, but it never materialised. The Bolton defender is still to rediscover the form that attracted Arsene Wenger but a strong showing against Louis Saha - who on his day can be lethal - could improve his chances of sealing a dream move next year.
Player to watch: Tim Cahill has often been looked at to inspire those around him at Everton, but the instrumental midfielder has gone quiet in recent months. When he fires on all cylinders, the Toffees usually prosper, so David Moyes will be hoping his best form makes a hasty return.
Talking point: Owen Coyle says he is resigned to losing Cahill in January, but if the England man departs it will leave a gaping hole in his defence. Who could tighten things up at the back?
Bet of the day: A 1-1 draw, 5/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

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Chelsea v Wolves

Form: Chelsea are a creaking a ship at the moment, their late defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday highlighting their current fragility. In the league they've slumped to fifth, the Blues losing three of their past four encounters. Wolves are desperate to put a run of positive results together, their inconsistency seeing them wallow just above the relegation zone.
Key battle: Matthew Jarvis likes to run at people and his pace will frighten a Chelsea defence who like to hold a high line. John Terry will need to marshal his troops accordingly.
Player to watch: Didier Drogba scored in midweek and he has the capability to pull Chelsea through this tough patch almost single-handedly - although only when he's playing at his peak. Could he be about to hit a hot streak and lift Chelsea from the mire?
Talking point: All the talk the past couple of weeks has been whether Andre Villas-Boas is about to lose his job. He feels he is safe but, should Chelsea's slump continue, how long can he keep Roman Abramovich on side?
Bet of the day: A 2-1 Chelsea win, 15/2 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

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Manchester Utd v Newcastle Utd

Form: Manchester United have shown the hallmarks of champions since their mauling at the hands of Manchester City, as they have won five out of six games. The one blip came against Benfica in midweek when they were held to a 2-2 draw. Newcastle, meanwhile, suffered their first league defeat of the season last weekend when they were outclassed by City and this patch of the season was always likely to be the acid test.
Key battle: Prior to conceding three times against City, Newcastle had the tightest defence in the top flight. They have still conceded just 11 but are likely to be tested to the full by United's attacking options. Wayne Rooney loves a goal against the Magpies, he has hit 10 in his career, so Steven Taylor's England claims are sure to be pressed to the full.
Player to watch: Yohan Cabaye has looked an extremely astute purchase for the Magpies, gliding through the middle of the park during Newcastle's early games. However, since losing midfield cohort Cheik Tiote the Frenchman has not looked as assured. He now faces a second major challenge inside a week and how he performs against the big boys is the key marker.
Talking point: Newcastle have 25 points from 11 league games, which is a superb haul for a side many had suggested would be scrapping for their lives. Last week's defeat to City came as no surprise, while it is United and Saturday followed by Chelsea. To say Newcastle may be curing the fixture computer is an understatement as momentum pendulum can shift remarkably quickly in football. How Newcastle perform is likely to be a bigger pointer than the result and will much about whether Alan Pardew's men can challenge for a European place or slip back into mid-table mediocrity.
Bet of the day: Manchester United to score in both halves, 10/11 with bet365
Prediction: 2-0

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Norwich v QPR

Form: Norwich have enjoyed an encouraging start to the season, but they are starting to find life isn't always rosy in the Premier League - they are without a win since October 15. Neil Warnock's QPR are making heads turn, they seem to score goals and leak goals in equal measure, making for a thrilling campaign. If they can tighten their defence they may be able to improve on their current position of ninth.
Key battle: Steve Morison has bagged four goals in the league already and he'll be sniffing more against a gung-ho QPR. Anton Ferdinand has been excellent this term, so expect all eyes to be fixed on this personal duel.
Player to watch: Heidar Helguson bagged a brace last time out against Stoke and looks to have only one thing on his mind whenever he gets the ball. The striker's power is proving tough to handle for even the most robust of defences, so expect him to impose himself on the Norwich back four.
Talking point: Jermain Defoe has dealt QPR a blow by insisting he will stay and fight for his place at Tottenham. Will Warnock get his man in January or be forced to look elsewhere to freshen up his strikeforce?
Bet of the day: A 2-2 draw, 11/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-2

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Sunderland v Wigan

Form: Fifteenth-placed Sunderland continue to flirt with the drop zone, taking two points from the last nine available. Wigan, who are rooted to the bottom of the table, are in dire straits; you have to go as far back as the end of August for their last victory.
Key Battle: John O'Shea may not be the quickest of defenders but his experience should see him present Mohamed Diame with a number of problems Player to watch: Nicklas Bendtner has gone quiet and Steve Bruce needs to wake the former Arsenal forward up because he is more than capable of hauling Sunderland away from the danger area.
Talking point: Wigan are only five points from safety, but at what point does chairman Dave Whelan say to Roberto Martinez enough is enough?
Bet of the day: Bendtner to score first and Sunderland win 1-0, 14/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-0

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West Brom v Tottenham

Form: Victory over Aston Villa took Spurs up to third, above the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool, and they have now won eight of their last nine league games. The Baggies are quietly going about their business and, following back-to-back defeats, they got back to winning ways with victory over Bolton in their last outing.
Key battle: Youssouf Mulumbu thrives on a hotly-contested battle, and he won't have to go looking for one when Scott Parker takes to the pitch at the Hawthorns.
Player to watch: Shane Long marked his return from injury with the winner against Bolton and he'll be eager to put his serious-looking knee injury further behind him with another star showing.
Talking point: Harry Redknapp has made a bold statement claiming his troops can win the title if they maintain their recent form. Is that conceivable or simply wishful thinking?
Bet of the day: Spurs to win 2-1, 15/2 with bet365
Prediction: 1-2

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Sunday

Swansea v Aston Villa

Form: Swansea haven't scored for two games but their impressive home form should give them reason for optimism when they host Villa. Meanwhile, Villa continue to frustrate their own fans, playing an exciting brand of football one week and delivering a load of rubbish the next. They are crying out for a good win, three points earned by playing as they can do.
Key battle: Darren Bent blows hot and cold and he's a striker that relies on good service to flourish. Swansea skipper Garry Monk will look to cut off his supply line.
Player to watch: Bent has scored five goals for Villa so far this season - all at Villa Park, meaning the responsibility of finding the net may fall on Gabby Agbonlahor.
Talking point: Brendan Rodgers says he wants to sign 'between four to six players' in the January transfer window. Who would strengthen the Swans' squad?
Bet of the day: Agbonlahor to score first and Swansea to win 2-1, 85/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

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Liverpool v Manchester City

Form: Liverpool occupy sixth spot and haven't lost in the league since a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Spurs in September. City face an uphill battle to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League after losing to Napoli but, domestically, they are cruising and currently hold a five-point advantage over neighbours United at the top of the table.
Key battle: With Steven Gerrard out of the equation, Charlie Adam has extra responsibility. He had a blinder against Chelsea and he'll look to kick on. Yaya Toure will want to impose his physicality in midfield to stop Adam getting hold of the ball and fizzing 30-yard passes.
Player to watch: Glen Johnson showed what he can do with a fabulous winner against Chelsea. He is a defender who loves to bomb on and get involved in the oppositions half, you only have to ask Petr Cech about his shooting ability when he cuts in off the right wing.
Talking point:. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has warned his players he will not tolerate any sulking. He can't play everybody, however, and there will be those who feel aggrieved. Will he be able to keep everybody happy?
Bet of the day: A 2-2 draw, 11/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-2

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