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Spurs aim to begin the year with a bang

January 3, 2012

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Tottenham have the chance to move within three points of both Manchester United and leaders Manchester City when they host West Brom, while Liverpool look to become the first team this season to come away from Eastlands with a positive result. At the other end of the table, Wigan can move out of the relegation zone with victory over Martin O'Neill's Sunderland.

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Manchester City v Liverpool

Form: Leaders City have been peerless at home, winning all nine of their league fixtures at Eastlands and averaging over three goals per match in the process. They took 52 points from a possible 54 on home turf in 2011, with Fulham the only side to leave City with a point (in February). Sixth-placed Liverpool are on a fine run - they've only come a cropper once in their last 14 league games - and they've only leaked two goals in their last six away games.
Key battle: After two substitute appearances since his comeback from an ankle infection, Steven Gerrard is pushing for a starting berth. David Silva is the man City turn to for inspiration, but he could be upstaged by a resurgent Gerrard.
Player to watch: Craig Bellamy has a point to prove after Roberto Mancini showed him the door at City. The striker's caught the eye in recent weeks and he will be desperate to put Mancini's nose out of joint with a starring role for the visitors.
Talking point: Liverpool's defence has been watertight of late; they've only shipped five league goals in the last 10 league games. Is it simply coincidence that they've had an unchanged back five during that spell?
Bet of the day: Gerrard to be first goalscorer 11/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

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Tottenham v West Brom

Form: Spurs haven't lost since suffering a 2-1 reverse against Stoke on December 11. However, they've only won one of their last three in the league and will be keen to give their title aspirations a timely boost with three points against West Brom. Of some comfort to manager Harry Redknapp will be the fact his side have only conceded three goals at White Hart Lane in their last seven matches. The stats show the Baggies don't enjoy playing host - they've won 14 points away from home, while only collecting eight at the Hawthorns.
Key battle: Jake Livermore could be charged with the task of filling the void created by the absence of Scott Parker, who was forced off against Swansea on New Year's Eve with a knee injury. Youssouf Mulumbu will be eager to give the youngster a hard time and his side could prosper if he is able to keep the young pretender under wraps.
Player to watch: With Parker unavailable, there will be more onus on his midfield partner Luka Modric to deliver a telling performance in the middle of the park. Without Parker, Spurs lost their shape against Swansea, but if Modric can dictate terms in the engine room then his team-mate's absence need not be catastrophic.
Talking point: Emmanuel Adebayor wants Spurs to take maximum points from their home games this month to help secure them a top-four place. But is that realistic?
Bet of the day: Spurs to be leading 2-0 at half-time:7/1 with bet365
Prediction:3-1

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Wigan v Sunderland

Form: Wigan are desperate to arrest their slump at home; one victory in nine at the DW Stadium is a primary reason they find themselves ensconced in the bottom three. Sunderland are heading in the right direction; since Martin O'Neill took the reins they've won three of their five outings. If they can take Wigan's scalp it will be the first time since May 2010 that they've recorded back-to-back away league wins.
Key battle: Antolin Alcaraz will be tasked with keeping Nicklas Bendtner, who scored for Arsenal at the same ground last season, quiet, and his physicality will be needed to counteract Bendtner's strength.
Player to watch: Stephane Sessegnon has notched three goals in the league and he'll add to his tally if he can learn to compose himself more in front of goal.
Talking point: The Black Cats are on the up but their tendency to leak goals on their travels continues to threaten their resurgence - they've managed only two clean sheets in nine away outings.
Bet of the day: A 1-1 draw: 5/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

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