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Spurs and City must focus with showdown looming

January 13, 2012

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Roberto Mancini predicted January would be the pivotal month of Manchester City's season, and results are quickly supporting his theory as the Premier League leaders find themselves in their first crisis of the season.

Out of the FA Cup and in real bother in the Carling Cup within the space of four days, City must stop the rot without some of their key players.

Title rivals Manchester United and Tottenham will both be expected to win their games this weekend, meaning all three teams could be level on points by the time City visit Wigan on Monday. With City set to host Spurs next week, the ensuing fortnight could have a major bearing on how the title race pans out.

For talking points and predictions from the complete weekend schedule, allow ESPN to preview all the action below...

Betting - Toon to give Hughes a baptism of fire

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Saturday

Aston Villa v Everton

Form: Aston Villa have hardly been firing on all cylinders recently; winning two, drawing two and losing one before kicking off 2012 with a woefully disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Swansea. Everton, meanwhile, are on a two-game losing streak after Tottenham bested them in midweek, but had not lost in four prior to that.
Key battle: David Moyes has a lack of defensive options following an injury to Sylvain Distin against Spurs, so John Heitinga - about the only recognisable centre-back left - will have to produce a big performance against Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Player to watch: Darren Bent's future is once again in doubt - it has become something of a January tradition - and a goal against their Merseyside rivals may kickstart a reported transfer swoop from Liverpool.
Talking point: Mired in mid-table at the halfway point of the season, are either of these clubs equipped to push on for the Europa League qualification spots? Or, perhaps of more concern, is either side weak enough to be considered a candidate to be drawn into a relegation scrap?
Bet of the day: Darren Bent to score first is a not unreasonable 9/2 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

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Blackburn v Fulham

Form: Blackburn's most recent home defeat to Stoke erased some of the optimism created by a draw with Liverpool and memorable victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Fulham, however, haven't lost in three - including a comeback win of their own against prestigious opposition in the form of Arsenal.
Key battle: After some early scepticism about how well he would adapt to Premier League life, Bryan Ruiz has proven himself capable of moments of inspiration in recent weeks. With the promising Adam Henley part of an inexperienced backline, the Costa Rica international could find joy if he floats out towards the right flank.
Player to watch: After expressing his desire to leave the club during the week, it will be interesting to see whether the uncertainty affects Chris Samba's defensive performance. Blackburn really cannot afford it to.
Talking point: With more protests planned, are Blackburn fans right to show their displeasure at how Venky's are running the club? Rovers seem to be going nowhere in a hurry, but would a show of support at Ewood Park not help inspire the sort of positive result they desperately need?
Bet of the day: Blackburn to be winning at half-time but losing by full-time is too excruciatingly probable considering Steve Kean's involvement to be overlooked at 25/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-3

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Chelsea v Sunderland

Form: Chelsea have looked poor by their standards in recent weeks, Andre Villas-Boas presiding over an uninspired run of just two wins and three draws from their last six games. Sunderland, meanwhile, have been revived under Martin O'Neill - winning four of their last six, most recently taking an impressive 10 points from a possible 12.
Key battle: It's tempting to say that this game will turn on how the managers prepare their sides. Villas-Boas has occasionally been shown up for a lack of Premier League nous this season, something Martin O'Neill certainly doesn't lack for. If he springs a surprise against a home side low on confidence, Sunderland cannot be counted out.
Player to watch: Stephane Sessegnon. The architects of last season's memorable 3-0 Black Cats win in this fixture - Nedum Onouha, Danny Welbeck and Asamoah Gyan - are all at other clubs now, but Sessegnon is a wily attacking force who could cause John Terry another headache.
Talking point: With Chelsea looking so abject at the back in recent weeks, will this game once again raise the question as to why Villas-Boas is so happy to allow Alex to depart without getting so much as a sniff at a first-team chance?
Bet of the day: Another Sunderland 3-0 win is 100/1, but Chelsea to win in a game with the same number of goals looks more realistic at 15/2 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

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Liverpool v Stoke

Form: Liverpool's form has been mixed over the last six games, losing one, drawing two and winning three in all competitions. They generally control matches under Kenny Dalglish, but too often their cutting edge lets them down, as proven by a record of 24 goals in 20 league games this season. Stoke, just five points behind the Reds, arrive at Anfield having lost only one of their last six - to Manchester City.
Key battle: Rob Huth has arguably been more dangerous than Andy Carroll in opposition penalty areas this season, and the pair will likely contest a shower of aerial balls this weekend. Can Liverpool provide the service?
Player to watch: Steven Gerrard has just penned a contract that sees him finish his career at Liverpool. Since returning from injury the skipper has been superb, and if anyone is likely to win the game for Liverpool this weekend it is him.
Talking point: Should Liverpool be exhausting every option to sign a striker during the January window? Even when Luis Suarez is available they lack a cutting edge, but without him their options are even more limited.
Bet of the day: Liverpool to lead at half-time, a draw at full-time: 18/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

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Manchester United v Bolton

Form: Manchester United have lost their last two in the Premier League - against Blackburn and Newcastle - but bounced back to an extent in the FA Cup last weekend. Bolton, in some contrast, have taken four points from their last two games - one more than they managed in the four league games preceding that.
Key battle: Gary Cahill is available to play as long as his seemingly inexorable move to Chelsea remains incomplete, but will his mind be focused enough to deal with Wayne Rooney? An impressive performance against the England man may just convince the Blues to raise their wage offer nearer to Cahill's demands.
Player to watch: Paul Scholes is back, the red half of Manchester rejoices. After a cameo that didn't tell us much in the FA Cup derby, maybe this game will tell us more about the state of the veteran's game following six months in not-so-happy retirement.
Talking point: Last time these two sides met, United ran wild to claim a 5-0 away win as their strong start to the season continued. After an alarming blip, is this a great time for Sir Alex Ferguson's side to face a team they clearly seem to have the measure of?
Bet of the day: Manchester United have the potential to score many goals, but Fergie may be more defensive considering recent events. Under 2.5 goals seems a worthwhile possibility at 12/5 with bet365
Prediction: 2-0

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Tottenham v Wolves

Form: Tottenham haven't lost in their last six, winning four and drawing two as they have thrust themselves firmly into the title race. Wolves, alas, haven't won in their last six - with three defeats and three draws a disappointing return as they hover above the drop zone.
Key battle: Aaron Lennon showed a cutting edge against Everton in midweek, but it remains to be seen whether his pace and trickery can be smothered by Stephen Ward's more physical approach.
Player to watch: Can it be anyone other than Gareth Bale? The Welsh winger will be looking for another big home performance as his side look to build on their lofty league position.
Talking point: This game looks a test of focus as much as ability. Next week's meeting with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium could define Spurs' title hunt - but they must get through this home tie first before they can think of such matters.
Bet of the day: Maybe this will be your lucky week? Exactly 12 corners, in a game that feels like it could have around that number, is 8/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-0

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West Brom v Norwich

Form: Roy Hodgson's men have three defeats, two wins and a draw to show from their most recent six league encounters, while Norwich have only lost once in that period - picking up two wins and three draws.
Key battle: Last time he was away from home Paul Lambert masterminded a tactical revival against ten-man QPR, so this game could once again prove a battle of wits between the Scot and Hodgson in the opposing dugout.
Player to watch: Peter Odemwingie has picked up the pace in recent games after a slow start to the season, but will want to continue making an impact against a side he scored against at Carrow Road at the start of the season - as he seems to eye bigger challenges.
Talking point: How many points will be needed for survival this season? Five teams are on course to claim little more than 30 - but Norwich, heavily tipped to go down at season's start, are already sitting relatively pretty with 25. West Brom still have work to do with 22 on the board.
Bet of the day: Two sides with ball-playing midfielders but their share of enforcers too - a yellow (or red) card to be brandished in the opening ten minutes is 7/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

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Sunday

Newcastle v Queens Park Rangers

Form: Following a great win over Manchester United, Newcastle have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six - although they will now be without talisman Demba Ba for a number of weeks. QPR, now with Mark Hughes in charge, lost five of Neil Warnock's last six league games in charge at Loftus Road.
Key battle: Can Shola Ameobi continue to bully opposition defences even without Ba to present them with another threat to worry about? Where his brother failed, Anton Ferdinand will fancy his chances of keeping the famously erratic forward quiet at St James' Park.
Player to watch: Joey Barton was vocal in his anger at leaving Newcastle, but his de-facto replacement Yohan Cabaye has proven to be superior in almost every area to date. With Barton suspended, can Cabaye rule the midfield in front of the Liverpudlian's eyes?
Talking point: Newcastle arguably rewrote the book on managerial changes while fighting relegation when Mike Ashley sacked Chris Hughton and appointed Alan Pardew. That pre-emptive move paid off handsomely despite stiff criticism at the time - can QPR's Hughes-for-Warnock switch be similarly successful?
Bet of the day: New manager on the one hand, key players missing on the other - but you sense Newcastle will still be too good for their visitors. A 1-0 home win (with the same scoreline at half-time) is 11/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-0

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Swansea v Arsenal

Form: The Premier League rookies have lost just once in their last six encounters, although they have also won only two in that period. Arsenal have actually lost more than their Welsh opponents in that time, but have also had three wins and a draw as they refocus their sights on Champions League qualification.
Key battle: Robin van Persie is still waiting to break his 2012 goalscoring duck, after enjoying such a prolific 2011. Michel Vorm is looking to build on the quality he showed last year - and make amends for his error that cost his side a point in the reverse fixture at Emirates Stadium - as the Swans aim to keep their heads above water in the relegation race.
Player to watch: Thierry Henry. Who else?
Talking point: Which side has come further since they last met? Arsenal appeared to be heading for oblivion when Andrei Arshavin's gifted strike gave them a much needed three points - while Swansea have suddenly emerged as a competitive side in the top flight after a slow start.
Bet of the day: Swansea have conceded the joint-fewest number of goals at home this season, while Arsenal have scored the second most goals away from home. Another Henry moment with a 1-0 win? 22/1 with bet365
Prediction: 0-1

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Monday

Wigan v Manchester City

Form: Three wins, two defeats and a draw for the wobbling league leaders, while Wigan have not won in their last five - picking up three draws and suffering two defeats from a difficult series of winter fixtures.
Key battle: Victor Moses is one of the few genuine attacking threats Wigan seem to possess at the moment, and it will be interesting to see how he fares cutting in from the flanks against Gael Clichy - he has appeared much more confident in his abilities since that woeful sending off against Chelsea late last year.
Player to watch: Stefan Savic. The Montenegro international insists he wants to grasp his chance in the absence of others, but he sure looked a liability in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool in midweek.
Talking point: Just how much will the African Cup of Nations absences harm City? Neither of the Toures available - and no Vincent Kompany through suspension - gives Wigan a chance to spring an upset. Or is a game against the defensively suspect Latics exactly what Mancini's side need right now?
Bet of the day: Exactly six goals in this game is a suitably obscure-yet-it-could-just-happen bet that we feel comfortable tipping at 18/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-4

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