The Big Match Premier League Weekend Preview: The Title Race Continues

We're in for a stellar weekend of football in the English Premier League, with 10 matches being played over Saturday and Sunday. The league's top three teams all look set for victory, but are there any surprises in store for the championship contenders as the title race heats up?

Chelsea v Hull

Saturday 7 February 2009, Stamford Bridge

Kickoff: 15:00

 
Chelsea lost 2-0 against Liverpool at Anfield in their last league outing, their second consecutive away defeat.

They have won three, all at home, and drawn three of their last eight games; taking 12 points from a possible 24 that were available. The Blues have found the back of the net nine times and conceded 9 during this spell, as they sit third in the league table.

Chelsea have signed Portuguese winger Ricardo Quaresma on loan from Inter Milan.

The Blues will be without Joe Cole (knee) and Micheal Essien (knee), but Ricardo Carvalho (hamstring) could be fit and Frank Lampard will be available after winning his appeal against being sent off his last match against Liverpool.

Hull drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion at the KC Stadium in their last league outing, making a run of eight games without a win since their last league victory (2-1 against Middlesbrough at the KC Stadium).

They have lost six, all consecutively, and drawn two of their winless run; dropping 22 points from the 24 that were available. During their run, The Tigers have found the back of the net 7 times and leaked 21 goals, as they’ve slipped to 11th in the league.

Hull will do without George Boateng (knee) and Jamie Bullard is a doubt (knee).



Prediction

Chelsea beat Hull City 3-0 at the KC Stadium earlier this season, at a time when both teams were on their best form. This time round, both are on their worst form; however, that of Hull is far worse.

The Tigers cannot buy a win and with Chelsea improving their home form somewhat, The Blues will be confident of a win. Chelsea have won the following game after all three previous league defeats this season, indicating they should respond well from their last defeat.

Frank Lampard’s red card appeal success will give a boost, and as Chelsea’s most in-form player, he could make the difference in this encounter. Also, the inclusion of new signing Ricardo Quaresma could add an element of surprise with Chelsea most likely to make this their fourth successive home win.

Portsmouth v Liverpool

Saturday 7 February 2009, Fratton Park

Kickoff: 17:30


Portsmouth lost 3-1 against Fulham at Craven Cottage in their last league outing, making a run of eight games without a win since beating Blackburn Rovers 3-2 at Craven Cottage.

They have lost six, including their last three at home, and drawn two of their winless streak; dropping 22 points from the possible 24 offered. Pompey have scored 5 goals and conceded 16 during this run, falling down to 16th in the league table.

Portsmouth will have to do without Papa Bouba Diop (knee) and Sol Campbell (thigh), while Marc Wilson (thigh), Richard Hughes (hamstring) and Jerome Thomas (back) are a doubt and Niko Kranjcar (groin) could be fit.

Portsmouth have signed Greek pair Angelos Basinas on loan from AEK Athens and Theofanis Gekas on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-0 at Anfield in their last league outing, making a run of 13 games since their last league defeat (2-1 against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane).

They have drawn seven and won six of their last thirteen games; taking 25 points from the 39 that were available. The Reds have found the back of the net 24 times and conceded seven goals, including seven clean sheets, as they sit second in the league table.

Liverpool have sold Robbie Keane back to Tottenham Hotspurs, five months after signing him themselves.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is a doubt with a hamstring injury he picked up in their midweek FA Cup loss against Everton, while Phillip Degan has sustained a metatarsal injury. They will also be without Lucas Leiva as he serves a one-match suspension for a red card.

Prediction

Portsmouth drew 0-0 with Liverpool in this corresponding fixture last season and lost 1-0 at Anfield earlier this season.

Steven Gerrard scored the winner for Liverpool and the The Reds’ key man’s possible absence will make a big difference as to how comfortable this match is for them.

Portsmouth are on dismal form, and with a number of possible absentees, they are going to have to find something special to turn their form around in this match.

Liverpool will be disappointed with their exit from the FA Cup, but more confident after their win over Chelsea, and the brace for Fernando Torres in that match is ominous for Portsmouth as Liverpool will go into this encounter as favourites.

West Ham v Manchester United

Sunday 8 February 2009, Upton Park

Kickoff: 16:00

West Ham drew 0-0 with Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium in their last league outing, making a run of six games undefeated since losing 1-0 against Aston Villa at Upton Park.

They have won four and drawn two of their unbeaten run; collecting 14 points from the 18 offered. During their last six games, The Hammers have found the back of the net 11 times, whilst conceding five goals, leaving them sitting eighth in the league.

West Ham have signed versatile Czech player Radoslav Kovac from Spartak Moscow, although he won’t be available for selection immediately due to poor his poor condition as the Russian season ended in November. West Ham have also loaned out Julien Faubert to Real Madrid.

The Hammers have injury doubts over Kieron Dyer (hip), Dean Ashton (foot) and Daniel Gabbidon (hop).


Manchester United beat Everton 1-0 at Old Trafford in their last league outing, making a run of twelve league games undefeated since their last loss (2-1 against Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium).

They have won 10 and drawn two of their last 12 league games, including a current run of seven consecutive wins; taking a total of 32 points from the 36 that were available.

Over the last 12 games, the Red Devils have scored 20 goals and conceded none, setting a new Premier League record of 12 consecutive clean sheets in the process of reaching the top of the league table.

Manchester United will be without Owen Hargreaves (knee), Anderson (ankle), Rafeal da Silva (hamstring) and Jonny Evans (ankle), whilst Patrice Evra (ankle) and Nani (groin) are a doubt and Wayne Rooney (hamstring) could be fit.

Prediction

West Ham beat Manchester United 2-1 in this corresponding fixture last season, while the reigning champions returned the favour with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season.

Both teams head into this match on their best run of the season, although the current league pacesetters will be more confident with their recent results.

The Hammers are coping well with their absentees and will be more than confident with their team sheet, whilst The Red Devils are slowly getting players back, and the possible return of Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra could be substantial boosts.

Ronaldo scored both goals in the victory this season, and with three goals in his last two games is capturing some goal scoring form again, whilst Carlton Cole has scored five goals in his last six league outings to make a strong case for consideration.

This in-form pair are most likely to make the difference for their teams, but Ronaldo will have an advantage with the Premier League’s meanest defence backing him up. As such, Manchester United will go into this match as favourites for victory.

Read detailed previews for all 10 weekend matches, complete with football betting odds from the best bookmakers at Sports Betting Review now!