EPL: Liverpool and Villa to Test Each Other In the Race for Fourth Place

Game to Watch : Aston Villa vs. Liverpool

Player to Watch : Didier Drogba. He’s coming back to solve Chelsea’s recent poor form and will definitely look to score before he needs to join Côte d'Ivoire.

Team to Watch : Aston Villa. Was the game against Arsenal an indication of their true capabilities or are they truly worthy contenders for the Champions League spot? 

Tottenham Hotspurs vs. West Ham United

Tottenham was held by the in-form Fulham, but they look to regain their free scoring form against West Ham. The Hammers are coming off of a win against Portsmouth and will look to keep their good run. However, the Spurs are a completely different team compared to Pompey, and hence, the East Londoners should certainly pick up an easy win. 

Chelsea vs. Fulham

Fulham is on an impressive form. Dismantling Manchester United 3-0 and then coming out with a draw against Tottenham Hotspurs are quite a feat for the Cottagers.

Chelsea has stuttered as of late, with only one win in their last five games. Carlo Ancelotti's Blues will certainly benefit from the return of Didier Drogba and the current league leader in goals will definitely look to help the Stamford Bridge side pick up another win before this year ends and he leaves to the African Nations Cup. Fulham are a difficult side to break down lately, but Chelsea should sneak a goal or two past them. 

Manchester City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester City has gotten back to the winning ways with the arrival of Roberto Mancini. He has done an excellent job in the first game, by getting the goals and keeping a clean sheet—the latter something Mark Hughes could not do.

Mick McCarthy’s men aren’t an easy pushover though. Despite the score, they played impressively against Liverpool last weekend and were in a run of three wins out of four before heading to Anfield. It will be challenging going against the Wolves at first, but once the game starts rolling, the heavy-armed Citizens should easily break them down. 

Aston Villa vs. Liverpool

Liverpool is coming off of a win over the Wolves, but that isn’t anything to be proud of, considering how they managed to open scoring 53 minutes into the game. Aston Villa is not any easier, as the Villans defeated the Reds in the previous meeting this season, 3-1. However, Aston Villa was thrashed by Arsenal, led by Cesc Fabregas, 3-0. Their high-confidence will certainly have taken a hit.

This game should give everyone a good insight on who has true powers to claim that last Champions League spot, as the Reds are only behind by the fourth placed Villans by five points. 

Arsenal vs. Portsmouth

Arsenal is doing pretty well lately. They beat an Aston Villa side that had defeated the other big three teams. Had the Gunners beaten Burnley three matches ago, they would be on a five game win streak.

Portsmouth had a surprising win against Liverpool, but they fumbled yet again, going down 2-0 to West Ham. This will be an easy game for the Gunners and there definitely is a chance that Arsenal will have another big scoring game. 

Manchester United vs. Wigan Athletic

Manchester United defeated Hull City 3-1, but not securing a clean sheet against the Tigers is definitely a concern. However, they will be going against a Wigan side that has managed to pick up only two points in the last four games. In addition, Wigan currently ranks number two in the most goals conceded, right behind Hull. As long as the faulty Red Devil’s defense does not give up goals, the Old Trafford side should cruise through.

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