English Premier League Saturday Matches Previews: January 1st, 2011

West Brom vs. Man Utd

West Brom are looking at having some severe defensive problems, considering the fact that they are missing several of their regulars. Tamas and Jara are both suspended, and Scharner is doubtful due to illness. On a brighter note for Albion, they will be seeing the return of midfielder Brunt after he returns from his ban.

Brom’s recent form has been pretty bad. They have lost seven of their last 10 matches and look very likely to be thoroughly outclassed by Manchester United. With three losses on the trot, it seems quite probable that this will simply be their fourth in what could be a long losing streak if the Baggies aren’t careful. The home side have only managed to keep one clean sheet since the beginning of the season, and by playing a lot of second-stringers in the defensive role, they could get a real thrashing.

United have won their last six visits to the Hawthornes, and with their opponents' recent bad form, they have a great chance of making it seven in a row. Manchester United may also be seeing the return of Nani, not that they will really need any improvements to the side to be able to beat the struggling Baggies.

Liverpool vs. Bolton

Liverpool lost to the Wolves in their last game; this is nothing short of humbling. The fact is that they were at home to a side which was struggling with even poorer away form than their overall form, which was abysmal. Liverpool fans are calling for Hodgson’s head and the team is facing harsh criticism. A side of Liverpool’s calibre should have beaten the Wolves last week, and if they play even remotely as badly as they did then, they will have a very difficult time against Bolton. If the home side doesn’t manage a win here, it could be curtains for Hodgson’s stint at the club. On paper, they are the better side—however, that doesn’t seem to count for much at the moment.

Bolton are not having a terrible season. Granted, they may have lost their last match, although Chelsea had to turn their form around at some point and there is no shame in losing to one of the best teams in Europe. Still, the fact remains that the away side are sixth in the Premiership, which is certainly an impressive place for the side to be. They actually have quite a good chance of coming away from this match with all three points.

Man City vs. Blackpool

Man City should have this in the bag, but who knows how Blackpool matches will turn out these days. As it stands, the pretenders to the Premiership throne are currently sitting on level pegging with leaders Manchester United, so a win is essential if they are going to keep the pressure on their city rivals. Manchester City do have an impressive defensive record so far this season; in fact, they have conceded fewer goals than anyone else in the Premiership as it stands. Still, they may have a tough time of containing Blackpool in this match. By all rights, they are the best team by far, although that hasn’t seemed to matter too much to Blackpool this season.

Blackpool are an interesting side—it’s almost as if no one has told them they’re supposed to be a terrible team. They have been incredible going forward. Granted, their defense leaves something to be desired, but as long as they keep scoring so prolifically, that simply wont be an issue. The seasiders actually have the third-best away record in the league, meaning that it wouldn’t be prudent to write them off just yet. They could just sneak a win here and surprise us all.

Stoke vs. Everton

In the reverse fixture at Goodison park in October, Stoke did not even manage to get a single shot on target. That isn’t to say that the match is going to go all Everton’s way this time around, just that you shouldn’t be surprised if Stoke find themselves struggling just a little bit.

The home side have only managed one win in their last five matches in the league and they have a terrible record against the Toffees. In fact, they haven’t beaten them in their last 12 meetings, which does not bode well for their chances, considering they aren’t exactly on a sparkling run of form.

Everton will be looking to pick up some away points after a disappointing draw against West Ham. Drawing seems to be the name of the game for Everton these days, drawing six of their last nine matches and only winning one. If one man can change the outcome of this game, it is going to be Cahill, who has scored or assisted on seven of Everton’s last eight goals. The midfielder-come-stand-in-striker is on sparkling form—it is just a shame that the same can’t be said for the rest of his side.

Sunderland vs. Blackburn

Sunderland have got a lot to be thankful for this season. Sitting in seventh is certainly no easy feat, and if you’d have previously asked the fans if they’d be happy being there at this point in the season, then they certainly wouldn’t have said no.

The problem with this match is that it is set up to be rather dull. The last eight games between these two sides have either resulted in a draw or have only had one goal scored in the entire match—not something that will make this the game of the year. But if you like gritty games that are closely competed, then this may just be for you.

Blackburn have to be considered to be on the back foot in this matchup. The facts are that Sunderland are having a very good season, Blackburn are away from home and Sunderland are very good at home, especially defensively, keeping five clean sheets in their last seven games. If Blackburn manage to get a goal, this will probably end up as a draw. However, if they cannot get the opener, they could spend the entirety of this match on the back foot, and they will certainly have difficulties getting back into the match.
 

Tottenham vs. Fulham

The Spurs have managed to sneak into fifth place and they are a stone's throw away form being in the top four. Only a solitary point separates them from Chelsea and a Champions League qualification position. Tottenham should have a pretty easy time of this match if Fulham stay true to form. Spurs have been receiving a great deal of praise from their manager for the ambitious and attacking football that they played in their victory over Newcastle. Added to their recent bout of good form is the fact that they have only lost once at home all season. Fulham, on the other hand, have only managed to win one match away from home.

Fulham will be lucky if they manage to achieve anything better than a draw in this match. That isn’t to say that they don’t need the points. They have "managed" to get into the relegation zone and are not looking like a team that can claw themselves to safety anytime soon. The problems that the side is facing are more than just a run of form. Confidence is bound to be an issue at the moment, and playing against a team at their very best is not going to do that any good.

West Ham vs. Wolverhampton

West Ham picked up a rather fortunate draw against Everton in their last week and actually managed a win the week prior. So, in theory, things could be starting to look up for the Hammers, as they are seeing the return of several players from injury. There is some sort of light at the end of the tunnel as they are now within three points of safety. On the other hand, they are playing a side that is also looking slightly rejuvenated, so this could become a very interesting match, especially when you take into account that both sides have had a lot of difficulty when it comes to keeping goals out.

Wolverhampton actually managed an away win in their last match, much to the astonishment of most football pundits. Still, their away form is nothing short of terrible, and it will take more than one unlikely win to change the habit of a lifetime. The most they can hope for likely seems to be a draw under the circumstances, although a point is still a point and the Wolves can’t exactly be all too fussy at the moment.

Birmingham vs. Arsenal

There is a very odd recurrence in this fixture recently: Birmingham have managed to score a 90th minute goal in three of their last four matches against Arsenal, which is more than a little bit strange—although it’s an idea for a bet if you can find somebody to take it. Birmingham has picked up an extra four points as a result of the last-minute goals. However, only one of the team's last 13 meetings has resulted in a win for the Blues. The home side are not exactly in the same level of class as Arsenal, and if this were a game played on paper, then Arsenal would surely come out with a win. However, the Blues have been pretty good at home this season, so they may have a decent chance at snagging a draw.

Arsenal will be looking for all three points to keep the pressure on the top two, and they’ll need every point they can get if they are going to challenge for the Premiership top spot this season. These really are the sorts of matches that they should be winning without too much difficulty, and in all likelihood, they probably will.

Joe—livescoredaily.com—live scores