EPL Preview: Charlie Adam's Distraction for Blackpool vs Manchester United

Joe LazarJan 24, 2011

Blackpool vs Manchester United

Blackpool’s match against Manchester United has been overshadowed by the transfer saga surrounding captain Charlie Adam. While a number of clubs have bid for him, Blackpool has not accepted any bid.

However, today he submitted a written transfer request, but that has been rejected by the club. It is reported that he will play against Manchester United, despite the talk surrounding his future. United, though, has no such problems after they finally welcomed back the older form that saw them thrash Birmingham by five goals.

Ian Holloway will be aware that if he lets the transfer talk of Adam to affect the dressing room, then he could also be on the wrong end of a thrashing from United. Sir Alex Ferguson has not signed a player so far in the January transfer window and he is expected to name the same starting lineup, albeit with some changes.

Rio Ferdinand seems to be the major casualty after he was diagnosed with a groin injury. His involvement in the game is in doubt and so is the availability of Michael Carrick, who has a knee injury.

Wigan vs Aston Villa

Aston Villa received a huge boost in the weekend thanks to Darren Bent's debut goal against Manchester City. It not only lifted Villa three points clear of the drop zone, but also lifted their damaged spirits as well.

However, that win could count for nothing if they do not manage to win against a Wigan side that was thrashed by Arsenal on Saturday. Roberto Martinez will be hoping to put that defeat behind and focus on this match instead. But it is easier said than done since the players will know that they are in the relegation zone and it will be putting extra pressure on them.

Aston Villa is still not safe from the relegation threat and they will need to put some run of victories to ensure that they go well clear of the drop zone. Wigan Athletic’s chances for the match have not been made easy by the absence of Gary Caldwell, who is suspended and Antolin Alcaraz, who is injured.

Roberto Martinez, though, will be having James McCarthy and Chris Kirkland available for selection again. Emile Heskey will be returning to the club where he spent three years from 2006 to 2009.

Liverpool vs Fulham

Liverpool and Fulham both achieved what they set out for in the weekend, with Liverpool beating Wolverhampton Wanderers pretty comfortably and Fulham repeating the same against Stoke City. They will be looking to replicate their weekend results when both sides face off with each other at Anfield.

Fulham has usually not done well away from home, and Kenny Dalglish will be looking to take advantage of their misfortunes away from home. However, Mark Hughes recently led his team to their first away victory in well over a year and while replicating that kind of form away from home will certainly not be easy, it is certainly achievable.

Liverpool will be massively boosted by the return of Steven Gerrard from suspension and he is expected to take the armband. Jamie Carragher, though, is still in doubt for the game.

Fulham has been lucky with injuries in the past few weeks after they had a number of players returning from their injuries. None is more prominent than the return of Andy Johnson, who looks like he's getting back to his old self. He is probably the one player who can replace the injured Bobby Zamora, and Mark Hughes will be delighted to have him back.