Manchester City v Arsenal
City of Manchester Stadium
14-12-2013 @ 12.45 UK
Manchester City (4-4-2): Hart; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Kompany, Clichy; Nasri, Touré, Fernandinho, Silva; Aguero, Negredo.
Injuries: Stevan Jovetic (Calf), Matija Nastasic (Calf), Richard Wright (Knock). Doubts: Gaël Clichy (Foot), Micah Richards (Hamstring). Bans: None.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Wilshere, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud.
Injuries: Abou Diaby (Knee), Ryo Miyaichi (Hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Knee), Lukas Podolski (Hamstring), Bacary Sagna (Hamstring), Yaya Sanogo (Back). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
It is two teams in top form meeting each other in Saturdays early match. The home side is unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches while Arsenal haven't lost in the last seven. While Manchester City played Champions League yesterday, Arsenal are playing against Napoli tonight and this might have an impact on the match on Saturday. The last match between the two sides was a friendly in August where Arsenal took a 3-1 win with them to London.
Newcastle v Southampton
St James' Park
14-12-2013 @ 15.00 UK
Newcastle United (4-4-2): Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon; Sissoko, Tioté, Anita, Gouffran; Ameobi, Remy.
Injuries: Ryan Taylor (Knee). Doubts: None. Bans: Yohan Cabaye.
Southampton (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Chambers, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Cork, Ward-Prowse; Lallana, Davis, Rodriguez; Osvaldo.
Injuries: Artur Boruc (Hand), Nathaniel Clyne (Knock), Kelvin Davis (Knock), Guilherme Do Prado (Knee), Daniel Fox (Knock), Morgan Schneiderlin (Groin), Victor Wanyama (Leg). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
Newcastle have found the melody winning four of their last Premier League matches and moving their way up the table. Currently they are seventh in the Premier League, three points ahead of Southampton on the eight. The visitors started the season good but have since fallen back only winning one of their last five matches. However, the Saints had a draw against Manchester City last weekend. Newcastle have won seven of the last ten matches against Southampton, latest 4-2 back in February. This could well be another win for the Toons, and I am sure Loic Remy will add a goal or two to his eight this season.
Everton v Fulham
Goodison Park
14-12-2013 @ 15.00 UK
Everton (4-3-3): Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Oviedo; Barkley, Osman, Barry; Deulofeu, Lukaku, Pienaar.
Injuries: Leighton Baines (Toe), Darron Gibson (Knee), Arouna Koné (Knee). Doubts: None. Bans: James McCarthy.
Fulham (4-3-3): Stekelenburg; Riether, Hughes, Senderos, Riise; Karagounis, Parker, Sidwell; Dejagah, Berbatov, Kacanilik.
Injuries: Matthew Briggs (Hernia), Brede Hangeland (Leg), Hugo Rodallega (Groin). Doubts: Fernando Amorebieta (Knock), Kieran Richardson (Hamstring). Bans: None.
Everton continued their great season with a draw against Arsenal last week and are now unbeaten in eight matches, in a row. James McCarthy picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will be replaced by Leon Osman in the starting line-up. Rene Meuleensteen took over Fulham and led the to their fourth victory so far in this season. One of the things he changed was the formation deploying a 4-3-3 formation against Aston Villa. The Dutch might stick to this against Everton, as well. The Toffees are favorites for the match, but Fulham are not to be underestimated as they look to have found confidence in their new manager.
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Stamford Bridge
14-12-2013 @ 15.00 UK
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Mikel; Oscar, Mata, Hazard; Torres.
Injuries: Tomas Kalas (Leg), Marco van Ginkel (Knee). Doubts: Andre Schürrle (Calf). Bans: None.
Crystal Palace (4-4-2): Speroni; Mariappa, Gabbidon, Delaney, Ward; Puncheon, Dikgacoi, Jedinak, Bannan; Jerome, Chamakh.
Injuries: Adlene Guédioura (Rib), Jack Hunt (Ankle), Glenn Murray (Knee). Doubts: Patrick McCarthy (Lack of match fitness), Dean Moxey (Hamstring), Jerome Thomas (Groin). Bans: None.
Getting a new manager have had an effect on the Crystal Palace team as the Eagles have won their last two matches and moved on position up. However, Tony Pulis' side is still under the relegation line. After winning two in a row, Chelsea lost in the dying minutes against Stoke last week, and will be determined to get back against Crystal Palace. There can be were little doubt that Chelsea are the favorites given their squad is so much better and their current position in the league. The last three meetings between the two sides have all been won by Chelsea and this match should be a comfortable task for the Pensioners.
Cardiff v West Bromwich
Cardiff City Stadium
14-12-2013 @ 15.00 UK
Cardiff City (4-3-3): Marshall; Théophile-Catherine, Caulker, Turner, John; Whittingham, Medel, Mutch; Cowie, Campbell, Kim Bo-Kyung.
Injuries: None. Doubts: None. Bans: None.
West Bromwich Albion (4-2-3-1): Myhill; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Yacob, Mulumbu; Amalfitano, Sessegnon, Brunt; Long.
Injuries: Ben Foster (Foot). Doubts: Nicolas Anelka (Knock). Bans: None.
It's close in the bottom of the table where both Cardiff and West Bromwich with a loss can go under the relegation line. While there is only one point between the two sides West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace will overtake them with a win. Cardiff started well but are beginning to face that troubles of being a new team in the Premier League while West Brom have lost the last three matches. Cardiff are favorites for the clash at Cardiff City Stadium and could well take the three points against a poorly playing West Brom.
West Ham v Sunderland
Upton Park
14-12-2013 @ 15.00 UK
West Ham (4-3-3): Jääskeläinen; Demel, Tomkins, Collins, McCartney; Diamé, Morrison, Noble; Cole, Maiga, Jarvis.
Injuries: Andy Carroll (Foot), Mladen Petric (Calf), Winston Reid (Ankle), Ricardo Vaz Te (Shoulder). Doubts: Stuart Downing (Achilles), Razvan Rat (Hamstring). Bans: Kevin Nolan
Sunderland (4-4-2): Mannone; Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown, Dossena; Larsson, Ki, Colback, Giaccherini; Altidore, Fletcher.
Injuries: Carlos Cuéllar (Hip), Keiren Westwood (Knock). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
Pressure is on Big Sam as West Ham is dangerously close to the relegation line before meeting Sunderland on Saturday. The Hammer have lost their last two Premier League matches but are expected to get a result against Sunderland. However, the Black Cats have won the last four matches between the two sides and have a historical overtake. This might, however, not be enough to help Sunderland get the three points they desperately need in their battle to stay in the Premier League.
Hull v Stoke
KC Stadium
14-12-2013 @ 17.30 UK
Hull City (3-4-1-2): McCregor; Chester, Davies, Bruce; Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Figueroa; Meyler; Graham, Sagbo.
Injuries: Sone Aluko (Achilles), Stephen Quinn (Hamstring). Doubts: Paul McShane (Hamstring). Bans: None.
Stoke City (4-2-3-1): Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Muniesa; Whelan, N'Zonzi; Arnautovic, Ireland, Assaidi; Crouch.
Injuries: Roberth Huth (Knee). Doubts: Charlie Adam (Knock), Erik Pieters (Groin). Bans: Jonathan Walters.
Only one point is separating Hull and Stoke with the first placed twelfth and the latter thirteenth in the Premier League. While Hull got a draw against Swansea last week, Stoke took a late win against Chelsea by a last minute goal from Assaidi. Given Jon Walters is out with a ban Oussama Assaidi is most likely to take over the wing against Hull. The last meeting between the two sides was in the 2010 Premier League match at Britannia Stadium where Stoke won 2-0. In fact, Stoke have won 4 of the last ten matches, but Hull are in good form and can tease the Potters on Saturday. This could well end in a draw.
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Villa Park
15-12-2013 @ 13.30 UK
Aston Villa (4-3-3): Guzan; Bacuna, Clark, Herd, Baker; Westwood, El Ahmadi, Sylla; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
Injuries: Joe Bennett (Back), Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles), Jores Okore (Knee). Doubts: Libor Kozak (Knock), Antonio Luna (Knock), Ron Vlaar (Calf). Bans: Fabian Delph.
Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Cleverley, Jones, Kagawa; van Persie, Rooney.
Injuries: Michael Carrick (Achilles). Doubts: Patrice Evra (Knock), Marouane Fellaini (Back), Darren Fletcher (Lack of match fitness), Shinji Kagawa (Illness), Chris Smalling (Knock), Nemanja Vidic (Knock). Bans: None.
The guests from Manchester United have lost their last two Premier League matches before meeting Aston Villa at Villa Park. Meanwhile, the hosts ended a good winning streak when they lost 2-0 to Fulham last week. Despite being haunted be a number of doubtful players and a poor form Manchester United are favorites for the win. The Champions have not lost against Aston Villa in the last ten meetings scoring twenty-two goals against the Villians. That said, given their bad performances Aston Villa are not without a chance on Sunday.
Norwich v Swansea
15-12-2013 @ 13.30 UK
Carrow Road
Norwich (4-4-2): Ruddy; Martin, Turner, Bassong, Olsson; Redmond, Johnson, Howson, Fer; Elmander, Hooper.
Injuries: Elliott Bennett (Knee), Mark Bunn (Ankle), Anthony Pilkington (Hamstring), Robert Snodgrass (Knee), Alexander Tettey (Ankle), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Foot).
Swansea (4-2-3-1): Tremmel; Tiendalli, Williams, Amat, Davies; De Guzmán, José Cañas, Dyer, Shelvey, Hernández; Michu.
Injuries: Leon Britton (Toe), Garry Monk (Knee), Alan Tate (Hamstring), Álvaro (Knock). Doubts: Wilfried Bony (Hamstring), Angel Rangel (Calf), Michel Vorm (Knee). Bans: Chico.
Norwich is going through a turbulent season winning one week and losing the next. Last week they won against West Bromwich Albion and are hoping to add another three points to their account against Swansea. The Swans are unbeaten in their last two matches, drawing against Hull last week, but have not won at Carrow Road the last three visits. In fact, Norwich have won four of the last meetings between the two sides, but Swansea a slightly favorites given their better form.
Tottenham v Liverpool
White Hart Lane
15-12-2013 @ 16.00 UK
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Capoue, Naughton; Sandro, Paulinho; Lennon, Holtby, Chadli; Defoe.
Injuries: Emmanuel Adebayor (Knee), Jan Vertonghen (Ankle). Doubts: Vlad Chiriches (Knock), Christian Eriksen (Ankle), Danny Rose (Ankle). Bans: None.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan; Allen, Lucas; Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling; Suárez.
Injuries: Sebastián Coates (Knee), Enrique (Knee), Daniel Sturridge (Ankle). Doubts: Steven Gerrard (Hamstring), Jordan Henderson (Ankle). Bans: None.
While Tottenham have lost their position in the top of the Premier League Liverpool have held on to the second in the table. The late match on Sunday is a chance for Spurs to take a step towards top three, given they are beginning to find their form again they might be able to get three points. As mentioned, Liverpool are second in the table and are unbeaten in their last two matches. On Sunday, they are without Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge, making room for Joe Allen on the midfield. Liverpool won the last meeting between the two sides, but Tottenham have actually won 5 of the last ten matches.
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