Sunderland v Southampton
Stadium of Light
18-01-2014 @ 12.45 UK
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Mannone; Bardsley, Brown, O'Shea, Alonso; Cattermole, Colback; Johnson, Ki, Borini; Fletcher.
Injuries: Carlos Cuellar (Hip), Keiren Westwood (Shoulder). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
Injuries: Carlos Cuellar (Hip), Keiren Westwood (Shoulder). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
Southampton (4-2-3-1): Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Cork, Schneiderlin; Lallana, Davis, Rodriguez; Lambert.
Injuries: Victor Wanyama (Leg). Doubts: Callum Chambers (Illness). Bans: Pablo Osvaldo.
The Sunderland players are boosted with confidence after winning in the FA Cup, the Capital One Cup and latest 4-1 against Fulham in one week. However, the Black Cats are still in the relegation zone, but a victory against Southampton can bring them closer to safety, at least for a while. After two loses in a row Southampton turned the table last week with a 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion and are still fighting to keep up with the top teams. A victory against Sunderland will be vital, but the Saints have not won against the Black Cats since 2003! Both sides have everything to play for in this match, which I expect could end in a 1-1 draw. Sunderland is beginning to find their form, but Southampton should be stronger.
Injuries: Victor Wanyama (Leg). Doubts: Callum Chambers (Illness). Bans: Pablo Osvaldo.
The Sunderland players are boosted with confidence after winning in the FA Cup, the Capital One Cup and latest 4-1 against Fulham in one week. However, the Black Cats are still in the relegation zone, but a victory against Southampton can bring them closer to safety, at least for a while. After two loses in a row Southampton turned the table last week with a 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion and are still fighting to keep up with the top teams. A victory against Sunderland will be vital, but the Saints have not won against the Black Cats since 2003! Both sides have everything to play for in this match, which I expect could end in a 1-1 draw. Sunderland is beginning to find their form, but Southampton should be stronger.
Manchester City v Cardiff
City of Manchester Stadium
18-01-2014 @ 14.00 UK
Manchster City (4-4-2): Hart; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Kompany, Kolarov; Navas, Touré, Fernandinho, Silva; Dzeko, Negredo.
Injuries: Stevan Jovetic (Illness), Samir Nasri (Knee), Jack Rodwell (Hamstring). Doubts: Edin Dzeko (Calf), David Silva (Knock), Yaya Touré (Back). Bans: None.
Cardiff (4-3-3): Marshall; Théophile-Catherine, Caulker, Hudson, John; Kim Bo-Kyung, Medel, Whittingham; Noone, Campbell, Odemwingie.
Injuries: None. Doubts: Jordon Mutch (Hamstring), Andrew Taylor (Knock). Bans: None.
It's David against Goliath when Cardiff visits City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday. However, last time David won 3-2! That said, it will probably not be the story this time with a Manchester City team in top form, unbeaten in their last fifteen matches where of ten of them are in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Cardiff have not won in five Premier League matches. David Silva is rated doubtful for the match, but is expected to start and fulfill his role in the dangerous starting XI. This can not end with anything else than a Manchester City victory.
West Ham v Newcastle
Upton Park
18-01-2014 @ 14.00 UK
West Ham United (4-3-3): Adrián; O'Brien, Collins, Johnson, Rat; Diame, Taylor, Noble; Downing, Carroll, Jarvis.
Injuries: James Collins (Calf), Joey O'Brien (Knock), Winston Reid (Ankle). Doubts: Guy Demel (Arm), Ricardo Vaz Te (Lack of match fitness). Bans: James Tomkins, Kevin Nolan.
Injuries: James Collins (Calf), Joey O'Brien (Knock), Winston Reid (Ankle). Doubts: Guy Demel (Arm), Ricardo Vaz Te (Lack of match fitness). Bans: James Tomkins, Kevin Nolan.
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Krul; Yanga-Mbiwa, Taylor, Williamson, Santon; Tiote, Anita; Sissoko, Cabaye, Gouffran; Remy.
Injuries: Fabricio Coloccini (Knee), Ryan Taylor (Knee). Doubts: None. Bans: Mathieu Debuchy.
Injuries: Fabricio Coloccini (Knee), Ryan Taylor (Knee). Doubts: None. Bans: Mathieu Debuchy.
Newcastle have not won against West Ham since 2011, but when they did they did it 5-0. Since then, West Ham have won one match 1-0 and otherwise the two sides have played goalless draws. West Ham is currently seventeenth in the Premier League while Newcastle are eight, after losing their last three league matches. Newcastle are favorites for the win, especially with a Loic Remy in top form. However, West Ham finally have Andy Carroll back from his injury, and the striker will be eager to perform against his former club. That said, this match might just end in a boring draw.
Norwich v Hull
Carrow Road
18-01-2014 @ 14.00 UK
Norwich (4-4-2): Ruddy; Whittaker, Bennett, Bassong, Olsson; Snodgrass, Fer, Johnson, Redmond; van Wolfswinkel, Hooper.
Injuries: Elliott Bennett (Knee), Jonathan Howson (Back), Anthony Pilkington (Hamstring), Alexander Tettey (Ankle), Michael Turner (Hamstring). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
Injuries: Elliott Bennett (Knee), Jonathan Howson (Back), Anthony Pilkington (Hamstring), Alexander Tettey (Ankle), Michael Turner (Hamstring). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
Hull City (3-4-1-2); McGregor; Bruce, Davies, Chester; Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Figueroa; Meyler; Koren, Sagbo.
Injuries: Sone Aluko (Achilles), Robert Brady (Groin), Joe Dudgeon (Knee), Paul McShane (Ankle). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
The battle is close in the middle of the Premier League table with only three points separating Norwich, fifteenth, from Hull on the tenth. Chris Hughton is under pressure with six loses in a row why a win against Hull will buy him some time in the Norwich seat. That said, Hull have shown good form this season and despite losing their last two Premier League matches they are hanging on midtable. The last meeting between the two sides was a pre-season friendly which Hull won 1-0 and the Tigers generally have a good take on the Canaries.
Crystal Palace v Stoke City
Selhurst Park
18-01-2014 @ 14.00 UK
Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Speroni; Ward, Gabbidon, Delaney, Parr; Puncheon, Guedioura, Jedinak, Bolasie; Jerome, Chamakh.
Injuries: Jack Hunt (Ankle), Glenn Murray (Knee), Jerome Thomas (Groin). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
Stoke City (4-2-3-1): Sørensen; Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; Whelan, N'Zonzi; Walters, Adam, Assaidi; Crouch.
Injuries: Asmir Begovic (Hand), Robert Huth (Knee), Andy Wilkinson (Foot). Doubts: None. Bans. None.
Injuries: Asmir Begovic (Hand), Robert Huth (Knee), Andy Wilkinson (Foot). Doubts: None. Bans. None.
It's Tony Pulis first meeting with Stoke since they sacked him in May last year, and the manager will be hoping to take three points against his former club. Despite a good start with Pulis, Crystal Palace have not won in three Premier League matches and are still rock bottom in the table. However, it is not much better for the opponent as Stoke have lost their last four matches placing the twelfth in the Premier League. Thomas Sørensen will still be guarding the goal for Stoke as Asmir Begovic is still struggling with his hand injury while the team otherwise looks at it's best. Crystal Palace have not won against Stoke since 2008 but could well surprise and grab the three points in this match.
Arsenal v Fulham
Emirates Stadium
18-01-2014 @ 14.00 UK
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Wilshere; Gnabry, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud.
Injuries: Nicklas Bendtner (Ankle), Diaby (Knee), Aaron Ramsey (Thigh), Yaya Sanogo (Back), Theo Walcott (Knee). Doubts: Nacho Monreal (Foot), Tomas Rosicky (Facial), Thomas Vermaelen (Knee). Bans: None.
Fulham (4-3-3): Stekelenburg; Riether, Senderos, Amorebieta, Riise; Karagounis, Parker, Sidwell; Dejagah, Berbatov, Richardson.
Injuries: Matthew Briggs (Hernia). Doubts: Maarten Stekelenburg (Ankle). Bans: None.
Everything speaks for an Arsenal victory on Saturday against Fulham. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches, and if you include the FA Cup, they have not lost in eight matches at the Emirates. At the same time, Fulham have not won away the last two matches. Arsenal is in the lead of the Premier League after a 2-1 win against Aston Villa where Villa was best in the second half. This should give confidence to Fulham, knowing Arsenal have had problems finishing the matches this season. That said, Fulham doesn't seem to have much to fire at Arsenal why this should end with three points to the Gunners.
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Anfield Road
18-01-2014 @ 17.30 UK
Liverpool (4-3-3): Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Cissokho; Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson; Sterling, Sturridge, Suarez.
Injuries: Daniel Agger (Calf), Joe Allen (Groin), Sebastian Coates (Knee), Enrique (Knee), John Flanagan (Hamstring). Doubts: None. Bans: None.
Aston Villa (3-5-2): Guzan; Vlaar, Clark, Baker; Lowton, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph, Luna; Benteke, Agbonlahor.
Injuries: Chris Herd (Hamstring), Libor Kozák (Broken leg), Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles), Jores Okore (Knee). Doubts: Nathan Baker (Facial). Bans: None.
Aston Villa are eleventh in the Premier League after losing to Arsenal on Monday, and will need a miracle to win against Liverpool this Saturday. Liverpool have not lost in eight home matches and are currently fourth in the league table. That said, Aston Villa showed a great performance in the second half of the Arsenal match, but against a Liverpool scoring most of their goals in the first 45 that is not of much help. Liverpool needs a win to keep distance to the rivals from Everton, as well as Tottenham, but with Suarez in top form I can only seem them win this match.
Aston Villa are eleventh in the Premier League after losing to Arsenal on Monday, and will need a miracle to win against Liverpool this Saturday. Liverpool have not lost in eight home matches and are currently fourth in the league table. That said, Aston Villa showed a great performance in the second half of the Arsenal match, but against a Liverpool scoring most of their goals in the first 45 that is not of much help. Liverpool needs a win to keep distance to the rivals from Everton, as well as Tottenham, but with Suarez in top form I can only seem them win this match.
Swansea v Tottenham
Liberty Stadium
19-01-2014 @ 12.30 UK
Swansea (4-2-3-1): Tremmel; Rangel, Williams, Amat, Davies; De Guzman, Cañas; Routledge, Shelvey, Pozuelo; Bony.
Injuries: Nathan Dyer (Ankle), Pablo Hernandez (Hamstring), Roland Lamah (Groin), Michu (Ankle), Garry Monk (Knee), Dwight Tiendalli (Hamstring), Michel Vorm (Knee). Doubts: Jonathan de Guzman (Calf), Jose Cañas (Ankle). Bans: None.
Tottenham (4-4-2): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Chiriches, Rose; Lennon, Bentaleb, Dembélé, Eriksen; Adebayor, Soldado.
Injuries: Younes Kaboul (Thigh), Paulinho (Ankle), Sandro (Calf), Jan Vertonghen (Ankle). Doubts; Erik Lamela (Thigh), Kyle Walker (Calf). Bans: None.
Michael Laudrup and his Swansea are going through an injury crisis with not less than ten players on the list. The crisis is also seen in the table where Swansea haven't won in seven matches before meeting Tottenham at Liberty Stadium. The opponent, in the other hand, are unbeaten in five matches and only two points from the fourth in the table. Furthermore, Tottenham have won the last five meetings with Swansea and are favorites for the win.
Injuries: Younes Kaboul (Thigh), Paulinho (Ankle), Sandro (Calf), Jan Vertonghen (Ankle). Doubts; Erik Lamela (Thigh), Kyle Walker (Calf). Bans: None.
Michael Laudrup and his Swansea are going through an injury crisis with not less than ten players on the list. The crisis is also seen in the table where Swansea haven't won in seven matches before meeting Tottenham at Liberty Stadium. The opponent, in the other hand, are unbeaten in five matches and only two points from the fourth in the table. Furthermore, Tottenham have won the last five meetings with Swansea and are favorites for the win.
Chelsea v Manchester United
Stamford Bridge
19-01-2014 @ 16.00 UK
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Cole; Mikel, Ramires; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Torres.
Injuries: Branislav Ivanovic (Knee), Tomas Kalas (Leg), Frank Lampard (Muscle), Marco van Ginkel (Knee). Doubts: Ryan Bertrand (Knock). Bans: None.
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra; Fletcher, Carrick; Valencia, Rooney, Januzaj; Welbeck.
Injuries: Marouane Fellaini (Wrist), Nani (Hamstring), Wayne Rooney (Groin), Robin van Persie (Thigh), Ashley Young (Shoulder). Doubts: Jonny Evans (Back), Patrice Evra (Knee), Rio Ferdinand (Knee), Phil Jones (Knee). Bans: Fabio.
Chelsea are in eminent form at the moment and making their way to the top. It will be up to a unstable Manchester United team to stop them, and get three vital points at the Bridge on Sunday. However, given Chelsea seems unstoppable at the moment they are the favorites and considering Manchester United's injury problems they will get in trouble holding Chelsea away from scoring. I expect Manchester to fight their best and show how brave they really are, but I can only see Chelsea take the three points.
Chelsea are in eminent form at the moment and making their way to the top. It will be up to a unstable Manchester United team to stop them, and get three vital points at the Bridge on Sunday. However, given Chelsea seems unstoppable at the moment they are the favorites and considering Manchester United's injury problems they will get in trouble holding Chelsea away from scoring. I expect Manchester to fight their best and show how brave they really are, but I can only see Chelsea take the three points.
West Bromwich v Everton
The Hawthorns
20-01-2014 @ 20.00 UK
West Bromwich (4-3-3): Foster; Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Sessegnon, Yacob, Mulumbu; Amalfitano, Anelka, Berahino.
Injuries: Billy Jones (Eye), Goran Popov (Neck). Doubts: Victor Anichebe (Groin). Bans: None.
Injuries: Billy Jones (Eye), Goran Popov (Neck). Doubts: Victor Anichebe (Groin). Bans: None.
Everton (4-3-3): Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Osman, McCarthy, Barry; Mirallas, Lukaku, Pienaar.
Injuries: Antolin Alcaraz (Muscle), Ross Barkley (Toe), Gerard Feulofeu (Hamstring), Darron Gibson (Knee), Arouna Koné (Knee). Doubts: Sylvain Distin (Hamstring). Bans: None.
After a going through four matches unbeaten, West Brom lost against Southampton last week and are fourteenth in the table. Their opponent, Everton are unbeaten in their last three league matches, and if including the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup, they have won their last six matches away. Looking at the last ten meetings between the two sides Everton have won six of them, making them the favorites for the win.
After a going through four matches unbeaten, West Brom lost against Southampton last week and are fourteenth in the table. Their opponent, Everton are unbeaten in their last three league matches, and if including the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup, they have won their last six matches away. Looking at the last ten meetings between the two sides Everton have won six of them, making them the favorites for the win.
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