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03.12.2009
(Cashman) | Premier League Preview
Matches to look forward to this weekend...
Manchester City versus Chelsea
A far bigger game for City than Chelsea. 7 draws in a row with the sort of investment most clubs can only dream (well, apart from their opponents on this occasion, obviously) of is simply unsustainable. Hughes needs a league win to get the fans onside. The Carling Cup victory midweek will surely have lifted some of the worry from his shoulders but the fact remains that win was achieved against a second string Arsenal side. The tide still needs to be turned in the league. There is no bigger test then coming face to face with possibly the league's best team.
For Chelsea's part, they will surely not be too concerned about the loss to Blackburn. The manager will take the brunt of the blame for that one, weakening his team and then choosing to make all his changes at half time (memories of Mourinho here). But the big names will be restored to the team this weekend.
Everton versus Tottenham
Everton are a club in crisis. Moyes' beleaguered troops mustered a midweek win in Greece to qualify for the next round of the Europa league. That should help lift some of the gloom around Merseyside, though it is clearly their league position that haunts them (16th). A run of 3 league defeats in a row needs to be halted. With their injury crisis showing no clear sign of abating, it is crucial that they build on their recent good performances - despite their reverse against Liverpool, they still played well.
Redknapp clearly showed his hand midweek - he believes 4th place is achievable and has stated that to be his aim. It will be interesting to see who he starts up front. Keane was brought in midweek but had a poor game to say the least, so the return of Crouch would not be entirely surprising. Jenas also did himself no favours. As for Bentley - if he was underperforming so much in any other occupation he would be fired. It is simply incredible that this is a player once touted as Beckham's successor on Englands right side. Whether it is a confidence issue or he isn't getting enough playing time, something has seriously stunted his development.
Arsenal versus Stoke City
A defeat for your second string against a full strength Manchester City may be acceptable, a resounding defeat at home to Chelsea and a loss to Sunderland less so. The loss of van Persie has been telling - no goals in the last three games for Arsenal. To fire blanks against Stoke City is unimaginable. Anything less than a win is unacceptable, despite the fact that Stoke are exactly the sort of team that Arsenal seem to fare poorly against. The fact that the match is at The Emirates means a victory should be negotiated with relative ease.
Wolves versus Bolton
Second bottom meets third bottom - though Bolton do have a game in hand. We may only be approaching the half way point of the season, but this is a genuine six pointer in the battle to avoid relegation. | | Date | Comments | |
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