Premier League Preview
Saturday
Newcastle vs. Sunderland. v 12:45pm BT
Sunderland come into this Tyne-Wear Derby after a most productive 10 days. A trip to Wembley booked for the League Cup Final against the rampant Manchester City, an FA Cup win and through to the 5th round, a few signings in the transfer window and a 1-0 win against Stoke to take them out of the bottom 3. Newcastle, on the other hand, have lost their talisman in Yohan Cabeye, albeit for a huge fee considering his age and tendency to tire towards the end of games. Sunderland may have to the momentum to sneak it.0-1
West Ham vs. Swansea 12:45pm BT Sport 1
For some reason, this is the early Saturday morning kick-off on the box, strange given the nature of the aforementioned derby. Both sides had morale boosting results on game week 23 and a clean sheet each to boot. West Ham could give home debuts to loan signing Marco Borriello and Antonio Nocerino, both signings that could be subject to the Allardyce effect. For all his 19th century football, he can get players to buy into what he is doing and could reinvigorate the Italian's flagging careers. 1-1
Cardiff City vs. Norwich City 3pm
Cardiff find themselves bottom of the table, which would surprise many observers. They have been nowhere near as bad as previous embarrassments to the league, such as the Sunderland 02/03 and 05/06 vintages and the horrific Derby of 07/08. But the table doesn't lie, as they say, and a failure to beat a Norwich side with 8 away points and 7 goals does not bode well for their survival prospects and turn the heat up on Ole Gunnar Solsjaker 2-2
Everton vs. Aston Villa 3pm
Somehow, despite what has seemed to be a very trying season for Villa thus far, they are 10th. 10th! A madcap 4-3 win at home to West Brom followed their impressive 2-2 at Anfield and may fancy their chances at injury-hit Everton, The Romanu Lukaku injury was preceded by a number of weary displays in recent weeks and will force the Toffees to tweak their style slightly. Kevin Mirallas could get a run up top and they try to recover form following their trip to Anfield, the 4-0 derby hammering. 1-1
Fulham vs. Southampton 3pm
The Saints were at their all action, high-pressing best at home to Arsenal on Tuesday night following a recent dip in form following their excellent start to the season. Mauricio Pochettino will worry that they seem unable to hang onto a lead, particularly having led 2-0 at Sunderland recently before being pegged back. 7 home defeats for Fulham this term and on a run of 3 league defeats on the bounce, scoring just once in the process, leave them looking very vulnerable. 1-2
Hull City vs. Spurs 3pm
Another harsh lesson learned by Tim Sherwood the other night: Do not f**k with the big boys. Whilst people will point to the red card and the fact Manchester are relentless in their pursuit of goals, his 2 games in charge against top-class opposition have brought very comprehensive defeats. Luckily for Spurs, Hull do not fall into this category. 3 points from their last 18 available have the Tigers looking over their shoulder into the relegation abyss and will hope this is the weekend for the Long-Jelavic partnership to fire. 1-1
Stoke City vs. Manchester United 3pm Setanta Sports 1
The feel-good factor as returned to Old Trafford. The arrival of Juan Mata and the departure of Anderson, albeit only on loan, has created a buzz around the United squad again. Add the return from injury of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney and suddenly there is a formidable edge to United’s attacking options. Fortress Britannia is not as daunting a venue as below. The crowd seem to have fallen into a false sense of security and entitlement and do not seem to be contend to be along for the ride. A big home performance could be just the thing to revive their stuttering season 1-1
Sunday
West Brom vs. Liverpool 1:30pm Sky Sports 1
Two international team-mates clash on this Super Sunday, following a mid-week of contrasting fortunes for Luis Suarez and Diego Lugano. Suarez was not at his irresistible best against Everton, but was the catalyst for Liverpool, getting the 4th after a lung-bursting run from his own half and occupying the opposition defence as only he can. Lugano, on the other hand, could have made a bloopers video from his performance at Villa Park. It was comedy gold, with poor back headers, giving away penalties, dives, arguments with referees. Maybe Suarez will take pity on his friend. Daniel Sturridge most certainly will not. 1-3
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace 4pm Sky Sports 1
Both managers will have a few loose ends to tie up before the end of the transfer window, with Arsene Wenger even getting caught up in the frenzy, Kim Kallstorm seems certain to arrive on loan, with Mirko Vucinic rumoured to follow. Palace will be shopping at the other end of the mark, with Ivan Ramis set to arrive from Wigan. Arsenal should win with ease before their fortnight of destiny. 3-0
Mondays top of the table clash between Chelsea and Man City to follow.....