Premier League Preview - 8th February

Game of the day:

Swansea vs Cardiff City Sky Sports 1 5:30pm

Michael Laudrup's rather abrupt exit from Swansea City surprised many within the game. But those close to the squad saw it as the only way that the team could get out of their current slump. While coasting through the FA Cup and into the Europa League, their league form has been worryingly inconsistent.

Rumours are abound of the Dane not taking training in the rain and of cliques between the squad left his position untenable. Following the gutless 2-0 loss at West Ham, it was thought that a bit of old fashioned blood and thunder was required. This as came in the form of Gary Monk, club captain, just in time for the Welsh Derby on Saturday evening. The Swans will be hoping he has a similar impact that Tim Sherwood had at Tottenham, after replacing a smooth, suave foreign manager with immaculate hair. They remain just 2 points off the relegation zone, so their is far more than local pride at stake on Saturday evening; perhaps the short-medium term future of the club.

Expect a fiery atmosphere, with serious questions needing to be asked as to why this game is taking place at 5:30pm on a Saturday, given the animosity between both sets of fans

Liverpool vs. Arsenal BT Sport 1 12:45pm

Another pivotal game in Liverpool's season and one that they must win. The careless 1-1 draw at West Brom has made this Saturday Lunchtime clash with the current league leaders the most important game since the Merseyside Derby last week. The SAS partnership will have a point to prove after being held scoreless at the Emirates in November, but 41 goals between them this season is a superb return. Arsenal began a month that will define their season and need to get a result here to keep the naysayers at bay. 2-1

Aston Villa vs. West Ham 3pm

Villa are smarting from last week's defeat to Everton after leading until the 74th minute, though they were deserving of nothing from the match. I am also smarting having back them at a very tasty 6/1. They need to improve their home form, with a miserable 3 home wins all season and the Villa Park crowd are getting completely restless. Andy Carroll just can't catch a break at the moment, and will almost certainly sit out the next 3 games suspended. His harsh red spoiled a dominant display against Swansea, with his presence transforming Kevin Nolan into a goalscoring machine after a poor season to date, 1-1

Chelsea vs. Newcastle 3pm Setanta Sports 1

The reverse fixture saw Newcastle cruise to a comprehensive 2-0 home win. Their could have been no arguments from Chelsea on that scoreline, despite their managers best efforts. But both teams are in a completely different place right now. Chelsea are after hitting their stride and the 1-0 win at Manchester City on Monday has cemented their place as title challengers. Nemanja Matic's superb display and Gary Cahill's brave and composed performance shows that the spine of the Blues' team will take a lot to break down. Newcastle, without Remy, Tiote and Cabeye are a shadow of the team from a few months back. 3-0

Crystal Palace vs. West Brom 3pm

Not a glamour tie by any stretch of the imagination, but one that would be of interest to any football hipsters out there. Pepe Mel, still awaiting his first Premier League win as Baggies' boss, seems a reactionary manager, in that he sizes up the other side before making his mind up on how they will set up. West Brom constantly attacked down Liverpool's left last Sunday in the second half and it indirectly came off. Palace had another encouraging display away from home, but need to find goals from somewhere. Jason Puncheon is the only Palace player to have scored in the last 6 games and will they will hope Tom Ince will provide the extra spark as he could make his debut. 1-0

Norwich vs. Manchester City 3pm

For some reason, I can never remember Norwich's last result anytime I write on of these previews. Their only games that stand out in my memory from this term have been 2 hammerings they suffered; one at the hands of Luis Suarez and Liverpool and the other a 7-0 drubbing to City. Whilst another defeat of that nature looks unlikely, with just 11 goals conceded in 12 home games, they offer little to no threat up top. Ricky Van Wolfswinkel's 1 league goal is a poor return, as he cuts a more forlorn figure than ever with each passing week. City will be baying for blood and should inflict some more damage on the Canaries. Expect no mercy 1-4

Southampton vs. Stoke 3pm

Both teams come into this match having had splendid victories last weekend. Well, that's what it looked like on paper. But then, on closer inspection, a 3-0 win against a spineless Fulham, along with Stoke's 2-1 home victory over a gormless Manchester United are par for the course these days. A goal each at Craven Cottage for the Saints' trio of England internationals did them all no harm, but from Ricky Lambert, Jay Rodrigeuz and Adam Lallana, it's most likely the captain Lallana will make the plane to Brazil. Stoke will be hoping for some more Charlie Adam magic, but that is a bi-annual occurance, rather than a weekly one. 3-1

Sunderland vs. Hull City 3pm

Sunderland are tearing up the form table. They are currently the 5th best team in the league over the past 8 games, with more point than both Liverpool and Manchester United. Gus Poyet has had a galvanizing affect on the club and they are pulling further and further away from the drop each week. Loan signings Fabio Borini and Ki-Sung-Yeung have been excellent in recent weeks, with local lad Jack Colback showing what he can do in his favoured central midfield role, Hull's new look strike force combined well last weekend, with Jelavic setting up Shane Long, but going 2 up top away to a side showing such strength in the middle of the park may not be one of Steve Bruce's brighter ideas. 2-0