This week opens with the big Manchester derby and the chance for City to show how serious they are about their title hopes this season. United are expected to bring in Chris Smalling to cover the injured Rio Ferdinand and although he looks a great prospect for the future, their defense is much stronger with the experienced partnership of Ferdinand and Vidic. City have two players doubtful for the derby, Mario Balotelli is struggling with a knee injury and Nigel De Jong who is trying to shake off an ankle injury. Although these are two big players, I feel unlike United's defensive problems they will be able to replace these players without it disrupting their play too much. I hope this game lives up to its expectations rather that being a dull 0-0.
If City were to win today and so to Arsenal later in the day against Wigan, the top of the table would become much tighter with each of the top 3 teams being separated by only 1 point. Chelsea are not too far behind either but if they want to claim their Champions League spot for next season they will need to pick up a run of form very soon and with the new additions in the transfer market (Torres and Luiz) it wouldn't seem too unlikely either. However they are currently level on points with Tottenham who although struggling with injuries to their key players will also fight to the very end to keep their place in the Champions League.
Getting interesting at the top!
Match Predictions:
-Manchester United v Manchester City
Hopefully an attacking game of football with lots of goals. I think the fact it is at Old Trafford gives United the edge in this match even with their defensive difficulties.
3-2
-Arsenal v Wolves
Wolves played very well last weekend to end United's long undefeated run, will they be able to pull off another victory at The Emirates? No, I don't think so, Arsenal are strong at home and players will be wanting to prove themselves for the big game they have mid-week against Barcelona. Hopefully they don't pick up any more injuries.
2-0
-Birmingham v Stoke City
A very hard one to call, both teams very good defensively but I can't see this game having no goals. Foster has recovered from the thumb injury that kept him out of the England game on Wednesday and Birmingham may hand a home debut to Obafemi Martins. I think this one may turn out to be a draw.
1-1
-Blackburn v Newcastle
Newcastle will be inspired by their amazing comeback against Arsenal last weekend though Blackburn having lost their last 3 games will be looking to get a home win in this one. Santa Cruz is back from injury and looks likely to start and Newcastle put new striker Shefki Kuqi straight into the squad. I think Blackburn might just take this one.
2-1
-Blackpool v Aston Villa
As we all know Blackpool seem to be better playing away from home, however what you can guarantee is that they will always put up a good fight. Charlie Adam hasn't let the transfer speculation from the January transfer market effect his play as he proves to his fans he is still dedicated to the club. Villa on the other hand after having a slow start to the season have now started playing some decent football, both Bent and Young played well for England and are expected to be fit enough to play again today. Michael Bradley may also get a chance to play today and it will be interesting to see him play as he was a key player for the USA in the World Cup. Could be a great game to watch! Villa to come out with the points though.
1-2
-Liverpool v Wigan
Kenny Daglish has been inspirational to Liverpool's revitalized squad, his tactics in the last few games has been bang on the money and I only see them getting better at the moment. Wigan would do well to come out with a point in this one. I recon an easy victory for Liverpool here.
3-0
-West Brom v West Ham
Well, where do I start, West Brom have lost an extremely talented manager which I feel they will live to regret, Di Matteo knew how to work his squad really well admittedly he had a bad run recently but this was a poor decision by the board. West Ham have looked good with new signing Robbie Keane, though the striker is facing a late fitness test on a calf injury. Could be a sloppy match, which could go either way, though I think West Ham may just pinch it.
1-2
-Sunderland v Tottenham
Tottenham are missing key players in Van Der Vaart and Gareth Bale and this will make it much harder for them, leaving Lennon to conjure the magic. Sunderland are strong at home and new signings Sessengnon and Muntari look strong additions to the squad. I think Sunderland could come away with a win in this one.
2-1
-Bolton v Everton
Everton are without Saha, who scored 4 goals for them last weekend as he faces two weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Bolton have been good this season and new signing Sturridge has found the net in both games he has played. However, Cahill Everton's joint top goalscorer is likely to start and I recon this will give everton the edge.
0-1
-Fulham v Chelsea
Fulham are close to having Zamora back in their squad though will have to cope without him here and new Chelsea signing David Luiz is set to make his first start. Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their defeat against Liverpool last week and push for their Champions League spot. I think Chelsea will come out on top in this one.
1-3
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