English Premier League Preview

I don’t quite know where to begin. It’s a strange situation to find yourself in, and in all honesty its a bit disconcerting. I could speak about the number of diabolical refereeing decisions we saw last week, but I fear I might inflict grievous bodily harm on my computer. Alternately I could speak about the Champions League, but I fear I may have the same punishment inflicted on me from some angry yobbish Manc. I for one couldn’t be happier that Fergie and the boys will slug it out with Man City for the right to call themselves Europa League Champions. Enough about that, lets get into the Premier League.

Arsenal vs Everton, Sat 10th Dec, 17:00

To Win (90 Min)
Arsenal 11/20
Everton 5/1
Draw 11/4

Arsenal eased into the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday night, despite a loss in Greece. All that loss proved was that their reserve side aren’t quite up to scratch, but throw in a well rested first team and it’s a completely different story. Their unfortunate guests this weekend are Everton, who were shamed in front of the Goodison Park faithful by Stoke in their last outing. Everton’s last victory at Highbury/Emirates came in 1996, and Arsenal will know that a victory will take them back into the Champions League spots. It has to be a home win here.

Bolton vs Aston Villa, Sat 10th Dec, 17:00

To Win (90 Min)
Bolton 15/10
Aston Villa 18/10
Draw 9/4

Things went from bad to worse for Bolton last weekend, as Gary Cahill was wrongfully dismissed as they were dismantled by an in-form Spurs team. Their visitors this weekend have been just as woeful, and are about as toothless upfront as a 20 year old poodle that is who is fed solely on toffees. Alex McCleish has turned a vibrant young group of players into a side resembling an over-50 Sunday League team. They have managed five draws from their seven away matches this year, and few would bet against them playing for another one. When Villa are involved cover the draw.

Liverpool vs QPR, Sat 10th Dec, 17:00

To Win (90 Min)
Liverpool 3/10
QPR 95/10
Draw 37/10

Liverpool somehow managed to lose their unbeaten run on Monday night, as controversy reigned supreme. I’m hoping for a run of the mill victory for them this weekend, but it’s never that simple when a newly promoted team comes to town. This week that team is QPR, who have impressed on the road so far this season. Liverpool find themselves as low as 7th thanks to their inability to close out games at Anfield, and as much as it pains me to say it, this could very easily be another one of those matches. Against my better judgement, I’m going tip the draw at 37/10.

Man Utd vs Wolves, Sat 10th Dec, 17:00

To Win (90 Min)
Man Utd 2/9
Wolves 12/1
Draw 46/10

Man United will still be reeling from their shock exit from the Champions League when they host Wolves at Old Trafford this weekend. Wolves come into the match on the back of an incredible come from behind victory over Sunderland last time out. Man Utd have lacked a spark in the middle of the park, and until Sir Alex rectifies that, they will continue to struggle. They should still have enough to get past Wolves at home, and keep their head above water in the title race.

Norwich vs Newcastle, Sat 10th Dec, 17:00

To Win (90 Min)
Norwich 14/10
Newcastle 18/10
Draw 9/4

The Magpies were handed a hammer blow to their European challenge last weekend, when both Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor were ruled out with injuries after their loss to Chelsea. The later proving to be a season ending ailment. This week they travel to Norwich, who will feel confident of an upset, given Newcastle’s defensive woes. The Canaries have been rather impressive at home, and picked up a win over QPR last time out. Given Newcastle’s current predicament, I fancy a home win could be on the cards in this one.

Swansea vs Fulham, Sat 10th Dec, 17:00

To Win (90 Min)
Swansea 16/10
Fulham 17/10
Draw 21/10

Swansea let me down last weekend, but I can’t hold it against them. “Feed the Yak and he will score”, well the Yak was ravenous last weekend, and he filled his gob with tender swan meat. This weekend they head back to the safer confines of the Liberty Stadium as they play host to Fulham. The Cottagers may have swindled the Reds out of 3 points at Craven Cottage on Monday night, but their record on the road leaves a lot to be desired. As is often the case with Swansea playing at home, the Swans to keep a clean sheet at 2/1 is tipped here.


West Brom vs Wigan, Sat 10th Dec, 17:00

To Win (90 Min)
West Brom 13/20
Wigan 44/10
Draw 26/10

The next match comes to us from the Hawthorns, and to be completely honest I’d rather watch paint dry than watch these piss-poor excuses for a football team. Wigan have been clueless this season, thanks mainly to their manager, who seems completely out of his depth at this level. West Brom haven’t been much better, with the likes of Shane Long hardly striking fear into Premier League defenders. Wigan should be seen off here though, and hopefully that will be enough for Dave Whelan to put Roberto Martinez out of his misery with one swift blow of his axe.

Sunderland vs Blackburn, Sun 11th Dec, 15:30

To Win (90 Min)
Sunderland 17/20
Blackburn 31/10
Draw 5/2

The messiah has arrived at the Stadium of Light and he comes in the form of Martin O’Neil. An ex-Sunderland player and an extremely astute manager, I think he’ll fit the Black Cats like a glove. He couldn’t have asked for an easier opening fixture, as his team hosts a Blackburn team without a win on the road all season. Sunderland have had the better of this fixture down the years, having won 3-0 in the corresponding match last season. The Martin O’Neil reign should be up and running come Sunday afternoon.

Stoke vs Tottenham, Sun 11th Dec, 18:00

To Win (90 Min)
Stoke 5/2
Tottenham 11/10
Draw 23/10

Stoke seem to have turned a corner, and I for one feel it is solely because Tony Pulis reads this column and is hellbent on proving me wrong every week. This week they host Tottenham, who are playing some champagne football at the moment. The return of Rafael Van Der Vaart gives Harry Redknapp a plethora of options upfront, and he will be hoping to use those to punish the Potters. Spurs have won 2 of the last 3 meetings at the Britannia and if current form is anything to go by, that record will be extended here. Of course, when it comes to Stoke, I advise you to do the opposite of what I say.

Chelsea vs Man City, Mon 12th Dec, 22:00

To Win (90 Min)
Chelsea 14/10
Man City 18/10
Draw 23/10

And onto the final match of the week, Monday nights clash between Chelsea and Man City at Stamford Bridge. Now a couple weeks back I would’ve tipped City and been done with it, but I have found a different perspective on Chelsea. Following two successive 3-0 victories, the confidence seems to be returning to the Blues, and especially Didier Drogba. Chelsea won the last meeting between these two in March, and if they employ AVB’s newly developed counter-attacking system, I feel that they may spring a surprise here. City will not go through the season unbeaten, and their first loss may be coming sooner than you think.

And that’s all he wrote. Before I leave you, I feel obliged to offer my opinion on El Clasico. To be honest, I don’t care much for Spanish football, or this over hyped farce of a football game that has more Oscar nominated actors than a Clint Eastwood flick. I have no doubt that there will be a red-card, and if you can find somewhere (or someone) that will lay that bet for you, fleece the poor bastards. Otherwise have a good weekend. That’s all for now folks. Happy Punting. Sala Kahle, and so long for now.

Commodore Vegas