Weekend Preview

Saturday

Tottenham vs Arsenal (K.O. 1245)

This North London derby is always a hotly contested affair. Although Aresenal are missing potency up front, I think their experience at this time of year will tell and their recent dominance of their neighbours should continue, marginally. Verdict: Away win

Bolton vs Reading

 

Two teams who have been in mixed form all year. However Steve Coppell’s charges have already had a successful season while Allardyce’s foreign legion need to make sure of European football in 07/08 which should see them through. Verdict: Home win

Charlton vs Sheffield Utd

Two teams in dire need of a big performance. In reality, this is now the biggest game of the season for both clubs. These two teams are the only teams in the bottom 6 who have shown a fighting spirit and strong team unity. However, the sad reality is that one of them will more than likely be playing championship football next August. They both need to win so badly I think it’s too close to call. Verdict: Draw

Fulham vs Blackburn Rovers

Lawrie Sanchez didn’t join Fulham at the ideal time, especially after the heights he has been enjoying recently with Northern Ireland which has seen the nation jump to 33rd in the world rankings. However Fulham’s class should see them through this difficult spell and move them away from their precarious position above the relegation zone against a jaded Blackburn side. Verdict: Home win

Liverpool vs Wigan

 

Although Paul Jewell has had success against Liverpool before in a relegation struggle with Bradford City, his Wigan side lack leadership and determination. They also lack potency upfront with a confused Emile Heskey their main threat. He doesn’t seem to know what he’s going to do when he has the ball which seems a shame for a player who posessed so much talent in his youth. Wigan’s best chance of a point is to keep the game scoreless which seems unlikely as they have the fourth worst defence in the division. Verdict: Home win

Watford vs Man City

Despite Man City’s poor away form this year, Watford have been abismal nationwide except for their spell of FA cup relief. However after losing their two best players, Marlon King (injury) and Ashley Young (Aston Villa), their measely four wins aren’t suprising. Watford need to win this game to avoid relegation (mathematically), however in reality they needed this win four months ago. Verdict: Away win

West Ham vs Everton

West Ham United are as predictable as the lottery. However at least you know the lottery will have balls every week. It suprises me to see Curbishley’s poor success at Upton Park especially with the squad he has available. Their teamsheet warrants them easily being in the top half of the table. However experience rather than talent is usually more important in relegation battles and Reo-Coker, Noble, Zamora, Ferdinand  and Tevez just don’t seem to have enough to get to safety. Verdict: Draw

Man Utd vs Middlesborough

 

Middlesborough, along with Bolton and Blackburn have been somewhat of a bogey team for United in recent years. However Southgate’s troops are facing a more focused United side who have only dropped 18 points all season. United are playing a lot of games at the moment and are missing a few players because of injury, particularly in defence so this is a potential banana skin for Fergie’s men. Viduka to shine Verdict: Draw

Sunday

Newcastle vs Chelsea

Chelsea should have no trouble disposing of a Newcastle side anything but reflective of their passionate fans. The “perennial underachievers” need to get out of this lull of mediocrity before they are considered a mediocre club. Chelsea are on a roll. Verdict: Away win

Aston Villa vs Portsmouth

It looks set to be an awful game before a ball gets kicked. Not much more to be said. Verdict: Scoreless draw