Premier League

Wolverhampton Wanderers V West Bromwich Albion

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 12 February 2012 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Molineux

Preview

We have a Midlands derby to whet the appetite on Sunday as Wolves, who have taken one point from their three Midlands encounters so far this season, host a West Brom team with the strongest away record in the Premier League outside of the top-seven.

The Baggies have claimed 18 out of a possible 36 points on their travels – three fewer than leaders Manchester City – losing one of their last six on the road, which was a 1-0 loss to high-flyers Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Back-to-back triumphs at Blackburn and Newcastle preceded the reverse to Spurs, while since Roy Hodgson’s charges have gone to Fulham and drawn and beaten Stoke at fortress Brittania. On this form, they’ll wipe the floor on Sunday.

However, Wolves will have a spring in their step now, after ending their dismal run of nine Premier League games without a win by coming from behind at Loftus Road to overhaul QPR. That result lifted Mick McCarthy’s men out of the relegation zone, where they’ll stay if they secure their second consecutive home league win over West Brom having triumphed 3-1 in last season’s corresponding fixture at Molineux.

It’s a tough one to call on paper. Although West Brom’s away form has been outstanding, Wolves host this fixture on a genuine high and will be determined to write the wrongs of their 3-2 defeat to Midlands rivals Aston Villa just a few weeks ago. The home side are, though, missing numerous key players with Emmanuel Frimpong back at Arsenal after rupturing knee ligaments, Karl Henry suspended, while midfielders David Edwards and Jamie O’Hara face late fitness checks.

In stark contrast, West Brom go into the game on a real downer. Last week they were beaten for the eighth occasions at home this season, squandering a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to Swansea. At least they have away comforts to fall back on, right? Five of their seven league wins were earned whilst on their travels, including victories at Aston Villa (another Midlands rival), Newcastle (currently 5th) and even Stoke, who are irrepressible at home usually.

Moreover, Baggies manager Roy Hodgson is hopeful of having top-scorer Shane Long back in his squad, with the Republic of Ireland international facing a late fitness test on a back problem. There may also be starts for new signings Liam Ridgewell and Keith Andrews, who signed from Birmingham and Blackburn in January, respectively.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

- Wolves won last season’s corresponding fixture at Molineux 3-1, but that is their only win over the Baggies in their last seven meetings in all competitions (W1 D2 L4: Wolves’ record versus West Brom from May 2007 to present).

- West Brom were 2-0 winners when the sides met for the first time this season, at The Hawthorns back in October, with their goals coming from Chris Brunt and striker Peter Odemwingie, the Nigerian who has scored in each of his last two appearances versus Wolves.

Wolves

- Their come-from-behind victory at QPR last time out lifted Wolves out of the relegation zone, up to 17TH, and ended their nine-game run without a league win.

- Not since defeating Sunderland 2-1 on 4 December, 2011 have Wolves recorded a home league win, losing four of their subsequent five home encounters since then including each of the previous three.

- In their last eleven home Premier League games, Wolves have conceded two or more goals in nine – and three in each of their previous two, in defeats to Aston Villa (2-3) and Liverpool (0-3).

- Wolves have gone 21 Premier League games without keeping a clean sheet, since a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on 27 August, 2011.

West Brom

- Losing 2-1 at home to Swansea dropped West Brom to 15Th in the Premier League standings, but they remain six-points clear of the relegation zone despite one win in seven (W1 D2 L4).

- West Brom boast the strongest away record outside of the top-seven in the Premier League (W5 D3 L4), accumulating three points fewer (18 in total from 26) than Manchester City who boast the second-best away figures.

- The Baggies have lost only one of their last six away Premier League matches (W3 D2 L1) – which was a 3-0 loss at Arsenal, having more recently gone to Stoke and earned an impressive 2-1 victory while shortly after they took a point from Fulham (1-1).

- It is no clean sheet in ten Premier League away games for West Brom, who have shut-out just one of their previous 31 away opponents in the top-flight (which was a newly-promoted Norwich side back in September, 2011).

Betting

Prediction: Wolves to WIN @ 8/5 (WilliamHill)

It is often said that form goes straight out the window in a local derby. Wolves will be hoping that is very much the case, as their form has been abysmal for some time now. Last week’s victory at QPR came courtesy of some good fortune, with their opponents reduced to ten-men midway through the first-half, helping them end a run of nine Premier League matches without a win. Furthermore, they’ve failed to win any of their last five at Molineux, losing each of their previous three.

Meanwhile, West Brom have been outstanding on their travels. Their hard-fought draw a Fulham recently came straight off the back of a 2-1 victory over Stoke at the Brittania – a notoriously tough place to visit, where Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd have all failed to win at this season – while they’ve won twice as many league games away from home (7) as Wolves have at Molineux (3).

There is no denying West Brom are the value here. Roy Hodgson’s side have been nothing short of sensational on the road, plus they’ve only lost one of their previous seven meetings with their Midlands rivals. But that was their most recent visit to Molineux, a 3-1 defeat in May of last year, and if Wolves are to remain in this division, this is the exact fixture they have to be winning. A very narrow home win for me.

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals @ 12/5 (Boylesports)

Quite simply, neither do clean sheets. Wolves have kept one in their last 17 Premier League home games and West Brom one in their last 31 away from home. Goals should be guaranteed. Famous last words possibly.

Match Odds

Wolves – 8/5 (WilliamHill)

Draw – 23/10 (BetVictor)

West Brom – 21/10 (StanJames)

Manchester United V Liverpool

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 11 February 2012 – 12:45 GMT

Venue: Old Trafford

Preview

The spotlight of the football world will fall on Old Trafford this weekend for what many believe is still the biggest, most high-profile encounter in English football. That’s right, Manchester United and Liverpool – the two most successful clubs in the history of the English game, with 37 top-flight titles between them – renew their fierce, age-old rivalry at the Theatre of Dreams in what has all the makings of a typically fiery contest in the north-west.

It almost goes without saying that the majority of the pre-match focus will be on Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, the controversial Uruguayan who was charged with racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra when the pair contested a 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October, 2011. Thus we can expect a volatile atmosphere in and around Old Trafford as the United faithful voice their ‘candid’ opinions of the South American, especially after Evra was jeered throughout last month’s FA Cup fourth-round clash on Merseyside.

Away from the controversial issues involving Suarez and Evra and if the team’s clash in the FA Cup last month is anything to go by, United are likely to exact their revenge at the weekend. Why? Because they were utterly dominate at Anfield, this in spite of losing the tie 2-1 courtesy of Dirk Kuyt’s late winner. They’re also in considerably better form, with three wins from their last four league games, plus morale will have rocketed after their stunning comeback away to Chelsea last weekend.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have really struggled of late, which is no surprise considering the amount of games they’ve contested recently. Cup scalps of both Man City and Man Utd are very impressive indeed, but it’s one win in five in the league for Kenny Dalglish’s weary side, after they were held to a goalless at home by Tottenham on Monday – the third occasion in their last five Premier League matches in which they have failed to even score. However the Reds have fared a lot better on their travels this season, with six of their ten league victories coming on the road, where they’ve beaten both Arsenal and Chelsea.

If Liverpool are crying out for some fresh impotence, an injection of energy perhaps, then the return of Luis Suarez couldn’t be any more timely. The 26-year-old has even been quoted as saying he will feed off of all the jeers, which is a frightening prospect considering he’s a handful when he isn’t fired up. It remains to be seen whether Kenny Dalglish’s unleashes his Jack in the Box from the outset, although his team’s lethargic showing in midweek would suggest he may.

You have to feel United will be running purely on adrenaline ahead of this clash, especially after their heroics at Chelsea last weekend. To come back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 was a remarkable achievement, a real morale booster for a team rapidly building up ahead of steam. Key figures have been missing, the likes of Nemana Vidic, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Nani, but that hasn’t stopped Sir Alex’s Red Devils from winning three of their last four league games, including each of the previous two at Old Trafford without conceding a goal.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United (FA Cup); 28 January, 2012. A fairly tame affair by this fixture’s high standards was eventually won by Liverpool, who had Dirk Kuyt to thank for progress in the FA Cup. Daniel Agger had opened the scoring for the home side, but their lead was wiped out by Ji-Sung Park just before the half-time interval. However it was Kuyt who landed a telling blow late on for Kenny Dalglish’s men, slamming home a winner in the 88TH minute.

- Each of the last two Premier League meetings at Old Trafford were won by the home side, with United winning last season’s corresponding fixture 3-2 – Steven Gerrard struck twice for Liverpool, who were 2-0 down at the time, but Dimitar Berbatov was the hero for United as the Bulgarian struck a match-winning hat-trick.

- Since the 2004/05 season, Liverpool have beaten Manchester United once in seven Premier League visits to Old Trafford (W1 D0 L6).

- The pair contested a 1-1 draw at Anfield in their first league encounter of the season, a match remembered more for the unsavoury incident involving Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Man Utd’s Patrice Evra than the goals scored by Steven Gerrard and Javier Hernandez.

Manchester United

- Last Sunday’s thrilling 3-3 draw at Chelsea leaves United trailing leaders Man City by two points going into this weekend’s mouthwatering contest, although victory would move them a point above Roberto Mancini’s side who are not in action until Sunday.

- Only Sunderland have taken more points over an eight-game period than United, who have registered 16 points from the 24 that went on offer (W5 D1 L2).

- United have won their previous two home Premier League games without conceding, in beating Bolton (3-0) and Stoke (2-0), with their record at home an impressive W9 D1 L2, scoring 35 goals whilst conceding 14.

Liverpool

- Last Monday’s goalless draw at home to Tottenham meant Liverpool remained in seventh in the league, four points behind Chelsea in fourth and those sought-after Champions League spots.

- Since the beginning of the year, Liverpool have only taken maximum points from one of their five Premier League matches (W1 D2 L2), with those two defeats coming away at Bolton (3-1) and Manchester City (3-0).

- Although they remain unbeaten at home in the league, Liverpool have actually won more times on their travels this season (6 compared with 4 back at Anfield; W6 D1 L5 away from home), and were emphatic 3-0 winners over Wolves in their latest away outing in the Premier League.

- Liverpool have kept three clean sheets in their last four league games, and boast one of the stronger away defences in the top-flight with only 13 conceded from 12 away games – only Chelsea and Man Utd have shipped fewer goals on their travels.

Betting

Prediction: Manchester United to WIN @ 910 (BetVictor)

With a raucous crowd and a volatile atmosphere, emotions could boil over at Old Trafford in what remains thee biggest game in English football. Supporters of both teams have been warned as to their conduct, but I can see that falling on deaf ears as kick-off approaches. This truly is unmissable, for so many reasons.

As far as the result goes, something tells me we’re in for a repeat of their FA Cup fourth-round encounter last month, only this time we’ll have the correct outcome. United were dominant from the word ‘Go’ at Anfield, bossing possession from start to finish and were in no way deserving of a 2-1 defeat. Luis Suarez is of course back for the visitors and although he will be a nuisance, his temperament has to be questioned. Other than the Uruguayan, I don’t see too many in this Liverpool team capable of causing a United rearguard which has kept six clean sheets at home this season too many problems.

Last week’s result at Chelsea was huge for United. The point was crucial, but even more so was the comeback. Every single player will be buzzing after those heroics, and that result will instil so much belief into the dressing room. With Wayne Rooney back to his inspired best, I genuinely feel United will be too strong for a Liverpool side who have tended to come good in the crunch games, against the best teams, but have played more games than most since the turn of the year and were tired and lethargic at home to Tottenham on Monday.

Value Bet: Wayne Rooney First Goalscorer @ 4/1 (Ladbrokes)

The United talisman was inspirational in his side’s stunning comeback at Chelsea last weekend, coolly tucking home two penalties. He was more than just a clinical penalty taker, he drove his team forward with his powerful, direct runs and he can once again be the inspiration for Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United as they look to maintain their impressive run at home to Liverpool, having won six of their last seven at Old Trafford versus their arch rivals.

Match Odds

Manchester United – 9/10 (BetVictor)

Draw – 13/5 (Bet365)

Liverpool – 7/2( StanJames)

Tottenham V Newcastle United

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 11 February 2012 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Preview

Could Tottenham be managerless by the time they welcome Newcastle to White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon? It is Unlikely, but plausible nonetheless, after a turbulent week in which Spurs chief Harry Redknapp was found not guilty in the courts of tax evasion on Wednesday, just hours before Fabio Capello handed in his resignation as England national team manager. So could Redknapp, who has been the bookies favourites to succeed the Italian from the outset, be about to leave title-chasing Spurs in the lurch?

News of Fabio Capello’s sudden departure could not be more untimely from a Tottenham perspective, with the club and its supporters still harbouring hopes of a first top-flight for 51-years. Manchester City lead the Barclay’s Premier League by two points from Manchester United in second, with Spurs seven points off the summit but still very much in the reckoning.

There is of course no guarantee that Redknapp will up and leave. However, speculation will be rife until the FA make a formal announcement regarding the vacancy, and speculation in itself will serve as a huge distraction for a club renowned for going AWOL in the latter stages of seasons. In the meantime, Tottenham have a huge clash with Newcastle to contend with. It’s almost a must-win game as well, what with Man City not in action until Sunday.

It won’t be easy though, not by any stretch of the imagination, as like themselves Newcastle also have everything to play for. The Magpies have emerged as surprise contenders for a top-four finish after a sublime campaign thus far, with the Tyneside club a point behind fourth-place Chelsea, but above both Arsenal and Liverpool following back-to-back successes away at Blackburn and at home to Aston Villa. Moreover, they gave Tottenham one helluva match at St James’ Park in October, producing the sort of resilient performance we’ve grown accustom to seeing under Alan Pardew when coming from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw.

Even more detrimental to the home side’s chances at the weekend is the number of key first-team personnel missing due to injury. William Gallas, Aaron Lennon, Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe all sat out Monday’s dour goalless draw away to Liverpool, with Spurs creating very little without the guile some of the aforementioned bring to the fore. Their form isn’t that great either; it is now one win in four in the league, which was a routine home win over rock-bottom Wigan. However their form at White Hart Lane this season has been sparkling, with nine wins and no defeats in their last eleven.

Newcastle aren’t the worst travellers, either. Alan Pardew’s charges have the sixth best away record in the division, with five wins from twelve outings (W5 D3 L4). They are also in very good form, with two successive league wins under their belts, although they won’t need reminding as to how their last venture to the English capital went, as team deprived of strikers Demba Ba and new signing Papiss Cisse were thumped 5-2 by Fulham. The Senegalese pair are back however, with aplomb too, with both registering in last week’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. A prolific strike-duo in the making quite possibly.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last Meeting: Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham (Premier League); 16 October, 2011. A thoroughly entertaining contest at St James’ Park, Tyneside, finished in dramatic fashion – Shola Ameobi scoring an emphatic equaliser with four minutes remaining as Newcastle came from behind for the second time in the game to earn a well-deserved 2-2 draw. Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe had Spurs in front on two separate occasions. Meanwhile Magpies top scorer, Demba Ba, also found his way onto the scoresheet.

- Newcastle have suffered defeat on each of their previous two Premier League visits to Tottenham, failing to score on both occasions. Their last away win in this fixture was in March 2008 when they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners.

Tottenham Hotspur

- Trailing leaders Man City by seven points, every remaining league fixture is a must-win for Tottenham if they’re to remain in contention for a first top-flight title since 1961.

- Monday’s goalless draw at Liverpool means it is now one win in four Premier League games for Tottenham (W1 D2 L1), who have however only lost one of their last ten (W5 D4 L1).

- At home, at White Hart Lane, Spurs have been beaten just once in the league this season (W9 D2 L1) – and not since a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Man City on 28 August, 2011.

- No visiting team has scored more than one goal at White Hart Lane in the league this season since that aforementioned loss to Man City, with veteran custodian Brad Friedel keeping a clean sheet in five of Spurs’ last seven Premier League home games.

Newcastle United

- Champions League football is becoming a very real possibility for Newcastle. The Magpies find themselves perched above both Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League table, however crucially they are only a solitary point behind fourth-placed Chelsea meaning victory at White Hart Lane could see them end the weekend occupying one of those coveted Champions League spots.

- Last week’s 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa at home was Newcaste’s fourth in five league games, and their second on the bounce following a 2-0 win at Blackburn the week before.

- For their last seven away matches, Newcastle have alternated between losing and getting a result (win or draw). So, after beating Blackburn in their last away match, the Magpies are due a defeat at Tottenham. That’s if you believe that sort of stuff.

- Away from home, Newcastle have a mixed record (W5 D3 L4), conceding with more regularity on their travels than back at home (conceded 19 on the road, compared with 12 at home).

- The Magpies have benefited from an own goal in each of their previous two away league games.

Betting

Verdict: Draw @ 10/3 (Bet365)

So much could depend on who starts for Tottenham, with numerous key figures struggling to be fit in time for the arrival of a buoyant Newcastle side who are in hot pursuit of Champions League football. But even if England bound Harry Redknapp does have the likes of Van der Vaart and Jermain Defoe back available, Spurs have a task on their hands here attaining the three-points they need to reduce some of their seven-point arrears on Man City.

Spurs were tame on Monday at Liverpool, rarely troubling goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Of course you would expect huge amounts of improvement back at White Hart Lane, where they’ve won nine of their last eleven league games, but Newcastle won’t make it easy for them. In fact they’ll be a right handful; they’re extremely well organised and yet offer a huge threat going forward.

At odds of 1/2, opposing Tottenham was easy. They’re not even expected to win, not in my eyes. It’s a game they have every chance of winning, of course, and if they seriously consider themselves title contenders then it is one they simply have to win. I’m not so sure they will though, nor do I view them as genuine contenders for the title. Newcastle are huge at 13/2, however the draw has obvious appeal at 10/3.

Value Bet: Tottenham/Draw (HT/FT Betting) @ 20/1 (SkyBet)

The one characteristic those Magpies have an abundance of is resilience, as they displayed in the reverse fixture last October when coming from behind on two separate occasions to earn a draw. So then, it could pay to stick a few shillings on Tottenham getting their noses in front early on and Newcastle pegging them back late on, as they did in the aforementioned game.

Match Odds

Tottenham Hotspur – 1/2 (Ladbrokes)

Draw – 10/3 (Bet365)

Newcastle United – 13/2 (BetVictor)

Newcastle United V Aston Villa

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 5 February 2012 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Sports Direct Arena

Preview

After dispatching of lowly Blackburn in midweek, Newcastle are within striking distance of the top-four – a territory which rewards occupants with Champions League football. They’re above both Arsenal and Liverpool and a third successive home Premier League win on Sunday, when they entertain an inconsistent Aston Villa, would see them move level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, who are by no means guaranteed to pick up points when they host title-chasing Manchester United immediately after.

Uncharted territory? Possibly. After all, this is a club who were listed among several capable of going down at the beginning of the campaign. Nonetheless, Magpies chief Alan Pardew is adamant his side can realistically achieve a top-four finish this season – a feat they last achieved back in 2002. Who are we to argue? They’re above Arsenal and Liverpool on merit, plus they have no distractions from here on out; survival is assured while their FA Cup adventure lasted just two rounds, exiting in the fourth-round to Championship side Brighton.

Personally, I don’t expect them to maintain the sort of consistency required in order to pip some top-quality teams to those coveted Champions League spots. If they believe different, Aston Villa at home simply must be converted into three-points – especially on a weekend where they could dish out a mental blow to their rivals, all of which – bar Arsenal – face each other.

Newcastle have, however, won their last two league fixtures on home soil, beating Manchester United (3-0) and QPR (1-0), so they have every right to feel confident ahead of Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa – a team who blow hot and cold. However, Alex McLeish’s Villains are in decent form themselves and could seriously dent the Toon’s European aspirations.

Aston Villa’s 2-2 draw at home to QPR on Wednesday, in which they fought back from two-goals down, extended their unbeaten run in the league to three matches, while they’ve not been beaten on their travels since a 2-0 loss to Tottenham on 21 November, 2011 – winning three of five away league games since, including high-scoring victories at Chelsea (1-3) and locals Wolves (2-3).

Furthermore, Alex McLeish’s charges demonstrated just how much of a threat they can be on their travels, when playing primarily on the counter, at Arsenal recently, in the fourth-round of the FA Cup. The Villains counter-attacked ruthlessly throughout that contest, with the in-form Darren Bent a constant threat – as he always is, the striker who has four goals in his last four league and cup appearances. Only a capitulation of cataclysmic proportions denied them progress, as they squandered a two-goal advantage at the break to lose 3-2.

A third consecutive away victory in the league is what Aston Villa are targeting, to back up their impressive wins at Chelsea and Wolves recently, and they’ll be hoping to pick up precisely where they left off on Wednesday, when clawing back a two-goal half-time deficit to earn an unlikely share of the spoils against a resurgent QPR.

One thing’s for sure, Villa can ill-afford another lacklustre first-half; Newcastle have become specialists at opening the scoring and then protecting their lead, plus they’ll be even more of a threat than they have in recent weeks now that Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse are back in contention following Senegal’s early exit from the African Cup of Nations. Although midfield general Yohan Cabaye will serve the second of a three-match ban.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last League Meeting: Aston Villa 1-1 Newcastle; 17 September, 2011. Gabriel Agbonlahor had given Villa an early lead at Villa Park, netting during what was a purple patch for the England international, but his effort was cancelled out midway into the second-half by Leon Best.

- In last season’s St James’ Park encounter, Newcastle ran up a cricket score as goals from Joey Barton, two from Kevin Nolan and a Andy Carroll hat-trick – yes, he used to score hat-tricks back then for the Magpies, earned the hosts a comprehensive 6-0 victory.

- Newcastle have won three and lost none of their previous five Premier League home meetings with Aston Villa.

- Aston Villa have failed to score on their previous three league visits to St James’ Park.

Newcastle

- Alan Pardew’s Magpies (League Position: 5TH; Form: LWWLW) are up to fifth after their midweek 2-0 win at Blackburn, three-points behind Chelsea in fourth and the Champions League places.

- Newcastle have only been beaten twice at home this season (W6 D3 L2), winning their last two, against Manchester United (3-0) and QPR (1-0).

- Goalkeeper Tim Krul has kept four clean sheets in his last six Premier League starts.

Aston Villa

- Villa are unbeaten in three Premier League matches (W1 D2), drawing 2-2 with QPR at home during the week.

- Victory over Newcastle would be Aston Villa’s third in a row away from home in the Premier League, having gone their last five away matches without losing (W3 D2).

- Striker Darren Bent has four goals in as many appearances, although just two of his nine strikes in the league this season were netted away from home.

Betting

Prediction: Aston Villa to WIN @ 14/5 (StanJames)

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew will be delighted to welcome back African Cup of Nations flops Demba and Papiss Cisse, whose Senegal team failed to win a single game at the tournament to finish stone-last in their group. With this in mind, Pardew would be wise to start the duo on the bench, as he could have himself a couple of bruised egos. But he needs goals, as this is a match Newcastle have to be winning if they’re to mount a realistic assault on the top-four.

Although they haven’t been winning too many games of late, Aston Villa have impressed me no-end. Finally the team is scoring goals again – they scored twice last time out, at home to QPR in the league, three on recent league skirmishes to Chelsea and Wolves, and another two at Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend. Darren Bent is also firing on all cylinders again, with four in as many games, while even Charles N’Zogbia has hit a bit of form.

Because of the way Aston Villa play, and with Newcastle hosting this match in the knowledge that their manager is expecting victory, I can see the visitors causing endless amounts of problems on the break for a Magpies defence that has kept four clean sheets in six Premier League games. Therefore, Bent to notch in an away triumph for Alex McLeish’s Villains seems cracking value to me.

Value Bet: Newcastle/Aston Villa (HT/FT Betting) @ 40/1 (Boylesports)

This seems like a fanciful bet, and it is I suppose, but there is some logic to it. Newcastle have had a knack of getting their noses in front this season, scoring the opening goal in each of their previous six league games. Meanwhile Villa, especially of late, have established a habit for conceding early before mounting a comeback (recent examples include their midweek draw with QPR, their most recent away league fixture at Wolves, and even Chelsea at Stamford Bridge).

Match Odds

Newcastle – 6/5 (BetVictor)

Draw – 12/5 (Bet365)

Aston Villa – 14/5 (StanJames)

Manchester City V Fulham

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

Long-time leaders of the Barclay’s Premier League, Manchester City find themselves under enormous pressure from their cross-city rivals after seeing their lead at the summit whittled down to goal difference alone following their 1-0 defeat to Everton on Tuesday. However in spite of their latest setback, Roberto Mancini’s men remain favourites for the title and could even restore their lead on a favourable weekend which sees them host Fulham and United go to Chelsea.

It has so far been a disastrous start to 2012 for Manchester City, who began the year clear at the top of the Premier League, on the cusp of reaching the Carling Cup final, and about to begin the defence of their FA Cup crown. Within a month they find themselves out of both aforementioned cup competitions, losing to Liverpool in the former and Man United in the latter, as well as teetering under the pressure being applied by Sir Alex Ferguson and his United charges.

Who knew the absence of Yaya Toure would be so critical? Everyone, that’s who. City have struggled immensely without the Ivorian’s services, so it was little surprise Roberto Mancini sought out a stop-gap during the January transfer window. David Pizarro, a Chilean central midfielder the Italian chief knows well from his time at Inter Milan, has joined on loan for the remainder of the season and will be included in the squad to face Fulham.

Also back in the City squad is captain Vincent Kompany, the Belgian who featured for the first time on Tuesday, in the loss to Everton, since receiving a four-match suspension for a red card offence in last month’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United. While he could not stop his team from recording their third league defeat of the season, he will definitely improve upon City’s last performance at home – which was a fortuitous 3-2 defeat of Tottenham.

Fulham, too, are boosted by the arrival of a new face. While Bobby Zamora departed for QPR for a fee believed to be £4million, Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak signed on a permanent deal from VFB Stuttgart. At 6ft 2in, and boasting a powerful frame, the Russian could be a useful addition to a team which has lacked goals in the forward department: midfielder Clint Dempsey is their leading marksmen yet again, the American who is now into double figures (10) after netting the opening goal in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with West Brom at Craven Cottage.

Goals haven’t been that hard to come by at home for Martin Jol’s side, with 22 from 11 home games a very reasonable sum, however, 7 from 11 away games is very worrying indeed. Hence the Fulham manager’s decision to seek out a more potent threat in front of goal. The Cottagers are, though, in reasonable form, having followed up their 5-2 thrashing of Newcastle on 21 January with a 1-1 draw with West Brom in midweek. It’s a different story entirely on the road however, having won only once on their travels all season (W1 D5 L5 away from home in PL).

However, Fulham are without defeat in their last four visits to Manchester City in the league, drawing 1-1 on their visit to the Etihad Stadium last season.

Match Facts

Last League Meeting: Fulham 2-2 Manchester City; 18 September, 2011. Two goals either side of half-time from Sergio Aguero appeared to give Man City an unassailable 2-0 at Craven Cottage, but then Fulham stormed back with two goals of their own – via Bobby Zamora and a Vincent Kompany OG – to earn an unlikely point.

- Last season, Fulham earned a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium after Damien Duff cancelled out Mario Balotelli’s opener for Man City shortly after half-time.

- Manchester City haven’t beaten Fulham at home in the Premier League in their previous four attempts (D2 L2), since a 3-1 victory in November 2006.

- Both teams have scored in each of the previous fifteen league meetings.

Manchester City

- The Citizens (League Position: 1ST; Form: LWWWL) have seen their lead at the Premier League summit reduced to rubble, with arch rivals United now level on points but with an inferior goal difference.

- Manchester City have yet to drop a single point at home this season, winning eleven out of eleven at the Etihad Stadium, by an aggregate score of 34-6.

- Goalkeeper Joe Hart has kept six clean sheets at home, although he did concede twice in his last match at home, in a 3-2 win over Tottenham.

Fulham

- Fulham (League Position: 13TH; Form: DWLWD) have won just once on their travels in the league this season (W1 D5 L5), drawing four of their previous six away matches since a 2-0 victory at rock-bottom Wigan on 29 October, 2011.

- No team in the Premier League has plundered fewer goals away from home than Fulham (7), three of which were scored by American Clint Dempsey, with the Cottagers failing to score in five of their eleven away matches thus far.

- Fulham have lost just one of their last six Premier League matches (W2 D3 L1).

Betting

Prediction: Manchester City to WIN  3/10 (Bet365)

The history of this fixture would indicate a tricky match for Man City, who are clearly rocking after Tuesday’s narrow loss at Everton. Too many key players have gone off the boil, including the most influential of them from an attacking perspective, with Spaniard David Silva no longer pulling the strings like he was in the first quarter of the season. However, that defeat to Everton should serve as a wake-up call to everyone, especially those who’ve been slacking, so I’m expecting an emphatic response from Roberto Mancini’s men.

Fulham will no doubt set themselves up to absorb as much pressure as possible and try to hit their hosts on the break. With Vincent Kompany now marshalling the City rearguard, I don’t envisage the visitors enjoying much success up against the leanest home defence in the division. So business as usual for me, here.

Value Bet: Manchester City 3-0 (Correct Score) @ 8/1 (Coral)

I really do think this will be comfortable for Man City. Their recent performances would suggest the complete opposite, while Fulham can be a problematic opponent. Still, I don’t expect any more complacency from the long-time league leaders, not after Tuesday’s lacklustre display at Everton. A comfortable 3-0 success would be the perfect response to their critics. The final score should be somewhere in this ball park.

Match Odds

Manchester City – 3/10 (Bet365)

Draw – 9/2 (BetVictor)

Fulham – 11/1 (Ladbrokes)

Stoke City V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Sunderland’s miraculous revival under Martin O’Neill continued on Wednesday with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Norwich City at the Stadium of Light. Now the Northern Irishman takes his purring Black Cats to the Brittania Stadium to face a Stoke side whose recent form has been indifferent to say the least, with only one win from their previous seven league outings, but do, however, boast a flawless record in this fixture.

In the space of two months, Martin O’Neill has transformed Sunderland’s fortunes dramatically. He inherited a team who were hovering precariously above the relegation zone, with only two wins to their name after fourteen league games. Now he finds himself at the helm of a club who are eighth in the league, having already reached the 30-point milestone which usually ensures survival, and still alive in the FA Cup – albeit having to face local rivals Middlesbrough in a fourth-round replay.

Wednesday’s rout of Norwich on Wearside was Sunderland’s latest impressive display, their sixth win in nine Premier League games under O’Neill. Stephane Sessegnon and Fraizer Campbell with the goals, with both players enjoying purple patches at present – the former has three in his last four league starts while Campbell has two in two games, this after a 17-month lay-off because of injury.

Martin O’Neill will demand more of the same from his in-form attacking duo, as Sunderland look to torment a Stoke side suffering from a lack of form and devoid of any momentum – as they did at the Stadium of Light back in September, when winning 4-0. Of course, Stoke could place some of the blame for that horrendous showing on the fact they were involved in European football the preceding Thursday. They’ll meet on more favourable terms this time.

Having said that, a 2-0 loss at Manchester United in midweek was the Potters’ second in quick succession in the league, following a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to West Brom – though there was a 2-0 triumph at Derby in the fourth-round of the FA Cup sandwiched in between. Furthermore, not since Tottenham were overhauled on 11 December have Stoke been victorious in a Premier League fixture at the Brittania Stadium, going their last three home games without a win.

However, Stoke do have an impressive record when it comes to hosting this fixture. Last season they prevailed 3-2 thanks to Robert Huth’s stoppage-time winner, their third consecutive victory at home to Sunderland in the Premier League, after 1-0 triumphs in 2008/09 and 2009/10. Should they make it four in a row then Stoke would climb above Sunderland into 8TH, with the pair sat side-by-side in the table, level on 30-points.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last League Meeting: Sunderland 4-0 Stoke; 18 September, 2011. Goals from Titus Bramble, Jonathan Woodgate (OG), Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson sealed a comfortable 4-0 success for Sunderland, with Stoke feeling the affects of their Europa League commitments on the Thursday.

- Stoke are targeting their fifth consecutive league victory at home to Sunderland, whose last away win over the Potters dates back to November 2004.

- Sunderland took the lead twice on their most recent venture to the Brittania (5 February, 2011), but it was Robert Huth who popped up with a late winner for Stoke in the dying embers of the game as the hosts prevailed 3-2.

Stoke

- Stoke (League Position: 9TH; Form: DWDLL) have won only one of their previous seven Premier League matches (W1 D3 L3), during which they’ve failed to even score on four occasions.

- The Potters have failed to win any of their last three league matches at home (D2 L1), losing 2-1 to West Brom last time out at the Brittania.

- All five of Jonathan Walter’s Premier League goals this season were netted at the Brittania Stadium, three of which coming from the penalty spot.

Sunderland

- Only Manchester United (18) have taken more points from their last eight Premier League games than Sunderland (16), who have lost just one of their previous seven (W5 D1 L1).

- Sunderland have shipped just seven goals in their last nine league games, keeping clean sheets in each of their last two, at home to Norwich (3-0) and Swansea (2-0).

- The Black Cats have gone nine Premier League away games without drawing.

- Playmaker Stephane Sessegnon has two goals in his last two Premier League starts; three in his last four.

Betting

Prediction: Draw @ 12/5 (SkyBet)

On current form, Sunderland are incredibly enticing at 13/5 to record their third straight league win. However, the Brittania Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for those Black Cats, with Stoke boasting a 100% record in the Premier League with three wins out of three on their own patch. A fourth would seem unlikely though, seeing as the Potters have won only once in their last seven league outings – a 2-1 win at third from bottom Blackburn – losing their most recent match at the Brittania 2-1 to West Brom.

Rarely do Stoke lose successive home games, nor can I recall the last time Sunderland went and won three on the spin in the league. I’m not sure either will occur on Saturday. Losing Wes Brown for two months is a huge blow for Sunderland, as his experience and presence in defence would have benefited them greatly in combating Stoke’s aerial and physical prowess, but they have two forwards in fantastic form and I reckon they’ll ground out a result here.

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) @ 9/1 (StanJames)

I was going to tip Stephane Sessegnon to continue his rich vein of scoring form, as he’s a player at the top of his game right now. However, I don’t think there will be too many goals – Stoke aren’t prolific wherever they play their football, while Sunderland, despite scoring three at QPR and four at Wigan recently, have only conjured 13 away goals all season.

Match Odds

Stoke – 5/4 (Boylesports)

Draw – 12/5 (SkyBet)

Sunderland – 13/5 (BetVictor)

Arsenal V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 13:00 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

Two teams in urgent need of a win will seek out comfort in each other this weekend, as Arsenal, without a win in four Premier League games, take on third from bottom Blackburn at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with the Lancashire club bidding to repeat their four-goal heroics in last September’s seven-goal thriller between the two sides.

It was one of the most remarkable, memorable games in Premier League history – Blackburn 4-3 Arsenal; 17 September, 2011. A seven-goal spectacle that the underdogs somehow edged. You’ll get mammoth odds on a repeat (500/1 for Blackburn 4-3), with the Gunners overwhelming favourites to reverse that scoreline (3/10 on an Arsenal victory) – emphatically so, too. Whether they do remains to be seen, as they haven’t shown an awful lot of late to suggest they’re even capable of dishing out a spanking.

Arsene Wenger would settle for just a win right now, let alone a convincing one. Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Bolton was, believe it or not, Arsenal’s first Premier League point of 2012; previously, they had suffered defeat on visits to Fulham (2-1) and Swansea (3-2) as well as at home to Manchester United (1-2). So that point did at least put the brakes on their three-match losing streak in the league, although they remain without a win in four, since edging out QPR at home 1-0 on 31 December, 2011.

Worrying times then for the Gunners, who have slipped to seventh, five-points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, after going over a month without a league win – they are, however, into the fifth-round of the FA Cup following January scalps of Leeds (1-0) and Aston Villa (3-2). So it’s imperative the North Londoners get back to winning ways as soon as possible, and who better to face than struggling Blackburn?

Only Bolton (15) and Wigan (14) have slumped to more defeats this season than Blackburn (13), who went down 2-0 on Wednesday at home to Newcastle to leave the Lancashire club two-points adrift of safety in 18TH. However, Rovers are unbeaten in three top-flight matches away from home, a run which even includes their shock 3-2 victory at Old Trafford over Manchester United on 31 December, 2011.

Worryingly though, manager Steve Kean did not strengthen sufficiently during the January transfer window, bringing in only Bradley Orr and Anthony Modeste (on loan from Bordeaux). And, if anything, the dressing room has lost its most influential player, with club captain Chris Samba yet to feature in the first-team since handing in a written transfer request last month.

Match Pointers

Last PL Meeting: Blackburn 4-3 Arsenal (17 September, 2011); a remarkable contest that left everyone speechless at full-time. The Gunners had taken the lead twice through goals from Gervinho and Mikel Arteta, before Blackburn stormed back with four goals of their own, two from Yakubu, to secure a memorable 4-3 triumph.

- Arsenal are unbeaten in eight home Premier League games versus Blackburn (W7 D1 L0), whose last victory in this fixture (at Arsenal) was a 2-1 win on 26 October, 2002.

- Blackburn have failed to score on six of their last eight visits to Arsenal in the league.

Arsenal

- The Gunners (League Position: 7TH; Form: WLLLD) ended a run of three straight league defeats with a 0-0 draw at Bolton in midweek, though they have now registered one solitary point from their last four matches.

- Arsenal have scored precisely one goal in each of their previous five Premier League home games – four of which were netted in the second-half.

- At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal have won seven and lost twice in the Premier League this season (W7 D2 L2).

Blackburn

- Wednesday’s 2-0 home loss to Newcastle meant Blackburn (League Position: 18TH, Form: WLWDL) remained in the relegation zone, two-points off safety.

- Just two teams (Norwich & Wigan) have conceded more away goals than Rovers (23 from 11 away PL matches).

- Away from home, Blackburn have won only one of eleven (W1 D6 L4).

- Blackburn are unbeaten in the English capital this season, drawing 1-1 at both Fulham and QPR.

Betting

Prediction: Arsenal to WIN @ 3/10 (Bet365)

I would love to oppose Arsenal in the form they are in, especially at the odds, but that would mean putting some form of faith in a Blackburn team destined for relegation. Yes they did beat Manchester United at Old Trafford a few weeks ago, but that was a significantly weakened United team shorn of Wayne Rooney and the like. You could even argue that playing away from home is also a positive for Steve Kean and his players, considering the fractious relationship between the team and it’s home supporters. Even so, I cannot bring myself to back anything other than a home win.

Arsenal have been very disappointing in 2012, even in the FA Cup. So many are failing to produce, particularly in the attacking third of the pitch. I never thought they’d miss Gervinho as much as they have, simple because Theo Walcott has been extremely poor. However, Walcott and the rest of his attacking chums have a shot at redemption here, attacking a Blackburn defence that concedes on average two goals a game. I’m expecting them to score a few here, something they haven’t done for a while at home in the league.

Value Bet: Aaron Ramsey to Score @ 3/1 (Ladbrokes)

Following my own logic that Arsenal will score a few, it could pay to back someone other than Robin Van Persie netting at the Emirates, whom accounts for four of Arsenal’s last six league goals. Theo Walcott recently scored at Swansea so he’s no longer due; Wenger may opt to rest Oxlade-Chamberlain and go with Henry, who is far too shore to be backing; so it leaves me with the midfielders. Both Mikel Arteta (7/2) and Aaron Ramsey are handsomely priced, yet it is Ramsey who finds himself on the end of more scoring opportunities who appeals more at 3/1.

Match Odds

Arsenal – 3/10 (Bet365)

Draw – 9/2 (PaddyPower)

Blackburn – 12/1 (BetVictor)

Wigan Athletic V Everton

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: DW Stadium

Preview

After becoming only the third team this season to condemn long-time Premier League leaders Man City to defeat, Everton will fear absolutely no-one this weekend – so lowly Wigan, who they edged out 3-1 at Goodison Park back in September, should be a breeze for David Moyes & Co.

There is a definite buzz around Merseyside right now, and it isn’t all down to Tuesday’s sensational victory over Manchester City. However, that result may well have signalled the dawn of a bright new era at Goodison, with the club going to such extremes as spending hard-earned cash in the winter transfer window – something we’re not used to seeing from Everton – as Moyes brought in three new recruits, two of which played a significant role in midweek, while the other is a former favourite around these parts.

The unveiling of Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic during half-time gave the whole place a lift, for a fee believed to be in the region of £6million, and within 15 minutes another new face had put Everton into the lead, against the side who were 4/9 favourites to lift the Barclay’s Premier League at the end of the season – Darren Gibson slamming home what proved to be the winner on a night when one of England’s most iconic clubs was, as clichés go, rocking.

As it goes, Wigan were also rocking in midweek (for entirely different reasons of course). Latics manager Roberto Martinez placed some of the blame for Tuesday’s comprehensive 3-1 defeat to Tottenham down to transfer speculation regarding some of his prized assets, with Victor Moses and Hugo Rodallega among those linked with a move away from Greater Manchester. So he, along with the consensus, will be delighted the window has slammed shut, in time for a crucial run of fixtures, all of which are winnable starting with Everton at home this weekend.

Tuesday’s defeat was Wigan’s fourth in succession in the league and left them without a win in eight Premier League matches, since beating West Brom 2-1 at The Hawthorns on 10 December. They are also out of the FA Cup as well, bowing out to League Two Swindon at the very first hurdle. So it genuinely is all doom and gloom around the DW Stadium at present, where Wigan have won just one solitary league game all season (W1 D4 L6) and have a similarly miserable record in this fixture: the Latics have faced Everton six times at home in the PL, with a record of one win, two draws and three defeats.

Baring all this in mind, you’d have to be one brave punter to opt for the hosts, who, even at generous odds of 5/2 (Bet365) at home, are seemingly impossible to back. Now, I wouldn’t normally advocate a bet of Everton at the best of times, and certainly not when they’re favourites, but Tuesday’s stunning result coupled with several eye-catching additions has given everyone at the club a new leash of life, or so it would seem. The Toffees actually look sweet at 5/4 (SkyBet).

Match Facts

Head-to-Head

Last meeting: Everton were 3-1 winners at Goodison Park on 17 September thanks to goals from Phil Jagielka, Apostolos Vellios and Royston Drenthe. Franco Di Santo had equalised for Wigan, who enjoyed more of the ball but created fewer chances.

Wigan have won only two of their thirteen Premier League meetings with Everton (W2 D4 L7 – Wigan’s record in PL versus Everton), failing in their previous six attempts since a 1-0 success in November 2008.

On the six occasions that Wigan have hosted Everton in the Premier League, the Latics have recorded just one win and scored a meagre four times (W1 D2 L3 / GF4 GA7 versus Everton at home in PL).

Wigan

It is eight Premier League matches without a win for Wigan after their 3-1 loss to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Tuesday, with the Latics now four-points adrift of safety at the very foot of the table (W3 D6 L14 – overall record in PL this season).

Wigan have the poorest home record in the top-flight, registering a meagre 7 points from a possible 33, and are the only team not to have managed two or more victories on their own patch so far this season (Wigan home record: W1 D4 L6 / GF10 GA21).

No team has plundered fewer goals than Wigan (20), who have scored one goal or fewer in 18 of 23 PL games this season – and in 9 of their 11 matches at the DW Stadium.

On a similar note, no team has conceded more goals than Wigan (48), who have shipped 18 goals in six PL matches since Boxing Day and conceded on average 1.90 goals per home game.

Everton

Victory over Manchester City last time out (1-0) extended Everton’s unbeaten run to three Premier League games, four in all competitions, after they dumped out Fulham in the fourth-round of the FA Cup.

Everton haven’t managed to score more than one goal in a PL game since beating Bolton 2-0 at The Reebok on 26 November, 2011 – they’ve mustered eight goals from their eleven top-flight matches since then.

A draw at Wigan and Everton’s away record would be identical to their one at home (W4 D2 L5 away from home), with the Toffees winning one of their previous five away PL matches.

Betting

Prediction: Everton to WIN @ 5/4 with SkyBet

I have to admit, I didn’t give Everton a pray against Man City. I had my reasons, mind; like, for example, how they had lost to every top-seven opposition they had faced this season previously. Moreover, I could have cited their lack of goals (just three sides – Wigan among them – have scored fewer).

The latter is still a problem (scoring), however the signings of Steven Pienaar on loan and Nikica Jelavic from Rangers on a permanent deal could solve their problems. At worst, they’ll give the whole dressing room a lift, which should be enough, you’d think, to ensure they see off a hapless Wigan team who before long will find themselves stranded at the foot of the table unless their abysmal form picks up – and fast.

This is the first of a long line of winnable games for Wigan, who have to be winning them all if they’re to stay up, as their final few games are excruciating on paper. With this in mind, I am expecting a lot better than what I saw on Tuesday, when they basically rolled over for Spurs, however the momentum is clearly with the visitors who will have confidence and self-belief – my two favourite ingredients – oozing through their veins.

Value Bet: Everton 3-1 (Correct Score) @ 22/1 with Ladbrokes

Everton don’t normally do goals – but that was before Pienaar and Jelavic jumped on board David Moyes’ meandering ship. Both could feature at Wigan, especially with so many doubtful, and both will be keen to showcase their talents in a fixture which should allow them to do just that. Everton won this fixture 3-1 at Goodison last September, a score that flattered them. I see value in a repeat, only this time I reckon they’ll be deserving of the final score.

Match Odds

Wigan – 5/2 (Bet365)

Draw – 11/5 (Ladbrokes)

Everton – 5/4 (SkyBet)

At the weekend it was the FA Cup, now the focus in England switches swiftly to the Barclay’s Premier League as various tussles across the entire division resurface on Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb).

Straight to matters at the summit and after Manchester City’s dramatic late win over Tottenham Hotspur on 22 January, it would seem the Premier League trophy is staying in Manchester. That aforementioned result ensured Roberto Mancini’s Citizens remained three-points clear of neighbours United, leaving Spurs lagging eight-points off the pace of the leaders.

Premier League Title Betting with Bet365: Man City 2/5, Man Utd 9/4, Tottenham 20/1

It could be all change, though, depending on Tuesday’s results, with all three title protagonists involved in proceedings.

Tottenham (1/4 WilliamHill) are presented with a fabulous opportunity to get straight back to winning ways in the league with a home clash against Wigan (16/1 BetVictor). The Latics currently prop up the division in 20TH and are without a win in seven, shipping ten goals in their last three away PL matches combined, but were, however, 1-0 winners on their last visit to White Hart Lane, in August of 2010.

Manchester United (3/10 888Sport) have won seven of their eight Premier League tussles with Stoke City (12/1 PaddyPower), including all three in Manchester, so any chance of the Red Devils slipping up at Old Trafford would appear slim. But the Potters did hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in their most recent Premier League away game, while it was they who were the dominant force when the two sides locked horns earlier in the season at the Brittania in a 1-1 draw back in September.

Meanwhile, Man City (20/23 Boylesports) take on David Moyes’ inconsistent Everton (15/4 BetVictor) at Goodison Park. It is, however, a fixture the Citizens came unstuck in last season, losing 2-1 despite dominating the opening 45 minutes and taking a deserved 1-0 lead into the interval. Revenge is on the cards, though – Everton have won only two of their last eight home PL games, scoring just six times in the process, whereas City are searching for their fourth straight league win and are firm favourites to do so having had the weekend off due to their early exit from the FA Cup.

The race for fourth hots up with Chelsea and Liverpool both in action on Tuesday, at Swansea and Wolves respectively, with Arsenal taking on Bolton at The Reebok 24 hours later.

Top-Four Finish Betting with WilliamHill: Chelsea 2/5, Arsenal 2/1, Liverpool 7/2

Chelsea (17/20 WilliamHill) are the current occupants of fourth and are five-points clear of their closest pursuer, Arsenal, while Liverpool are a point further back in seventh. The Blues are the most likely to come a cropper. Though, you feel – Swansea (4/1 SkyBet) have been beaten just once in eleven home Premier League games this season and will still be buoyed by their 3-2 victory over Arsenal in their last encounter at the Liberty Stadium.

Speaking of Arsenal (8/11 Ladbrokes), the Gunners won’t have it easy either. Arsene Wenger’s side were unconvincing in the FA Cup at the weekend, edging past Aston Villa at home, and must now go to a resurgent Bolton (9/2 StanJames), who beat Liverpool 3-1 last time out at The Reebok in the league, desperate to avoid a third consecutive away defeat. Moreover, The Reebok was where Arsenal’s world came crashing down around them last season, with a 2-1 loss confirming the end of their title bid last April.

As for Liverpool (3/4 WilliamHill), well they are very much expected to complete a routine win at Wolves (17/4 StanJames) – a fixture they cruised to a 3-0 success in last season. Kenny Dalglish’s side have lost their previous two away league games, at Bolton and Man City, but responded emphatically with quick-fire eliminations of Man City and Man Utd from the Carling Cup and FA Cup. Now the Reds are hotly tipped to dispatch of second from bottom Wolves, who are without a league win in eight and have suffered four defeats in their previous five matches at Molineux in all competitions.

Elsewhere…

Mark Hughes’ QPR (4/1 BetVictor) go to Aston Villa (17/20 WilliamHill) with both sides searching for back-to-back Premier League wins; a Newcastle (7/4 Bet365) side thumped 5-2 at Fulham last time out in the league pay relegation favourites Blackburn (13/8 StanJames) a visit at Ewood Park; the previously mentioned Fulham (10/11 WilliamHill) entertain Roy Hodgson’s inconsistent Baggies (15/4 bWin), while a cracking contest could be in store at the Stadium of Light as Martin O’Neill’s invigorated Black Cats (17/20 WilliamHill) host Paul Lambert’s high-flying Canaries (15/4 BetVictor).

Full list of Premier League fixtures for Tuesday (31 Jan) and Wednesday (1 Feb):

Swansea V Chelsea

Tottenham V Wigan

Wolves V Liverpool

Everton V Man City (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Manchester United V Stoke

Aston Villa V QPR

Blackburn V Newcastle

Bolton V Arsenal

Fulham V West Brom

Sunderland V Norwich (LIVE on SKY SPORTS 2)

Arsenal V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 January 2012 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

Five months on from their epic encounter at Old Trafford, Arsenal and Manchester United – two age old rivals – do battle in the north of London with the Gunners keen to avenge their heaviest ever Premier League defeat suffered at the hands of Sir Alex’s Red Devils last August. On current form though, that seems an unlikely prospect.

Arsenal fans won’t need any reminders as to what happened on that fateful afternoon of August 23, 2010. A remarkable ten goals were scored as defending champions Man Utd and Arsenal locked horns in week three of the 2011/12 Barclay’s Premier League – eight of which were netted by the hosts, a rampant United who took full advantage of the mire Gunners chief Arsene Wenger found himself in that day.

Arsenal were missing more than half-a-dozen first-team regulars when they last took on United, but that didn’t excuse the manner of their defeat, as Arsene Wenger’s makeshift team capitulated in front of a worldwide audience. Much has changed since then, though.

United, unsurprisingly, are firmly in the hunt for another league title, though they do currently trail Man City by three points. Nothing a win over the old enemy wouldn’t change, although Arsenal, to their credit, have recovered tremendously well since that harrowing experience at the Theatre of Dreams, and while they aren’t considered title protagonists any more the Gunners still have every chance of securing Champions League football next season with a top-four finish.

Gunners seeking home comforts

Neither particularly shone over the festive period, but whereas United shown their champion credentials by bouncing back from adversity following successive defeats, recording a comfortable 3-0 win over struggling Bolton, Arsenal are still dwelling on a pair of frustrating defeats away to Fulham and Swansea. The Gunners opened the scoring in both, too.

Nevertheless, Arsenal can at least fall back on home comforts this weekend. Since a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in mid-August, the Gunners have gone nine unbeaten in the league on their own patch, recording seven victories. They also boast one of the tightest home defences to boot, with Polish shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny conceding just six goals all season at the Emirates.

However, goals of their own have been hard to come by, with Arsene Wenger having seen his side muster just one goal in each of their last four home league games. This despite boasting the prolific services of the division’s leading scorer, Robin Van Persie.

Could it be then that the stage is set for Thierry Henry, the Frenchman who did have a knack of popping up with crucial goals versus United during his Arsenal pomp – some of which were of the spectacular variety. The 34-year-old will be looking to add to the 7 he has in 8 Premier League appearances at home to Manchester United, provided he overcomes a late fitness test on a calf injury that is.

United, too, have revenge on their minds…

A 1-0 loss in last season’s corresponding fixture almost derailed United’s bid for a record 19th English League title, with Wales captain Aaron Ramsey slotting home Arsenal’s winner in a typically tight and cagey affair between these two foes. It mattered little come the end of the season, when Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated his eleventh capture of the Premier League – but a repeat result could prove fatal in the context of this season’s title race.

Just keeping up with Manchester City’s unrelenting pace is proving one of the sternest challenges in all of Sir Alex’s years at Old Trafford. The Citizens have been imperious for much of the season and take a three point cushion into the weekend, a gap which could double in size should United come unstuck for the second year running at the Emirates – though they could also go level on points with Roberto Mancini’s men should third-placed Tottenham become the first team to win at the Etihad Stadium since November 2010.

Having lost just once on their travels, a second consecutive away defeat to Arsenal would seem unlikely. Then again, no-one saw a 3-0 reverse to Newcastle coming. Sir Alex is also missing a host of key players, with Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young all long-term absentees, although defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are expected to be in contention.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has even bigger problems however, you could say similar to when he last prepared his team for a clash with the reigning Premier League champions. Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, Bacary Sagna, Franis Coquelin and Carl Jenkinson are among the list of defenders currently out injured, while Belgian Thomas Vermealen is doubtful. To compound the Frenchman’s woes, midfield architect Mikel Arteta is also out injured.

Match Pointers

- Manchester United consigned Arsenal to their heaviest ever defeat in the Premier League when notching eight goals in that famous 8-2 spanking at Old Trafford last August.

- Five months on from their unforgettable encounter in Manchester, Arsenal (W11 D3 L7 / GF38 GA 31) sit 5TH while United (W15 D3 L3 / GF52 GA20) are hot on the heels of leaders Man City in second.

- Arsenal will host the final top flight fixture of the weekend on the back of successive league defeats, losing away at Fulham (2-1) and Swansea (3-2) either side of a nervy 1-0 win over Championship side Leeds in the FA Cup.

- The Gunners have not lost a home Premier League game since a 2-0 loss to Liverpool on 20 August, winning seven of their previous nine at the Emirates Stadium.

- Manchester United bounced back from successive league defeats to beat Bolton 3-0 at Old Trafford, although they were emphatically beaten 3-0 by Newcastle in their last league game on the road.

- Sir Alex Ferguson’s United team have scored 14 times fewer than back at home (19 away compared with 33 at home), but just six of the 20 goals they’ve conceded this season where in away matches.

- United have only suffered on away defeat all season (W7 D2 L1) and have kept more away clean sheets than any other side in the top flight (6 in 10).

- Arsenal have scored exactly one goal in each of their last four home Premier League games – five in all competitions with their 1-0 victory over Leeds in the FA Cup recently.

Betting

Prediction: Manchester United to WIN @ 13/8 Ladbrokes

Despite leaving Old Trafford utterly humiliated in August, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists revenge is far from the minds of his players as they seek to arrest their current slump in form, having recently suffered defeats away to Fulham and Swansea. With their recent results in mind, the Gunners will be thankful to be back at home, where they’ve not lost in the league since losing to Liverpool in that same fateful month of August last year.

Defending champions United began 2012 in the worst possible fashion, losing 3-0 away to Newcastle in the league. Their response, however, has been typically emphatic; their impressive 3-2 victory over Man City in the FA Cup was quickly followed by a comfortable 3-0 success at home to Bolton. So it is back to business for Sir Alex and his team, who are rightly considered favourites on Sunday.

It is so difficult to back Arsenal with all their defensive problems, impossible now that Mikel Arteta has been ruled out. United do have injuries of their own but will welcome back both Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, while the return to form of Wayne Rooney couldn’t be more timely. With the pace out side to really trouble a Arsenal defence lacking recognised and experience full-backs, success seems almost inevitable for a visiting United who have won seven of ten away from home in the Premier League this season – six were without conceding.

Value Bet: Manchester United to WIN to NIL @ 7/2 PaddyPower

We reached double figures in the goals column when these two clashed in Manchester five months ago. I doubt that will be the case on Sunday though; United are back amongst the goals but are hardly firing on all cylinders, while Arsenal haven’t plundered more than one goal in any of their previous four league games on home soil. Should be another tight affair, one United should edge, possibly by the odd goal to nil.

Match Odds

Arsenal – 19/10 bWin

Draw – 12/5 WilliamHill

Manchester United – 13/8 Ladbrokes