The premiership fixtures previewed
Everton v Stoke
Stoke are the first English team to reach the last 32 of the Europa League this season, but the after- effects are causing disquiet. Stoke have lost their last four away league games, all following European duty, and need to recapture their cutting edge against an Everton side seeking a third straight win.
Odds: Everton 7-10 Stoke 4-1 Draw 5-2
Newcastle v Chelsea
A game that André Villas-Boas could certainly do without losing is the first Newcastle will play since the death of former midfielder Gary Speed. Alan Pardew will again be without Cheik Tioté. Arguably his best player, Tioté has been sidelined by knee trouble since late October.
Odds: Newcastle 13-5 Chelsea Evens Draw 12-5
Wolves v Sunderland
Martin O’Neill will not be officially in charge of Sunderland, but will still loom over this game. His new squad has much to prove after failing to win any of their last four matches. This fixture, all the same, involves much more than Sunderland’s prospects of recovering status. Wolves, in 17th, are immediately behind the visitors on goal difference.
Odds: Wolves 7-5 Sunderland 19-10 Draw 11-5
Fulham v Liverpool
Liverpool will reflect fondly on how they beat the hosts 5-2 in this fixture last season with an attacking display, but there will also be sadness at the loss of Lucas Leiva to a season-ending knee injury. Fulham, buoyed by last week’s draw at Arsenal, will aim to test the visitors’ resolve.
Odds: Fulham 12-5 Liverpool 11-10 Draw 23-10
Wigan v Arsenal
After the League Cup exit to Manchester City, Arsène Wenger will recall his first XI. Wigan’s victory at Sunderland has lifted them off the bottom of the table as well as accounting for Steve Bruce, and they may fancy their chances of taking something from this fixture for the third successive season.
Odds: Wigan 26-5 Arsenal 11-20 Draw 11-4
Man City v Norwich
CIty’s draw at Liverpool last week was the first time they have not managed two or more goals in any of their league fixtures. Norwich have already given Manchester United a scare and drawn at Liverpool, and they will be encouraged that their hosts have not kept a clean sheet in their last six league games.
Odds: Man City 1-6 Norwich 14-1 Draw 23-4
Tottenham v Bolton
Bolton’s 4-0 win at Loftus Road on the opening day might feel some way away as the club returns to London in the relegation zone and preparing to face one of the country’s in-form teams. Harry Redknapp said Bolton had suffered from injuries and bad luck, and are always tough, but this looks a home banker.
Odds: Tottenham 2-7 Bolton 19-2 Draw 4-1
Aston Villa v Man Utd
After Manchester United’s midweek League Cup defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace, Villa could well face the backlash. Although United have not scored more than one goal in a league game since the 2-0 win over Norwich on October 1st, Villa currently look ill-equipped to take advantage.
Odds: Aston Villa 17-4 Man Utd 13-20 Draw 13-5
QPR v WBA
Two teams struggling for consistency. Queens Park Rangers, in particular, have switched from victory to defeat from one week to the next. It is difficult to say how they will fare against a West Brom side that has lost Zoltan Gera to injury for the rest of the season. Joey Barton returns for the hosts.
Odds: QPR 5-4 WBA 21-10 Draw 9-4
Blackburn v Swansea
Dare Steve Kean lose this match against Swansea, who arrive seven points and seven places better off than his bottom-placed Blackburn? Only three wins separate Rovers from Aston Villa in eighth, so there is still time for Kean. But if Swansea hand Rovers a ninth league defeat he may be in trouble.
Odds: Blackburn 11-10 Swansea 12-5 Draw 23-10
