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Nov 16 2012
Arsenal v Tottenham – 17 November 2012 – 12.45 KO
This is the most drawn fixture in Premier League history and the smart money may well be on the same tomorrow. To be honest I think both sets of fans would take a face saving draw before kick-off comes round tomorrow lunchtime.
As well as draws, we have also had some high scoring games in this fixture as well, with last year’s being no exception. The home side winning 5-2, however as neither side are in the greatest form, and murmurs of discontent from both sets of fans I can see this being a lot tighter.
Team news: Walcott and Sagna both faces fitness tests for the Gunners, Szczesny should return in goal after playing in U21s loss to West Ham. Wilshere will also return from suspension. Spurs have doubts over Defoe, Walker and Lennon with the latter pair missing England duty with their respective injuries.
Betting Prediction: 1-1
Dream Team Star Man: Jack Wilshere
Liverpool v Wigan – 17 November 2012 – 15.00 KO
I was pretty impressed with the way Liverpool played against Chelsea last week, before kick-off it was hard to imagine them getting anything from the game and in the end they were maybe unlucky not to nick all 3 points. With Suarez in great form they have a focal point for the team to play through at the moment, but you do wonder where the goals will come from if he has a bad day.
Team News: Reina will start in goal, whilst defensive pairing of Skrtel and Agger should both be passed fit. Shaun Maloney could return after missing the midweek internationals for The Latics, but McArthur probably won’t get to take part.
Betting Prediction: 2-0
Dream Team Star Man: Luis Suarez
Manchester City v Aston Villa – 17 November 2012 – 15.0 KO
City look a different proposition with David Silva in their starting line-up, when he plays it seems to free up Yaya Toure and in turn lift the whole side. Although they have been way below their best, they are currently one of the form sides in the league and should comfortable extend a fantastic run which sees them unbeaten at home in 35 EPL games. Villa to their credit looked good in the first half against United last week and seem to have found a system which works for them, but this is another big challenge for Paul Lambert and his young side will come up short.
Team News: City’s injury problems are receding, Milner, Lescott, Nasri and Clichy could all be fit for this one. Villa’s list however is horrendous. Bennett looks the most likely to be fit out of all their absentees.
Betting Prediction: 3-1
Dream team Star Man: David Silva
Newcastle v Swansea – 17 November 2012 – 15.00 KO
The Magpies seem to really be missing the spark from last season’s magnificent form that saw them finish 5th. Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba are really struggling to play together; it is like they almost cancel each other out. Swansea on the other hand must be pretty happy with how the season has started. The second season syndrome has yet to take hold and if they win at St. James’ they will go above their hosts and into the top half of the table.
Team News: Gutierrez is definitely out injured for the home side along with Cabaye and the suspended Coloccini. Chico and Danny Graham have late fitness tests for the Swans.
Betting Prediction: 1-1
Dream Team Star Man: Hatem Ben Arfa
QPR v Southampton – 17 November 2012 – 15.00 KO
This should be interesting, the two sides locked together at the bottom of the table, and already falling adrift from Aston Villa who sit in 17th. Both teams have thrown money at it this year, so a lack of ambition can’t be blamed on the Chairman. Will something give if there is a losing manager Saturday?
My personal feelings are that if QPR fail to get a win, Mark Hughes can expect his P45 first thing Monday morning. If Saints lose, they will stand by Nigel Adkins, and so they should, back to back promotions are an amazing achievement. However they do need to adjust their style slightly, as they just aren’t good enough to play from the back as much as they try to.
Team News: Dyer and Mackie will probably make the bench for QPR, but Mbia will serve the last game of suspension. Nigel Adkins has ruled Richard Chaplow out for this game but the Saints have no other new problems.
Betting Prediction: 3-0
Dream Team Star Man: Esteban Granero
Reading v Everton – 17 November 2012 – 15.00 KO
As we predicted last week it now seems the Russian owners of Reading are starting to get a little impatient after a complete bore against Norwich last week, but overall perhaps a little unfairly. This time last year The Royals weren’t even setting The Championship alight, and now they are in the Premier League. Everton have only lost one of their last six away games but draw too many and I am leaning that way with my predictions this week.
