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Dec 28 2012
It’s been a quite wonderful 2012. Manchester City winning the title in the dying seconds, and Chelsea snatching the Champions League. We for one, can’t wait for 2013! It’s now time to head into the very last weekend, and thus the very last games of the year.
Sunderland v Tottenham – Saturday 29 December 2012 – 12.45 KO
With 3 wins from 4, Martin O’Neill looks like he finally has The Black Cats going in the right direction, Adam Johnson is also finding his feet back in the North East again and this can only be good for them. Spurs are also on a good run themselves with just 1 loss in 7.
Premier League Team News: John O’Shea could return from injury for Sunderland whilst Dembele and Dempsey could recover from their knocks to play some part for Spurs. Danny Rose is ineligible as part of his loan agreement.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 1-1
Dream Team Star Man: Stephane Sessegnon
Aston Villa v Wigan – Saturday 29 December 2012 – 15.00 KO
Lightning can’t strike a third time over the Christmas period for Villa can it? Since going up to Anfield and securing a nice win, I was confident Villa would be safe this time round. But shipping 12 goals in 2 games leaves them with the league’s worst goal difference, and Wigan could jump above them if they win. Although let’s remember they haven’t managed this feat in 6 themselves.
Premier League Team News: Villa probably have as many players injured as goals conceded in their last two games, and to make matters worse Delph is also suspended for this fixture. Alcaraz could escape to the bench for his first bit of action since September.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 1-1
Dream Team Star Man: James McCarthy
Fulham v Swansea – Saturday 29 December 2012 – 15.00 KO
With only a couple of days until the transfer window opening, it is certainly silly season in the tabloids and a lot of speculation that Hangeland is off 3 miles up the road to join QPR. Is that really a step up? Swansea have had a mixed festive period so far. After securing a draw at home to United, they may feel a little disappointed to only secure a draw against Reading last time out.
Premier League Team News: Petric is likely to make the bench for Fulham and there is a small chance Diarra may feature. The Swans star man Michu is a big doubt.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 2-1
Dream Team Star Man: Dimitar Berbatov
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion – Saturday 29 December 2012 – 15.00 KO
Title already in the bag? The bookies certainly think so. This could be a better match-up than it first sounds with United’s all-out attack matching up nicely with Steve Clarkes counter attacking WBA. The longer West Brom manage to keep a clean sheet, the better this game could be!!
Premier League Team News: Rooney’s Hamstring injury keeps him out for a while (although I’m sure he planned it to get stuck into the Christmas Turkey!), whilst Welbeck, Young and Rafael could all feature after missing out on Boxing Day. Jonas Olsson misses out for West Brom through injury.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 3-1
Dream Team Star Man: Robin van Persie
Norwich v Manchester City – Saturday 29 December 2012 – 15.00 KO
A tough game for Norwich as they look to come back from successive defeats, but they’ve taking some good scalps at Carrow Road this season and adding The Champions to that would be impressive. This is an important game for City, and one they must win to put a resemblance of pressure on their neighbours at the top of the table.
Premier League Team News: Norwich are reporting no new injury problems, whilst City have Tevez back after illness.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 0-2
Dream Team Star Man: Sergio Aguero
Reading v West Ham – Saturday 29 December 2012 – 15.00 KO
Reading always seem to save their best performances for West Ham, 4 years ago they beat them 6-0 and they also did the double in the Championship last year. I think it must stem back to the bitterness their fans have when The Hammers appointed Alan Pardew. Anyway, this is a must win for Reading and one they may well just do as West Ham haven’t looked the same team since Momo Diame got injured against Liverpool.
Premier League Team News: Reading may keep the same team who drew against Swansea. West Ham should have Gary O’Neil and Guy Demel fit. Carlton Cole is also available after his red card against Everton was rescinded. Yossi Benayoun has had his loan cut short and has returned to Chelsea.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 2-0
Dream Team Star Man: Jobi McAnuff
Stoke City v Southampton – Saturday 29 December 2012 – 15.00 KO
Stokes home record is outstanding so far this season, 9 games, no losses and only 4 goals conceded, whilst Southampton have only won 1 away from home and have let in a quite massive 21 goals. Can you see where this prediction is going…
Premier League Team News: Ryan Shawcross sits this one out for the home side through suspension. Luckily for The Saints they didn’t get any knocks over the busy Christmas period.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 2-0
Dream Team Star Man: Jon Walters
Arsenal v Newcastle – Saturday 29 December 2012 – 15.00 KO
So winding Alex Ferguson is another thing for Alan Pardew to put on his CV this week. He has already had a touchline spat with Arsene Wenger in the past. Could Arsene take Newcastle fans to the cleaners over the next few weeks by winning this game and taking advantage of the alleged buyout clause in Demba Ba’s contract?
Premier League Team News: Santos has returned to training for Arsenal but this game comes too soon. Williamson is suspended for Newcastle.
Premier League Betting Prediction: 3-1
Dream Team Star Man: Jack Wilshere
Everton v Chelsea – Sunday 30 December 2012 – 13.30 KO
The Toffees have had their best 1st half of the season in a long while and like Stoke still have an unbeaten home record. However I suspect theirs maybe harder to keep against an improving Chelsea side who have won their last 3 and are rapidly closing the gap to Manchester City in second.
