Another exciting weekend in the Prem(aren't they all) with some classic bogie(upset) matches in the offing(making). It's a battle of wits between Fergie and 'Ansome 'Arry 'Oudini, while Everton will try to fight off the challenge of Man City(shekel).Saturday
Arsenal at Middlesbrough- After being humbled by Porto in midweek, we can probably expect the Dr. Jekyll version of the Gunners to show up. That's if their healthy, as Toure and Nasri are out, while Fabregas, Clichy, RVP and Adebayor are all fighting knocks that kept them out of the Porto game. Gareth Southgate might have to get a kit(jersey), with Wheater suspended and Huth, Hoyte, Taylor and Riggott all dealing with injuries. Arsenal have already lost three on the road, and can't afford a fourth. Arsenal 3-1
Fulham at Stoke- Fulham have gotten a result from eight of their last nine fixtures, during which they've allowed five goals. They have yet to win on the road, and will need offense if they want to grab their first. Rory DeLap is dealing with an arm injury(how often do you hear that mentioned in football(soccer)), so the long throw might be off the menu. This could be an ol' English classic(snoozer). Tie 0-0
WBA at Sunderland- After grabbing a point last weekend(hey had one from eight matches going in), West Brom will attempt to build on that. They have lost Ishmael Miller for the season(Bednar should fill in), but the coachless Black Cats are just the team to face. Sunderland put on an impressive performance against Man U last weekend, but were devastated after Vidic's injury time winner. This is a battle of the drop zone, and a win would do wonders for either side. Tie 1-1
Bolton at Aston Villa- It's a case of homefield disadvantage for Villa, as Bolton's strong road form and Villa's weak home record clash. Though they've only lost once, Villa have collected three fewer points at home, while Bolton has four more points on the road. Carew is still out for Villa, so it will be their pace against the size of Bolton. Villa might suffer at set pieces again like they did against Everton, and November's manager of the month(Gary Megson) will try his best. Tie 1-1
Hull at Liverpool- Rafa has brought back his rotation policy, which can only mean that the Reds Premiership form will suffer. His comments that Liverpool can only win if the other teams slip up was telling, and it might take a new contract to rekindle his interest in the Prem. Torres is still out, and Marlon King is out on bail, which means he's in. Phil Brown's club has been lucky so far, but they'll need to find a valley of 4-leaf clovers to have a chance. Liverpool 2-0
Everton at Manchester City- Last week's loss against Villa was painful for Everton, and they seem to be going through their own Jekyll and Hyde problems. With Anichebe dealing with his own injury, they may be forced to play without a striker. Mark Hughes has been dealing with his own problems, as Robinho deals with an ankle injury, and the losses start to mount. Depending on which version of these teams show up, this could be an exciting matchup. I think Everton will be Hyde and City Jekyll. City 2-1
Blackburn at Wigan- The rumors are that if Rovers lose this game, Ince loses his job. While the league is very tight, Blackburn has slowly descended the table to 19th place. Blackburn have done better away from home, but they will need Santa Cruz, Derbyshire and whoever else they throw on to score some goals. Wigan have played well, and will be a tough nut to crack. Boyce is out, and Palacios is serving a ban. Zaki looked good last weekend, but will probably come off the bench. Tie 1-1
Manchester United at Tottenham- 'Ansome 'Arry 'Oudini seems to have caught the Champions at the right time. The red devils are looking towards the Club World Championships in Japan, and have Evra and Rooney suspended. while Ferdinand and Berbatov are doubts. With Campbell not allowed to play against United, 'Arry might play it safe with only one striker. Four days rest may not be enough for King, so the magician might have to shuffle the deck. Tie 2-2
Sunday
Newcastle at Portsmouth- The clubs are only separated by seven points, but that's ten places at this point in the season. At their best, Newcastle have looked like a club that might escape relegation. At their best, Portsmouth have looked like a club that might make it into Europe. As both are up for sale, their future is uncertain, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of January selling. Owen has scored of late, but the intent might have been to alert possible suitors to his presence, rather than help Newcastle. The Crouch-Defoe partnership looks strong, and Pompey fans can only hope it's still there when the transfer window closes. Portsmouth 2-1
West Ham at Chelsea- Zola is coming back to the Bridge, but Blues fans will be most excited to see his lackluster squad. West Ham is still cursed with injuries, and while the wide-counter-attacking style that Zola plays should be fun, Chelsea should show him how it's really done. Drogba will be able to play, and after his performance against Cluj he should see some minutes. The only questions is whether the optimistic Italian will still be smiling after the game. Chelsea 3-0
One Liners
- Buffon wants £250,00 a week deal to move to City, better hope oil prices go up
- Fifa release shortlist for World Player of the Year, otherwise known as the Cristiano Ronaldo award
- Van Der Sar signs new one year deal, if Maldini can still play than why not him
- Kinnear fears Owen will leave club in January, along with every other player who can
- Transfer window date moved to February 2nd at 5pm, so don't expect to get any work done that Monday
