Premier League

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

Manchester City V Tottenham Hotspur

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 22 January 2012 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium

Preview

A mammoth afternoon of Premier League action this Sunday begins with third-placed Tottenham going to table-topping Manchester City, with Spurs set to have their title credentials examined by a team whom many believe are strong favourites to clinch their first league title for almost half-a-century.

In truth, this is a clash between the genuine contender – Man City, who are perched three points clear at the summit – and quite possibly the pretenders. Only on Sunday, upon the completion of this match, will we know whether Tottenham’s title claims are genuine.

A point would keep Harry Redknapp’s side in the hunt, still five points behind the Citizens but close enough to remain in the reckoning. A win or a loss, however, and it will either be game on or game over.

Spurs have been victorious on nine of their fourteen visits to Man City in the Premier League. Make that ten and they’ll move within striking distance of the long-time leaders, two points to be precise, and possibly above Manchester United into second should Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges come unstuck against Tottenham’s arch rivals Arsenal later that afternoon.

However, victory for the hosts, who have a perfect record at home this season with ten wins from ten, would not only strengthen their own claims for a first Premier League crown, they would effectively eliminate Tottenham from the running in the process. In this scenario, Spurs would end the weekend lagging eight points off the pace – and they’ve already used up their game in hand.

If anybody can stop an imperious Man City at home, Spurs can…

In many ways, Harry Redknapp could not of wished for a better time to face Roberto Mancini’s superstars. As while the Citizens boast an incredible record in their own backyard in the league this season, winning all ten fixtures there whilst averaging three goals per game, they will host this crucial encounter on the back of consecutive home defeats – in the FA Cup to Man Utd and in the Carling Cup to Liverpool.

Furthermore, Tottenham arrive in Manchester in pristine shape. They’re unbeaten in their last seven league games, winning four and drawing three, during which 40-year-old custodian Brad Friedal has shipped a miserly three goals, keeping four clean sheets. It all bodes well ahead of their visit to the most prolific outfit in the top flight.

Nobody has been able to withstand the offensive prowess of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this season, not even Liverpool, who at the time of their 3-0 loss there at the beginning of year, boasted the strongest defence in the Premier League. David Silva is also back fit, which is a massive boost for City chief Mancini, who may also decide to call upon Edin Dzeko, the Bosnia who netted his first goal for three months in last week’s 1-0 win at Wigan.

Team News

However, Toure brothers Kolo and Yaya are both away on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. The pair of them have been sorely missed, surprisingly even Kolo – more so in fact – as with captain Vincent Kompany currently serving a domestic suspension, Roberto Mancini has been left with little alternative but to pair Joleon Lescott with the exposed Stefan Savic in the centre of defence.

There is at least some good news for the Italian, who has Micah Richards and Mario Balotelli available for Sunday’s game with both having missing last Monday’s nervy win over Wigan.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has no option but to tinker with his team, as striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who is on loan from Manchester City, is ineligible due to the terms in his loan deal. Jermain Defoe is a worthy deputy though, and the England striker will play just in front of Dutch ace Rafael Van der Vaart. Ledley King is a huge doubt, along with the combative Sandro, while William Gallas is out injured.

Match Pointers

- Last August saw Manchester City thump Tottenham 5-1 in the north of London, with Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko accounting for four of their goals.

- Manchester City have won the previous two league meetings with Spurs, this after the latterly mentioned had won four of the previous five (from 2008 – 2010).

- Tottenham have been victorious on nine of their previous fourteen visits to Man City in the Premier League (W9 D2 L3).

- Roberto Mancini’s Citizens have won fifteen on the spin at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League (from March 2011 to present) – ten without even conceding a goal – and are unbeaten in the league at home in thirteen months (W19 D1).

- City have racked up 31 goals in ten home Premier League games so far this season (3 a game on average), but yet have conceded a miserly 4 at the other end.

- Man City have conceded one goal in their last six Premier League games, keeping clean sheets against Arsenal, Liverpool, Stoke, West Brom and Wigan.

- Tottenham are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games (W4 D3), but have won only one of their previous three away fixtures.

- Spurs haven’t conceded more than a solitary goal in a single Premier League game since they were beaten 2-1 by Stoke at the Brittania on 11 December – they’ve conceded just three times in seven since, keeping four clean sheets against Everton, Norwich, Sunderland and West Brom.

Betting

Prediction: Manchester City to WIN @ 10/11 PaddyPower

Tottenham head to Manchester in cracking shape, without defeat in seven and in the knowledge that their record away to City in the Premier League is exceptional. You could argue they’ve gone slightly stale over the festive period, scoring just nine times in their last seven league games, but they have kept four clean sheets and conceded just three times in that spell, which bodes well as they’ll need a resolute rearguard if they’re to achieve anything at what has fast become the most formidable venue in the land.

Roberto Mancini’s charges have been awesome on their own patch this season, often brushing teams aside – take their comprehensive 3-0 win over Liverpool a fortnight ago for example. They dominate teams; they encounter few problems creating chances, have scored goals for fun at times, whilst concessions of their own have been kept to a premium thanks, in the main, to the goalkeeping excellence of Joe Hart.

There aren’t too many teams who are even capable of going to Man City and winning. But while no-one has managed the feat in the league so far, outside of the Premier League both Liverpool and Manchester United recently demonstrated just how to exploit the costly voids of captain Vincent Kompany and midfield supremo Yaya Toure. They’re still a formidable outfit, but they aren’t quite as untouchable without the aforementioned duo on the team-sheet.

We’d all love nothing better than a Tottenham win here. It would blow the title race wide open. I just don’t see it happening, though. City blew Spurs out of the water at White Hart Lane back in August, winning 5-1 at White Hart Lane, and although Spurs have matured no end since that fateful afternoon, I expect Manchester City’s class to shine through once again – though it will be far closer than their previous encounter, make no mistake about that!

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals @ 2/1 Bet365

Contests between the two are usually close, especially in Manchester, but Tottenham are reportedly heading to Eastlands in the mindset of winning this fixture. That means they cannot afford to rest on their defensive laurels, which have served them so well of late. With the electric pace of Bale on the flank, the vision of Modric and the eye for a goal Rafael Van der Vaart possesess, Spurs definitely have a goal or two in them, even at fortress Etihad, while City haven’t failed to net at home in the league for fourteen months.

Match Odds

Manchester City – 10/11 PaddyPower

Draw – 11/4 Bet365

Tottenham – 17/5 BetVictor

Bolton V Liverpool

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 21 January 2012 – 17:30 GMT

Venue: The Reebok

Preview

Toothless Liverpool go to Bolton on Saturday knowing anything less than three points against the team who reside second from bottom in the Barclay’s Premier League would put another huge dent in their bid for European football next season.

Last week’s frustrating goalless draw at home to Stoke was the seventh occasion this season whereby the Reds had failed to locate the back of the opposing net, while it also left them five points adrift of Chelsea in fourth who would move eight points clear of Kenny Dalglish’s men with victory at Carrow Road over Norwich in the first of this weekend’s top flight encounters.

Whereas Liverpool are in the mix fighting for a Champions League berth, Bolton find themselves down at the other end battling to retain their Premier League status. A resounding 3-0 loss away to Manchester United seven days ago was their 15th of the campaign – having lost more games than anyone else – and left them languishing in the relegation zone, a point off safety in 19th.

Their horrific goal difference (-21) means only a win this weekend will suffice for Bolton if they’re to make a rare appearance outside of the bottom-three. It’s been over six years since the Trotters last beat Liverpool in the league, losing each of their previous eleven Premier League meetings with the Anfield outfit, while at home Owen Coyle’s side have registered a measly four points from the thirty that went on offer. That equates to one win in ten home games (W1 D1 L8).

Bad Omens

Not a lot points to a home win. Bolton are a huge price with BetVictor, who goes 11/2 on success for the hosts. Just one league win at The Reebok all season is just one of several reasons why their odds of victory are so handsome, with the Trotters unfortunately posting the worst home figures in the top flight with only four points taken from a possible thirty. They’ve also scored just eleven times at home, but yet contrived to concede a league-high 24.

Chelsea and Manchester United both notched five on visits to Bolton earlier in the term. You wouldn’t bank on Liverpool doing the same, mind. Even those lowly Trotters have plundered more goals than Kenny Dalglish’s expensively-assembled side, which should surmise perfectly the latest and current crisis on Anfield that is scoring. Defensively they’re arguably the most resolute around, with only leaders Man City conceding fewer, but only goals can win you games and goals are what Liverpool have found mighty hard to come by this season.

Fortunately for Liverpool, they’re up against the leakiest team around in Bolton, whose figures of 46 conceded in 21 top flight games simply cannot be bettered – or worsened, whichever way you prefer to look at it. Will that make a blind bit of difference though? After all, the Reds have fired blanks in three of their last four away Premier League games. Moreover, star man Luis Suarez remains suspended, while the only recognised and available striker left at the club can’t even make the team-sheet in his absence.

Match Pointers

- Liverpool are on a ten-match winning streak versus Bolton in the Premier League, winning on each of their previous four visits to The Reebok.

- Bolton’s last Premier League victory over the Reds was in September 2007, when goals from Ivan Campo and the late Gary Speed earned the Trotters a 2-0 home success.

- Jordan Henderson scored his first goal for Liverpool at Anfield in their 3-1 win over Bolton back in August., the side’s first league meeting of the season.

- Bolton, who sit second from bottom, have only won once at The Reebok in the Premier League this season (W1 D1 L8), with their 5-0 victory over Stoke on 6 November being their last win on home soil.

- Liverpool (W9 D8 L4) reside in 7TH but are now five points adrift of the Champions League places after winning only one of their last five Premier League matches.

- Despite being twelve positions worse off than Liverpool, lowly Bolton (25) have netted more times than the Reds (24), although the Trotters do have the worst defence in the top flight (46) whereas Liverpool boast the second strongest defensive figures with only 18 conceded in 21 games.

- Liverpool have won just one of their last four Premier League away games but have recorded more wins on their travels (5) than at home (4).

Betting

Prediction: Liverpool to WIN @ 4/6 with Ladbrokes

Although they have struggled on the road in recent weeks, Liverpool have preferred playing away from home because teams tend not to park the bus. Bolton certainly won’t do that – they can’t, that’s why. The Trotters simply do not do defending; 46 conceded is a league-high, which must surely benefit a Liverpool team who create chances with ease but make heavier weather at converting them than any other side in the Premier League – the Reds have a conversion rate of 9%, which is also a league-high.

In spite of their scoring difficulties, I can’t back against Liverpool. Bolton are dire at the best of times defensively but without their rock, with Gary Cahill now officially a Chelsea player, it is impossible not to fear the worse for a team who leak goals left, right and centre. The visitors should create eve more goalscoring opportunities than usual, which can only aid their chances against a Bolton side who have lost eight of ten at The Reebok in the league.

Value Bet: Andy Carroll to Score @ 6/4 with Ladbrokes

He failed to even make the starting line-up for last week’s goalless draw with Stoke at Anfield, but Andy Carroll should now be a certain starter after Dirk Kuyt’s lacklustre display up front. We’re rapidly approaching three months since the powerful forward last found the back of the net, but he won’t have many better opportunities to end his duct and better his currently dismal record with the Reds than against the most porous defence in the Premier League.

Match Odds

Bolton – 11/2 BetVictor

Draw – 14/5 bWin

Liverpool – 4/6 Ladbrokes

Norwich V Chelsea

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 21 January 2012 – 12:45 GMT

Venue: Carrow Road

Preview

Enjoying their best run of form for well over a month, title chasing Chelsea go to Norwich bidding to secure their fourth win in a row – three in the league, one in the FA Cup – that would see them reduce their arrears on long-time leaders Manchester City, who aren’t in action till the Sunday when they host title rivals Tottenham.

With their rivals coming a cropper of late, Chelsea have been able to put some meaningful breathing space between themselves and those hot on their heels below. The Blues are now four points clear of Arsenal in fifth, which means Andre Villas-Boas’ charges can focus solely on climbing the table and mounting a serious charge on the summit, instead of fearing who could leapfrog them should they come unstuck.

Come unstuck they might, as Norwich have proved on numerous occasions that they are certainly no pushovers. Despite this being their first stint at top flight football for six years, the Canaries have surprisingly held their own – they sit ninth after 21 games, eleven points clear of the relegation places, and have already established a reputation for goals.

Norwich also gave United a run for their money at Old Trafford, eventually losing 2-0 despite creating several gilt-edged chances with the score still deadlocked, but did manage to hold Liverpool at Anfield to a 1-1 draw.

It is remarkable to think that Paul Lambert’s men are still to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season. It also gives us a fair indication as to their style of football, which is open and expansive to say the very least. Only those positioned in the bottom-five have shipped more goals (36), although Norwich (32) have plundered more than Liverpool (24) and just eight fewer than high-flying Chelsea.

Should be a thoroughly entertaining affair then, with goals almost guaranteed by the looks of it. There were four when the two teams locked horns at Stamford Bridge in August, although the majority of those were netted by the hosts, Chelsea, who eventually won the contest 3-1, but not before Norwich had their goalkeeper, John Ruddy, sent off with the score at 1-1 in the 80TH minute.

There was little between them when all 22 players were on the pitch – if anything, Norwich looked the likelier winner – so this may not be a straightforward encounter for the visitors, who are odds-on favourites to record their sixth consecutive victory over Norwich in all competitions even though they’ve been winning of late without playing at all well.

Match Pointers

- Chelsea are on a five-match winning streak versus Norwich, winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge back in August – though the Canaries were reduced to ten-men in the 80th minute with the score at 1-1.

- Norwich haven’t recorded a win over Chelsea, in any competition, for eighteen-years, since a 3-0 victory at Carrow Road in December 1994.

- Hosts Norwich sit 9TH in the Premier League (W7 D7 L7), eleven points clear of the relegation zone after back-to-back away wins over QPR (1-2) and West Brom (1-2).

- The Canaries have been beaten by London opposition at home twice this season, losing 2-1 to Arsenal and 2-0 to Tottenham.

- Chelsea (W12 D4 L5) are up to fourth after back-to-back league wins over Wolves (1-2) and Sunderland (1-0).

- Andre Villas-Boas’ side have lost just two of ten away Premier League matches this season (W5 D3 L2), and none of their last five, winning three.

Betting

Prediction: Chelsea to WIN @ 8/13 PaddyPower

They say it’s a sign of a successful team when they’re winning matches without playing to their full potential or ability. Chelsea are world beaters then, as they struggled against Championship opposition recently in the FA Cup, edging past Portsmouth despite a flattering 4-1 score, while last week saw them torn to shreds at home by Sunderland. Villas-Boas & Co just so happened to win that too, although I have no idea how.

From a defensive point of view, Chelsea still scare the living daylights out of me. Sunderland made a mockery of their back-line at Stamford Bridge, creating glorious openings with consummate ease. Now, Sunderland aren’t renowned for their attacking or scoring prowess; Norwich are, and they won’t hold back at home, in front of a lively Carrow Road packed to the rafters, in testing this unconvincing rearguard that has conceded an uncharacteristic 25 goals in 21 league games so far this season.

London clubs Arsenal and Tottenham have gone to Norwich and won this season, the latter with ease, so the omens are good for West Londoners Chelsea. I can see Andre Villas-Boas celebrating another maximum haul, especially as Fernando Torres appears on the cusp of another ‘second-coming’, but they’re unlikely to have things all their own way.

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals @ 13/8 SkyBet

Norwich are set up in such a way that goals are inevitable, whether it be them converting of the opponent. They’ll enjoy playing against this Chelsea defence – anyone would – but every time they pile numbers forward they leave themselves exposed to the counter, which is where the visitors should enjoy plenty of success.

Match Odds

Norwich – 5/1 Ladbrokes

Draw – 3/1 Bet365

Chelsea – 8/13 PaddyPower

QPR V Wigan

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 21 January 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Loftus Road

Preview

Basement battlers QPR and Wigan go head-to-head for only the second in the Premier League in what few could deny is a relegation six-pointer. Just two points separate them at the foot of the table and with neither in any great shape or form, correctly predicting which way this one will go is anything but straightforward.

Home advantage would normally be a critical factor in these types of encounters, as Wigan shown when winning the reverse meeting at the DW Stadium 2-0. Not on this instance, though. Wigan, who prop up the division in 20TH, have only won twice away from home all season, during two smash and grab raids at Sunderland and West Brom, but that’s twice as many as Rangers, who have just one solitary home success to their name, against Chelsea way back in October.

Any manager will tell you that survival is built on strong, dependable foundations at your own ground. Just look at Swansea and Norwich for example, who have racked up plenty of points in their own backyards so far and are looking a better bet to stay up than Rangers. Fans are praying the appointment of Mark Hughes, who does have a proven record when it comes to turning club’s fortunes around, will ignite a revival.

Hughes’ first game in charge was at Newcastle. Although his team were on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat, there was a lot to like about their performance. The defence was more resolute than we’ve seen recently, while the midfield displayed plenty of industry and endeavour. Up front, though, the Welshman faces a huge tasks transforming a bleak, uninspiring offensive line that has only plundered 19 goals all season – only their opponents, Wigan, have found the net on fewer occasions in the top flight.

It’s obvious QPR are in desperate need of some fresh impetus, some new faces, and while we’re excited by some of the names linked with the club, we still await the first signing of the Hughes reign. In the meantime, Hughes must select from limited resources, a squad that isn’t the best when everyone is available, so to have Adel Taarabt and Armand Traore away on international duty, as well as Joey Barton out suspended, is far from ideal.

Rangers’ star man, Argentine midfielder Alejandro Faurlin, the player who pulls all their strings, is also out injured (for the remainder of the campaign). However Wigan, too, are missing one of their key midfielders, with the combative Mohamed Diame also away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations. But his absence didn’t appear to have that much of a detrimental affect on Monday, when the Latics were a little hard done-by to lose 1-0 to league leaders Man City.

That defeat to Man City extended Wigan’s run without a win in the Premier League to six, seven in all competitions if you include their shock exit from the FA Cup to League Two Swindon, while only Fulham have scored fewer goals on than travels than Roberto Martinez’s side.

The plus side for the visitors is they are playing a team in the embryonic stage of their transition under Mark Hughes, a team who like themselves have gone what will seem like an eternity without winning: QPR’s last Premier League win was on 19 November away at Stoke, when they won 3-2; they have lost seven of nine since. They have, though, progressed in the FA Cup, where they’ll meet West London rivals Chelsea in the fourth round after edging out League One MK Dons during the week in a replay.

Match Pointers

- Only their second ever meeting in the Premier League, with Wigan winning the first 2-0 at the DW Stadium on 27 August 2011.

- This will be their eighth encounter in all; the pair have two wins apiece while there have been three draws, although QPR did win the most recent at Loftus Road 1-0, in the very first season of the Championship in 2004.

- QPR (W4 D5 L12) have plummeted down the league, to 18TH, after going nine games and over two months without a Premier League win.

- Rangers have only recorded one win at home all season (W1 D4 L5), beating West London neighbours Chelsea 1-0 on 23 October.

- It is now six top flight games without a win for Wigan, who occupy 20TH in the Premier League but could climb out of the relegation zone with a win (though much will depend on how others fare over the course of the weekend).

- The Latics have the third leakiest defence in the division, conceding on average two goals per game (42 from 21 games), but the worst scoring figures with only 18 goals scored (QPR, with 19, are next).

- Both camps are missing African stars due to the African Cup of Nations: Adel Taarabt and Armand Traore are unavailable for QPR while Mohamed Diame is also away on international duty for the Latics.

Betting

Prediction: QPR to WIN @ 1/1 (Evens) WilliamHill

So much works needs to be done with this QPR team if they’re to stave off relegation. They were anything but convincing in their FA Cup third round replay with League One MK Dons on Wednesday, requiring a late winner from defender Danny Gabbidon to dig them out off what could so easily of been an embarrassing hole. On the basis of that last performance, we couldn’t go anywhere near the home side, but we have to take into consideration the calibre of their opponents this weekend.

Wigan are fast becoming a team you just do not back, regardless of the circumstances. Their shock exit from the FA Cup at the hands of League Two Swindon was followed by their twelfth league defeat of the season at home to Man City. Their performance in the latter was encouraging; however, Roberto Martinez will be all too aware that QPR remain a club in transition and will view this fixture very much as winnable, which in itself could be his and Wigan’s downfall.

The Latics can be a handful on the break, with Victor Moses a real livewire, but their defence is unpredictable and so unreliable. In a match Roberto Martinez has every right to believe can be won, I expect the visitors to show more ambition which in turn should allow the home side more time and space on the ball to attack a porous Wigan defence that leaks on average two goals per game.

Value Bet: QPR to score 4 or more goals @ 10/1 PaddyPower

I haven’t exactly spoke of QPR’s attackers in a positive light, yet this fixture is such that Mark Hughes’ men could help themselves to a couple against one of the Premier League’s leakiest defences. Wigan simply must show some ambition in this fixture, as only a win will lift them off the bottom, and that in itself equates to trouble.

Match Odds

QPR – 1/1 (Evens) WilliamHill

Draw – 12/5 Bet365

Wigan – 16/5 StanJames

Fulham V Newcastle

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 21 January 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Craven Cottage

Preview

In contrasting moods, Fulham and Newcastle meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday in a fixture that has always been far too close to call. The good news, though, is that draws have been few and far between – just one in their previous nine meetings in the top flight – although, if there is to be a decisive outcome, recent history would suggest it will be by the odd goal.

Since the 2006/07 season, the pair have clashed nine times in the Premier League; Newcastle winning just the three to Fulham’s five, while there has been just the one draw. Of those eight decisive outcomes, seven were by a one-goal margin. Last season’s corresponding fixture followed this very same pattern, with Fulham recording their sixth win in nine Premier League home games versus the Magpies with a 1-0 success at the Cottage.

Bet365 offer alluring odds of 3/1 on another narrow home success for Fulham, who are bidding to claim all the spoils in this fixture for the third year running. Newcastle meanwhile, whose last victory at Craven Cottage came in December 2007 with a 1-0 scoreline, are 9/2 to repeat the feat and win by one goal.

The Magpies did exact their revenge at the beginning of this season however, winning 2-1 at St James’ Park back in August thanks to a well-taken brace from Leon Best. It was Best who struck the only goal of the game last weekend as well, as Newcastle edged out QPR, at home, to record their second consecutive league win, to go with their sensational 3-0 win over defending champions Man Utd, and climb above Liverpool into sixth, level on points Arsenal who occupy a Europa League berth.

Could it be that the club dares dream of European football next season? The £10million January acquisition of Senegalese striker Papiss Demba Cisse would suggest so, although Newcastle fans will have to wait until the completion of the forthcoming African Cup of Nations before they catch a glimpse of their latest African goal-getter. If this Demba is anything like the one they currently have, goals could be a speciality on Tyneside from now on.

Fulham did actually begin the campaign in Europe via the Europa League, exiting at the group stage. A return, however, isn’t imminent due to a lacklustre season to date. Martin Jol’s side have struggled for consistency all season (W5 D8 L8), failing to record back-to-back league wins under his tenure so far.

Last week’s 3-1 loss to Blackburn was a new low for the Dutchman and his clan, who, despite boasting a numerical advantage for the best part of an hour, failed to overhaul the Premier League’s then bottom side. Now they seek home comforts, and they’ll hope to take some inspiration and belief from their recent exploits at Craven Cottage having recorded narrow wins over Liverpool (1-0) and Arsenal (2-1) either side of the New Year.

Match Pointers

- Leon Best’s brace in the reverse meeting, at St James’ Park in August, handed Newcastle a 2-1 win, with American Clint Dempsey popping up late on with a consolation for the Cottagers.

- In their last seven top flight meetings, only twice have both teams got on the scoresheet (So Both Teams to Score does not look promising).

- Newcastle have suffered defeat by a one-goal margin on four of their last five visits to Craven Cottage in the Premier League, and on each of the previous two.

- Fulham slipped to 14TH following defeat to ten-man Blackburn last week, although they did record a 2-1 win over Arsenal last time out at Craven Cottage.

- The Cottagers have claimed four of their five Premier League victories this season at home (W4 D3 L3), where they score twice as many goals and do boast the scalps of Arsenal (2-1) and Liverpool (1-0).

- Alan Pardew’s Magpies are up to 6TH after their recent successes at home, recording to nil wins over Man Utd (3-0) and QPR (1-0).

- On their travels, however, Newcastle have won only one of their previous five – a 2-0 win at struggling Bolton – losing heavily at Liverpool (3-1), Man City (3-1) and Norwich (4-2) during this dismal travelling sequence.

- Newcastle have scored in all but one of their ten away Premier League games so far this term, which was a 0-0 draw at QPR on 12 September.

Betting

Prediction: Fulham to WIN – 21/20 Ladbrokes

Such a tough one to call, this; Fulham’s recent home form is strong with three wins from four, including impressive scalps of Arsenal and Liverpool, but Newcastle arrive in fine form themselves – they’re searching for their third consecutive league win – and are usually so well organised under Pardew.

Key players are however missing for the visitors, who managed to ground out a 1-0 win at home to hapless QPR last time out despite being without African stars Chieck Tiote and Demba Ba. They coped well considering, but they were playing at home against woeful opposition – QPR went into that game without a win in eight in the league. Fulham away will be far tougher; the Cottagers are so resilient and hard-working at Craven Cottage, where they tend to play with more fluidity and score with more regularity.

There will be some wounded egos in that Fulham dressing room following last week’s Blackburn humbling, so I expect a response from Martin Jol’s beleaguered side, against a Newcastle team who go travelling for the very first time without two integral cogs in their machine.

Value Bet: Fulham to WIN by 1 Goal (Winning Margin) – 3/1 Bet365

This was inevitable, right? All six of Fulham’s previous wins over Newcastle in the Premier League were by a one-goal margin, including the last two meetings at Craven Cottage. Martin Jol’s men have also beaten Arsenal and Liverpool at home recently – no prizes for guessing the margin of success in both.

Match Odds

Fulham – 21/20 Ladbrokes

Draw – 12/5 PaddyPower

Newcastle – 3/1 BetVictor

Swansea V Arsenal

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 15 January 2012 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Liberty Stadium

Preview

When these two clashed at the Emirates in September, it was a close-run thing; Andrey Arshavin scored the only goal for Arsenal of what was a tight affair, but Swansea gave a very good account of themselves and created some really good chances. On another day, who knows what the final score might have been. So it promises to be an intriguing contest when the two, of similar styles and qualities, reconvene for the second time this season, only this time it will be on the Welsh side’s terms.

Considering how there was very little to choose between them some four months ago, surely hosts Swansea must be made tentative favourites? That is anything but the case, which is surprising seeing as only champions Manchester United have gone to the Liberty Stadium and won so far this season, or that Arsenal have lost precisely half of their away fixtures.

It’s a cliché, but Swansea really have made their home stadium a fortress. Just one defeat in their own backyard all season is outstanding really, exceptional even, especially when coupled with their supernatural defensive record; Brendan Rodgers’ men have kept six clean sheets and conceded just four times at the Liberty Stadium. In their most recent encounter there, they gave title chasing Tottenham a proper going over.

Arsenal, meanwhile, slumped to their fifth away loss of the campaign at Fulham last time out in the league. Their response was to labour to victory over Championship side Leeds in the FA Cup, but they were anything but convincing, in a game they were also favourites to win. If anything, Thierry Henry popping up with the winner only highlighted how much Arsenal struggle to create and score goals when Robin Van Persie isn’t in the team, with the Dutchman rested for the third round tie.

Bringing Henry back on loan could be a shrewd acquisition by Arsene Wenger, but it’s also a common sense purchase as well. The reliance on Van Persie has become too great to ignore, to the point where when he doesn’t fire, Arsenal don’t collect as many points as they perhaps should. Just two wins over the festive period emphasised their urgent need for fresh impetus, as well as their needs for goals, having mustered just six in as many league games.

Despite the buzz around North London surrounding Thierry Henry, the iconic figure is likely to begin proceedings on the bench at Swansea. Robin Van Persie is set to return after sitting out Arsenal’s narrow FA Cup triumph over Leeds, while Theo Walcott is also in contention after missing several games over the festive period through illness. However, a whole host of defenders are still missing, including the dependable Thomas Vermealen.

As for the hosts, Swansea are just about at full strength for this fixture. Manager Brendan Rodgers did rotate for last week’s FA Cup tie with Barnsley, with striker Danny Graham netting a hat-trick in a 4-2 success, so it should be a fresh and reinvigorated Swansea side who host Arsenal in the Premier League for the very first time. You won’t be at all surprised to hear that this game has been sold-out for a while.

Match Pointers

- Only their second meeting since 1983, with Arsenal edging out Swansea in their Premier League encounter in September at the Emirates; Andrey Arshavin’s first-half strike doing the damage in a 1-0 success for the Gunners.

- Swansea have kept six clean sheets in ten home Premier League games, and can boast the strongest home defence in the top flight with only four goals conceded.

- Four of Swansea’s five top flight victories this season were earned at the Liberty Stadium in Wales (W4 D5 L1), although the Swans have only managed one win there in their last five.

- Five of Arsenal’s six league defeats this term were away from home (W4 D1 L5), where they’ve kept just two clean sheets in ten and conceded 22 times – no team has shipped more on their travels than Arsene Wenger’s side.

- Arsenal have not played out a draw away from home since the opening weekend; however, Swansea have drawn their previous two home games, the latter against Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham (1-1).

Betting

I’m glad this game is on Sky as it should be a good watch. Both teams prefer it when they have the ball at their feet so it could boil down to whichever monopolises possession the better.

On the basis of their performance at home to third-place Tottenham, my money would firmly be on hosts Swansea, whose record at home in the Premier League is nothing short of outstanding. Only Manchester United have left Wales victorious this season, while just four of the ten teams who have so far visited the Liberty Stadium have managed to score past Michel Vorm, who at times has been superhuman in goal.

Having forward Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie fit and available is a huge plus for Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger, but for me there is too much onus on the midfield trio of Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta, who simply must hold their own in the middle of the park, and especially Alex Song. The latter will be tasked with shielding this frail defence – the porous in the Premier League away from home, with 22 conceded in just 10 outings – shorn of natural leader, with Thomas Vermealen joining a whole host of defensive personnel on the sidelines.

Personally, I don’t make Arsenal favourites. It’s incredible how well Swansea retain possession, something Arsenal were previously renowned for, but also how well they defend. The same cannot be said for the Gunners who go to Wales with a makeshift back-four, a midfield trio who are steadily improving but are by no means a finished article, and a forward line that has struggled for the past month.

The draw has obvious appeal, however, with Swansea striker Danny Graham recently netting a hat-trick recently in the FA Cup, I feel the Swans may edge this and record a famous win. They are certainly value to do so.

Match Outcome: Swansea to WIN – 4/1 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: Danny Graham First Goalscorer – 9/1 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Swansea – 4/1 Ladbrokes

Draw – 11/4 Coral

Arsenal – 5/6 VictorChandler

Newcastle V QPR

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 15 January 2012 – 13:30 GMT

Venue: St James’ Park

Preview

It has been non-stop at QPR since the last round of Premier League games, with the club all set to usher in new regime under manager Mark Hughes. The Welshman takes over the reins from Neil Warnock, who was handed his marching orders by owner Tony Fernandes following an horrendous run which has seen the club plummet down the league before coming within minutes of exiting the FA Cup at the hands of lower league opposition in the form of League One MK Dons.

First up for QPR’s latest manager – their thirteenth in the past six seasons – is a trip to the North East to tackle high-flying Newcastle, who before last week’s FA Cup third round ties recorded a comprehensive 3-0 victory over reigning champions Manchester United. A tough baptism of fire then for the former Blackburn, Fulham and Man City chief, who has gone on record as saying he’s committed for the long haul.

QPR have promised supporters some exciting times ahead under this new regime, although first the club must escape their current predicament. Mark Hughes has inherited a team who are currently languishing fourth from bottom in the Barclay’s Premier League, a solitary point off the relegation zone as they prepare to make the long trek up north to Tyneside.

Their fortuitous draw with MK Dons in the third round of the FA Cup, with Heidur Helguson scoring in stoppage time to spare their blushes against the League One side, came on the back of a dismal league sequence which has seen the club go eight without winning, losing six.

Some section of the Rangers faithful weren’t entirely thrilled to see the back of Neil Warnock, despite the fact he leaves the club in a disappointing state. So there will be a fair amount of pressure on the new man in charge, to deliver instant results, with the club in urgent need of a quick-fix, let alone a long term successor to a man who was clearly held in high regard by supporters.

QPR’s opponents this weekend won’t make it easy for Hughes on his managerial bow, either; hosts Newcastle are keen to consolidate seventh place in the standings and could even leapfrog Liverpool into sixth with a win, should the Reds fail to beat Stoke at home. Alan Pardew’s side have already put a four-point gap between themselves and their closest pursuer, Stoke, but will eye this fixture against out of form QPR as a golden opportunity to bolster their already impressive points tally.

Pardew is, however, without star men Chieck Tiote and Demba Ba, who are currently preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast and Senegal respectively. The latter were both missing as Newcastle laboured to a 2-1 success over Blackburn in the FA Cup, with the same pair influential in that impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester United in their last league match.

Striker Ba has 14 Premier League goals in 2011/12, accounting for over half of Newcastle’s overall goal tally (29), while Tiote’s destructive qualities will be sorely missed in the heart of the midfield; the latter will arguably be a far bigger loss than the goalscoring machine that has been Demba Ba.

Match Pointers

- Newcastle are currently five unbeaten versus Queens Park Rangers, winning two of the previous three encounters on Tyneside, although their meeting at Loftus Road back in September finished goalless.

- Hosts Newcastle boast the best home record outside of the top-six in the Premier League (W5 D3 L2), but they have won only once in four at the newly named Sports Direct Arena (known to most as St James’ Park).

- The Magpies will be without top scorer Demba Ba, the Senegalese striker who accounts for 15 of his team’s 29 league goals.

- In their last league encounter, Newcastle comprehensively beat reigning Premier League champions Manchester United 3-0 at home.

- This will be Mark Hughes’ first game in charge of QPR following the sacking of Neil Warnock, who leaves the club fourth from bottom in 17TH and without a win in eight in the league (W0 D2 L6).

- Rangers have lost six times away from home, the joint-most number of away defeats in the top flight.

- QPR have failed to score in four of ten away games this season, while Newcastle have kept as many clean sheets in the same number of home games.

Betting

After seeing the miraculous job Martin O’Neill is doing at Sunderland, some will presume Mark Hughes will work similar wonders with QPR. I don’t see that being the case. Rangers have looked lacklustre for a while now, so it will naturally take time before the players really get on board with their new gaffer.

Without several key players due to the Africa Cup of Nations taking precedent, I suspected Newcastle might struggled. To lose the combative presence of Tiote in the middle of the park, as well as the scoring prowess of Demba Ba, is huge and will naturally have an adverse affect on their forthcoming results. This was almost the case at home to Blackburn in the FA Cup before they scored an injury time winner to complete a spirited comeback, after previously falling behind to a side they were firm favourites to brush aside.

To sum up; I’m not convinced with either. Newcastle were outstanding against Manchester United at the beginning of the month and a performance of that ilk will see them collect another three-point haul at home to QPR, who have lost six and won none of their last eight league games. But the home side are without several players who made that memorable result against United possible, which could prove detrimental to their chances of recording back-to-back league wins for the first time since 5 November.

Another stalemate for me, to go with their goalless draw at Loftus Road back in September. In fact, 0-0 isn’t a bad shout; Newcastle are without their leading marksmen while QPR required some hapless defending just to score one against League One side MK Dons last weekend.

Match Outcome: Draw – 11/4 VictorChandler

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) – 10/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Newcastle – 4/5 Bet365

Draw – 11/4 VictorChandler

QPR – 4/1 Ladbrokes

Liverpool V Stoke

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 14 January 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Anfield

Preview

Stoke fans don’t have much to complain about these days; this is their fourth successive season in the Premier League, last May they were at Wembley competing for the FA Cup with Manchester City, while next month will see them host Spanish hot shots Valencia in the Last-32 of the UEFA Europa League. Yet, if there was one small complaint it would be their lack of a famous victory at one of the country’s most revered venues.

The chance to seize the moment and record a win that would forever go down in club folklore will present itself on Saturday, when Stoke pay a buoyant Liverpool a visit at one of the most iconic grounds in English football – Anfield. History will tell you they have no chance, with no Potters victory on Merseyside for almost half a century, but Stoke have been a problematic opponent for Liverpool in recent times, as recently as September in actual fact, when Tony Pulis’ men recorded a 1-0 win at The Brittania.

Away from their fortress however, Stoke remain largely unreliable. It was their Achilles heel last season, playing away from home, winning just three of nineteen away matches all term, but they’ve shown vast improvement of late; their 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park on 2 January was their third away win in four, following up triumphs at Everton (0-1) and Wolves (1-2).

Still, Liverpool are a class above from those aforementioned teams who were recently put to the sword at home by Stoke, as they demonstrated in midweek by becoming only the second side in fourteen months to beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds are also one of only two teams in the Premier League still to lose a home league game this season, although four wins and six draws isn’t the sort of form one of Liverpool’s calibre can be boastful of.

Liverpool’s inability to put inferior opposition to the sword at home has without question been their Achilles heel. The likes of Blackburn, Norwich, Sunderland and Swansea have all left Anfield unscathed this season, making Kenny Dalglish’s team an automatic no-go at odds-on for most punters. Star man Luis Suarez is also still suspended, which is another huge negative considering the Reds have struggled in front of goal even with him in the team, although the Uruguayan’s loss can be compensated by the return of talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard.

He’s only been back five minutes but already Steven Gerrard’s contribution can be felt; it was his quality from the bench which helped Liverpool see off Newcastle in their last league game at Anfield, which they won 3-1, and it was his confidently-struck penalty against Man City in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final which handed his team the initiative heading back to Anfield for the second leg in two week’s time.

So, inspired by their performance during the week against the current Barclay’s Premier League leaders, you would like to think Liverpool will be too strong for Stoke. But then that should have been the case on so many occasions. Plus Stoke have tasted recent success on Merseyside, beating Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park in December.

Match Pointers

- On the three occasions these two teams have clashed at Anfield in the Premier League, Liverpool have yet to lose, winning the last two, while Stoke have yet to score.

- In all competitions, Stoke have failed to record a win over Liverpool on Merseyside since 1959, when they won what must have been a 4-3 thriller in the Old Division Two – the Reds are unbeaten in 31 Anfield meetings since then, winning 28.

- Liverpool remain unbeaten on home soil this season with four wins and six draws, recording a 3-1 win over Newcastle in their last match at Anfield.

- The Reds saw their five-game streak without losing in the league diminish after losing 3-0 at Manchester City last time out – only their fourth reverse of the term (W9 D7 L4).

- Liverpool have scored one goal or fewer in seven of their ten home league games, although they have conceded a somewhat miserly 8 goals.

- Stoke have won five and lost only one of their previous eight Premier League matches (W5 D2 L1).

- The Potters are also targeting their fourth away win in five, having recorded wins at Everton (0-1), Wolves (1-2) and Blackburn (1-2) since the beginning of December.

- Away from home, though, Stoke have only mustered 8 goals, failing to score in four of ten away matches.

Betting

Is it wise to be backing Liverpool at 4/9 (General odds)? Perhaps not, certainly not in a singular bet. They’ve come unstuck against some really average teams at home; Blackburn and Norwich to name but a few, while we should also factor in just how much energy was exerted in their Carling Cup victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, in which they spent virtually the entire second half defending in their own half, chasing the ball.

Stoke, meanwhile, well they arrive in confident mood. They are safely through to the fourth round of the FA Cup after coming from behind to beat Gillingham, while it’s now three wins from four away from home after beating Blackburn 2-1 in their most recent league assignment. Potters boss Tony Pulis also has no fresh injuries or suspension so will pick from a full-strength squad.

Despite a turbulent couple of weeks, there is a buzz around Anfield. The return of their talisman, Steven Gerrard, has certainly lifted the mood on Merseyside, especially in the absence of fan-favourite Luis Suarez. They’ll also take an enormous amount of confidence and belief from their performance against Man City in midweek, which should set them up nicely as they bid to win for only the fifth time at Anfield in the league this season.

So, it’s a Liverpool win for me. They’re unlikely to blow Stoke away, mind. A 2-0 win is 2/1 with WilliamHill, while Steven Gerrard to open the scoring is 5/1 with PaddyPower. Both boast some form of appeal in a match the Reds have to be winning if they’re to keep in touch with the top-four.

Match Outcome: Liverpool to WIN – 4/9 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: 2-0 Liverpool (Correct Score) – 6/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Liverpool – 4/9 Ladbrokes

Draw – 7/2 Boylesports

Stoke – 15/2 PaddyPower