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 Carlo Ancelotti's seemingly unstoppable Chelsea side were surprisingly dumped out of the Carling Cup in midweek, ending their pursuit of a clean sweep amidst a week in which most of the media attention had been on the Blues' dominance of the league. So a return to Premiership action will be welcomed for the club, as they travel north to face Man City, who defeated Arsenal to progress into the League Cup semi-finals.
With city rivals United now their main competitors for the season's first piece of real silverware, although that is often in doubt, Mark Hughes' men have a genuine chance of adding to their sparse trophy cabinet, something the club craves. With the visit of league leaders Chelsea on Saturday, Hughes will hope that the Carling Cup progression will give his side the neccessary momentum to end a run of seven successive draws.
United will be backing their neighbours, albeit secretly, as they travel in the opposite direction to Chelsea, heading to Upton Park this weekend, a venue that has become something of a bogey ground for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.
Blackburn follow their superb defeat of Chelsea by hosting Liverpool, the big four's most vulnerable member, and Sam Allardyce will be hoping for another famous result to round off a dream return from heart surgery.
Stoke travel to the Emirates, while Hull also face a difficult away day at Villa Park.
The relegation battle should be intensified as struggling Porstmouth have an opportunity to reel in one of the pack ahead of them, as they host Burnley, who have been poor on their travels. Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez's Wigan can continue their recovery from their rout at Tottenham at home to Birmingham.
Wolves and Bolton, both in the relegation zone, are both out of sorts and know that three points this weekend is crucial, and could really kick-start a successful festive period. Meanwhile interesting ties between Everton and Villa, teams of similar aspirations but contrasting fortunes; and Fulham versus Sunderland, two mid-table teams vying for a European berth, make for an intriguing Sunday line-up.
 Game of the week - Blackburn vs Liverpool:
as previewed by Lewis Jones
Sam Allardyce is set to return to the Blackburn dug-out for Saturday's clash against Liverpool at Ewood Park.
"Big Sam" underwent heart surgery last Friday, in which a coronary artery was widened. Thankfully, the procedure was a success and the Rovers boss will be looking to return with a bang as the struggling Merseysiders roll into town.
Blackburn have steadily gone about their business so far this term and sit comfortably above the relegation zone. Rovers' home form is one of the strongest in the league; having lost just once at Ewood Park.
Influential midfielder David Dunn faces a race against time to be fit for the visit of the Reds. Dunn missed the midweek League Cup defeat against Chelsea with a calf strain and his fitness will be key to Rovers' chances this weekend.
Irish international Keith Andrews will also face a late fitness test on a calf injury.
The word struggling is probably a bit harsh considering the Reds are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions, including last week's 2-0 derby victory over Everton.
But the way Rafa Benitez's side are playing at the moment will be great cause of concern for "Rafa", they were thoroughly outplayed last week by an under-strength Toffees and even instrumental skipper Steven Gerrard was non-existent for the 90 minutes.
Away from home Liverpool have lacked a cutting edge, losing the last three on the spin before the Everton game.
The fitness of Fernando Torres is obviously the man that can re-ignite a somewhat flat Liverpool attack.
Torres has already notched ten league goals in an injury-hit campaign but Benitez will not want to rush him back from his hernia trouble in order to preserve him for the long run.
His understudy David N'Gog will once again deputise for the Spaniard and if the young Frenchman is serious about filling the boots of Torres, goals will be expected against lower Premier League sides such as Blackburn.
Despite Liverpool's derby victory last weekend, Blackburn will feel a result against an under-performing Reds is very plausible.
But the way Rafa Benitez's side are playing at the moment will be great cause of concern for "Rafa", they were thoroughly outplayed last week by an under-strength Toffees and even instrumental skipper Steven Gerrard was non-existent for the 90 minutes.
 Away from home Liverpool have lacked a cutting edge, losing the last three on the spin before the Everton game.
The fitness of Fernando Torres is obviously the man that can re-ignite a somewhat flat Liverpool attack.
Torres has already notched ten league goals in an injury-hit campaign but Benitez will not want to rush him back from his hernia trouble in order to preserve him for the long run.
His understudy David N'Gog will once again deputise for the Spaniard and if the young Frenchman is serious about filling the boots of Torres, goals will be expected against lower Premier League sides such as Blackburn.
Despite Liverpool's derby victory last weekend, Blackburn will feel a result against an under-performing Reds is very plausible.
But the way Rafa Benitez's side are playing at the moment will be great cause of concern for "Rafa", they were thoroughly outplayed last week by an under-strength Toffees and even instrumental skipper Steven Gerrard was non-existent for the 90 minutes.
Away from home Liverpool have lacked a cutting edge, losing the last three on the spin before the Everton game.
The fitness of Fernando Torres is obviously the man that can re-ignite a somewhat flat Liverpool attack.
Torres has already notched ten league goals in an injury-hit campaign but Benitez will not want to rush him back from his hernia trouble in order to preserve him for the long run.
His understudy David N'Gog will once again deputise for the Spaniard and if the young Frenchman is serious about filling the boots of Torres, goals will be expected against lower Premier League sides such as Blackburn.
Despite Liverpool's derby victory last weekend, Blackburn will feel a result against an under-performing Reds is very plausible.
VERDICT: Big Sam's return gives Liverpool a hearty reminder of their lack of strength in depth.
Saturday, 5th December 2009
Arsenal vs Stoke : Flair comes up against force this weekend as arguably the best attacking side in the league, Arsenal, host hard-working Stoke City. The home side will bounce back from recent setbacks, though, despite the endeavours of their visitors.
Aston Villa vs Hull : Bullard will have to be at his brilliant best for Hull to get anything from this game, but the English contingency and the big Norweigan, John Carew, should be able to end Hull’s impressive run.
Man City vs Chelsea : City looked slick in mid-week, while Chelsea looked below par, but a return to the form-book should ensue, with Chelsea proving solid, but City doing enough to earn a draw, again!
Portsmouth vs Burnley : Burnley's poor away form should give Portsmouth three massive points, that said the Fratton Park side have hardly got the winning feeling and could well settle for a draw.
West Ham vs Man United : Title race is still wide open, even as West Ham put on a solid show to snatch a point from the Champions.
Wigan vs Birmingham : Neither side is banging the goals in, while each has a susceptible defence? A tight, scrappy affair - don't be surprised if Lee Bowyer grabs the visitors victory.
Wolves vs Bolton : In a massive game between two out-of-form outfits, don't expect fireworks. In fact, all involved would take a point before kick-off and are likely to take just that at full-time.
Sunday, 29th November 2009
Everton vs Tottenham : Goals, yes, quality, for sure a winner? not for me but lets hope we do have a “super Sunday” game for the sake of armchair fans everywhere.
Fulham vs Sunderland : With Sunderland’s poor away record and Fulham’s formidable home form, a win for the Cottagers would seem the obvious result. But Steve Bruce has told his side they need to improve their away form soon and with Fulham’s lack of a strike force, the Black Cat’s could shade a win to enhance their European charge.
For full previews and accounts of all these games, please visit www.football-previews.co.uk |
