Premiership Previews December 19-21
| Premiership Previews December 19-21 |
| Written by Lee Price |
| Friday, 18 December 2009 13:45 |
|
Elsewhere there are comfortable looking fixtures for Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa - but we know what that sort of statement is like in this league. Man United face a difficult trip to Craven Cottage, the scene of two sendings off last year, while there are various other intriguing ties throughout the league - including Monday night's fixture between Wigan and Bolton. Game of the week: Everton vs Birminghamas previewed by Andrew Broome In a reversal of pre-season expectations, Birmingham find themselves flirting with the top six while Everton are lingering just above the relegation zone. With Everton tipped for a European tilt, it is Birmingham who are in continental form; boasting an eight match unbeaten streak and five straight wins. The latest in that sequence was a 2-1 victory over Blackburn on Tuesday night – Cameron Jerome’s brace firing the newly-promoted outfit to within four points of the top four. Lee Bowyer, despite being widely written-off after a disappointing spell at West Ham, has been the stand-out player for Alex McLeish; leading the club’s scoring charts with five goals. That tally is the 32-year-old’s most in a season since the 2000-01 campaign where he led Leeds United to the Champions League semi-finals. With a relatively small squad, Brum have been fortunate to avoid an injury plague similar to what David Moyes has had to contend with for the past year or so. This term, the loss of captain Phil Neville has told with the defence leaking goals lately. Yakubu’s goal-scoring return to fitness will provide a timely boost for this encounter, and the Toffees will hope to pull away from the drop-zone over the festive period. That revival was kick-started at White Hart Lane, where they had trailed by two goals late on. A remarkable comeback to secure a point was then followed by a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge – Chelsea had only previously conceded once at home. Notching five times in two games reflects the firepower at Moyes’ disposal and, if he can get his back-line tight for the visit of in-form Birmingham, then his side should be able to fend off the low scoring Blues. Only five teams in the league have scored fewer than the Brummies but, level on points with Liverpool, McLeish’s men deserve some respect for their performances thus far. After all, only five points have taken less points than their hosts this weekend. That said, the likes of Yakubu, Louis Saha and Tim Cahill should be able to breach the visiting defence and, providing the home rearguard can stand firm, secure a vital three points. Verdict: Yak Man gobbles up Birmingham defenders to end Blues' terrific run of form. Rest of the games:Saturday, 19th December 2009 Arsenal vs Hull:Gunners firing on all cylinders to tame Tigers Sunday, 20th December 2009 West Ham vs Chelsea: Unhappy reunion for Zola and Clarke as they suffer Hammering Monday, 21st December 2009 Wigan vs Bolton: Megson's Insomnia; N'Zogbia magic to finish off Trotters chief. For full previews and accounts of all these games, please visit www.football-previews.co.uk |
The Premier League can never be accused of being predictable because, if it were, then the script-writer must be a drugged up maverick and the audience psychic. Birmingham City are the perfect case-study, sitting pretty in the top half of the table. Another perfect example are Everton, who finished fifth last season but are struggling at the foot of the table this year - the Toffees host Alex McLeish's surprise package on Sunday.
