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as previewed by Seun Robert-Edomi
 
Another test of Arsenal’s title credentials this weekend?
Seems so. The Gunners head back to the scene where it all went wrong two years ago in what should be a tough test of their mental and physical character.
Two seasons back it looked as if Arsenal were homing in on their first Premier League crown since the 2003/4 season.
Heading into that game at St Andrews against Birmingham, Arsene Wenger’s outfit were nine points clear with many expecting them to go on and lift the trophy, but no-one would envisage what was to happen next.
Arsenal striker Eduardo Da Silva suffered a broken leg early on in the game. The reactions of his team-mates at the time spoke a thousand words.
Despite this the North Londoners took a lead going into the final minute before defender Gael Clichy gave away a penalty and we all know what happened after that.
Since then, the Gunners have often been criticised for being fragile and having a soft underbelly, but the Reds have proved this to be false this season, with wins over Stoke and Hull City away from home providing evidence of their ability to scrap their way to victory.
Cesc Fabregas will no doubt be pivotal to Arsenal’s chances. The Catalan-born midfielder has netted 15 goals from 26 games this season and will be instrumental to anything his side achieve, especially in the absence of influential centre-back Thomas Vermaelen through suspension. Alex Song may be deployed at centre-back in his place.
Their opponents, Birmingham, who were tipped for relegation by many before the season, are sitting comfortably in the top half of the table, a fantastic achievement considering the little money they’ve spent.
Cameron Jerome will need to be shackled by the makeshift Arsenal defence, especially after his return of four goals in his last three games.
The Blues are very solid at home and are yet to taste defeat at St Andrews since Bolton took all three points in September.
The Gunners will fancy their chances though after beating Alex Mcleish’s side 3-1 in the reverse fixture in October.
Verdict: Arsenal to exorcise their St Andrews ghost, as they continue their unlikely title assault.
The rest of the games:
Saturday, 27th March 2010
Bolton Wanderers vs Manchester United: Verdict: Sir Alex rarely slips up when his team are leading the pack - away win.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa: Verdict: Villa to deny a Chelsea Carew-se and snatch a point at the Bridge.
Hull City vs Fulham: Verdict: Fulham have only won once on the road this season, while Hull have hardly been prolific at the KC. Score draw.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Portsmouth: Verdict: Pompey old boys to Spur current team onto success.
West Ham United vs Stoke City: Verdict: Two out-of-form sides means only one thing - shared spoils.
Wolves vs Everton: Verdict: Home side's golden streak comes to an end at the hands of unstoppable Toffees.
Sunday, 28th March 2010
Burnley vs Blackburn Rovers: Verdict: Rovers to hurt rivals, but not much Claret is spilt as hosts snatch vital point.
Monday, 29th March 2010
Manchester City vs Wigan Athletic: Verdict: English Citizens to become EU nationals? Champions League football beckons for Martinez's troops.
Liverpool v Sunderland: Verdict: Life's a beach for Rafa as top-four slot looks attainable once more.
For complete previews of each match, please visit www.football-previews.co.uk. |
