Premiership Previews - 6-8 March
| EPL Preview - 6-8 March |
| Written by Lee Price |
| Friday, 05 March 2010 08:32 |
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Our team of previewers look forward to this weekend's action and make their predictions on 'likely' results - though just how likely it is to predict results at the minute, after the topsy turvy campaign that has been, remains to be seen.
There are only five ties this weekend, including Wigan's journey to Anfield on Monday night, but it is still an intriguing collection of ties. West Ham vs Bolton is the latest in a seemingly never-ending sequence of relegation six-pointers, while Burnley travel to the Emirates and Wolves host League Cup winning Manchester United. Sunday's only fixture sees a badly out of form Hull travel to Everton; check out all the previews here... Game of the Week: Arsenal vs Burnleyas previewed by Seun Robert-Edomi
Aaron Ramsey’s injury has scooped many of the headlines this week and rightly so. The teenager suffered horrific fractures to his fibula and tibia which is set to keep him out of action for a substantial amount of time.
It is a real shame as the young Welshman was beginning to stake his claim for a regular starting berth since his move from Cardiff City in the summer of 2008.
The injury overshadowed what was a fantastic away win for Arsenal against Stoke, renowned for their home form. The Gunners are often criticised and ridiculed for lacking a physical presence and backbone, but the response they produced at the weekend would definitely have gone some way to altering perceptions.
Two years ago almost to the date, striker Eduardo Da Silva suffered the same fate as his Arsenal compatriot but it seemed to have an adverse effect. At that time the Gunners were nine points clear at the top of the table but ended up finishing third behind Chelsea and Manchester United.
This time, though, the Gunners managed to get over the injury and claim an impressive victory at the Britannia which has seen them close the gap to just three points to table-topping Chelsea.
On paper the North London outfit look to have the easiest run-in of the top three, with games against Manchester City and Tottenham the only potential banana skins, but the way the season has been played out so far it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a couple more twists and turns.
Burnley are next in line this weekend as they make the long trip to the Emirates. The Clarets have the worst away record in the league and the joint-worst goal difference along with Hull. To add to this the promoted side have only managed to win one of their last 16 games in the league, which would suggest that they may be heading for an immediate return to the Championship unless they can start picking up points away from home.
They have only managed to pick up one point away from home all season and will need to improve on this if they harbour hope of staying in the top flight. Even their home form, which they could once rely on, has taken a nose dive. Their recent defeat at home to cash-strapped Portsmouth wouldn't have exactly done wonders for confidence either. Therefore, it’d take a brave betting man to back them picking up anything at the Emirates. The Gunners are slowly regaining form and may be boosted by the return to fitness of Abou Diaby and Denilson who have both been missing recently with injury.
They will have to do without robust midfielder Alex Song who sits out the first of a two-match ban after picking up his tenth booking of the season against Stoke.
Arsene Wenger is likely to have many of his players out on international duty this week but even so they should still have too much for Brian Laws’ side.
Verdict: Gunners armed with too much fire-power, as the Claret is spilt once again Remaining Fixtures:Saturday, 6th March 2010
West Ham vs Bolton: Verdict: Clinical Cole leaves Trotters feeling sick as pigs
Sunday, 7th March 2010
Monday, 8th March 2010
For the full previews, please visit www.football-previews.co.uk. |
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