Premier League preview - 13/14 November
It has been a busy few days in the Barclays Premier League as all 20 sides took to the field hoping to boost their points tally. Chelsea and Arsenal both successfully claimed all three points, Arsenal with a gritty performance away at Wolves while Chelsea edged out Fulham despite a lacklustre display from the champions. Manchester City and Manchester United shared the spoils in a dull derby, while after wins over Sunderland and Arsenal, Newcastle were brought back down to earth by Blackburn who secured the points with a 2-1 victory at St James Park.
Aston Villa left it late before finally getting the better of a much changed Blackpool side and will have to improve significantly on Saturday when they welcome Manchester United to Villa Park. Wednesday night’s 3-2 victory saw them climb back into the top half and continue their impressive home form this season where they have collected 12 points from a possible 18. While the Red Devils were held to a stalemate by local rivals Manchester City, a draw is far from a poor result at Eastlands especially as Chelsea and Liverpool have both tasted defeat there already this season.
Should United emerge victorious on Saturday, Chelsea will take on Sunderland on Sunday afternoon just a point clear at the top of the table. In recent seasons, The Blues have disposed of the Black Cats challenge with relative ease scoring a staggering 18 goals in their last four meetings.
Manchester City are already six points adrift of the league leaders, but can reignite their title challenge with three points against Birmingham on Saturday afternoon. Birmingham found themselves on the wrong end of a 5-1 drubbing in the corresponding fixture last season and are yet to register an away win so far this campaign.
Elsewhere on Saturday, West Ham United entertain Blackpool at Upton Park in a game that even at this early stage in the season could prove significant at the bottom end of the table come May. The Hammers are currently rock bottom of the Premier League and have been guilty of failing to convert good performances into points. Blackpool on the other hand have massively over-achieved on occasions this season, their victory at Anfield the highlight so far.
In Saturday’s late kick off, a much improved Liverpool side face a tough trip to the Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke City. Last Sunday’s 2-0 victory over league champions Chelsea made it three wins on the bounce for Liverpool and warranted a return to the top half of the table. They failed to make it four wins in succession on Wednesday night, held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan despite taking the lead through the rejuvenated Fernando Torres who has now notched four goals in four games. Stoke boss Tony Pulis has caused plenty of controversy this week with his comments regarding refereeing decisions. He will have been mightily relieved on Tuesday night when his side defeated Birmingham 3-2 to end a run of five successive league defeats.
Game of the weekend: Everton vs. Arsenal
After an embarrassing 6-1 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season, the Toffees will be out to gain revenge against the Gunners when the sides meet on Sunday afternoon. Having made a sluggish start, Everton are beginning to hit their stride now unbeaten for six games. In contrast, Arsenal started the season in free-scoring mode but defeats against both West Brom and Newcastle recently have dealt their title prospects a significant blow.
Blast from the past: Saturday 16th January 2010 - Chelsea 7-2 Sunderland
Despite the loss of key players due to the African Cup of Nations, Chelsea were as destructive as ever, putting seven past Sunderland to cap a ruthless attacking display. First-half goals from Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard all but sealed the victory before Michael Ballack added a fifth after the break and Anelka and Lampard added to their tallies to complete the rout.
On this day : 10 years ago – 2000/2001
Manchester United remained top of the table on goal difference thanks to a narrow 2-1 win over Coventry, while Mark Viduka was the hero at Elland Road, scoring all four goals as Leeds came from behind three times to defeat Liverpool 4-3.
Five years ago - 2005/06
Manchester United handed Chelsea their first defeat of the season, Darren Fletcher’s winner at Old Trafford closing the gap on Chelsea to 10 points. Newcomers Wigan Athletic continued to perform beyond all expectations, keeping hold of 2nd place with a 2-0 win over Portsmouth.
One year ago - 2009/2010
Aston Villa moved into 5th place thanks to a comfortable 5-1 victory over Bolton, while Manchester City were held to a fifth consecutive Premier League draw by Burnley after a thrilling encounter ended three a piece.
Round 13 fixtures
Saturday 13th November
Aston Villa vs. Manchester Utd - 12.45 - Live on Sky Sports
Manchester City vs. Birmingham - 15.00
Newcastle vs. Fulham - 15.00
Tottenham vs. Blackburn - 15.00
West Ham vs. Blackpool - 15.00
Wigan vs. West Bromwich Albion - 15.00
Wolves vs. Bolton - 15.00
Stoke City vs. Liverpool - 17.30 - Live on ESPN
Sunday 14th November
Everton vs. Arsenal - 14.00 - Live on Sky Sports
Chelsea vs. Sunderland - 16.10 - Live on Sky Sports
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
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