Premier League Preview – 18th/19th December– Title race hots up as Manchester United hit the front
Manchester United stretched their longest unbeaten start to a Premier League season to 16 games with a hard fought 1-0 win over Arsenal to leapfrog their title rivals and take over at the top. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are two points clear of the chasing pack but, with a game in hand over Blackpool to come, have taken a significant step to reclaiming the title in recent weeks.
However, their form away from the fortress that is Old Trafford can only be described as suspect. Although they are yet to taste defeat on the road this season, they have picked up just one victory along with six draws, squandering numerous points from promising situations. It doesn’t bode well for the weekend when they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in a game that could go a long way to deciding the destination of the Premier League title at the end of May.
Ten games into the season, it was becoming a question of who could stop Chelsea as they tore apart everyone in their path to move five points clear of Arsenal at the top of the league table. Seven games later and with just six more points added to their tally, they are now hanging on desperately to a place inside the top four.
Despite suffering defeat to Manchester United and dropping back into the chasing pack, Arsenal can move back to the top again with three points against Stoke City on Saturday afternoon. Once again, Arsene Wenger’s talented young Gunners just lacked that cutting edge to compete with Manchester United on Monday night, even Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie failing to make a telling contribution from the bench. Both players have been plagued by injury this season and will be keen to return to peak form for a sustained title challenge in the New Year.
Liverpool are still to establish a winning formula away from Anfield, last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by Newcastle their sixth loss on the road this season, prompting many Liverpool fans to question the tactics employed by manager Roy Hodgson. They entertain Hodgson’s former club Fulham at the weekend who have slipped dangerously close to the bottom three having gone six games without a victory.
Steve Kean will take temporary charge of Blackburn Rovers for the first time following the sudden departure of Sam Allardyce when they take on a West Ham United side who can ill afford to lose any more ground in the relegation battle, even at this early stage.
On Sunday, West Bromwich Albion can deepen the relegation worries of local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers when the sides meet at Molineux on Sunday lunchtime. The Baggies are thoroughly enjoying life back in the top flight and could move as high as eighth with three points on Sunday.
Finally, fellow newcomers Blackpool will be hoping that Bloomfield Road can fight off another arctic surge to host their encounter with Tottenham Hotspur. The Seasiders home ground is the only Premier League stadium without under soil heating and it is likely to be touch and go as to whether the game gets the go ahead.
Game of the weekend: Chelsea vs. Manchester United
Since 2005, these two sides have dominated English football with three Premier League titles apiece. Manchester United’s patient approach this season continues to pay off, moving two points clear at the top with a game in hand thanks to Monday night’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal.
Blast from the past: 26th April 2008 – Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United
German midfielder Michael Ballack opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time when he headed home at the far post after ghosting in unmarked. Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney pulled his side level after the break though, latching onto an under hit back pass from Ricardo Carvalho and slotting past Petr Cech. United were then left heartbroken in the closing minutes when Michael Carrick was judged to have blocked Michael Essien’s cross with his arm, allowing Ballack to coolly convert from the penalty spot and ensure the title race go down to the wire.
On this day : 10 years ago – 2000/2001
Manchester United saw their lead at the top reduced to five points after they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Liverpool. Derby County recorded a 1-0 victory over Coventry City to move out of the bottom three.
Five years ago - 2005/06
Wigan Athletic eventually saw off a spirited Manchester City 4-3 in a thrilling encounter that ensured the Latics would go into the New Year sixth, while Chelsea survived a scare at Stamford Bridge to defeat local rivals Fulham 3-2 and maintain their nine point lead at the top of the league table.
One year ago - 2009/2010
It was a day of shocks in the Premier League. Manchester United were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Fulham at Craven Cottage and Portsmouth moved to within three points of safety with a 2-0 victory over Liverpool.
Round 18 fixtures
Saturday 18th December
Sunderland vs. Bolton - 12.45 - Live on Sky Sports
Arsenal vs. Stoke - 15.00
Birmingham vs. Newcastle - 15.00
Blackburn vs. West Ham Utd - 15.00
Wigan vs. Aston Villa - 15.00
Liverpool vs. Fulham - 17.30 - Live on ESPN
Sunday 19th December
West Bromwich Albion vs. Wolves - 12.00
Blackpool vs. Tottenham - 13.30 - Live on Sky Sports
Chelsea vs. Manchester Utd - 16.00 - Live on Sky Sports
Monday 20th December
Manchester City vs. Everton - 20.00 - Live on Sky Sports
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
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