Premier League Week 24 preview – Aston Villa add firepower to fight off relegation
Last weekend saw Chelsea pick up a much needed three points, Arsenal and Manchester City gain ground on league leaders Manchester United, and Kenny Dalglish denied a fairytale return to Anfield by Everton in an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby. The biggest news of the week came on Tuesday evening, however, when it was confirmed that England international Darren Bent had signed for Aston Villa from Sunderland for a record club fee of up to £24 million. Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier will hope his new striker can find his shooting boots as quickly as possible in order to help his side move away from the bottom three.
Wolverhampton Wanderers go in search of an historic Premier League double over Liverpool when the sides meet at Molineux in Saturday’s lunchtime encounter. Wolves have raised their game against the big sides this season and go into the weekend clash having pushed Manchester City all the way in a 4-3 defeat at Eastlands. Liverpool on the other hand have little reason to be confident for their trip to the Midlands, having picked up just five points from a possible 33 away from home this season, something that Reds boss Kenny Dalglish will be eager to address during his second stint in charge at the club.
Despite maintaining their unbeaten run this season with a point at White Hart Lane last Sunday, Manchester United saw local rivals Manchester City join them on 45 points and must now realise the task they face in regaining the Premier League trophy. A victory over Birmingham at Old Trafford on the weekend can temporarily pull three points clear at the top. The sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at St Andrews in December but Birmingham have failed to score a goal in six Premier League visits to Old Trafford and have yet to register a Premier League victory over the Red Devils in 13 attempts.
Arsenal enhanced their title prospects with a routine 3-0 victory over West Ham United last weekend and will be expected to add three more points to their tally when they entertain Wigan Athletic at the Emirates. During a hectic Christmas schedule, the two sides played out an eventful 2-2 draw at the DW stadium, a result that saw Gunners boss Arsene Wenger heavily criticised for resting a number of first team regulars.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Tottenham look to move back into the top four when they take on Newcastle. Newcastle have won the last four meetings at St James Park and could welcome back star striker Andy Carroll who has been widely linked with their opponents throughout the January transfer window.
Finally, Monday night football returns this week and, after a difficult few months, Chelsea look to continue their revival when they travel to the Reebok stadium to face Bolton Wanderers. While the Blues appear to be moving in the right direction, the Trotters have picked up just one point from their last four games, slipping from 5th to 8th.
Game of the weekend: Aston Villa vs. Manchester City
Aston Villa smashed their transfer record with the signing of England international striker Darren Bent in the hope his goals can lift them away from the relegation zone. However, Manchester City have a high profile signing of their own in Bosnia Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko, who impressed on his debut against Wolves last Saturday and looks to possess the firepower they require in order to mount a serious title challenge this season.
Blast from the past: December 28, 1996 - Newcastle 7-1 Tottenham
Newcastle moved up to fifth and closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool to five points with an emphatic 7-1 win over Tottenham at St James Park. First half goals from Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand put the Magpies in control before a second half barrage - including another goal a piece from Shearer and Ferdinand, a quick fire brace from Rob Lee and a seventh courtesy of Phillipe Albert - completed a rampant display by the hosts.
On this day: 10 years ago – 2000/2001
A Gus Poyet double helped Chelsea on their way to a comfortable 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town, while Manchester United extended their lead over second placed Sunderland to 13 points with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
Five years ago - 2005/06
David Bentley scored the first ever Premier League hat-trick against Manchester United as Blackburn Rovers ran out 4-3 victors in a thrilling encounter at Ewood Park. Elsewhere, West Ham United defeated Arsenal 3-2 with goals from Nigel Reo-Coker, Bobby Zamora and Matthew Etherington.
One year ago - 2009/2010
Chelsea ended Birmingham’s fifteen game unbeaten run with a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool lost further ground on Tottenham in the race for fourth after being held to a 0-0 draw by Wolves at Molineux.
Round 23 fixtures
Saturday January 22
Wolves vs. Liverpool - 12.45 - Live on Sky Sports
Arsenal vs. Wigan - 15.00
Blackpool vs. Sunderland - 15.00
Everton vs. West Ham Utd - 15.00
Fulham vs. Stoke City- 15.00
Manchester Utd vs. Birmingham - 15.00
Newcastle Utd vs. Tottenham - 15.00
Aston Villa vs. Manchester City - 17.30 - Live on ESPN
Sunday January 23
Blackburn vs. West Bromwich Albion - 16.00 - Live on Sky Sports
Monday January 24
Bolton vs. Chelsea - 20.00 - Live on Sky Sports
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
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