Premier League Preview - 5/6 February - Torres set to make Chelsea debut against Liverpool
Monday night saw the January transfer window come to a close in dramatic fashion. Chelsea outlined their ambitions for the rest of the season with the shock signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool for a Premier League record fee of £50 million and Liverpool, determined to find a high profile replacement for the Spaniard, got their wish in the form of former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll who completed his move to the Merseyside club in a deal worth £35 million.
The events of Monday evening add even more spice to Sunday afternoon’s mouth-watering clash between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Having recorded back-to-back victories on the road against Bolton and Sunderland, Chelsea look to have turned a corner and must now be considered title challengers despite being 10 points adrift of league leaders Manchester United.
Fernando Torres is likely to make his much anticipated Chelsea debut against his former club and will no doubt receive a hostile reception from the visiting fans. Liverpool will have to wait a few weeks before Any Carroll pulls on a red shirt as he recovers from a thigh injury. However, fellow new boy Luis Suarez could well lead the line after scoring on his debut in the 2-0 win over Stoke City on Wednesday night.
Manchester United extended their unbeaten record this season with a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday night. They travel to the Midlands on Saturday evening to take on a Wolves side who currently occupy a position in the relegation zone.
Newcastle began life without top goal scorer Andy Carroll suffering a 1-0 defeat to Fulham in midweek and face a tough test at the weekend when they entertain an Arsenal side who have won their last six games in all competitions.
The recent return to form of Chelsea has dealt Tottenham’s chances of a spot inside the top four a minor blow and they’ll be expected to claim all three points when they take on Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane. Bolton manager Owen Coyle captured young Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge on loan until the end of the season as he looks for his side to secure a top 10 finish this season.
Blackpool have thrived on the road this season and will be looking to continue their success when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton. The Toffees pushed Arsenal all the way before eventually going down 2-1 on Tuesday night and could welcome back top scorer Tim Cahill, who returns from international duty with Australia.
Finally, Manchester City lost more ground in the tile race on Wednesday when they twice surrendered a one goal lead before being held to a 2-2 draw by Birmingham City at St Andrews. They return to Eastlands on Saturday where they’ll entertain West Bromwich Albion, who are now firmly involved in the fight to fend off relegation having suffering six defeats in their last eight Premier League games.
Game of the weekend: Chelsea vs. Liverpool
A must see game for all football fans across the country as Fernando Torres looks set to make his Chelsea debut against his former club Liverpool, where he quickly became an Anfield legend in his four year spell at the club. The Chelsea defence will have their hands full in new Reds number seven Luis Suarez, who could well sneak under the radar and steal the headlines for Liverpool come Sunday night.
Blast from the past: Sunday December 16th 2001 - Chelsea 4-0 Liverpool
Chelsea maintained their impressive record at Stamford Bridge this season with a comprehensive victory over Liverpool. It took three minutes for them to open the scoring, Graeme Le Saux tapping home, before Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink doubled the lead with a neat dink over Jerzy Dudek. Chelsea wrapped up all three points when Dalla Bonna stabbed home from close range and Eider Gudjohnsen capped a rampant display with a fourth in stoppage time.
On this day : 10 years ago – 2000/2001
Manchester United moved 15 points clear of nearest title challengers Arsenal with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sunderland while Coventry City saw their relegation worries deepen further after a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United with former Sky Blue Robbie Keane scoring the winning goal.
Five years ago - 2005/06
A Luke Moore hat-trick helped Aston Villa on their way to a 4-0 drubbing of Middlesbrough at the Riverside. League leaders Chelsea continued their dominance, a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge maintaining their 15 point lead over Manchester United.
One year ago - 2009/2010
Liverpool made significant headway in the race for fourth with a narrow 1-0 defeat of Merseyside rivals Everton. Manchester United demolished strugglers Portsmouth 5-0 at Old Trafford, while a Didier Drogba first-half brace helped Chelsea secure a 2-0 win over Arsenal and move them back to the top of the Premier League.
Round 25 fixtures
Saturday 5th February
Stoke City vs. Sunderland - 12.45 - Live on Sky Sports
Aston Villa vs. Fulham - 15.00
Everton vs. Blackpool - 15.00
Manchester City vs. West Bromwich Albion - 15.00
Newcastle Utd vs. Arsenal - 15.00
Tottenham vs. Bolton - 15.00
Wigan vs. Blackburn - 15.00
Wolves vs. Manchester Utd - 17.30 - Live on ESPN
Sunday 6th February
West Ham Utd vs. Birmingham - 13.30 - Live on Sky Sports
Chelsea vs. Liverpool - 16.00 - Live on Sky Sports
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
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