Saturday returns and brings another set of intriguing fixtures in the Premier league, and with no early kick off it has a more traditional feeling as well. The temperatures are likely to be low but hopefully the quality of the football will warm the punters up.
First match up will see Norwich travel to Anfield, there seems to be some doubt whether this fixture will be postponed but most reliable sources believe there won't be a problem. Historically there has been over two goals in all of the last seven meetings. Also Liverpool have seen over three goals in all of there last eight matches. This also coincides with Norwich who have also seen over three goals in four of their last five away matches. Liverpool go into the match boosted by the additions of Sturridge & a fit again Borini, over all my view is for goals in this match and also a home win.
Manchester City host Martin Jol's Fulham in what should be another good game, City boast a strong home record and also a good home goals record. But strangely just under half of City's home win have been by a one goal margin. Fulham have lost three of their last five away matches and have also failed to score in the same amount. Again I will side with goals and another home win.
Two of the premier leagues strugglers meet at St.James park, when Newcastle play Reading. The home team have lost seven of their last ten matches and compared to last year is a real dramatic decline. Reading have lost four of their last five away matches and have only managed to score in one of them. I will side with a home win here but would not be over confident of predicting goals especially with Newcastle losing Demba Ba and Ben Arfa being injured.
Swansea face Stoke in a real battle of two styles, despite their recent good cup results Swansea have not been in great form in the league. One win in their last five has seen the Swans drop in the league and they face a real test against a strong organised Stoke side. Stoke also have only recorded three wins in their last ten but have only lost two of those ten. The stats prove that even thoe Stoke may struggle on the road for wins they know how to be hard to beat and grind out results. Historically these matches have averaged over two goals but I wouldn't be backing goals in this match. I would edge towards a draw or a narrow home win.
Harry Redknapp returns to Upton Park knowing his need for points is now getting desperate. QPR have only recorded one away win this season and that came recently against Chelsea. West Ham have been struggling for form but will be boosted by the return of Diame. The home side have seen both teams score in eight of the last ten matches and although form does not suggest goals I would not be surprised if there was some. My only reason for suggesting this is QPR need points and they may well see this match as a reasonable chance for three points. I will be edging towards a home win in this match as I think the visitors may well struggle against West Ham set plays and aerial strength.
Wigan face a Sunderland team that have recently rediscovered some form in the league winning three of their last five matches. Coupled with this is Sunderland have a strong historical record against Wigan. Wigan have only won two of their last ten at home but the DW stadium is normally a happy hunting ground for goal hunters. I believe Sunderland can get some type of result here and may be worth backing in a handicap.
The late kick off sees West Brom play Aston Villa in a local derby between two teams struggling recently. West Brom started the season brilliantly but have really come off the rails recently. Having lost four of their last five matches but Villa have a identical record, I would edge towards West Brom getting back to winning ways but in the heat of a local derby anything could happen.
Thanks for reading and good luck everyone.
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