The Premier League teams will be tested to the maximum over the festive period, with a packed fixture list. Injuries and suspensions are starting to kick in and could have a major impact this weekend – with the rarity of all seven matches kicking off at 3pm.
Norwich v Newcastle
Newcastle’s blistering start has come to an end during a recent tough spell, which has seen the Magpies pick up just one point from their last three games – against Manchester city, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Alan Pardew has lost first-choice centre-back partnership Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor to injury and that may see them slip to a third defeat in four games, when they travel to Carrow Road.
Norwich have surprised many this term and have lost just two of their seven home fixtures to date. The Canaries have also scored the joint-most headed goals in the top division (seven), with Steve Morison and Grant Holt likely to cause a makeshift Newcastle backline problems.
Suggested Bet: Norwich to win @ 6/4
Arsenal v Everton
The Gunners go into this game as strong favourites and it seems highly unlikely they will slip up against an Everton team desperately struggling for goals. The Merseysiders have not won at Arsenal since 1996 and that run looks set to continue.
Mikel Arteta will be particularly keen to show Everton what they are missing and Robin van Persie will be fresh having sat out the midweek Champions League trip to Greece.
Suggested Bet: Van Persie to score 2 or more @ 11/4
Man Utd v Wolves
Sir Alex Ferguson has endured arguably his worst week as United boss for ten years, with the shock midweek Champions League exit and the news that captain Nemanja Vidic will miss the rest of the season.
The champions normally respond though from key setbacks and Wolves will be fearing a backlash. A lack of striking options will mean Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney should start up front and they will be desperate to quash talk of an Old Trafford crisis.
Suggested Bet: Welbeck to score at anytime @ 8/11
Liverpool v QPR
Kenny Dalglish’s men are unbeaten at home this season, but draws against Swansea and Norwich have frustrated fans and management alike. An unfortunate defeat at Fulham on Monday makes this a must-win game for the Reds as they look to keep pace in the race for the top four.
QPR are capable of causing any team problems on their day, recording victories over Chelsea and at Stoke this season. Their away form has been more miss than hit though and the stats suggest they will struggle to clinch a second ever win at Anfield – their first coming in 1991.
Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Liverpool FT @ 7/2
Bolton v Aston Villa
Bolton’s home form is one of the biggest puzzles of the Premier League to date – their record at the Reebok is normally impressive, but they have lost six of their seven home games this term. The only win was a crushing 5-0 success over Stoke but Villa could provide Owen Coyle’s men with their second scalp.
Villa have struggled with form and injuries in recent weeks and head to the North West having failed to win on the road this season. Pressure is already growing on Alex McLeish, who was an unpopular appointment among many Villa fans.
Suggested Bet: Bolton win @ 6/4
Swansea v Fulham
These two teams are almost a mirror image, hard to break down but struggling for goals. The Swans and Cottagers have scored just 30 goals between them this term so expect a low scoring affair.
Martin Jol’s men gained a much needed win over Liverpool which will boost their confidence, but Swansea have the pace to cause a sluggish Fulham backline some problems.
Suggested Bet: Under 2.5 Goals @ 4/6
West Brom v Wigan
The Baggies have not pulled up any trees so far this season and their home form – two wins from seven matches – will be a concern for Roy Hodgson. They look strong enough though not to be dragged into a relegation battle…..unlike their opponents on Saturday.
Many believe Wigan are already doomed, but they have picked up four points from their last three games and did take four points off West Brom last season – which included a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns.
Suggested Bet: Draw @ 13/5
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