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Rivals line up for relegation scrap

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Following the key Christmas and New Year period, the Premier League relegation scrap looks as tight as it’s ever been as we look ahead to what may lie ahead for the teams struggling at the wrong end of the top flight in the second half of the season.

In what looks like being one of the closest-fought battles to avoid the drop in years, just 10 points separates bottom club West Ham (8/13 to go down) and Bolton in seventh so, realistically, any three from 13 or 14 clubs could end up in the Championship next term.

And with the likes of Liverpool, Everton (33/1) and Aston Villa (4/1) on that list, could 2011 see a real shock with one of those three slipping into the second tier?

The Hammers appeared to have turned a corner following wins over Fulham and Wolves and a draw against Everton, but their 5-0 drubbing at the hands of rejuvenated Newcastle (9/1) has landed Avram Grant’s men right back in it.

Wolves were bottom ahead of Wednesday’s games but they have given themselves a huge lift with two wholly unexpected victories over Liverpool and Chelsea over the festive period to leave Mick McCarthy’s side in 17th but still level on points with Wigan and Aston Villa below them.

Gerard Houllier still apparently retains the backing of owner Randy Lerner at Villa Park but results have generally been dire since the Frenchman took over and the fans are growing restless as they view what appears to be a sinking ship under the former Liverpool boss’ tutelage.

Which brings us nicely on to the Reds. If Houllier is under pressure then Roy Hodgson must be suffocating with the weight of expectation and strain currently being felt at Anfield.

The dismal home defeat against Wolves was followed up by a morale-boosting win over Bolton on New Year’s Day, but that good work was swiftly undone by a shocking performance and 3-1 defeat at Blackburn on Wednesday.

Surely the experienced coach is on borrowed time? Now only a fine run of results will save him from the sack and, quite possibly, Liverpool from being caught up in their first-ever relegation scrap in the Premier League.

Everton’s 2-1 win over Spurs has given David Moyes’ side (33/1) a four-point cushion from the drop zone but the Blues’ inconsistency this season means they could easily get dragged into a dog fight come April as well, while West Brom (13/5), Fulham (7/2), Birmingham and Wigan (3/4) will need to call on all their experience of previous survival battles to ensure safety.

Blackpool (13/5) have been one of the stories of the campaign but a 2-1 reverse at home to Birmingham (3/1) last time out means Ian Holloway’s men are also just four points off the bottom three and they could yet get dragged into trouble despite their eye-catching performances and results in 2010.

So it’s shaping up to be a real battle for several sides hoping to retain their top-flight status over the coming months, while one or two of the so-called big boys may just be beginning to ponder the unthinkable.

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Scramble starts for Promised Land

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Bet on the ChampionshipSir Alex Ferguson recently waxed lyrical about the prospect of a ‘dream’ Premier League title race between up to five clubs this season. But this is nothing new in the Championship as not many campaigns go by when the automatic promotion race does not go down to the wire.

Throw the battle for the play-offs into the mix and there is still the potential for over half of the division to find themselves in the Premier League Promised Land come the end of May.

The Championship is hailed for its unpredictability so I have the difficult task of assessing which sides are capable of breaking into the big time as we embark on the second half of the season.

QPR

Neil Warnock’s side have led from the front in the first half of the campaign and were unbeaten right up until the middle of December.

However, some cracks have started to appear in the Hoops’ armour with a reverse at the hands of Watford at Loftus Road starting a run of three defeats in five games, while Bristol City snatched a late draw on Monday.

Despite dropping points, the inability of QPR’s (20/23 Championship Outright) rivals to capitalise leaves them five points clear at the top and teams that lead at this stage of the season usually have enough to make it all the way to the top-flight.

Cardiff

Dave Jones’s men just missed out on promotion last term when Blackpool defeated them 3-2 in the play-off final and they looked a good bet to achieve their ambitions this time around.

With a potent forward line, including Jay Bothroyd and Michael Chopra, being added to with Premier League-class in Craig Bellamy on loan, it was hard to look past the Bluebirds for the title (4/1 Outright), let alone promotion.

However, following a strong start, the Welshmen have endured a rough spell of three wins in 11 league games, before defeating promotion rivals Leeds 2-1 on Tuesday evening.

If Cardiff can tighten up at the back and rediscover that early season form, they could make it to the Premier League without the need of the play-offs.

Leeds United

Simon Grayson’s side were promoted from League One last term and the aim was to consolidate in the Championship this season.

However, following an inconsistent start, they responded to a 4-0 home defeat against Cardiff in late October by embarking on a 12-match unbeaten run which ironically ended against the same time in South Wales on Tuesday.

Despite that setback, the Whites have improved on their home form and still look impressive away from Elland Road so a play-off place (7/2 Championship Promotion) is certainly not beyond them.

Norwich

The Canaries won League One last term but, like Leeds, they have adapted to Championship football like a duck to water. Their away form – the joint best in the division – has fired them into automatic promotion contention (13/5 Promotion).

Paul Lambert’s side have only lost one of their last 11 outings and defeated league leaders QPR on Saturday. They are level on points with second-placed Cardiff and could push the Welshmen all the way for Premier League football.

Swansea

Cardiff’s south Wales rivals suffered the agony of missing out on the play-offs by the skin of their teeth last season, having occupied a top-six spot for most of the campaign.

However, a late run of poor form saw them miss out as Blackpool stole the final place and the rest is history!

Under Brendan Rodgers, the Swans have responded well to that disappointment and they have added more wins away from home – five so far – to complement their strong record at the Liberty Stadium to put them right in the mix (3/1 Promotion).

Regarded as one of the best footballing teams in the division, Swansea need to keep picking up points on the road – they have lost their last three in succession – or face more promotion heartache.

Nottingham Forest

Forest made it to the play-offs last season under Billy Davies and were expected to be amongst the frontrunners again this term.

Their home form has never deserted them – they are unbeaten at the City Ground in 31 matches – although their fans could argue they have drawn too many games this term (six wins and six draws).

Away from home, they started shakily but have improved, with Forest’s win at Ipswich on Monday their second in the last three. They are now two points off the play-off places with games in hand on all the sides above them so only a fool would rule Forest out of the running (14/5 Promotion).

(Surprise Package) Watford

Malky Mackay is developing a team spirit at Vicarage Road which mirrors what Ian Holloway successfully generated at Blackpool last season.

The Scot has no funds to play with but has blended youth with experienced heads and loan players to get the Hornets buzzing.

They are unbeaten in seven and have won five successive matches, including convincing victories at QPR and at home to Cardiff and Portsmouth, before grinding out a win at lowly Scunthorpe on Monday.

Striker Danny Graham has been an inspiration in attack for Watford and he could fire them into the play-offs.

The only thing standing in their way would be injuries and suspensions to key players as the season drags on. But if Mackay gets an element of luck in keeping his main men in the side on a regular basis then who knows where they could go (8/1 Promotion).

(Dark Horses) Hull and Leicester

There was an element of uncertainty over both of these clubs before the season started in August.

Hull had financial problems to deal with following relegation from the Premier League, while Leicester had to deal with losing to Cardiff in the play-offs followed by Nigel Pearson’s shock departure to Hull.

However, following disappointingly slow starts, there have been signs of life from both camps to suggest a rally is possible in the second half of the season.

Both clubs have new owners willing to fund some signings in this January transfer window which could help them mount respective promotion pushes.

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is in charge at Leicester and he has helped drag them up to 12th spot – just four points off the top-six places thanks to two successive wins.

However, the main problem is that they have lost nine on the road to date. But if the Swede can remedy that away form, the Foxes (13/2 Promotion) could well be in the hunt for play-off glory.

Meanwhile Pearson’s Tigers bounced back from defeat against Leicester with an impressive 3-2 win at Portsmouth on Monday.

Hull looked in danger of being in a relegation battle at one point, but they are now just six points of the top-six.

And, with the prolific Matty Fryatt already on board and more cash to spend on players this month, could Hull (14/1 Promotion) be the side that comes from nowhere to sneak into the play-offs at the death?

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All eyes on Emirates

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There is a full Premier League fixture list across Tuesday and Wednesday evening and there are some cracking games to look forward to, perhaps the highlight being Manchester City’s trip to Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

The FA Cup takes centre stage at the weekend so these are the last Premier League fixtures for a short period so here is a little look at Wednesday night’s games:

Manchester City look to be on the verge of capturing Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko but the Bosnian will not be available for their trip to Arsenal, meaning City will again have to rely on the talents of Carlos Tevez to come up with the goals.

Tevez struggled against Blackpool last time out but on another day he could have had a hat-trick, and the Argentine astonishingly missed from the spot to boot.  Arsenal are finally starting to look like a team who can challenge for the title and their impressive 3-1 win against Chelsea demonstrated that they can take points off the teams around them.

Arsenal enjoy home advantage but City have only lost twice on their travels this season, and with the teams so evenly matched this game could easily end in a draw, which is priced at 11/5.  For the braver punter a 2-2 draw pays out at 12/1 and with both sides capable of finding the net this could well be worth some consideration.

Everton have endured a difficult start to the campaign and despite some exciting approach play the Merseyside outfit just don’t seem to be able to score.  David Moyes’ men will need to add at least one striker to their ranks in January and Wednesday’s game with Spurs will be a big test despite the fact they are the home side.

Tottenham have continued to improve over the course of the campaign and in Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart they boast some of the most exciting players in the Premier League and Spurs could be just too strong for an out-of-sorts Everton at Goodison Park.

The Blues tend to up their game against top opposition but they’ve only won twice on home soil so far in the league and with Spurs looking to stay ahead of Chelsea in the table they could well emerge with all three points, which is priced at 8/5.

Bolton have stuttered of late but the Wanderers can count themselves unlucky to have lost to both Chelsea and Liverpool in recent fixtures, with debateable decisions going against Owen Coyle’s high-flying side in both matches.

Bolton entertain Wigan on Wednesday and Coyle will be boosted by the return of Paul Robinson at left-back after he missed the game with Liverpool through suspension.  The Latics looked woeful when they slipped to a home defeat against Newcastle and Roberto Martinez’s men could be set for another difficult contest against their local rivals, with Bolton priced at 8/11 to take all three points and continue their unlikely push for European football.

Aston Villa managed to secure a great 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge in their last fixture and they face an in-form Sunderland, who are enjoying a decent campaign and like Bolton could be surprise candidates for a spot in Europe (Aston Villa 5/4, draw 9/4, Sunderland 11/5).

Newcastle, who will be without key man Andy Carroll again, face a resurgent West Ham side who have managed to climb out of the relegation place in what could be an interesting tie at St James’ Park (Newcastle 4/5, draw 12/5, West Ham 14/5).

Carlo Ancelotti’s stuttering Chelsea side have a great chance to pick up three points away at Wolves (Wolves 6/1, draw 10/3, Chelsea 4/9).

The final game on Wednesday sees Blackburn host Liverpool, who showed glimpses of a return to form last time out against Bolton (Blackburn 23/10, draw 23/10, Liverpool 6/5).

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United hope to increase gap

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Sir Alex Ferguson must not be able to believe his luck that Manchester United are at the top of the Premier League after the half way point of the season.

United have drawn eight of their 19 games so far this season, which has not been like them in the past. However in recent weeks the Red Devils have started to grind out the results that have won them Premier League titles in the recent years.

On Tuesday United welcome Stoke City who have not troubled them at Old Trafford since they gained promotion to the top flight (United 1/4, draw 4/1, Stoke 11/1).

The Potters were hammered 4-0 at the Theatre of Dreams last season but will be boosted by some injury doubts for United. Nani looks like he will sit out yet another game on the sideline with a hip injury but the main worry for Ferguson will be the possible absence of Wayne Rooney. The England striker picked up an ankle injury during United 2-1 away win against West Brom at the Hawthorns on New Year’s Day.

Although Rooney has clearly not been in his best form this season, he got a goal against the Baggies and will be desperate to get on the scoresheet against the Potters.

Stoke have crept up into eighth place in the Premier League and have had a strong start to their third season in the top flight. However they may not have come far enough to mount a serious challenge against United on Wednesday.

Former United star Mark Hughes is finding life difficult as manager of Fulham as the Cottagers sit in the relegation zone having been a top half table side for the last few seasons.

Fulham have a massive game against West Brom on Wednesday as they look to climb up the table (Fulham 6/5, draw 23/10 West Brom 23/10).

The West London side have struggled without their star striker Bobby Zamora this season but they could welcome back forward Moussa Dembele who has been out for the last seven weeks with an ankle injury.

After a thrashing by Chelsea on the opening day of the season West Brom got stronger and stronger throughout the first part of the season. However the Baggies have been on the end of some unlucky results and now find themselves just three points above the relegation zone.

They were unlucky not to get anything out of their clash with United last week as Peter Odemwingie missed from the penalty spot. This will be a tight affair but the Baggies might be able to get all three points from this one and compound Hughes’ misery.

Surprise package Blackpool keep plodding along in the Premier League picking up points when nobody expects them to.

The Tangerines host Birmingham on Wednesday as they look to consolidate their place in the top half of the table (Blackpool 13/10, draw 23/10, Birmingham 21/10).

Birmingham however have slipped into the three despite a win over Chelsea and a draw against United. Alex McLeish will be desperate to get an important away win and they should get something from this game.

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Carlo can’t hide from cracks

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The unedifying sight of John Terry and Didier Drogba arguing as they left the pitch at Stamford Bridge on Sunday could be viewed one of two ways by onlookers (9/2 Chelsea – Premier League outright).

It could be, as Carlo Ancelotti attempted to explain in his best broken English, construed as two senior players letting off a bit of steam at the end of a frustrating 3-3 draw against Aston Villa in which the double winners had trailed 2-1 before being within touching distance of back-to-back Premier League wins.

Instead, it could be more evidence that all is not well on board the good ship Chelsea.

The champions remain in fifth place but are six points behind the leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand over them and have yet to visit west London. Ancelotti’s team have taken just ten points from an available 30 to slip from the summit of English football ahead of their midweek trip to Wolves (Wolves 6/1 draw 10/3 Chelsea 4/9 – match betting).

Sir Alex Ferguson suggested before the weekend the open nature of the race for the title was a “dream” for fans and players alike – but whether Chelsea will be part of it on current form is now open to debate.

Manchester City could again flex their financial muscle in the January window, Arsenal appear on the cusp of finally realising their potential and Tottenham’s all-out-attack approach could see them go close.

One area of obvious concern for Ancelotti has to be a leaking defence which has shipped in 17 goals in all competitions going back to, and including, the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool at the start of November last year.

“Defensively, we lost something, obviously,” Ancelotti said, when reflecting on Sunday’s stalemate.

Another concern, highlighted on Sunday, was the lack of cohesion and zip between principal goal threats Nicolas Anelka and Drogba, who scored against Villa but was otherwise anonymous (9/2 Drogba – Premier League top goalscorer).

“They have difficulty in this moment but Drogba scored today and for a striker, that’s very important,” added the Italian.

Ancelotti said the visit to the capital of United in March would determine whether or not Chelsea will retain their domestic crown and he can take heart from the affection afforded to him by the players when Terry put the Blues in front.

It sparked memories of when they did the same for former manager Luiz Felipe Scolari after a late winner by Frank Lampard against Stoke City in January 2009.

Scolari was sacked three weeks later.

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Bottoms up for Champ strugglers

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Bet on the ChampionshipThe second round of New Year fixtures are upon us on Bank Holiday Monday, with the game of the day taking place at the foot of the Championship table as managerless duo Crystal Palace and Preston do battle at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace v Preston (3pm)

The Eagles’ 3-0 thumping at Millwall on New Year’s Day proved to be the death knell for boss George Burley after five games without a win which has left them second-bottom in the table.

Preston are bottom after a dismal run which saw Darren Ferguson sacked late last week. Caretaker David Unsworth oversaw a 2-1 home defeat against Derby on Saturday which has left them six points adrift of safety.

It really is a must not lose game for both sides this one.

Prediction: Palace To Win 2-1 @ 7/1

QPR v Bristol City (3pm)

At the top end, league leaders QPR lost out 1-0 at high-flying Norwich to make it three defeats in their last five outings. However, they still hold a four-point lead at the top of the Championship and boast a strong home record.

Keith Millen’s Robins did the Hoops a favour by seeing off Cardiff 3-0 on Saturday, but I can’t see them picking up much at Loftus Road.

Prediction: QPR To Win 3-1 @ 9/1

Leicester v Swansea (3pm)

The Swans took advantage of teams around them slipping up on Saturday to move into the second automatic promotion place thanks to a 1-0 win against Reading at the Liberty Stadium. Brendan Rodgers’ side will find it difficult to pick up three points against Sven Goran Eriksson’s Foxes though, who got back on track with a 1-0 win at Hull.

Leicester have won six at home and the Swans have five away wins so there will be little to choose between the two at the Walkers Stadium.

Prediction: Draw HT/Draw FT @ 4/1

Middlesbrough v Norwich (3pm)

Paul Lambert’s Canaries jumped into third spot on New Year’s Day with that hard-fought 1-0 win against league leaders QPR making it five wins from their last six league outings. A win at struggling Boro could see them move into the top-two places on Monday.

However, Tony Mowbray’s side defeated Cardiff in their last home game at the Riverside and were unlucky not to win at fourth-placed Leeds on Saturday so an away win is not a foregone conclusion.

Prediction: Draw @ 23/10

Scunthorpe v Watford (3pm)

The Iron’s relegation fears increased on New Year’s Day as they were given a 3-0 spanking by neighbours Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium. A return to Glanford Park will hardly offer any respite for them as they have only won one and lost seven there so far this season.

The visitors are sixth-placed Watford, who arrive on the back of three successive wins against QPR, Cardiff and Portsmouth in which they have scored ten goals and conceded just two.

Prediction: Watford To Win 2-0 @ 8/1

Derby v Millwall (3pm)

Millwall moved to within a point of the play-off places thanks to a 3-0 win against London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday to make it seven league games without defeat for Kenny Jackett’s side. On Monday, they travel to Derby, who ended a run of five straight defeats with a win at bottom club Preston.

It is a difficult game to call as the outcome will probably depend on whether Nigel Clough’s Rams have now rediscovered their good form again or if the Deepdale win was just a flash in the pan.

Prediction: Derby To Win 2-1 @ 15/2

Reading v Burnley (3pm)

These two sides are just on the fringes of the play-off places, with the Royals just a point behind the Clarets. The two swapped places on Saturday when Reading lost at Swansea whilst managerless Burnley came from behind to beat Sheffield United 4-2 at Turf Moor.

Reading are stronger at home, while Burnley have only won once on the road so far this season.

Brian McDermott’s Reading side also thrashed the Clarets 4-0 away from home in the corresponding fixture in October so I expect them to have the edge again.

Prediction: Reading To Win From Behind @ 9/1

Barnsley v Coventry (3pm)

Barnsley return to Oakwell after just missing out on ending Nottingham Forest’s long unbeaten home record after throwing away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 on Saturday.

They will be desperate to put even more daylight between themselves and the relegation zone with a win over a Coventry side that sits a point off the play-off places, but without a win in their last five league games.

Prediction: Draw HT/Barnsley FT @ 9/2

Ipswich v Nottingham Forest (3pm)

Ipswich followed up a home win against Leicester by securing a point at Coventry on Saturday and appear to have arrested the slump which saw them lose six league games on the bounce.

They face a tricky test against a Forest side which has not won away since November 20 when they stunned Cardiff City. It looks like being a tight affair at Portman Road.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw @ 11/2

Sheffield United v Doncaster (3pm)

Micky Adams’ spell in charge of the Blades did not start too well as they slumped 4-2 at Burnley on Saturday – their second successive defeat by that margin – which leaves them one place and two points above the relegation zone.

However, Adams will hope his arrival will inject new life into his players and the Bramall Lane faithful when South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster arrive on the back of two successive wins.

Sean O’Driscoll’s men lost 5-1 in their last away outing at Leicester, which could give the home side some hope of securing three vital points.

Prediction: Sheffield United 1-0 @ 7/1

Portsmouth v Hull (3pm)

Pompey’s revival has hit the buffers of late as the crushing 3-0 defeat at Watford on Saturday made it three games without a win. They will hope to get back to winning ways when Hull City arrive at Fratton Park on the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Leicester on New Year’s Day.

Both sides have disappointed since their relegation from the Premier League last season and there is little to choose between them.

Prediction: Draw @23/10

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Spurs & City main January movers

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Bet on the Premier LeagueIt’s that time again as teams across Europe look to shake up their squads in the January transfer window.

Once again the same big clubs are being linked with top players in the UK and across the continent, with Tottenham Hotspur (20/1 to win the Premier League) and Manchester City leading the way.

According to manager Harry Redknapp, the former England skipper David Beckham is keen on making a return to the Premier League with a loan deal at White Hart Lane.

The 35-year-old has been strongly linked with the north London club as LA Galaxy are currently in their off-season.

Spurs are also said to be interested in bringing in Everton’s Steven Pienaar who is out of contract at Goodison Park in the summer.

Toffees boss David Moyes has been desperate to keep hold of the key midfielder but may be resigned to losing the South African in January or risk him walking out on a free at the end of the season.

There has been speculation that the Whites are set to make a £1.5m move for Pienaar but Everton want at least £3m for the player.

A striker who could be on his way out of White Hart Lane is Robbie Keane whose whole career has been spent moving from club to club.

The Irishman could be making a return to his first employers Wolves as Mick McCarthy looks for more firepower up front.

David Bentley has been linked with a move north to Newcastle United who are said to be interested in bringing the midfielder to St James’ Park.

As for the Premier League big spenders Manchester City (4/1 to win the Europa League), they could be adding yet more quality to their attacking line up which already includes the likes of Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jo.

Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko could be on his way to Eastlands this month in a deal worth £30m.

With more signings potentially on their way, there could be a mass exodus of talented players who are no longer part of Roberto Mancini’s plans.

The likes of Roque Santa Cruz, Shay Given, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge and Jo could all be on their way out of Eastlands as Mancini looks to trim down his squad.

There are a couple of players who have impressed in the Championship who could make the step up to the Premier League too.

Middlesbrough’s David Wheater looks set to leave the Riverside in the current transfer window, with a number of Premier League clubs looking for a decent central defender said to be keen.

Meanwhile, QPR star Adel Taarabt has been attracting plenty of attention as he has been one of the best players in the Championship this season and could possibly make a move to the top flight too.

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Sunday Premier League previews

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Chelsea v Aston Villa

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hopes being generous to his team will spur them on to victory against Aston Villa on Sunday (Chelsea 1/ 4 to win).

The Italian normally makes his players analyse their previous performance on video ahead of each game, to try and learn from their mistakes.

But Ancelotti has spared his squad that chore following Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Two days later, his relieved players were able to grind out a precious 1-0 win over Bolton at Stamford Bridge to end their worst Premier League run for 11 years.

The victory kept their faltering title defence alive and gave them a much-needed boost ahead of Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa.

“I didn’t show the video against Arsenal,” Ancelotti said. “I normally do show. When the moment is not so good, you don’t have to kill!

“I can show them in the future but not now.”

Chelsea moved up to fourth place by beating Bolton, and will aim for back-to-back wins for the first time in two months.

“This is a very important moment for our players, physically,” Ancelotti said. The team has to show its fitness. We worked very hard for two weeks without a game and the players are in a very good condition.”

Villa’s confidence, already undermined by Boxing Day’s 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham, is at a new low ebb following the 4-0 drubbing at Manchester City on Tuesday (Villa 12/1 to win).

Ashley Young and Emile Heskey will be restored to the starting side after overcoming injuries, but Luke Young has yet to recover from an ankle knock.

Branislav Ivanovic is banned after picking up his fifth booking of the term, so Ancelotti must decide between Jeffrey Bruma and Paulo Ferreira as his replacement.

Wigan v Newcastle

Wigan hope an encouraging result at home to Arsenal last time out has laid the platform for victory over Newcastle at the DW Stadium (Wigan 6/4 to win).

The Latics secured a 2-2 draw against the Gunners on Wednesday, courtesy of a late own goal by Sebastien Squillaci which moved them out of the relegation zone. And that result came hard on the heels of the impressive 2-1 win at Wolves on Boxing Day.

Wigan know they could find themselves back in the bottom three by the time they kick off against the Magpies, but have a fine home record to fall back on. They have lost only three home games all season and are unbeaten in their last six games at the DW Stadium.

Newcastle’s leading scorer Andy Carroll is a major doubt after picking up a thigh strain, but Shola Ameobi is fit again and could be given his chance (Newcastle 9/5 to win).

Captain Kevin Nolan is back after serving a one-game ban, while Jose Enrique and Sol Campbell are both available after injury.

Wigan may give new signing Adrian Lopez his chance against Alan Pardew?s men, and are forced into at least one change.

Striker Charles N’Zogbia is banned for the next three matches, while Antolin Alcaraz has only a 50 per cent chance of playing due to a thigh problem.

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Sunday Premier League previews

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Chelsea v Aston Villa

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hopes being generous to his team will spur them on to victory against Aston Villa on Sunday (Chelsea 1/ 4 to win).

The Italian normally makes his players analyse their previous performance on video ahead of each game, to try and learn from their mistakes.

But Ancelotti has spared his squad that chore following Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Two days later, his relieved players were able to grind out a precious 1-0 win over Bolton at Stamford Bridge to end their worst Premier League run for 11 years.

The victory kept their faltering title defence alive and gave them a much-needed boost ahead of Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa.

“I didn’t show the video against Arsenal,” Ancelotti said. “I normally do show. When the moment is not so good, you don’t have to kill!

“I can show them in the future but not now.”

Chelsea moved up to fourth place by beating Bolton, and will aim for back-to-back wins for the first time in two months.

“This is a very important moment for our players, physically,” Ancelotti said. The team has to show its fitness. We worked very hard for two weeks without a game and the players are in a very good condition.”

Villa’s confidence, already undermined by Boxing Day’s 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham, is at a new low ebb following the 4-0 drubbing at Manchester City on Tuesday (Villa 12/1 to win).

Ashley Young and Emile Heskey will be restored to the starting side after overcoming injuries, but Luke Young has yet to recover from an ankle knock.

Branislav Ivanovic is banned after picking up his fifth booking of the term, so Ancelotti must decide between Jeffrey Bruma and Paulo Ferreira as his replacement.

Wigan v Newcastle

Wigan hope an encouraging result at home to Arsenal last time out has laid the platform for victory over Newcastle at the DW Stadium (Wigan 6/4 to win).

The Latics secured a 2-2 draw against the Gunners on Wednesday, courtesy of a late own goal by Sebastien Squillaci which moved them out of the relegation zone. And that result came hard on the heels of the impressive 2-1 win at Wolves on Boxing Day.

Wigan know they could find themselves back in the bottom three by the time they kick off against the Magpies, but have a fine home record to fall back on. They have lost only three home games all season and are unbeaten in their last six games at the DW Stadium.

Newcastle’s leading scorer Andy Carroll is a major doubt after picking up a thigh strain, but Shola Ameobi is fit again and could be given his chance (Newcastle 9/5 to win).

Captain Kevin Nolan is back after serving a one-game ban, while Jose Enrique and Sol Campbell are both available after injury.

Wigan may give new signing Adrian Lopez his chance against Alan Pardew?s men, and are forced into at least one change.

Striker Charles N’Zogbia is banned for the next three matches, while Antolin Alcaraz has only a 50 per cent chance of playing due to a thigh problem.

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New Year’s Day Prem League Bets

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West Brom v Man Utd (12.45pm)

West Brom have been starting games poorly and conceded after three minutes against Blackburn last time out. They have only been ahead in three of their 19 Premier League matches this season and have relied on second half goals to pick up points.

Meanwhile, Manchester United remain unbeaten but have won only once away from Old Trafford in the Premier League this season, and that was courtesy of a very late winner at Stoke. United’s midfield has been shown up for not being able to control matches when they are ahead.

Bet: Man Utd HT/Draw FT in Double Result at 18/1

Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers (3pm)

Roy Hodgson has two games to save his job and he needs to win both of them. The atmosphere will be tense at Anfield and Liverpool need to make a good start to keep the crowd from getting restless. Expect a better performance than against Wolves but there probably won’t be many goals unless the Fernando Torres of two seasons ago suddenly turns up.

Bolton have not scored an away goal since November 13 and have lost three straight on the road, all by 1-0. They also lost narrowly to Liverpool at home in October to a late goal from Maxi Rodriguez.

Bet: Half Most Goals: Second Half Evens (This has come in four of the last six times they’ve met.)

Man City v Blackpool (3pm)

Man City are looking much closer to the finished article after back-to-back wins against Newcastle and Aston Villa recently – but facing Blackpool will not be as easy. The Seasiders are a canny, counter-attacking side and have Charlie Adam back from suspension.

Ian Holloway’s side are unbeaten in seven (with their ‘first team’), having won four and drawn three and look, on paper, capable of keeping the score down.

Bet: Under 2.5 goals 6/4

Stoke City v Everton (3pm)

Stoke have not beaten Everton since 1982 and have found recently that their physical approach has not been good enough to get a result against David Moyes’s well-prepared sides. The Potters have taken one point from their last three home games while strikers Kenwyne Jones and Ricardo Fuller have mustered three goals between them in the last two months.

Bet: Everton 9/5

Sunderland v Blackburn (3pm)

The Black Cats saw their impressive home record spoiled by Blackpool last time out in a game which they dominated but could not score in. Unless Danny Welbeck, Asamoah Gyan and Darren Bent suffer another off day, they will be able to score against a Blackburn side who have conceded 14 in their last four away matches.

Bet: Darren Bent First Goalscorer 7/2

Bet: Sunderland to win -1 Handicap 9/4

Tottenham v Fulham (3pm)

Spurs are very short at 2/5 to win this one, but they are in good form and have talismanic playmaker Rafael van der Vaart back and pulling their strings. The Dutchman is as short as 18/5 in the Enhanced First Goalscorer market – the same as striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Harry Redknapp will have to make changes as Spurs have been worked hard in their last two matches to win with ten men, so there could be some value in the First Goalscorer market.

Bet: Peter Crouch 9/2 Enhanced First Goalscorer

Bet: Jermaine Jenas 12/1 First Goalscorer

West Ham v Wolves (3pm)

It is another must-win game for West Ham and they cannot afford to throw away another lead at home as they did against Everton on Tuesday.

Wolves will be buoyant following their win at Liverpool and could take the points at Upton Park if they play with the same verve. However, a safer bet would be to take the visitors to score the last goal in the match, as they have done in six of their last eight matches.

Bet: Last Goal Wolves 7/5

Birmingham City v Arsenal (5.30pm)

Birmingham grabbed a point with a last-minute equaliser against Man Utd on Tuesday while Arsenal floundered at Wigan a day later and Arsene Wenger has been moaning about the inequity of the fixture list.

He will make a raft of changes for this one and recall his big guns for a match which they should win, but have recently had bitter experiences in. The last two meetings at St Andrews have been draws and this could turn out to be another.

Bet: Draw 13/5

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