The traditional New Year fixtures throw up several intriguing contests in the Premier League on Monday with Chelsea, in particular, desperate to bounce back from their 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa. Here we preview the games.
Wolves v Chelsea (3pm)
Chelsea’s inconsistent season took another unexpected twist on Saturday when they threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 3-1 at home to Villa.
The Blues’ title bid appears in tatters following the defeat that leaves them 11 points off leaders Manchester City and well adrift in fifth place.
A second successive defeat would be unthinkable for boss Andre Villas-Boas and they should bounce back at Molineux although they will not get an easy ride in the Black Country.
Wolves have claimed battling back-to-back draws at Arsenal and Bolton to boost their survival hopes and will fancy their chances of another draw in this one. However, Chelsea know another slip-up will not be tolerated so expect a narrow away win. Go for 0-1 at 6/1.
Prediction – 0-1.
Aston Villa v Swansea (3pm)
Villa (5/6) enjoyed their best day under Alex McLeish on Saturday when they came from behind to stun Chelsea and they can build on that win when they host Swansea (4/1).
The Welsh side have been impressive at home this season but have struggled on their travels and have yet to win away from the Liberty Stadium in the top flight.
Top scorer Danny Graham was rested for the 1-1 draw with Spurs on Saturday – with Luke Moore handed a surprise start – but he should be back in the side with a point to prove at Villa Park so is well worth backing to score anytime at 9/4.
Villa will be buoyant following the Stamford Bridge success and, with Darren Bent fit again, they look to have too much firepower for the Swans.
Prediction – 2-1.
Blackburn v Stoke (3pm)
Rovers’ win at Manchester United on Saturday was probably the result of the Premier League season so far and, coming on the back of the 1-1 draw at Liverpool, it has eased the pressure considerably on Steve Kean.
The way his young side have fought in the last two games suggests the players are still firmly behind the Scot and they can enjoy another win in this one against Tony Pulis’ side (Blackburn 6/4, Stoke 15/8, draw 9/4 in the match betting).
The Potters have had a good first half to the season and are eighth in the table and through to the knock-out stage of the Europa League but have been poor on their travels in the league, losing five out of nine games and it looks like being another disappointing afternoon on Monday.
Prediction – 1-0.
QPR v Norwich (3pm)
A battle between two of the promoted sides at Loftus Road looks like a difficult one to call.
Rangers lost only narrowly at Arsenal on Saturday but their home form is poor as they have won just once in front of their own fans and sit just a place above the relegation zone.
Neil Warnock knows he needs a goalscorer to boost his ranks and is expected to splash the cash this month in order to ensure safety in the Premier League.
Norwich have exceeded expectations so far back in the top flight and sit 10th at the halfway stage. They have adapted well to life in the Premier League and will have no fear going to the capital to take on the R’s.
This one looks like it has a draw written all over it – take 0-0 in the correct score market at 15/2.
Fulham v Arsenal (5.30pm)
Arsenal go to Craven Cottage for the late game currently in the driving seat in the battle for fourth after the 1-0 win over QPR on Saturday.
The Gunners have been boosted by the imminent return to the club of legend Thierry Henry and the feel-good factor is set to continue as they can secure another three points against their London rivals.
Robin van Persie is always worth backing to score anytime (4/5) while Arsenal HT/FT is also tempting at 2/1.
Fulham were only a few minutes away from a win at Norwich last time out but face a much tougher test on Monday and look like struggling to get anything out of Arsene Wenger’s side.
Prediction – 0-2.
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