Tag Archives: Premier

Premier spot still up for grabs

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Bet on the ChampionshipAs we enter a two-week break in the Championship, there appears to be a straight scrap between up to five clubs to see who will join Neil Warnock’s QPR (1/8 Outright) in the Premier League next season.

Here we will take a look at the teams we feel are in the running for the second automatic promotion place and assess their chances of making it to the top flight in the final nine matches.

NORWICH

Paul Lambert’s Canaries (11/8 promotion) remain in second spot – nine points behind runaway leaders and champions-elect QPR – thanks to a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Hull City on Saturday.

They are unbeaten in eight league games now and sit one point ahead of Swansea in third spot.

Norwich have a winnable game against struggling Scunthorpe after the international break, before a six-pointer against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on April 9.

That match could go a long way to deciding which of these sides will be mixing it with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal next season.

SWANSEA

Brendan Rodgers’s men (6/5 Promotion) were the in-form team going into March but, like many of the teams around them, they have stuttered their way through this month.

The Swans had only managed one point from a possible nine before getting back to winning ways courtesy of a crucial 3-2 win against promotion rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

In addition to the home clash against Norwich next month, they have trips to relegation-haunted Preston and Sheffield United still to play, which they will no doubt pin-point for maximum points.

CARDIFF

Dave Jones’s Bluebirds (9/5 Promotion) are stuck in a sticky patch at the moment having secured just two points from their last four league games.

Their defensive frailties were exploited in the last two games as Barnsley and Millwall both grabbed late equalisers to deny them maximum hauls which would have put them level on points with Norwich in second spot.

If the south Wales side can rediscover their form after the international break they have arguably one of the best run-ins, with games against five of the current bottom eight sides to play plus a mouth-watering home clash against QPR.

LEEDS UNITED

Simon Grayson’s men (4/1 Promotion) were ticking along nicely until Saturday as they went into the Yorkshire derby at relegation battlers Sheffield United with seven points from a possible nine in the bag. However, a 2-0 defeat at Bramall Lane and a straight red card for Billy Paynter capped a miserable afternoon for the Whites and left them six points off an automatic promotion spot.

Leeds require maximum points at the expense of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, who they face at Elland Road in a massive game on April 2.

They also face tricky away games at Millwall, Crystal Palace and a final day trip to QPR which could bog them down.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Billy Davies’s side will probably be more concerned with securing a play-off place as opposed to winning promotion automatically (7/2 Promotion).

Forest were looking favourites to go up with QPR before embarking on a seven-match winless run which included a costly first home defeat of the season against Hull and a defeat at struggling Sheffield United.

Saturday’s 3-2 reverse at Swansea compounded their misery and has left in-form Reading just three points behind in seventh with a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Defeat at Leeds in their next game will virtually end any lingering promotion aspirations and leave their hopes of a top-six spot hanging in the balance as they face Reading and eighth-placed Burnley in the following matches.

Prediction: Norwich to go up with QPR automatically.

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Saturday’s Premier League

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The Premier League is beginning to enter the final bend as issues at the top and bottom of the table start to reach their conclusion. Saturday will be another bumper day of action with eight matches taking place, all of which will have a bearing on the title or the relegation picture. We take a look at who might falter at their latest fence in the battle for survival and who will be first past the winners post.

Tottenham v West Ham (12:45pm)

It’s ironic that with a Cheltenham theme running through the introduction that we come to well known punter Harry Redknapp and his team in the first match of the day. Victory for Tottenham on Saturday would move them level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea but their domestic form hasn’t been great. Their last two matches have seen them lose at Blackpool and draw with Wolves. Both of those were on the road and they are very strong at home but it might be tough for them to keep their focus with Real Madrid on the horizon in the Champions League. West Ham have improved a lot in recent weeks and a draw looks to be a safe bet in this one.

Match Bet – Tottenham and West Ham to draw @ 14/5

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton (3pm)

There is more than just local pride on the line in this game between two sides who are desperately trying to beat the drop. Wolves will start in 19th but are just four points behind Villa, who are currently in 13th. Wolves have an awful record against Villa over the years, failing to win any of their last 21 meetings since they secured a 3-1 victory back in 1978. With home advantage and a team which is improving all the time Villa should be well fancied to pick up a vital three points.

Match Bet – Aston Villa half-time/full-time @ 7/4

Blackburn v Blackpool (3pm)

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway believes a few more wins will be enough for the Seasiders to survive and he’ll have targeted this game as potentially three points. Blackpool have been better on the road this season than they have at home and with Blackburn having lost seven of their last eight in all competitions this could be another away day to remember. Rovers are good at home but look a team on the slide and with Charlie Adam back for the Tangerines it could be another day to forget for Steve Kean’s Blackburn.

Match Bet - Blackpool to win @ 16/5

Man Utd v Bolton (3pm)

In any other season you would say this match is a foregone conclusion and that United would pick up a comfortable three points. However, Owen Coyle’s men are playing well and having booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals last week they will no doubt be on a high. United have stuttered through their last two games but in typical United style have picked up the results they need. They will probably make it three narrow wins in a row over Bolton but don’t be surprised if they slip up and drop two points against the Trotters.

Match Bet - Javier Hernandez @ 7/2 first goalscorer

Stoke City v Newcastle (3pm)

Looking at the table normally you’d say this was a middle table battle with very little riding on it. However, given the gap between Newcastle in tenth and the drop zone is five points this is a vital game in these two trying to secure their place in the top flight. Trying to predict the Toon’s results is about as tricky as picking the lottery numbers but you fancy Stoke will get the better of them at the bear pit which is the Britannia Stadium. Stoke are unbeaten at home this year and, like Bolton, will be on a high after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.

Match Bet - Stoke to win @ 5/4

West Brom v Arsenal (3pm)

Those Arsenal fans who haven’t decided to end it all after the last two weeks could be well rewarded for their patience with the rare sight of their team winning a game on Saturday. The Gunners are looking for revenge after losing 3-2 at home to the Baggies and will need three points to keep up with Man Utd. West Brom are unbeaten in their last four but three of those have been draws and anything they get out of this will be a bonus. Roy Hodgson has got his team well drilled now but even with a raft of injuries Arsenal should have the edge.

Match Bet - Over 2.5 goals @ 4/6 and both team to scores @ 8/11

Wigan v Birmingham

This Saturday is packed full of relegation six-pointers and this one at the DW Stadium is another game which could go a long way to deciding each teams fate. If Wigan are to mount a comeback they must beat an injury-hit Blues team before they face Chelsea and Tottenham in the next two weeks. It will be a patched up Birmingham that arrives in the north-west and if Charles N’Zogbia and Hugo Rodallega can perform they should have too much. However, the way Wigan’s season is going it could be another damp squid of an afternoon at the DW.

Match Bet - Wigan and Birmingham to draw @ 9/4

Everton v Fulham (5:30pm)

Both of these two will hope they are out of the firing line when it comes to a relegation scrap but neither David Moyes or Mark Hughes are likely to rest on their laurels. Fulham are constantly improving as they get more and more players back but still don’t like playing away from Craven Cottage. Everton are strong at home but are missing key players like Mikael Arteta and Tim Cahill. This will be another tight affair with little to choose between the two teams but if Fulham can hold out they should pick up another point.

Match Bet – Everton half-time draw full-time @ 14/1

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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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Midweek Premier League previews

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With the festive fixture list underway we have a look at the games which will be coming up thick and fast over Tuesday and Wednesday as clubs look to still a march in the title race or the relegation battle.

TUESDAY

Man City v Aston Villa

City will look to continue the way they left off against Newcastle at St. James’ Park, where they picked up a richly deserved three points.
Carlos Tevez seems to be back in favour with the City fans, after his two goals and all-round work rate impressed them on Boxing Day, helping them move into second as their title odds were cut to 8/1.
City need to make Eastlands a fortress in the second half of the season to keep alive their title challenge, but Villa will be encouraged by Everton’s success there last time out.
Gerard Houllier still has plenty of critics in the stands at Villa Park, and their away record is simply not good enough – they have lost four of the last five on their travels.

Stoke v Fulham

Stoke have finally got the monkey off their backs, with Boxing Day’s 2-0 win at Blackburn being the first December game they have won since reaching the Premier League in 2008.
They have already beaten Fulham this season, albeit in the Carling Cup, and their recent record is good enough to suggest they can repeat the feat.
In their last seven games, the Potters have won four and drawn two, the home defeat to Blackpool earlier this month their only blip.
Fulham were desperately disappointing at home to West Ham on Boxing Day, especially against a team with a shocking away record and with a manager under severe pressure.

Sunderland v Blackpool

Blackpool’s recent inactivity may come back to haunt them as they have twice had games called off because of the bad weather.
However, in between their postponements they beat Stoke 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium, picking up their fourth away win in the Premier League.
Having already won at Anfield, Blackpool (15/8 to be relegated) will have few fears about going to the Stadium of Light, especially after Sunderland’s defeat to Manchester United on Boxing Day.
Sunderland, though, have not lost in nine home games so far this season and have only conceded five goals in those games.

Tottenham v Newcastle

Spurs have only been beaten once at White Hart Lane in the Premier League this season, though they do average one goal per game conceded.
Tottenham continued their push for a top four finish with victory over Villa on Boxing Day and are 8/5 to achieve their goal of returning to the Champions League.
Newcastle were well beaten at home by Manchester City on Boxing Day, and have not been at their best away from the North East – they have conceded 15 goals in their eight Premier League games away from home.
The Magpies were poor in their last away game, going down 3-1 at West Brom on December 5, and new boss Alan Pardew will want to stamp his own authority on the club with some transfer movement in January.

West Brom v Blackburn

Two teams who were poor on Boxing Day hope to make a swift return to form at the Hawthorns.
West Brom lost 2-0 at Bolton, while Blackburn went down by the same scoreline at home to Stoke City.
The Baggies’ home form has enabled them to reach mid-table, they have only been beaten twice at the Hawthorns in the Premier League, though last month’s 3-0 home defeat to Stoke showed their frailties.
Blackburn fans are hardly unanimous in their backing of Steve Kean, and his time in charge could hardly have started less impressively as they hardly had a shot on goal against Stoke on Boxing Day and could have lost by more than two goals.

West Ham v Everton

The pressure is still not completely off Avram Grant, even though he has technically achieved what the board asked him to which was to win one of three specified games.
The Hammers, on their day, should be capable of beating Everton and their 3-1 win at Fulham will have boosted their confidence.
Everton have been inconsistent and badly need goals. Having their game on Boxing Day postponed might work in their favour, though, as it has eased their festive schedule.
David Moyes’ team have only won twice on their travels this season, but have kept things tight – they have drawn five away games and only conceded nine goals in as many games away from Goodison Park.

Birmingham v Man Utd

Birmingham know they can drop into the bottom three if they lose here, with both Fulham and West Ham waiting to take advantage.
The Blues have only lost once at St Andrew’s all season, but need to start turning draws there into wins – they have only three so far.
United’s away record continues to mystify; they have only won at Stoke in the Premier League, and drawn all their other six away matches.
Their 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day kept them in pole position in the Premier League, but Sir Alex Ferguson will want them to kick on now and translate some of their home form (they have won nine and drawn one there) into away success.
Michael Owen did not make the squad for the Sunderland game, but with the festive programme set to test every team’s strength in depth it could signal a recall for the former England international.

WEDNESDAY

Chelsea v Bolton

Chelsea (2/1 Premier League outright) have been done few favours by the TV schedulers, having to play on Monday and then again two days later – especially as their first game is the tough visit to the Emirates Stadium.
They face a Bolton team high on confidence after a 2-0 win against West Brom on Boxing Day.
Owen Coyle’s men are in fifth place in the Premier League but in reality that position may be false – they have played more games than virtually all their rivals and have only won twice away from home.
Bolton only lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last season, and with Chelsea faltering recently they might fancy their chances of securing a point on this visit.

Wigan v Arsenal

Wigan picked up a very useful three points at Molineux on Boxing Day, and are not the easy-beats many predicted at the start of the season.
They may face a scrap against relegation until the end of the season, but they have enough flair players to suggest they can cause some upsets, including against the Gunners who they beat 3-2 at the same ground last season.
Wigan don’t score enough goals, they have only managed eight at home while conceding 17. That will encourage Arsenal, who are the second-top scorers on their travels this season.
If Arsenal can end their recent barren spell at home against Chelsea on Monday, they will go to Wigan on a high and be confident of staying on pace for a title shot.

Liverpool v Wolves

Liverpool have only lost once in the Premier League at Anfield this season, and conceded a miserly six goals there.
Wolves go to Merseyside having picked up just one point away from home this season and only scored five goals in their eight away games.
Mick McCarthy’s men will be at a low ebb after losing a ‘six pointer’ against Wigan on Boxing Day, while Liverpool will be well rested after their game was postponed.
With the Premier League being the tightest it has been for years, Liverpool know that every point is vital. They could go in either direction – the Reds are seven points behind fifth-placed Bolton, and six ahead of the relegation zone.

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Trio target Premier League

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Trying to call who will win promotion from the Championship this season is a bit of a lottery again this season – as it has been in past campaigns.

Teams’ stock will rise and fall throughout the season, however there are a few teams that have shown the potential to reach the top flight.

A club whose stock has dropped in recent weeks, though, is Queens Park Rangers (4/9 to win promotion).

Neil Warnock’s side went the first 19 games of the campaign without defeat and shot to the top of the Championship table.

However, recent defeats at the hands of Watford and Leeds United have got Rangers on a slide and with a difficult game against Swansea on Boxing Day they could go yet another game without a win.

Much of their success this season has been founded around the talented Adel Taarabt who has been one of the players of the Championship so far.

This is both a blessing and a curse for Rangers as teams have learned to neutralise Taarabt which in recent weeks has led to defeats.

QPR are still serious title challengers as having gone so long without defeat who says they cannot do it again and ease themselves into the Premier League?

A team that were early title favourites this season were Cardiff City (3/4 to win promotion).

The Welsh side have only managed one win in their last seven league clashes which is clearly not title-winning form.

However, the Bluebirds have played some of the best football in the league this season and, despite their poor run, still sit in third place in the Championship.

Cardiff boast the top goal scorer in the league in the shape of the now-capped England international Jay Bothroyd.

The former Arsenal Academy player has 13 goals in the league but has been on a dry spell having dealt with injuries.

The Bluebirds team suffered heartbreak in the play-off final last season as they lost to Blackpool, but they have not let that affect them and they are still a favourite to win promotion this term.

A club that know all about play-off heartbreak in recent years is Leeds United (3/1 to win promotion).

The Whites started the season hoping to consolidate a place in the second tier after three years languishing in League One.

Manager Simon Grayson and others at Elland Road would maintain that is still their primary goal, however after a nine-game unbeaten streak and a rise into the automatic promotion positions, their targets may have changed.

Leeds have struggled defensively for much of this season but the introduction of Andy O’Brien from Bolton Wanderers has been one of their best loan deals in years.

The Whites have an abundance of attacking talent with the likes of Luciano Becchio, Max Gradel, Robert Snodgrass, Davide Somma, Ross McCormack and Billy Paynter on board.

Grayson’s side have a big four games coming up as they take on Leicester City, Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Cardiff.

The Leeds boss has stated that the club will be taking stock after those matches that come in quick succession over the busy Christmas period.

If the West Yorkshire can maintain their form they might have a chance of being in the running for a return to the top flight.

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Premier League previews

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The big thaw means that there should be no trouble with the weekend Premier League fixtures so let’s look at all the betting options for the six matches on Saturday (check out Premier League outright and match prices).

Aston Villa v West Brom

These two west Midlands rivals have been heading in different directions in recent times with Villa losing their last three top-flight games and the Baggies scoring seven goals to win their last two. The form book will be thrown out of the window, as ever, for a local derby and, with Emile Heskey and Ashley Young both back in the ranks, the Villans should be able to arrest their current slide.

Value bet: Villa to win 2-0 (7/1)

Everton v Wigan

The Goodison Park alarm bells would have been ringing after their 4-1 home defeat to West Brom but they bounced back to take a point from Chelsea last time out. But it has still been a below-par season for David Moyes? men to date. Wigan have won just once on their travel this term but have Hugo Rodallega back after suspension. However, if the Toffees are to rescue their season, they must win games like this as Wigan have scored just five goals away from home all season.

Value bet: Everton to win to nil (6/5)

Fulham v Sunderland

Sunderland have won one, lost one and drawn one since beating Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge and their games are notoriously hard to predict. They are not the same side away from home (apart from against the champions) but face a Fulham side who have won just twice this campaign, with nine draws to date. But the Cottagers did okay against Arsenal last time out and, with Asamoah Gyan rated as doubtful with a toe injury, they might sneak this one down by the Thames.

Value bet: 2-3 goals (10/11)

Stoke v Blackpool

The Seasiders have had two weeks without a game as their clash with Manchester United fell foul of the weather last weekend and they will be raring to go at the Britannia Stadium. Ian Holloway’s side have already won three times away from home this season and they could take something from this clash at the Britannia Stadium. Jermaine Pennant and Andy Wilkinson should return for the Potters but a draw is forecast for this one.

Value bet: 1-1 draw (6/1)

West Ham v Manchester City

The Hammers finally picked up three points against Wigan back in late November but they still find themselves bottom of the table and will struggle against a City side who are capable of beating anyone when they gel as a unit. Carlos Tevez is absent but City should still be too good for a West Ham side that seem destined for the drop.

Value bet: City to win (5/6)

Newcastle v Liverpool

The sacking of Chris Hughton sent shockwaves through the Premier League this week, as did the name of his successor. But the appointment of a new manager normally affects the players in a positive way for at least three or four games and the Magpies may be able to sneak this one against a Liverpool side who do not seem to be able to string too many results together. Alan Pardew may not have been the fans? choice on Tyneside but if they take all three points on Saturday, then all will be well with the world again.

Value bet: Newcastle to win (12/5)

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Sunday’s Premier League Preview

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West Bromwich Albion’s bid to follow up last weekend’s thumping 4-1 win at Everton could be determined by the outcome of fitness tests on several key players ahead of Newcastle’s visit to the Hawthorns (Albion 5/4 To Win) at 1.30pm on Sunday lunchtime.

The Baggies will be smarting from crashing out of the Carling Cup quarter-finals at Championship side Ipswich in midweek, while the shock win at Goodison Park made it four points from a possible run in what had been a sticky patch for Roberto Di Matteo’s side.

And the Italian will hope top scorer Peter Odemwingie will be fit to feature as he looks to add to his four league goals so far this term.

Chris Brunt, James Morrison, Paul Scharner and Nicky Shorey are also battling to be fit for the game and their involvement could make all the difference given that Youssouf Mulumbu will serve the second game of a two-match ban after his sending-off at Everton.

Newcastle arrive on the back of a creditable 1-1 home draw against reigning champions Chelsea last Sunday and they have the omens on their side given that they have not lost to West Brom in 17 league games.

The Magpies (11/5 Away Win) did the double over Albion in the previous two seasons they met in the Premier League and they will be boosted by the return of Joey Barton from a three-match ban.

However, captain Kevin Nolan is still out with an ankle problem, while Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson both serve the second game of their three-match bans.

The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the Championship campaign and that looks a good bet at (11/2 Correct Score) for Sunday.

Newcastle’s north-east rivals Sunderland feature in Sunday’s later game at 4pm and they will look to get back to winning ways against struggling West Ham at the Stadium of Light (4/5 Sunderland Home Win).

The Black Cats produced a magnificent 3-0 win at Chelsea on November 14, but have since been held at home by Everton before losing out 3-2 at lowly Wolves a week ago.

However, boosted by John Mensah’s declaration of fitness, boss Steve Bruce will be hoping his side can maintain their unbeaten home run in the Premier League with a good result.

Despite currently occupying bottom spot, Avram Grant’s Hammers (10/3 Away Win) will be no pushovers as they arrive on Wearside on the back of two impressive results.

A 3-1 home league win against Wigan last Saturday was followed up by a 4-0 battering of holders Manchester United in the Carling cup quarter-finals at Upton Park on Tuesday.

With Scott Parker set to play on, despite a chest infection, the Hammers will hope to emulate their Carling Cup win at the same venue earlier in the season, while keeping up their record of scoring against Sunderland in every one of their last 15 head-to-heads (5/6 Both Teams To Score).

It is 12/1 for a repeat of last season’s 2-2 draw, but Sunderland’s strong home form should be just enough to edge them to a first win against the Hammers since March 2008.

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Premier League Preview – Tuesday

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Stoke City take on Birmingham City on Tuesday night with manager Tony Pulis still seething from yet another big decision that appears to have gone against his men at the weekend.

Mark Clattenburg is set to take charge at the Britannia Stadium and Pulis will be hoping that he can cut out his high-profile mistakes that have caused controversy in recent weeks.

Potters fans never know what to expect from their team at the moment as they lost their first three Premier League matches, then took 10 points from their next four, and haven’t added to that tally since beating Blackburn on October 2.

But the current poor run includes three away defeats and the only reverse at home was against Manchester United when they looked set to take a point from the Red Devils before Javier Hernandez won the game with just four minutes to go.

Stoke do not have a great recent record against Alex McLeish’s side at home, as Birmingham have won three of their last four league and cup games at Stoke, keeping a clean sheet in each match, and the Midlanders  travel to the Potteries after coming back from 2-0 down to take a point against West Ham at the weekend.

Goals may be at a premium in this match as Birmingham have only scored six in their last eight matches, while they have won just three of their last 21 Premier League contests.

Stoke have scored two goals in their last four top-flight matches but if they can get the rub of the green then we predict that their losing streak will come to an end and they will sneak this one by the odd goal (Stoke 11/2 to win 1-0).

Tuesday’s other Premier League match-up sees Tottenham entertain Sunderland with Harry Redknapp’s men desperate for a win to get their season back on track.

The north Londoners have been superb in Europe and it may be that their league form has suffered as a consequence, with a draw and two defeats in their last three games leaving them in seventh place on 15 points.

However the table is so congested, with four other teams also on 15 points, two on 14 and a couple more on 13, and so the standings could alter significantly over coming weeks.

Spurs are back at White Hart Lane and that should give them the edge over a Sunderland side who have also garnered 15 points to date.

They bounced back from humiliation in the north-east derby to beat Stoke on Saturday, albeit with a little help from the officials, but they are a different side away from Wearside, with three draws and two defeats on their travels.

Steve Bruce is likely to go looking for a point on Tuesday, as his men rarely score away from home, and it could be like the Alamo at times with Spurs; attacking talent bearing down on the Sunderland box.

Tottenham are capable of beating the best on their day and we believe they will run out winners by at least two goals, although an early strike will be vital to force the visitors to come out and try to get back into the game (Spurs 5/1 to win 2-0).

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Bolton will be quaking in their boots at the prospect of facing a Gareth Bale-inspired Tottenham at the Reebok Stadium as the youngster is currently on fire.

Bale was an unused substitute in the same fixture 13 months ago but has now been mentioned in the same breath as Lionel Messi.

Spurs should bounce back here after the defeat at Manchester United – as long as the officials let them! (Spurs 13/10 to beat Bolton)

West Ham have not won since beating Spurs on September 25 and I would not hold your breath if you are expecting an away win against Birmingham.

The Blues are solid at home and the Hammers have scored just twice away from home all season and the points should stay in the West Midlands (Birmingham 10/11 to beat West Ham).

The north-west derby between Blackburn and Wigan is usually spicy but with the sides separated by just one point near the foot of the table, a draw must be on the cards with neither side prepared to give anything away at Ewood Park, and with goals at a premium (draw 12/5).

Blackpool have surprised many in the early part of the season but they face an improving Everton and it is high time the Seasiders received another Premier League spanking.

David Moyes’ men were never as bad as their league position suggested and, with 10 points out of a possible 12, they will surely be too good for Ian Holloway’s side (Everton 4/5 to win).

Fulham and Aston Villa have both garnered 12 points so far in a tight division but the Cottagers are tipped to win this one, as the Villans have no experience up front with Heskey, Agbonlahor and Carew all out, and 19-year-old Nathan Delfouneso set to make a rare start.

Fulham are much better by the Thames while Villa have already lost four times away from home (Fulham 5/4 to win).

Manchester United will be without Wayne Rooney for three weeks as he has been sent to the USA for conditioning but it should not matter as they are tipped to easily beat a Wolves side who cannot win on their travels and have only taken one point away from Molineux all season.

The Red Devils seem to have cured their draw-itis which threatened to leave them lagging behind Chelsea at the top of the table and they have won their last five matches in all competitions.

Despite Rooney’s continued absence they will have far too much ammunition for Mick McCarthy’s men at Old Trafford.

United do have one injury doubt – Sir Alex Ferguson – as the boss has been struck down by a virus and is currently bed-ridden (United 1/6 to win).

Finally Sunderland play host to Stoke City on what will probably be the last game showed on Match of the Day.

A low-scoring or goalless draw could be on the cards here despite the fact that the Black Cats’ newest signing, Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan, is tipped for his first starting appearance in the top flight.

In the four Premier League meetings between Stoke and Sunderland no goals have been scored by the away team, so do not expect too much goal-mouth drama on Wearside at the weekend (0-0 draw 8/1).

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