There are seven Premier League matches taking place on Wednesday, with five of the top seven teams in action. While the two Manchester clubs attempt to open up a gap at the top, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle will all be looking to keep pace in the chase for Europe.
Newcastle v West Brom (19:45)
After an outstanding start to the season, Newcastle have hit a wall in recent weeks and have gone five games without a win. Demba Ba is still posing a threat up front, but injuries at the back have had a big impact.
West Brom, meanwhile, looked a much-improved team in victory at Blackburn on Saturday and their away form, with three wins and two draws in eight games on the road, suggests they can make it a miserable Christmas on Tyneside.
Suggested Bet: West Brom to win @ 10/3
Man City v Stoke (19:45)
Played eight, won eight is the record at Eastlands for City so far and Stoke appear unlikely to stop Robert Mancini’s men. A crucial win over Arsenal, to bounce back from defeat at Chelsea, will have eased the pressure and the leaders should have too much for the Potters.
Stoke will be buoyed by their win at Wolves on Saturday, and it was their third away win of the season. But the Potters have not won at City since 1997 when the pair were in the second tier.
Suggested Bet: City to win 3-0 @ 13/2
Fulham v Manchester United (20:00)
United have not enjoyed their trips to Craven Cottage in recent years, losing twice and drawing once in their last three visits. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men seem determined to right the wrongs of their Champions League exit with Wayne Rooney ending his recent goal drought with three goals in the last two games.
The Cottagers should be good enough to avoid a relegation tussle, but the continuing speculation over Bobby Zamora’s future could be an unwelcome distraction. Martin Jol’s men may struggle to break down the United backline, which has re-grouped under the leadership on Rio Ferdinand.
Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Man Utd FT – 10/3
Aston Villa v Arsenal (19:45)
Villa have major issues at the moment and their Christmas schedule doesn’t do them any favours, with fixtures away to Stoke and Chelsea to come this month. Alex McLeish’s men have scored just two goals in their last five games.
Arsenal were a bit unlucky to end their unbeaten run at Man City last weekend, but will have taken heart from the display. Robin van Persie is likely to cause the Villa defence problems, while a lack of pace in the Villa back four could be exploited by the likes of Walcott, Gervinho and co.
Suggested Bet: Arsenal to win @ 8/11
Wigan v Liverpool (8pm)
Latics have proved the critics wrong again in recent weeks and will go into this game full of confidence, especially if they look at their recent record against the Reds. Liverpool have failed to win in their last three visits to the DW Stadium – with last season’s clash finishing in a 1-1 draw.
Kenny Dalglish’s men have responded to defeat at Fulham with back-to-back wins and not conceding a goal against Aston Villa and QPR. The Reds’ away form has been excellent this season and that is likely to tip the balance in their favour.
Suggested Bet: Liverpool to win @ 8/15
Everton v Swansea (8pm)
These are both struggling for goals, but the pressure will be on Everton to come up with a win after salvaging a draw against Norwich on Saturday. Both need strikers in the transfer window and January can’t come soon enough for Moyes and Rodgers.
Suggested Bet: Draw HT/Draw FT @ 9/2
QPR v Sunderland (8pm)
It’s nervy times at both clubs at present and both managers are counting down the days until the January transfer window opens. The two teams would probably be happy with a share of the spoils, especially after weekend defeats, and that looks the most likely outcome.
Suggested Bet: Draw @ 23/10
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Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina believes criticism of his team-mate Fernando Torres (14/1 to be Premier League Top Goalscorer) has been unfair and has blamed the rest of the team for his lack of goals.