Three of the top four in the Premier League are in action on Sunday on what is a pre-festive treat for armchair fans and punters alike. Here we preview the games.
QPR v Manchester United (12noon)
The champions bounced back from their disappointing early exit in the Champions League with a comprehensive 4-1 home victory over Wolves last weekend but they are unlikely to find it as easy against Neil Warnock’s side in this high-noon meeting at Loftus Road.
Rangers have been tough to beat on their own patch and have already claimed the scalp of Chelsea earlier in the season. They went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Liverpool last week but will take heart from a good defensive display at Anfield as they prepare to host United.
Wayne Rooney was back among the goals last week, scoring twice, and looks in good form so should be backed to score anytime in the capital (4/5) while Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be keen to keep the pressure on Man City at the top with another win.
Rangers will try to keep it tight and patience could be key for the visitors in this one. Don’t expect a goal feast but a narrow United win at 1-0 is appealing at 6/1 while draw/United in the HT/FT market could also be rewarded at 10/3.
Prediction – Away win.
Aston Villa v Liverpool (2.05pm)
Villa boss Alex McLeish has been under pressure from the club’s fans since day one following his surprise appointment in the summer as he came straight in from arch-rivals Birmingham City.
Critics say McLeish’s style of play is too defensive and not in the mould of a side who were tipped to challenge for a top-eight finish this season. Aside from Darren Bent, they lack firepower up front and Gabby Agbonlahor has gone off the boil after a promising start to the campaign.
However, they got a good away win at Bolton last week – their first of the season on the road – and host a Liverpool side who have been inconstent this term.
Kenny Dalglish’s men are hoping to break back into the top four this season but the Reds’ problems have been in front of goal with an over-reliance on top-scorer Luis Suarez.
He may have his problems off the pitch but the Uruguayan has excelled in the Premier League and looks tasty at 9/2 to open the scoring at Villa Park.
This is a game Liverpool usually do well in – last season’s dead rubber on the final day was their first defeat at Villa Park since 1998 – but this has the makings of a tight game and the draw at 12/5 is very tempting.
Prediction – draw.
Spurs v Sunderland (3pm)
Before last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Stoke, Spurs had won their last six Premier League games to move into title contention in many fans and pundits’ minds.
However, they failed the Britannia Stadium test – a good barometer of any side’s title credentials – so they will be desperate to bounce back against struggling Sunderland.
Harry Redknapp’s side also slipped out of the Europa League on Thursday – something, though, that may end up aiding their title bid – but have been very strong at home this season as they prepare to host the Black Cats, losing just once early on against Man City.
Martin O’Neill got his tenure in charge of Sunderland off to a good start with a win against Blackburn last weekend – albeit with a last-gasp goal from Seb Larsson – and he will be determined to build on that at White Hart Lane.
But he couldn’t have asked for a more difficult first away test and will struggle to come away from London with anything (Spurs 2/5, draw 7/2, Sunderland 8/1 in the match betting).
Emmanuel Adebayor has been in good form since he signed on loan from Man City and scored last week at Stoke so looks a good shout at 7/2 to score first or last in this one.
Prediction – home win.
Manchester City v Arsenal (4.05pm)
Arguably the biggest game of the weekend rounds off Sunday’s top-flight action when leaders City host in-form Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.
Roberto Mancini’s side have just had their worst week of what’s been a tremendous season so far, losing their unbeaten record at Chelsea on Monday after making an early exit from the Champions League and they face another test when the Gunners visit.
If City are to maintain their lead at the top over United, they are likely to have to win on Sunday but it is no foregone conclusion they will bounce back.
Arsenal have won seven of their last eight Premier League matches to move back into top four contention and make a mockery of early-season fears that they were a club in decline under Arsene Wenger.
Unlike City, they are through to the knockout stage of the Champions League and, in Robin van Persie, have the stand-out performer of the season so far (11/2 first goalscorer).
City did triumph 1-0 when these two last met last month in the Carling Cup and will be desperate to prove the Chelsea defeat was just a blip but Arsenal can expose their frailties again on Sunday and come away with at least a point. Go for 1-1 in the correct score market at 6/1.
Prediction – draw.
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