EPL MID-SEASON TEAM

The world’s most exciting drama series is in the mid-season stage. We have put together a team of the best players in their positions from the start of the season to round 19.

Gerhard Tremmel (Swansea)

                                           

The German came off the bench for first choice keeper Michel Vorm who was injured on 64 minutes in Swansea’s 0-1 loss to Man City. The former Red Bull Salzburg keeper had previously made only six appearances for the Swans.  Tremmel has deputised well for the Dutch man making excellent saves and brilliant displays that has helped his team maintain a good start to the season.

Pablo Zabaleta (Man City)

                                          

The City full back has the ability to defend and attack the ball as well. He has displayed many match winning performances for the champions. His well taken goal made it 2-2 all in the Manchester derby and his ability to deliver telling crosses into the box has also been key for City as he creates many goal scoring chances for his team mates.

Sebastien Bassong (Norwich)

                                           

The French Man has found a new lease of life in Norwich after undergoing tough times at Spurs. He has made a team high 62 clearances and has been a pivotal part of a Norwich team that has overcome a difficult start to the season and out together a 10 match unbeaten run which includes victories over Arsenal, Man United and Spurs. Bassong has scored goals one of which was a vital last minute equalizer against Everton. He has now scored three goals this season after bagging two in his previous 94 appearances.

Ryan Shawcross (Stoke)

                                     

The Stoke Captain has lead his side well producing battling performances weekly. His efforts have been rewarded by the club as he was offered a new deal to keep him away from other Premier League clubs. Stoke have a 31% win rate when Shawcross plays in the Premier league and just 21% when he is missing. They also have a tighter defence conceding 1.26 goals when he is on the pitch compared to 1.57 when he is missing.

Leighton Baines (Everton)

                                     
This Player is producing performances of such a consistent standard this season. The question now is when does Baines get his place in the England set up? He has created 64 chances this season, 10 more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.

Santi Carzola (Arsenal)

                                   
The Spaniard has adapted well to life in the Premier League.  Almost everything good about Arsenal’s attacking play goes through him. His performances have left Monsieur Wenger smiling in Post match interviews any time a question is asked about the little man. Carzola has scored more goals from outside the box than any other player in the top five European leagues since August 2011(9 goals)

Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

                                         
The Belgian has been in superb form this season, tackling hard and winning aerial duels thus providing flick no’s  for his team mates   Fellaini has already equalled his personal best return of eight goals in a single season for Everton (2008-09).

Juan Mata (Chelsea)

                                        
Mata is thriving this season for Chelsea as he enjoys extra freedom and has Oscar and Hazard to assist in creating chances for Torres.  He makes defence-splitting passes almost at will, scores the most exquisite goals and works like a Trojan. The Spaniard has provided seven assists and scored seven goals this season including a superb free kick against Man United. He has already exceeded his goal tally from his first season in the Premier League (6).

Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

                                     
The Welsh star has been improving his all round play this season, drifting from the wings and playing through the middle. His link up play has also improved. He scored an impressive hat trick against Aston Villa on his return from an injury lay off.

Michu (Swansea)

                             
Michael Landrup’s £2million signing has been one of the stars of the season. The Spaniard  has scored 13 goals and provided 2 assists to help his team sit comfortably in the top half of the league table. He has the highest number of headed goals in the league (5). Spain coach Del Bosque stated in an interview that Michu will earn his first cap for his country in an international friendly against Uruguay in March 2013.

Robin Van Persie (Man United)

                                             
The Dutchman made the move from the Emirates to Old Trafford in the summer. His signing has proved to be a very good one by Sir Alex. Robin leads the goal scorers chat with 14goals and has written his name in Manchester Derby folklore with an injury time winner in his first derby. It looks like the £24million is money well spent, even for a 29-year old. Van Persie has scored 60 goals in his 72 Premier League appearances since the start of 2011.

SUBS

Amir Begovic (Stoke), Patrice Evra (Man United), Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Yaya Toure (Man City),

Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)

MANAGER

Steve Clarke (West Brom)

                                      
He was appointed in the summer to take over from Roy Hodgson who left the club to take over the England job. This is his first shot at being a manager. The Chelsea legend was assistant manager to Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, then moved to West Ham as an assistant to Zola and then Liverpool as Dalgaish’s assistant. He has been able to get the best out of his players and has his team playing confidently and with belief. The Baggies are sixth on the log.

FOOTBALL IN 2012

                                       

The 28^th edition of the African Cup of Nations was co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The tournament began on the 21^st of January 2012. The failure of defending champions Egypt and African football powers Nigeria and Cameroun to qualify meant that Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana were the overwhelming favourites to win the title.  Zambia had other ideas. The ‘Chipolopolo’ defeated Ghana in the semi-finals and face Cote d’Ivoire in the finals on the 12^th of February.  The game headed for a penalty shootout as both teams failed to score in regulation time.  Herve Renard’s side won the dramatic shootout, winning their first continental title and becoming the fourteenth nation to lift the tournament. The Zambian team dedicated their win to the members of the national team who died near the final’s venue in Libreville during the 1993 Zambian national football team air disaster.

                                      

In March, Bolton Wanderers Midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup game with Tottenham Hotspurs at White Hart Lane. He received medical attention from the physios and a cardiologist who was amongst the spectators and had come on to assist. Muamba recovered despite his heart having stopped for more than an hour. Following medical advice, he announced his retirement from professional football in August 2012. Aston Villa Captain Stiliyan Petrov was diagnosed with acute leukaemia after receiving treatment for a fever after his team’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal. The Bulgarian suspended his football career to have treatment.

                                                    

May was the month of champions. Italian giants Juventus claimed their first Serie A title in 9 years. The ‘Old Lady’ was unbeaten in the entire league campaign. Broussia Dortmund claimed a second successive league title; they fought off Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich to retain the crown they won in the 2012/2011 season.  Montpellier was crowned Ligue 1 champions ahead of PSG. The Parisians had spent lavishly in the summer and brought in Carlo Ancelotti to help secure a league title. However, it was Montpellier which was established through a merger in 1974 that won a first league title.  With virtually the last kick of the game against QPR Sergio Aguero won Man City their first league title in 44 years. The Citizens backed by Sheikh Mansour’s billions needed to win their last game of the season to be crowned champions and the final day was indeed dramatic with City winning 3-2. 

                                               

Real Madrid won a first La Liga title in 3 years. Jose Mourinho’s side were able to break the strong hold of rivals Barcelona. Los Blancos won the league by scoring more than a 100 league goals and 7 points ahead of Barcelona. Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League after a dramatic penalty shoot out with Bayern Munich. Chelsea had against all odds triumphed over Barcelona in the semi-finals. The finals held in Bayern’s Allianz Arena and the Bavarians were the overwhelming favourites. Thomas Mueller gave Bayern the lead on 83minutes but Chelsea equalized with their first corner of the game as Didier Drogba sent a thumping header into the Bayern goal in the 89^th minute. Robben had an extra time penalty save. The game went into penalties and Chelsea won the shoot out and their first Champions league title and the acclaimed Holy Grail for owner Roman Abramovich.

                                              

In June the UEFA European Championships was co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine. The tournament was held from June 8 to July 1 2012. Defending Champions Spain were still the favourites to retain the title. The Spain team were in Group C and played a 1-1 draw with Italy in their opening group match. The final match took place at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, where Spain defended their title with a 4-0 win over Italy. Spain became the first team to win two consecutive European Championships and the first international team to win three straight major tournament titles (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012).

                                    In December, Lionel Messi wrote his name into the history books as he equalled and surpassed Gerd Mueller’s tally of 85 goals in a calendar year in 1972. The Argentine international scored a record 91 goals in 2012. Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova underwent surgery after he suffered a relapse of a tumour in his throat which he suffered for a large part of the 2011/2012 campaign. The operation went according to plan and the will start chemotherapy and radiation treatment that is scheduled to last six weeks. Jordi Roura will take charge of the team till Tito’s return. 

                                         

The club world cup held in the Japan with the final between European Champions Chelsea and South American champions Corinthians. The Brazilians triumphed 1-0.

EPL PREVIEW

                                         

It was a good win for Arsenal against Reading on Monday night, they were attacking and Wenger played Walcott in a central striking position. Jack Wilshere signed a new long term contract along with other British players Ramsey, Gibbs, Chamberlain and Jenkinson.  The win will have boosted the confidence in the Arsenal squad ahead of the trip to the DW Stadium. Wigan has been inconsistent in the league and that has always been their challenge in previous seasons. The Latics have won only one in their last seven games and they are already bracing for another fight for Premier League Survival.

                                      

QPR are still unbeaten under Harry Redknapp and won their first game of the season against Fulham last week. They are off the bottom of the League and I am sure Harry will urge his players to make it two wins out of two against Newcastle. The Magpies are having a very poor season compared to their heroics of last season. Injuries to key players such as Cabaye haven’t helped their cause. Striker Papiss Cisse is yet to find his goal scoring form this term while fellow striker Demba Ba’s future is in doubt.

                                          

Man City responded positively to defeat in the Derby with a 3-1 win on Tyneside against Newcastle. Their forward players were in good form but it seems manager Roberto Mancini is yet to realize that his best striking partnership is Tevez and Aguero. The 2012 African Footballer Yaya Toure was back to his combative best.  Reading is rooted to the bottom of the table after a run of six straight defeats. The Royals lack of quality showed on Monday night as they were picked apart by Arsenal and this must be a serious worry for manager Brian McDermott.  Getting anything out this game for Reading will be really tough.

                                      

Tottenham welcome back Gareth Bale after a few weeks out through injury. AVB held a meeting this week with his defenders to sort out why the team concedes late goals. Spurs had a vital win over Swansea and are now fourth on the table. Stoke visit White Hart Lane on Saturday. The Potters are always tough opponents and concede few goals.

                                      

West Brom has taken only one point from their last four games while Norwich is one of the form sides in the League, unbeaten in 9 games, credit must go to manager Chris Hughton for turning around their poor start of the season form. Steve Clark will want his side to get back to winning ways after a poor run of results.

                                     

Liverpool was left stunned at Anfield by a rampant Aston Villa side last week. On Saturday Fulham pay a visit. Young forward Raheem Sterling has penned a long term deal with the club finally putting an end to speculation that he was leaving the club. Fulham has been struggling a bit of late and the loss to QPR tells the complete story, they will need to produce a great away match performance to outclass the Reds.

                                  

Swansea was a bit unlucky against Spurs last week. Michael Landrup’s side is one of the best ball playing side in the league and will stick to their style against league leaders Man United. Fergie’s side is six points clear at the top of the League after winning five games in a row. United are looking strong at the moment with the only downside to their game in defence. The return of Vidic should help shore up the backline.

                                   

Chelsea returns to Premier League action after the disappointment of the Club World Cup. They had a brilliant game against Leeds in the capital one cup on Wednesday. The Chelsea fans have stopped moaning about Rafa Benitez and are getting behind their team. Rafa has been rotating his squad and experimented with David Luiz in midfield in the club world cup.  Lampard is back to the squad but Captain John Terry is still out injured. Chelsea needs to have consistency if they want to challenge the Manchester clubs.  Villa have had a good run of late and had a great win at Liverpool last Saturday. They are playing well and though they don’t have much quality, the team gives their all in every game.

OTHER FIXTURES

Southampton v Sunderland, West Ham v Everton.

BEST WISHES TITO

                                                      

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has undergone a successful surgery on his patriod gland. He is expected to begin a six week rehabilitation process. He is expected to be back sometime in feburary 2013.

Best Wishes Tito!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CAN MARIO BE SUPER?

                                

The stage was set for Mario Balotelli to give a big performance for his team in the Manchester derby. That didn’t happen as Mario offered nothing in attack and walked straight down the tunnel immediately he was substituted. This is the kind of attitude we are accustomed to getting from the young Italian striker.

Balotelli began his football career with Lumezanne and his talent quickly attracted one of the biggest teams in Italian football Inter Milan. He moved on loan to Inter in 2006 and his performances earned him a permanent moved in 2007. 

                                        

He was given chances to shine in the first team by then Inter boss Roberto Mancini, who is a huge admirer of the striker. He impressed in his first season and claimed his first league title. He gained national attention for his two goals against Juventus in the Italian Super Cup Quarter-Finals in 2007, as his goals were instrumental to Inter’s progress to the semi-finals.  In November 2008, he became Inter’s youngest ever goal scorer in the champions league at 18years 85days when he scored against Cypriot side Anothorsis Famagusta.

 In March 2010, While at Inter he received outrage from the fans and club hierarchy for making a TV appearance wearing the jersey of city rivals AC Milan. He also had a falling out with Inter coach Jose Mourinho that led many to question his commitment to the club.  Mourinho proceeded to label him “unmanageable”. After three Italian titles and one Champions League title he moved from Inter to Manchester City in 2010 in a deal reportedly worth 22million Euros to be reunited with former manager and mentor Roberto Mancini.

                                  

He made his debut for the Italian national team on 10 August  2010 in a friendly against Cote D’Ivoire. He was part of the Italy squad that reached the Finals of Euro 2012 making him the first black player to represent Italy in a major tournament. He scored three goals in the tournament and the high point for him was his two goals in the semi finals against Germany.

Balotelli possesses speed, strength, agility, confidence, good technical ability  and an eye for goal, all attributes of great strikers. He has bundles of talent but his erratic behaviour and disciplinary problems have refused to go away. In June 2010 Balotelli and a group of friends fired air pistols in the open in Milan’s Piazza della Repubblica. In 2010 he was also photographed in the company of two noted mafia Mobsters. He has admitted that he “sometimes does strange things”

In September 2011 Mario was reportedly seen using his IPad while on the substitute bench for the game between Italy and the Faroe Islands. In December 2011, he broke Man City’s 48hour curfew before the game against Chelsea to go to a Curry House. Although he wasn’t drinking, he signed autographs and posed for pictures. 

                                     

In March 2012, Balotelli made an unexpected appearance at the first press conference of new Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni. He walked nonchalantly into the press room then proceeded to shake Stramaccioni and other at the podium before leaving the press room amidst laughter from the audience.

In April 2012, after his dismissal in a league games against Arsenal, Mancini said of Balotelli “I have finished my words for him, I have finished. He is not a bad guy and a fantastic player but I am very sorry for him as he continues to lose his talent and his quality.”  On Wednesday, the FA tribunal will decide on the case between balotelli and City. The 22 year old dragged his Club to the tribunal for their decision to fine him 2 weeks of wages. Mario is constantly on the radar of the media because of his rash actions and arrogance. It seems that the Man City hierarchy have had enough of him and rumours abound that he may be sold in the summer or loaned in the January transfer window.

For Balotelli to be able to live up to his ‘Super Mario’ tag, he has to find a balance. He has to find a method of curbing his many on field and off field craziness and focus entirely on football.  The way the likes of Eric Cantona and Roy Keane were able balance their careers amidst anger management issues.

 If Mario wants history to remember him as an Italian football great like Paolo Maldini, Dino Zoff, Del Piero and Totti, then he should heed the advice of his national team coach Cesare Prandelli who said that Balotelli needs to listen more to his coaches.

THE WEEKEND IN ITALY

                                        

Saturday’s games started with Palermo visiting Udinese at the Stadio Friuli, once again the Udinese legend Antonio Di Natalie was their savior, grabbing the equalizer in the 89^th minute. Josip Ilicic put the visitors in front in the 33^rd minute. Udinese goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic kept Udinese in the game all day helping them extend an Unbeaten run to 3 games.  Early in the Game Palermo squandered a great chance to pull ahead, as Fabrizio Miccoli after twisting and turning inside the penalty area he pulled his shot wide. Then minutes later Robert Pereyra failed to put Udinese ahead when his first touch left more to be desired. Chances came for both sides throughout the game with Palermo having the lion share. In the 89^th minute however Udinese made Palermo pay for their plethora of missed chances, when Ujkani lost grip of the ball and clashed with his defender leaving Di Natalie to poach home the unexpected equalizer.  The Palermo versus Udinese game was just an appetizer; the main course began later that night as the “Giant killers” 

                                          

Internazionale took on the ever dangerous Lazio.  The first 45 minutes was a cagy affair with neither side conjuring a shot at goal throughout the first half.  The second half however was a different ball game, as Inter hit the woodwork twice during a strong five minute spell. Fredy Guarin was first to hit the wood work when he rifled his shot in from 25 yards the Cassano followed in the 72^nd minute hitting the same part of the post. Milito was there for both the rebounds, but failed to make it count as he shot wide and was denied by the keeper. The German legend Klose was the man of the moment, after failing to convert 2 easy chances because of poor control. He then proceeded to score the most difficult of all, being pressured by two defenders he put the ball into the far right corner as he fell to the ground. The last minutes of the game were nervy for Lazio as Inter piled on the pressure. Lazio held on for the win and improved on their stellar home record this season, as Inter fall 4 points behind log leaders pending Juventus’ game with Atlanta.

The story of Sunday’s games was the loss of Napoli at home to Bologna and AC Milan’s resurgence.  Fiorentina Dominated Siena completely in the Tuscan derby, thrashing their local rivals 4-1.  A brace from Luca Toni and goals from Aquilani and Pizzaro ensured a comfortable victory. Catania registered their first back to back wins with a comeback 3-1 victory at home to sampdoria. Three second half goals from Mario Angel Paglialunga (55') Gonzalo Bergessio (65') Lucas Nahuel Castro (90') were enough to earn all 3 points at the Stadio Angelo Massimino. Chievo Verona welcomed an inform AS Roma to the Stadio Marc`Antonio Bentegodi. The match saw a Battle of forms with Roma coming in on the back of a 4 game winning streak and Chievo on a 2 game win streak. A late goal from Sergio Pellissier (87') gave Chievo their 3^rd straight victory and ended Roma’s run of good form. Genoa was at home to Torino and after 2 first half goals that saw the game balanced at 45minutes and the game ended all square. 

                                             

Juventus sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory over 10 man Atlanta.Three first half goals from Mirko Vucinic (2') Andrea Pirlo (14') Claudio Marchisio (27') saw The champions pull 7 points clear of second place Inter.  Parma welcomed Cagliari to the Stadio Ennio Tardini and proceeded to whoop them convincingly. With Cagliari scoring in the 20^th minute from a Marco Sau effort. Parma began the comeback a minute later with  Ishak Belfodil (21') and ended the game with efforts from Jonathan Ludovic Biabiany (54') Jamie Valdes (PEN 65')  and Ishak Belfodil (86').  Bologna pulled away from the relegation zone with 2 late minute goals, in a back and forth affair away to Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo. Napoli failed to make their dominance count and paid for it, as Cagliari ran out winners on the day. Goals from Gamberini and Cavani saw Napoli draw level in the 50^th and 70^th minute, Before the Cagliari fight back.  

                                         

AC Milan dominated proceeding when they welcomed Pescara to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Milan ran out 4-1 victors with goals from Antonio Nocerino (1') Elvis Abbruscato (OG 51') Jonathas (OG 79') Stephan El Shaarawy (81') .

By:

Phillip Eboreime (@ohioflintstones)

EPL REVIEW

                                         

The early kick off on Saturday saw champions Man City travel to St James’ Park to take on a Newcastle side in dire need of three points. Kun Aguero opened the scoring for the Citizens converting from a Nasri cut back on 10minutes. Javi Garcia scored his second goal in English football to put City two up on 39minutes. Demba Ba gave the Magpies a lifeline with a well taken headed goal but Yaya Toure’s smart finish from a Zabaleta pass sealed victory for City. It was a perfect response from Mancini’s men after the bitter disappointment of Derby day defeat. Mancini rang the changes to his side dropping Balotelli from the squad with Tevez pairing Aguero.

                                                                                        

It took Harry four games but he has finally got a victory out of his QPR side.  An Adel Taarabt double ended QPR’s record-breaking winless start to a Premier League season as they beat Fulham in a thrilling London Derby at Loftus Road. The playmaker opened the scoring in the 52^nd minute with a shot from 25yards that deflected of Hangeland.  His second was sensational as he casual curled the ball into the net following a mazy run from midfield. Petric pulled one back late on and ensured a nervy finish but QPR were able to hold on for a 2-1 victory. The result moves them off the bottom of the table for the first time since November 10^th.

                                         

Liverpool’s hopes of a top four finish was dealt a huge blow by a Christian Benteke inspired Aston Villa. The home side went behind in the 29^th minute when Benteke arrowed a shot in off the post. Benteke’s exquisite backheel set up Weimann for Villa’s second on 40minutes. The Belgian got his brace from close range for a resurgent Villa side before Gerrad netted a consolation late. It ended 3-1 to Villa and capped up a memorable week for them as they reached the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup mid week.

                                             

An efficient attacking display from Man United against Sunderland ensured that that will top the table at Christmas. Two goals in four first half minutes from Robin van Persie and Tom Cleverley gave United control of the game. Rooney struck his third goal in three games just before the hour mark to put the game beyond Sunderland but credit to Sunderland who kept fighting and pulled a goal back through former United striker Frazier Campbell. There was an appearance by Vidic who had been injured since September, his return is a boost and Sir Alex seeks to shore up his leaky defence. Sunderland remains close to the relegation zone and heaps more pressure on Manager Martin O’Neill.

                                                  

Tottenham secured a 1-0 win over Swansea in North London on Sunday. Jan Vertonghen broke the deadlock with a classy finish from a Kyle Walker free-kick. Spurs were without the injured Gareth Bale for the second game in a row and needed a win the lay claim to fourth spot. Swansea had few chances and remain 10^th despite a second successive defeat.

                                             

Kenwyne Jones scored his first goal in 28 league appearances as Stoke drew with Everton to maintain their unbeaten home record. Ryan Shawcross headed Pienaar’s cross into this own net to give Everton the lead. Everton could have been reduced to 10 men when Fellaini headbutted Shawcross but the incident was missed by the officials. The Belgian has been banned for 3 games.

                                              

Arsenal was in need of a victory after the disappointment of the League Cup against Bradford.  Monday night saw the gunners travel to the Madejski Stadium to take on Reading. The Royals had dropped to bottom of the league following QP   2R’s win.  Arsenal was on the attack from the start and took the lead via a Podolski Strike. Two goals from Carzola ensured Arsenal went into the break with a three goal cushion. The Royals were disorganized and put up a woeful display in the first half.  The Spaniard completed his hatrick in the second half but the Royals began to put pressure on the Arsenal backline and pulled two goals back with Le Fondre and kebe. Theo Walcott playing in his much courted central striking position got the goal his performance deserved scoring a fifth for Arsenal putting the game beyond Reading.  The victory was a positive response for Arsenal following the loss to Bradford and lifts them to fifth on the table.

OTHER RESULTS

West Brom 0 West Ham 0, Norwich 2 Wigan 1.

EPL PREVIEW

                                                

Champions Man City visit St James’ Park on the back of their first defeat of the season to city rivals Man United. City will want to bounce back from the defeat that has left them six points off the pace behind table topping Man United. This Week City announced a loss of £97.9m, the club has managed to half the deficit from last year (£197.5m) but are still in danger regarding UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules. Newcastle has failed to build up on the success of last season, marred by injuries to key players and lack of confidence. They are on a run of five defeats in six games. This will be a tough fixture for City because Newcastle will ensure they don’t get beaten.

                                               

Liverpool put up a good showing away to West Ham last weekend without talisman Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan will be back from suspension and will want to ensure Liverpool continues their good run. Aston Villa are the visitors to Anfield after a morale boosting win over Norwich in the Capital One Cup mid week. I expect Villa to be competitive and make this game worthwhile.

                                                                              

Fulham go to Loftus Road to take on a QPR side still in search of their first win of the season. Harry is unbeaten in three games as QPR boss but the win still eludes him. His side have been more competitive than they were under Mark Hughes with the players knowing they have to fight for places. Fulham had a good win against Newcastle on Monday night. I reckon this is the game QPR will break their winless streak.

                                      

Man United should have Nemanja Vidic back in defence against Sunderland which will be another massive boost for them after going six points ahead in the league with their Derby win.  Sunderland played with a high tempo in their Capital One Cup win over Reading but they still looked shaky in defence and I don’t see how they can shut out a potent United attack.

                                           

Everton’s comeback to beat Spurs last weekend, was a fantastic result for them. The Toffees had drawn so many games when they were in winning positions, so to win that game when they were behind so late on was massive for them. They will have to work very hard to get three points at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke hardly concede goals at home, work hard and are difficult to play against.

                                                                                                     

Swansea’s last visit to North London ended with joy. A massive 2-0 victory over Arsenal, a game in which they dominated the Gunners.  They are now through to the League Cup Semi-Finals for the first time in their history.  Spurs collapsed at Everton last week conceding two goals in extra time. If Gareth Bale is not fit it will be a big loss for Spurs but this is a game they really should win to prove their top four credentials.

                                          

West Brom has now lost three games in a row but they were very unlucky in the defeat to Arsenal last week. The Baggies will get a chance to stop that slide on Sunday because West Ham has really been inconsistent on the road this season.

                                       

On Monday night Arsenal play host to Reading. I doubt we will get a repeat of the 7-5 score line in the League Cup between these two sides. It took Arsenal 60-odd minutes to force Bradford keeper Matt Duke into a save in their League Cup loss. Their crossing was poor all night and Gervinho looked like he did not want to be there. Arsenal lacks a leader on the pitch and they are hurting badly from the sales of Van Persie and Song. Reading will look to cause them more problems as they have between competitive in all their games this season. Wenger needs a positive result but it will not come without a fight.

OTHER FIXTURES

Norwich v Wigan

*All Saturday’s fixtures are 3:00pm GMT except Man city Newcastle which is 12:45GMT.

* Sunday’s fixtures Tottenham v Swansea (13:30 GMT), West Brom v West Ham (16:00GMT).