EPL PREVIEW

                                                 

The big game of this round of fixtures is the Manchester Derby. The top two clubs go head to head at the Etihad Stadium with United top of the league and City still unbeaten so far this campaign. City play maker David Silva is a doubt for the game and United skipper Vidic who resumed training since his injury in September is not quite ready according to his manager. Both teams haven’t been playing their best football this season but expect the Derby to be a cracker of a game.

Arsenal takes on West Brom at the Emirates. The gunners are winless in three games and had a dismal performance against Swansea last time out, a result that saw them slump to 10^th on the table, there is pressure on Wenger and his team to produce results. The Baggies have lost their last two games and manager Steve Clark will be urging his team to get a result form this game.

It is a strange time for Chelsea at the moment, out of the Champions League and winless in 7 league matches and the way the fans have been treating Interim Manager Rafa Benitez is not making things easier at the club. Chelsea capitulated in the second half against West ham and Manager Benitez will want his first victory in the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have got problems of their own with just two wins  all season and dangling just over the relegation zone. There is an injury doubt over striker Steven Fletcher, who picked up an ankle injury in the loss to Norwich.

QPR haven’t lost a game under Harry but I am sure he will want his first victory over the inconsistent Wigan. Harry is still getting to know his players and the team has shown some improvement so far. Wigan were unfortunate with the red card against Newcastle. That was the fourth defeat in five games for the Latics.

Everton put on an impressive showing against Man City last weekend and will want to turn many of their draws to victories. Tottenham visit on Sunday without Gareth Bale who is injured and this is a big blow for them as he has been impressive so far this season. Spurs look good going forward but have problems at the back.

West Ham has been impressive at home this season. The Hammers second half display against Chelsea last week was brilliant. Liverpool face a tough test and they will be without influential  striker Luis Suarez who is serving a one match ban for picking up his fifth booking of the season.

FIXTURES

8/12/12

Arsenal    v     West Brom                 4:00pm

Aston Villa   v     Stoke                     4:00pm

Swansea     v Norwich                      4:00pm

Wigan v    QPR                                4:00pm

Southampton v Reading                    4:00pm

Sunderland   v   Chelsea                   4:00pm

9/12/12

Man City       v   Man United            2:30pm

Everton      v   Tottenham                 4:00pm

West Ham v   Liverpool                   5:00pm

10/12/12

Fulham     v    Newcastle                  9:00pm