Happy New Year

Dragi posetioci sajta Sta Sam Ti Reko, želimo vam prijatne Novogodišnje i Božićne praznike te srećnu i uspešnu 2011. godinu.

Želimo vam da se u 2011. zajedno sa nama radujete novim podvizima srpskih fudbalera, košarkaša, tenisera, vaterpolista, odbojkaša i ostalih sportista, da sa nama pratite sve najvažnije sportske događaje.
Želimo Vam da se naslušate “Bože pravde” tokom proglašenja pobednika, da klubovi za koje navijate budu “opasni” u Evropi, da nam stadioni i hale budu puni i bezbedni...
Sve najbolje u novoj godini želi vam Sta Sam Ti Reko

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01.-02. 01. 2011. Bets of the week

01.01.2011. (Saturday)

16:00 Manchester City - Blackpool

Manchester City are on fire and even without talisman Carlos Tevez last time out showed they are increasingly prolific up front with 4 goals in front of the City faithful, who had only witnessed nine goals scored in nine home games prior to the drubbing of Aston Villa.

Ian Holloway’s amiable Blackpool side keep on impressing as the away victories continued with another over Sunderland. Man City will be a much tougher challenge for the Tangerines. When Blackpool travelled to Arsenal and Chelsea at the beginning of the season six and four goals were shipped respectively without reply. Since then Blackpool make it much tighter and there has only been a one goal difference in all of their matches bar one since that 4-0 Chelsea victory.

Manchester City -1 on the handicap is tempting, particularly if Silva begins to chip in with some goals and the enigmatic Mario Balotelli is paired with Carlos Tevez in the starting 11. But all four of Manchester City’s last games have gone over 2.5 goals and even the reverse; a 3-2 win at Bloomfield Road went over this mark and I fancy this encounter to finish the same.

Match Odds: Man City 1.30, Draw 5.0, Blackpool 11.0

Tip: Over 2.5 goals (Manchester City v Blackpool) @ 1.50

16:00 Hull City - Leicester City

The Tigers meet the Foxes on the first day of 2011, and the odds look a bit weird. For starters, Hull are in 15th place, one point ahead of Leicester in 17th and with a game in hand, but that is hardly convincing.

A bit more important is a simple fact that Hull’s squad is at least equal in strength to that of Leicester. While both were supposed to fight of a playoff place at the very least when the season started, both are underperforming, but Hull enjoy a good run of form lately.

They are unbeaten in eight games, took seven points from their last three fixtures, and Jimmy Bullard’s return to action is a very important bonus. On the other hand, Leicester are terrible on their travels, losing nine of their 12 away fixtures, including four in a row, with the league worst away defensive record (30 goals conceded). They took just one point from their last three games, and backing the Tigers looks like a good bet.

Match Odds: Hull 2.75, Draw 3.10, Leicester 2.62

Tip: Hull to win @ 2.75

16:00 Stoke City - Everton

The match with the biggest draw bias this week is Stoke v Everton

Record of teams of Stoke's grade when playing at home to teams of Everton's grade reads H6 D7 A5. Stoke's recent home record against teams of Everton's grading is W1 D2 L2.

Everton's recent away record against teams of Stokes grading is W3 D5 L2. Head to Head recent record at Stoke reads Stoke 1 Draw 2 Everton 2.

Stoke have drawn 1 of their last 5 home matches. Everton have drawn four of their last five away matches.

Tip: Stoke v Everton draw @ 3.10Bet Now

The other draws I will be backing this weekend are Birmingham v Arsenal (3.75) and Wigan v Newcastle (3.10)

02.01.2011. (Sunday)

13:45 Rangers - Celtic

On Sunday the two Glasgow giants meet in the first Old Firm clash of 2011. This time the game is to be played at Ibrox and could well be a title decider! Should Rangers win it, Celtic would have to hope that other teams can beat Rangers. Rangers have won the last three derby games at Ibrox, Celtic’s last win there was in 2008.

These games are seldom goalless, often filled with incidents and normally close run affairs. A great way to start 2011.

Match Odds: Rangers 2.05, Draw 3.40, Celtic 3.50

Tips: Draw match @ 3.40/ Correct score 1-1 @ 7.0

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29-12-2010 21:00 Liverpool - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Strong At Home

If the Premier League was to be decided by home form alone, we would be looking at Liverpool having a serious shot at the title. But of course, things don’t work that way.

The Reds have been very strong at home, losing only one of their eight games to date at Anfield. This should give manager Roy Hodgson a lot of confidence ahead of this encounter, as he is currently under pressure. This is because the Merseysiders are threatening to remain in a consistently inconsistent state to finish in an anonymous mid-table position.

But it could be argued that with little football in recent times - their last two league games were postponed – the idle mind of the rumour mill could have turned into a devil’s workshop with speculation mounting over the former Fulham manager's future.

Still, after ‘missing’ two games, the players will likely be rearing to get out there and get down to business.

The return of talismanic captain Steven Gerrard should prove to be the catalyst that is necessary to help the club embark on a positive run of form, having secured contrasting results in an alternating win-loss-win pattern in recent weeks.

Howling At Rock Bottom

Wolves are in a sorry state of affairs since their recent defeat in a six-pointer with Wigan Athletic saw the Molineux outfit plunge to the very bottom of the table.

With only a mere 15 points on board after 18 games, it is little wonder that Mick McCarthy’s men are embroiled in a serious fight for survival.

The Yorkshireman’s worries are compounded by the fact that his side have a six-pointer against West Ham after the encounter against the Reds, and would want to go into that game with some semblance of confidence.

And what’s worse, Wolves have Chelsea, Manchester City and the reverse fixture against Hodgson’s men that follow after the clash against Avram Grant’s side.

With all this in mind, the travellers will want to take away something from this game to boost their chances of survival before things get out of hand.

But their form curve - on away days - has shot straight down to the basement, as McCarthy’s charges have drawn one and lost seven of their last eight trips away from Molineux.

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

The Reds will be glad to get back onto the pitch after their last two Premier League games were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Skipper Steven Gerrard has returned from a hamstring injury sustained whilst on international duty, and should start the game playing just behind striker Fernando Torres. This would see David Ngog drop to the bench.

Jamie Carragher (shoulder) and Jay Spearing (ankle) remain sidelined.

Possible starting XI: Reina; Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Konchesky; Kuyt, Meireles, Lucas, Maxi; Gerrard; Torres.

Wolves

Despite having no new concerns ahead of this game, Wolves still have a long list of injuries.

Jody Craddock and Kevin Doyle (both thigh), Michael Mancienne and Karl Henry (both knee), and Adlene Guedioura (broken leg) are all sidelined.

Possible starting line-up: Hennessey; Zubar, Berra, Stearman, Elokobi; Foley, Edwards, Milijas, Hunt; Ward; Ebanks-Blake.

Prediction

Liverpool are traditionally strong at Anfield, and the return of skipper Steven Gerrard should provide the side with the impetus necessary to register a good victory and heap more pressure on the visitors.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

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29-12-2010 20:45 Chelsea - Bolton Wanderers

Slump days

Is it too early to rule Chelsea out of the Premier League title race? Possibly, given the nature of division, but with the Blues six points off the top having played a game more than league leaders Manchester United and showing no signs of exiting their mid-season slump things do not look rosey for the current title holders.

Monday's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal exposed more flaws in Carlo Ancelotti's side, mainly a seeming lack of belief that they can challenge for honours this term, even with stars Frank Lampard and John Terry back in the team. Anything other than a win against Bolton on Wednesday and it's curtains for the Blues', and probably Ancelotti's, Chelsea career.

At the trot

In contrast, confidence could not be higher at the Reebok Stadium where a bullish Bolton side sit sixth in the Premier League table and have the chance to leapfrog their hosts on Wednesday with a win at Stamford Bridge.

Owen Coyle's men have been impressing with an approach that has blended style and effort with a host of relative unknowns leading the way for the Trotters. Players like Stuart Holden received little coverage at the start of the season but the American has been a revelation under the wily Scot this term.

If belief was measured in points, Bolton would be above Chelsea in the table and come Thursday morning they could well be.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

After missing out against Arsenal through injury, Nicolas Anelka could be reinstated to the Chelsea starting line-up, with Salomon Kalou failing to take his opportunity at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, the Blues are still missing Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun, who all still have long term concerns, but Jose Bosingwa is expected to start after a substitute's appearance against Arsenal.

Possible starting XI: Cech; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.

Bolton

The Trotters will have to make do without Chung-Yong Lee who is now unavailable for a few weeks while representing South Korea in the Asian Cup.

Joey O'Brien, Sean Davis, Ricardo Gardner and Jlloyd Samuel continue to be long term injury victims.

Possible starting XI: Jaaskelainen; Ricketts, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Petrov, Muamba, Holden, Taylor; K Davies, Elmander.

Prediction

Last seaon this would have been a straightforward home win, but on current form that almost seems like the least likely option. Bolton's away form leaves a lot to be desired but Chelsea's form anywhere is remarkably poor. Expect a draw.

Chelsea 0-0 Bolton

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29-12-2010 20:45 Wigan Athletic - Arsenal

Gunners have the edge despite last season’s DW upset

Arsenal have dominated the clashes between the two sides, with 11 wins from the 14 meetings in all competitions.

However, Wigan did win the last meeting at the DW Stadium, 3-2 in April, which ended Arsenal’s title hopes last season. The Gunners were 2-0 up with 10 minutes to go but goals from Ben Watson, Titus Bramble and a last minute winner from Charles N’Zogbia sealed a famous victory for Martinez’s men.

This game will be the first meeting in the league between the two sides this season but they did meet in the League Cup in October when Arsenal won 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

North-west a happy hunting ground for Gunners

The north-west has often been thought of as Arsenal’s weak point but this season they have shown that this is no longer the case after three wins and a draw in the region.

They have beaten Blackburn, Everton and Manchester City, and earned themselves a draw against Liverpool on the opening day, but they were beaten by Manchester United on their last visit to the region.

Wigan have struggled against London sides this season and have only taken three points from a potential 12 against sides from the capital. Despite beating Tottenham at White Hart Lane they have slumped to defeats against Chelsea, Fulham and West Ham, conceding 11 goals and only scoring two.

TEAM NEWS

Wigan

The Latics come into this game on a high after their crucial victory over relegation rivals Wolves on Boxing Day lifted them out of the bottom three. Roberto Martinez’s men are currently five games unbeaten at home and will be hoping to build on that against the in-form Gunners.

Honduran duo Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa both return to the squad following their one-game suspensions for the Wolves match.

Emmerson Boyce and Franco Di Santo are both near to a first team return but remain doubtful for this match, but James McCarthy and Victor Moses are both definitely ruled out with injury.

Possible starting XI: Al Habsi; Gohouri, G Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa; Diame, Thomas; Cleverley, McArthur, N’Zogbia; Rodallega.

Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Chelsea, so Tomas Rosicky may start.

Manuel Almunia will not be able to feature due to his ankle injury, and defender Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen are not due to return until the New Year.

Robin van Persie's return to fitness is a huge boost to Arsene Wenger, and he could start again alongside Marouane Chamakh.

Possible starting XI: Fabianski; Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy; Rosicky, Song, Wilshere; Nasri, Van Persie, Chamakh.

Prediction

Despite their poor start to the season, Wigan’s home form has been very good in recent matches, but Arsenal should be too strong for Roberto Martinez’s men. The Gunners have one of the best away records in the league and they should record their sixth victory on the road at the DW Stadium.

Wigan Athletic 1-3 Arsenal

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Premier League Opta Facts - 28-29 December

Statistics and facts to help your football betting are available every week at Sta Sam Ti Reko courtesy of Opta Sportsdata, Europe's leading provider of sports performance statistics.

Manchester City v Aston Villa

• Villa have only won two of their last 15 Premier League games against Man City.
• John Carew has scored four goals in his six Premier League starts against Man City.
• Villa have conceded a penalty in three of their last four Premier League games against the Citizens.
• Villa have won just one and lost seven of their last nine Premier League away matches.
• Gerard Houllier's side have failed to score in three of their last four away matches in the Premier League.
• Man City have only kept one clean sheet in their last six Premier League matches.
• Aston Villa are one of two teams who have not won any points from a game where they have been trailing in the Premier League.

Stoke City v Fulham

• The Potters have won the last three meetings in all competitions with the Londoners.
• Five of the last seven league meetings between Stoke and Fulham have ended as 1-0 wins.
• Fulham have won none of their last 26 Premier League away games.
• Blackpool are the only team to prevent Stoke from scoring in the last nine league matches played at the Britannia Stadium.
• Fulham have lost the most points from winning positions this season; 13.
• 83% of the goals Stoke have scored have been netted in the second half, the highest proportion in the top flight.
• 65% of the goals that Fulham have conceded have come in the first half, the highest proportion in the Premier League.

Sunderland v Blackpool

• Sunderland are unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions at home to Blackpool, since the Tangerines won 4-1 in February 1958.
• Sunderland have lost just one of the last 19 Premier League matches at the Stadium of Light.
• Steve Bruce's side have kept five clean sheets in their last six Premier League games at the Stadium of Light.
• Sunderland have only failed to score in two of their last 15 Premier League home matches, being shut out both times by Manchester United.
• No team have kept more clean sheets than the nine clean sheets that Sunderland have managed this season.
• Blackpool have lost only one of their last seven Premier League matches.
• 81% of Sunderland's goals have been scored by strikers, making them more reliant on their forwards than any other team.

Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

• Spurs have won just one and lost six of their last seven Premier League matches against Newcastle.
• Spurs have scored exactly one goal in nine of the last 11 Premier League matches against Newcastle.
• None of the last 20 Premier League meetings between Newcastle and Tottenham has ended as a draw.
• Spurs have scored first in their last six Premier League matches at home to Newcastle, but have gone on to lose two of the last three.
• Newcastle have conceded more goals in their last two league away games (eight) than in their previous six on the road (7).
• Tottenham Hotspur have now gone 17 matches without keeping a clean sheet in the Premier League.
• Rafael Van der Vaart has either scored or assisted 10 goals in his last nine Premier League appearances for Spurs.

West Bromwich Albion v Blackburn Rovers

• Blackburn have had a player sent off in the last two Premier League games against West Brom.
• Rovers haven't kept a clean sheet away from home in the Premier League this season.
• Only one team (Stoke) have stopped Rovers from scoring in their last 11 Premier League away matches.
• Rovers' last five goals away from home have all been netted in the 80^th minute or later.
• Blackburn have won just one of their last 11 Premier League away games in the Midlands.
• Blackburn are one of two teams who have not won any points from a game where they have been trailing in the Premier League.
• Blackburn's defenders have contributed six goals, more than any other team.

West Ham United v Everton

• West Ham have won none of the last six meetings with Everton in the Premier League.
• Louis Saha has scored five goals in four Premier League appearances for Everton against West Ham
• Yakubu has scored three goals in four Premier League games for Everton against West Ham.
• Everton have only lost four of their 15 Premier League visits to Upton Park and have won in their last three games at the home of the Hammers.
• Everton have won away at West Ham more often than versus any other Premier League opponent, 7 times (joint with Manchester City).
• The Toffees have beaten West Ham 16 times in the Premier League, more victories than against any other opponent.
• Blackpool are the only team to stop West Ham from scoring at Upton Park in the Hammers' last 12 Premier League home matches.

Birmingham City v Manchester United

• There have been only five goals scored in the last four Premier League meetings between Manchester United and Birmingham City.
• Wayne Rooney has scored in four of his last six Premier League games against Birmingham.
• Birmingham have drawn three and lost three of their six home Premier League games against Man Utd, but all three defeats were by a one-goal margin.
• The Blues have managed to score just four goals in 12 Premier League meetings with United, but none of these have come at St Andrews.
• Birmingham have only lost one of their last 23 Premier League home matches, but 12 of these have ended as draws.
• United are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League away games, but have drawn six of the last seven.

Chelsea v Bolton Wanderers

• Bolton failed to score in three matches against Chelsea last season, twice in the league and once in the Carling Cup.
• Chelsea are unbeaten against Bolton in their last 14 meetings in all competitions.
• Frank Lampard has scored seven goals in his last 10 Premier League starts against Bolton.
• Bolton haven't kept a clean sheet against Chelsea in their last 19 Premier League meetings.
• The Blues have only failed to score in one of their last 29 Premier League games at Stamford Bridge.
• Chelsea have the best home defence in the Premier League conceding just four goals, but those all came in their last two games at Stamford Bridge.
• 63% of the goals Bolton have scored have come in the last half an hour of games, the highest percentage of any team.
• The clean sheet against West Brom ended a run of 17 matches without a shutout for Bolton.

Wigan Athletic v Arsenal

• Arsenal were 2-0 up with just over 10 minutes to play in this fixture last season, but Wigan came back to win 3-2.
• There have been five goals scored in the 89^th minute or later in the last three meetings between Wigan and Arsenal.
• Wigan have won just one and lost eight of their 10 Premier League games against Arsenal.
• The Latics have only won two of their last 10 Premier League home matches, but are unbeaten in the last five.
• Wigan are unbeaten in their last five matches at the DW Stadium, netting in each game.
• Tom Cleverley has scored three goals in his last four Premier League appearances.
• Wigan haven't won back to back Premier League games since August 2009.

Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers

• There have been just five goals scored in the four Premier League meetings between Liverpool and Wolves.
• Liverpool have won their last four Premier League games at Anfield and kept clean sheets in the last three.
• Fernando Torres has hit 44 goals in 48 Premier League appearances at Anfield.
• Wolves have won none of their last 11 Premier League away games and lost the last seven in a row.
• Mick McCarthy's side have kept just one clean sheet in their last 19 Premier League away games.
• Wolves have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 Premier League matches.
• Liverpool have only scored one goal in the final 15 minutes of matches, fewer than any other team.

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Championship Opta Facts - 28-29 December

Statistics and facts to help your football betting are available every week at Sta Sam Ti Reko courtesy of Opta Sportsdata, Europe's leading provider of sports performance statistics.

Coventry v QPR

• The Sky Blues are unbeaten in their last meetings with the Hoops, winning twice.
• QPR have hit just one goal on their last five trips to the Ricoh Arena.
• Only one of Coventry's 11 league games at home this season has ended in a draw.
• Marlon King has scored in the Sky Blues' last two league games at home.
• QPR have hit just two goals in their last five away matches in the Championship combined.

Bristol City v Crystal Palace

• City have won their last three meetings with the Eagles by a 1-0 scoreline.
• Nicky Maynard has scored in three of his last four league appearances against Palace.
• City are unbeaten in their last six league matches at home, and have kept three consecutive clean sheets.
• Brett Pitman has opened the scoring in the last three league games at Ashton Gate, bagging five goals in total.
• Palace have lost their last five league away games.

Burnley v Scunthorpe

• Burnley have won just one of their last seven league games at home to the Iron.
• However Burnley have lost just one of their last six against Scunthorpe in all competitions.
• Having kept a clean sheet in five of their opening six league games at Turf Moor, Burnley have failed to shut out their opponents in their last five.
• The Iron have shipped three goals in each of their last two league away games.

Doncaster v Ipswich

• Rovers are unbeaten in their last six games against Ipswich in all competitions, winning three.
• Last season Rovers came from behind to draw in both league meetings with Ipswich.
• Rovers are unbeaten in their last four at home in the Championship, winning three.
• The Tractor Boys have lost six of their last seven league games on the road.

Hull v Reading

• Three of the last five meetings between the Royals and the Tigers have ended 1-1.
• Hull are without a win in their last seven games at home to Reading.
• The 10 games at the KC Stadium this season in the league have produced only 12 goals.
• Shane Long has scored four goals in his last four appearances away from home with the Royals.

Leeds United v Portsmouth

• Pompey are on a run of four straight wins against Leeds in all competitions.
• However, the Whites have won their last four matches at home to Portsmouth in the second tier of English football.
• Leeds have won their last three games at home in the league this season.
• Pompey have won four of their last six league games on the road, including the last two.

Millwall v Leicester

• The last three league meetings between Millwall and Leicester have ended in a 1-0 win for the away side (Leicester two times).
• The Lions have won just two of their last 13 matches against City.
• Millwall have shipped just four goals in their last six league games at the New Den.

Norwich v Sheffield United

• Norwich have won their last four games at home to the Blades, three of them by a 1-0 scoreline.
• United have lost on seven of their last eight trips to Carrow Road.
• The Canaries have won only one of their last four games at home in the league.
• All three of the Blades' away wins in the league this season have been by a score of 1-0.

Preston v Middlesbrough

• Boro have won four of their last five league meetings with Preston.
• Preston have not won at Middlesbrough in the league since November 1971.
• The last three games at Deepdale in the league have produced only three goals in total.
• Boro have lost nine of their last 10 league games on the road.

Swansea v Barnsley

• Swansea have won three of their last six league meetings with Barnsley, each by a 3-1 scoreline: the other three games ended in draws.
• The Tykes were one of just three teams against whom the Swans managed to score more than twice in a match last season.
• Swansea have scored exactly once in their last three league games at home.
• After failing to pick up all three points in their first seven away matches of the season, Barnsley have now won their last two.

Watford v Cardiff

• Cardiff are on a run of three straight wins against Watford in the league.
• Peter Whittingam hit three goals against the Hornets last season.
• Watford have won just one of their last five games at home to the Bluebirds.
• Watford are unbeaten in their last three games at home.
• Cardiff have kept only one clean sheet in their last nine Championship matches on the road.

Nottingham Forest v Derby County

• Forest haven't kept a clean sheet in any of their last 10 meetings with the Rams.
• Derby have only won one of their last 15 trips to Forest in the league.
• Forest are the only side in the second tier to remain unbeaten at home this season. The Reds have won five and drawn five of their 10 games the City Ground.
• The Rams have lost their last three Championship away games.

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SPL Opta Facts - 29 December

Statistics and facts to help your football betting are available every week at Sta Sam Ti Reko courtesy of Opta Sportsdata, Europe's leading provider of sports performance statistics.

Hamilton v Aberdeen

• Paul Hartley scored a hat-trick of penalties when the two sides met at Pittodrie earlier in the season.
• Aberdeen have won on 10 of their last 12 trips to Hamilton in all competitions.
• Hamilton have not played a league game in over a month, with their last SPL fixture being played on the 27^th November.
• Hamilton have managed just one goal in their last five SPL fixtures.
• Aberdeen's Boxing Day victory over Hibs saw them end a run of seven successive league defeats.
• The Dons scored more goals in their last match against Hibs (2) than they had managed in their previous six games put together (1).
• This will be the fourth successive away game that Aberdeen have played in the SPL.
• Aberdeen have lost more SPL games in 2010 than any other side (23).

Hibernian v Dundee United

• United have won five and lost just one of their last eight league clashes with Hibernian.
• Hibs have won just one of their last five games at home to the Terrors.
• Hibs have picked up only one point from their last four league matches.
• The Cabbage have won only two of their last 12 home matches in the SPL.
• Dundee United have scored exactly one goal in each of their last seven league games.
• The Terrors have lost just twice on the road in the SPL since the start of March (12 games).
• Only Aberdeen (23) have lost more games in 2010 in the SPL than Hibs (21).

Celtic v Motherwell

• Celtic have won eight and lost none their last 10 league meetings with Motherwell.
• The Steelmen have scored just six goals in 21 SPL matches at Celtic Park.
• Celtic have lost six matches in 2010 in the SPL, more than in both 2009 (5) and 2008 (4).
• The Hoops have conceded only two goals in their last seven home league matches against Motherwell.
• Motherwell have been able to collect just one point in their last four SPL matches.
• Motherwell have won just two of their 44 SPL away games against either Rangers or Celtic.

Inverness CT v Kilmarnock

• Caley Thistle have won six of their last eight matches against Kilmarnock in all competitions.
• Inverness have won their last five games at home to Killie in all competitions.
• Caley Thistle have not won any of their last four league games; drawing three and losing once.
• Inverness have won just two of their last 12 SPL games at home.
• Kilmarnock have lost only once in their last eight league games since defeat by Caley Thistle in October; picking up five wins in this run.

St Johnstone v Rangers

• St Johnstone won their last league match at home to the Gers, inflicting their biggest league defeat since August 2000.
• Only Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts have won more often at home to Rangers in the SPL than St Johnstone (three wins in nine meetings).
• Rangers have been defeated in just three SPL games in 2010, fewer than any other side.
• Should this game be played, St Johnstone will host an SPL game for the first time since 13^th November.
• St Johnstone have lost three successive home league games without scoring.

St Mirren v Hearts

• Hearts have won only once in their last four trips to St Mirren's ground in the SPL.
• However the Buddies have won only one of their last nine SPL clashes with the Jambos.
• St Mirren have won just one of their last seven league games at home, and none of their last four at St Mirren Park.
• The Buddies have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 SPL matches.
• Hearts are unbeaten in seven league games, winning six of those during this run.
• The Jambos have won five successive away games in the SPL and seven of their last eight.

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28-12-2010 21:00 Birmingham City - Manchester United

Chelsea Victory To Inspire Blues

After Everton's water pipes burst, a flood of relegation worries erupted for Birmingham. The Boxing Day abandonment ensured McLeish's men dropped to 17th place in the table - with two games in hand.

Not many teams fighting the drop can boast of a recent victory against the Premier League winners, however. The belief from the 1-0 result against Chelsea more than a month ago could inspire them against the champions elect.

An unlikely three points could boost the Blues towards mid-table safety. An expected set-back and upturn in fortune for Fulham could send them into the bottom three for New Year.

Month To Remember For On-Song United

December is traditionally a time of joy as the festive season kicks in but United have taken this to a new level.

A 1-0 victory against Arsenal and 2-0 swatting aside of Sunderland has seen Ferguson's squad begin to kick into gear after a stuttering start to the season. The Scot will be hopeful of ending the month on a positive note against his Aberdeen protege.

United haven't been beaten at St Andrew's since a 5-1 mauling in 1978. A repeat of such a scoreline would send shockwaves through both ends of the division.

TEAM NEWS

Birmingham City

Alex McLeish's men are fresh after their Boxing Day match at Everton was called off. The Scot is still set to be without playmaker Alexander Hleb (hamstring) and James McFadden (knee).

Hleb has returned to training but the game is expected to come too soon for him to feature.

Possible starting XI: Foster; Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell; Larsson, Bowyer, Ferguson, Gardner, Fahey; Jerome.

Manchester United

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson could unleash striker Michael Owen from the substitute's bench after his return to the fold from injury. It is not yet known whether Anderson's petulant reaction from his substitution during the 2-0 win against Sunderland will be punished.

Owen Hargreaves (hamstring), John O'Shea (calf), Paul Scholes (groin) and Antonio Valencia (knee) are all absent. With the busy festive fixture list to juggle, a number of changes could be made.

Possible starting XI: Van der Sar; Rafael, Vidic, Smalling, Fabio; Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Giggs; Rooney, Berbatov.

Prediction

Even though Birmingham's players are rested, they seem ill-prepared to stop their table topping visitors.

Birmingham 0-2 Man Utd.

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28-12-2010 18:30 West Ham United - Everton

Hammers Looking For Momentum

West Ham recorded only their third league win of the season against Fulham on Sunday, and their first away from Upton Park for 16 months, and no doubt boss Avram Grant will be looking for another inspired performance in front of the home fans against Everton.

Despite the victory at Craven Cottage, the Hammers are still in the relegation zone on 16 points, but it provided the east London club with a much needed boost to give them some momentum going into the second game of the important festive period.

But the Hammers do not have a good record against the Toffees having lost 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season.

Toffees Looking To Extend Away Record

Everton head into this fixture having not lost in seven games on the road, the most recent being a 2-1 victory against Manchester City. The Toffees have also only failed to score once in their last 11 Premier League games, so goals could be aplenty.

And Everton fans will be optimistic heading into this fixture as the Merseyside club have an excellent record over the Hammers, having won seven of 15 games at Upton Park, with only four draws and four defeats in the process.

TEAM NEWS

West Ham

Following the 3-1 win against Fulham on Boxing Day, Avram Grant has no new injury concerns for the visit of Everton to Upton Park.

The Hammers boss will look to keep faith with the same 11 that started the game at Craven Cottage, although Victor Obinna could force himself back into the team after starting on the bench.

However, Grant will continue to be without defender Manuel Da Costa and midfielders Mark Noble, Jack Collison and Thomas Hitzlsperger, who are all sidelined until the new year with injuries.

Possible starting XI: Green; Ben-Haim, Tomkins, Upson, Gabbidon; Sears, Kovac, Parker, Stanislas; Cole, Piquionne.

Everton

Meanwhile, Everton’s game was postponed against Birmingham, so manager David Moyes will have a fresh set of players to choose from for the game against the Hammers.

However, the Toffees boss will be without striker Victor Anichebe who is suspended after seeing red in the 2-1 win against Manchester City, while defender Phil Jagielka is out with a thigh strain.

Midfielders Leon Osman and John Heitinga will also miss the trip to Upton Park with knee and ankle injuries respectively.

But Moyes will be boosted by the return of Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta who has now served his three-match suspension.

Possible starting XI: Howard; Neville, Hibbert, Distin, Baines; Coleman, Arteta, Rodwell, Fellaini; Cahill; Saha.

Prediction

With the Hammers beating Fulham and securing their first win away from home this season, I feel that the momentum is with them heading into this fixture. Despite Everton having a good away record, Avram Grant’s men will know that every home game will be crucial if they are to turn their season around and climb away from the bottom of the table.

West Ham 2-1 Everton

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28-12-2010 16:00 Manchester City - Aston Villa

Home Form A Concern

Manchester City have done brilliantly on their travels and have the best away form in the league, as they have won six games, drawn two and lost two while visiting other teams. But unlike most other teams, they seem to falter in the presence of their own fans.

Of the last six games at Eastlands, Mancini’s charges have won two, drawn two, and lost two, which has proven to be their relative downfall in what has been a steep rise in standing this season - albeit owing to the binge on the transfer market.

Arsenal and Chelsea lock horns in north London on Monday. But irrespective of the result of that game, City will still have played at least one game more than the other three teams in the top five. And this means that any slip up could see the club drop out of the top four depending on the results of teams around them.

Victory in this game will take the Eastlands outfit to top spot in the Premier League for a brief period, with the result of Manchester United’s trip to Birmingham City being the determining factor as to whether they would continue to remain on top.

Houllier Under Pressure

Gerard Houllier will likely be a worried man as his side prepare to lock horns with the high flying - and high spending - title chasers.

Aston Villa were consistently on the brink of breaking through in seasons past, but have now fallen prey to a consistently inconsistent run that has cast a cloud over the Frenchman’s reign at Villa Park.

The former Lyon boss arrived in Birmingham after the sudden departure of fan-favourite Martin O’Neill, prior to the start of the season. But the results have done him no good, and recent comments following a match against Liverpool - a club he previously managed - would have irked the wrath of a few fans.

In defence of the ex-Liverpool boss, the money generated from the sale of James Milner was not reinvested in the squad as the manager has been left to rely on younger players in the absence of some of his more experienced charges.

But without the required results on the pitch, one could wonder as to how long the relationship between Houllier and owner Randy Lerner could be like the titanic; great at first, only to hit an iceberg and sink to the bottom of the ocean.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester City

City boss Roberto Mancini has maintained that he will tinker with his line-up for this encounter to give some of his players a rest, due to their exertions against Newcastle United. But he will likely keep James Milner in the starting line-up, having singled him out for praise after the victory over Alan Pardew’s charges.

Pablo Zabaleta was a doubt for the recent game against the Tyneside club, but managed to make the bench on Boxing Day. He could come back to man the right-back position, but faces some competition from Micah Richards.

Kolo Toure returns after serving a suspension after getting sent off against Everton. Emmanuel Adebayor (groin) and Wayne Bridge (hamstring) are doubts for this game.

Possible starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, K Toure, Kompany, Kolarov; Milner, De Jong, Barry; A Johnson, Tevez, Balotelli.

Aston Villa

Gerard Houllier received a much-needed boost in the last game as Stilian Petrov returned from injury, while Fabian Delph was able to make a start against Tottenham - though he was later replaced as the skipper marked his return to action.

Luke Young (groin) is a doubt as he had not trained prior to the game against Spurs, and continues to be a doubt for this one. He is joined by Ashley Young (knee), who was described as a “touch and go” prior to the last match. But with this fixture coming only two days after the loss to Harry Redknapp’s men, the winger would likely still be a doubt for this game.

Emile Heskey went off injured in the last game and may miss this one through injury.

Possible starting XI: Friedel; Lichaj, Collins, Cuellar, Warnock; Downing, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Albrighton; Young; Agbonlahor.

Prediction

City may be poor at home, but Villa have been poorer on their travels. They have picked up only one point in their last six away days, which puts the home side as strong favourites to take three points on the day.

Man City 2-0 Aston Villa

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28-12-2010 16:00 Tottenham Hotspur - Newcastle United

Tottenham target top four

So far so good for Harry Redknapp and Tottenham during the festive period after their battling 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day placed them fifth in the table, just seven points adrift of leaders Manchester United.

Redknapp pointed out that Spurs are 33-1 to win the title after the victory at Villa Park, and while they still seem to be some way off mounting a serious challenge for the Premier League crown, another three points against Newcastle at White Hart Lane will certainly stand them in a strong position at the half way point of the season.

Bouncing back

Newcastle, meanwhile, did not fare so well on Sunday, as Alan Pardew lost his first game at the club - his second in charge - in the 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City.

The Magpies' last visit to White Hart Lane saw them lose 1-0 to a solitary Darren Bent goal on their way to relegation to the Championship, but the Tyneside club have enjoyed some success on their travels to N17, winning the two previous meetings at the ground, scoring seven goals in the process.

Newcastle's last victory in north London back in March 2008 saw them run out 4-1 winners, with Nicky Butt, Geremi, Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins getting on the scoresheet, and while the personnel has dramatically changed, Pardew will have his fingers crossed for a similar result.

TEAM NEWS

Tottenham

Jermain Defoe is suspended after picking up a straight red card against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, ruling him out of the festive period's fixtures.

Rafael van der Vaart returned to the side to score twice at Villa Park and may not be risked as Harry Redknapp eases him back to full fitness.

William Gallas is still a week away from a return, while Tom Huddlestone is also ruled out.

Possible starting XI: Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Modric, Bale; Crouch, Pavlyuchenko.

Newcastle

Kevin Nolan's yellow card at St James' Park on Sunday was his fifth of the season and he will miss the trip to White Hart Lane with the ban.

Otherwise, Alan Pardew may name an unchanged side to the one that lost 3-1 to Manchester City.

Possible Starting XI: Krul; Simpson, Coloccini, Taylor, Jose Enrique; Routledge, Guthrie, Tiote, Barton, Gutierrez; Carroll.

Prediction

Tottenham's strength in depth will be pushed to the limit by Newcastle, who usually fare well at White Hart Lane, but with Nolan missing from the Magpies' travelling squad, the home side should triumph, though it may not be entirely comfortable.

Tottenham 2-1 Newcastle

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28-12-2010 16:00 Stoke City - Fulham

Broken legs and broken dreams

Tuesday's tie marks these two sides meeting for the first time since an ill tempered League Cup game in September that culminated with Fulham's big summer signing Moussa Dembele sustaining a broken leg as a result of a needless, over-the-top challenge from Andy Wilkinson - one that Hughes would go on to describe as "ridiculous".

Since then, the seasons of both sides have taken a rather different trajectory. At that point of the campaign, the Potters were rooted to the bottom end of the table, but now the Midlands side sit comfortably in the top half while the Londoners struggle down in the relegation zone.

And Tuesday's trip will likely give Fulham fans few reasons to be cheerful, as they have not won an away game this season - another poor display could see another airing of "Hughes out!" from the Cottagers support.

TEAM NEWS

Stoke City

Having reshuffled his pack at Blackburn on Boxing Day, Tony Pulis is expected to opt for his preferred forward partnership of Ricardo Fuller and Kenwyne Jones, with the former missing out on the trip to Ewood Park as Jonathan Walters took his place.

And despite breaking his goalscoring duck as a substitute in the 2-0 away win, midfielder Marc Wilson is unlikely to start against Fulham, with Rory Delap likely to continue in the middle.

Possible starting XI: Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Collins; Pennant, Delap, Whitehead, Etherington; Fuller, Jones.

Fulham

After seeing his side capitulate against West Ham on Sunday, Mark Hughes may be tempted to mix things up against Stoke, potentially handing Damien Duff a start after the Irishman was only deemed worthy of a spot on the bench against the Hammers.

Possible starting XI: Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff; Dempsey; A Johnson.

Prediction

After picking up a solid win at Ewood Park, it is difficult to look beyond the home side for this encounter, especially given Fulham's erratic defending and hapless finishing against West Ham. However, if Johnson can step up, and if Hangeland can boss the aerial duel with Fuller and Jones, then there is a chance that the away side could sneak a goal, but it will take a poor day at the office from Stoke for the away side to get over their awful travel sickness.

Stoke 2-1 Fulham

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28-12-2010 16:00 West Bromwich Albion - Blackburn Rovers

Baggies Looking To Bounce Back From Boxing Day Blues

West Brom host Blackburn looking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat at Bolton on Sunday afternoon. The Baggies created chance after chance in the game but failed to take any of their chances, something which is likely to lead to a defeat with the serious problem they seem to have preventing the opposition scoring this season.

Di Matteo's men have only kept two clean sheets in their last 16 Premier League games at the Hawthorns - against Sunderland on both occasions. The Baggies have been in mixed form at home, recording victories against Birmingham, Fulham, Sunderland and Newcastle but losing to Manchester City and Stoke.

Despite the setback at Bolton meaning that Albion have lost their last two Premier League games, fans will be confident that they can get back to winning ways against a struggling Blackburn side.

Albion went one better than Manchester United this season when they beat Rovers 8-1 in a Division One clash - but that was way back in 1936 and even the most positive of Baggies fans surely won't be predicting such a scoreline.

Rovers Hoping To Keep 11 Men On The Pitch For A Change

Blackburn will travel to the Hawthorns hoping they can end the game as they begin it, with 11 players on the pitch. Rovers have had a man sent off in their last two Premier League matches against the Baggies - with Benni McCarthy seeing red after scoring the opening goal in the last meeting between the sides at the Hawthorns, a 2-2 draw.

The Midlands has not been a happy hunting ground for Rovers - they've recorded just one victory in their last 11 Premier League matches in the region. Like their opponents, they have also been poor defensively this season and have failed to keep a clean sheet in any away game.

Fans travelling south to the game should remain optimistic even if their side fall behind as remarkably Rovers' last five goals away from home have been scored in the 80th minute or later. Steve Kean will be hoping that his side don't have to leave it that late on Tuesday, after an inauspicious start to his managerial career - a draw and a defeat not the ideal start for a man who claims a mid-table finish is a minimum this season.

TEAM NEWS

West Brom

West Brom will be without arguably their best player of the season so far after Chris Brunt picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the 89th minute of the 2-0 loss at Bolton on Sunday.

The Northern Irishman would have had his slate wiped clean on January 1 but will now be unavailable for Tuesday's game. Brunt will be a big loss to the Baggies - only Manchester United's Nani has as many assists as the Albion wideman.

Fellow winger Jerome Thomas is also a doubt after the former Arsenal man missed the Boxing Day clash with Bolton Wanderers due to illness. Speaking to the club's official site, manager Roberto Di Matteo said: "We'll have to see how he [Thomas] feels tomorrow when he comes in."

Albion are still without long-term absentee Jonas Olsson, who will not return from his Achilles injury until the end of January at the earliest.

Possible starting XI: Carson; Jara, Scharner, Tamas, Shorey; Odemwingie, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Tchoyi, Morrison; Fortune.

Blackburn Rovers

Steve Kean is sweating on the fitness of 'wantaway' defender Christopher Samba - who missed the Boxing Day clash against Stoke with an ankle injury.

If the giant centre-back does play, it seems certain that he will stripped of the captaincy after expressing publicly his desire to leave the club in the wake of Sam Allardyce's departure.

Vince Grella (Achilles), Steven Nzonzi (hamstring) and Keith Andrews (groin) remain sidelined but could be back in contention early in the New Year, whilst Rovers are definitely without Jason Roberts for a month (hamstring) and young academy graduate Phil Jones until the end of the season (knee ligament).

Possible starting XI: Robinson; Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Givet; Emerton, Dunn, Hanley, Pedersen, M Diouf; Kalinic.

Prediction

The Baggies will be looking to recover from back-to-back defeats in the league and will expect three points against a Blackburn side to halt their slide down the table towards the relegation zone.

Rovers themselves have struggled since the surprise sacking of Sam Allardyce, managing a draw against West Ham and losing to Stoke City on Sunday. Steve Kean will undoubtedly have his players pumped up for the game and Rovers' physicality could ruffle a few feathers at the Hawthorns, where the Albion like to play pretty, passing football.

But Di Matteo has installed a 'steel' into the Albion side that wasn't present under his predecessor Tony Mowbray and I expect the home side to be too strong for Blackburn. An early onslaught and a high tempo from West Brom should be enough to see over Rovers, who will be hoping that they can keep things tight and perhaps sneak a winner on the break.

West Bromwich 3-1 Blackburn

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27-12-2010 21:00 Arsenal - Chelsea

Finally Up For The Fight?

Arsene Wenger's charges might be relieved this game doesn't fall on Boxing Day, as if there is one criticism regularly thrown at the side in recent weeks, it is that they are rarely up for a fight.

Nowhere has that been more obvious than in the biggest games, which Arsenal have conspicuously failed to win in recent times. Both matches against their nearest rivals, Manchester United and Chelsea, were lost last season, and they have started this campaign in similarly poor fashion. Their recent 1-0 defeat to United was disappointing, but they can get back on track with a psychologically important win against the Blues, who got the better of their first meeting earlier in the season.

Unfortunately, Arsenal's form at home has not been impressive this season. If they were to lose on Monday, it would be the first time since 1996-97 the club had lost four games at home, and the earliest they reached the mark since the Premier League's inception. The Gunners may have scored the most home goals of any side so far this season, but they have also conceded the most — something that will not have escaped Chelsea's attention.

This is the 175th meeting between the two sides; Arsenal will be desperate to ensure it is a defining one.

Hoping To Beat Another To Get Back Into Shape

Chelsea have picked up just three points from their last possible 12, a disappointing haul that they will be hoping to double come Monday evening. Having won the last five meetings with their London rivals (and having only lost two of the last 18) they will be feeling pretty confident of achieving that aim.

Not that it has been all plain sailing in recent weeks for the champions, as they have seen their five-point lead atop the table quickly disintegrate. Lose against Arsenal on Monday, and they could find themselves six points behind the leaders — a worrying position to be in even at this stage of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti will not be thinking in such pessimistic tones, however, and will be hoping the return of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba to the starting lineup will provide the Blues with the fillip they currently seem to need. Lampard will be named in the starting lineup for the first time since August, a welcome addition, but it is Drogba who the Italian might be particularly concerned with.

Drogba has been out of form in recent times, after suffering a bout of malaria, which saw him dropped for the game against Spurs (a game he would eventually change as a second-half substitute). Ancelotti will be hoping that is an indication he is back to his best — with the Ivorian having scored 13 in his last 11 games against Arsenal, that single fact could be enough to ensure the Blues get back on track with their first win in six.

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal

Wojciech Sczcesny was one of the bright spots from Arsenal's defeat in their last match against Manchester United, but was denied a follow-up opportunity to impress after the game against Stoke City was cancelled. In the meantime Lukasz Fabianski has returned to fitness, and so will likely remain as Arsene Wenger's starting goalkeeper.

Outfield Cesc Fabregas will be fit enough to start the game (as should Abou Diaby), but Thomas Vermaelen, Kieran Gibbs and Manuel Almunia all remain unavailable. Wenger's main decision will likely be whether to choose Marouane Chamakh or Robin van Persie to lead the line.

Possible starting line-up: Fabianski; Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy; Song, Wilshere, Fabregas; Nasri, Arshavin, Chamakh.

Chelsea

After a draw with Tottenham Hotspur that showed a slight improvement on previous games, Chelsea will be ready to welcome back both Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard to the starting lineup. Carlo Ancelotti will hope both quickly return to top form.

The Italian is without the likes of Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun, who all still have longer term concerns, while Jose Bosingwa's availability is a doubt after missing the Spurs game with a hamstring injury.

Possible starting line-up: Cech; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Essien, Lampard; Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.

Prediction

The Emirates has become a happy hunting ground for the Blues in recent years, and the suspicion lingers that the simple act of returning to a ground of such happy memories will help them find their prior form.

Arsenal have been no pushovers in recent weeks, but their home form is not formidable and the Blues still seem to exert a powerful hold over them. A breaking of that spell would be a relief, not least to Arsene Wenger, but seems unlikely with Chelsea's team restored to full strength.

Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea

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26-12-2010 18:30 Aston Villa - Tottenham Hotspur

Villa Looking To End Boxing Day Hoodoo

The home side entertain Tottenham at 5.30pm on Boxing Day, knowing that they have just recorded one win in their last nine fixtures on the same date. Gerrard Houllier's men will be confident after recording a 2-1 win against local rivals West Bromwich Albion in their last game a fortnight ago, but Spurs will provide a much sterner test.

Villa fans would be forgiven for not being too optimistic for the visit of Harry Redknapp's in-form side as their team have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games, with the win against West Brom only their fourth league victory of the season.

Houllier's reign has not started as smoothly as he would have hoped, with fans expecting the club to challenge for the European spots, not to be embroiled in a possible relegation battle. With rumours of a January clear-out on the way, a win against Spurs would be the perfect tonic for Villa fans hoping their side can begin to climb the table.

Spurs Hoping For Excellent Form To Continue

Harry Redknapp's men will arrive at Villa Park in high spirits after recording a credible 1-1 draw against champions Chelsea in their last game and in the middle of an impressive run that has seen them beat fierce rivals Arsenal at the Emirates.

The statistics suggest that Spurs should struggle against Villa - they have not kept a clean sheet for an incredible 16 league games and have only won twice of their 18 Premier League trips to Villa Park.

They have also one just one competitive game against London this season, a remarkable statistic for a team that have qualified top of a Champions League group including Inter Milan and are simultaneously keeping up with the Premier League's top four. Spurs are unbeaten in their last six league games and will hope that their attacking flair continues to cover up their defensive frailties in this Boxing Day clash.

TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa

Gerrard Houllier has received an early Christmas present with news that club captain Stiliyan Petrov and fellow midfield Fabian Delph have returned to first team training.

Villa have been without the two players for two and seven months respectively [both knee] but the game against Tottenham on Sunday is likely to come too soon for them to be included in the starting eleven. Houllier has not ruled them out for definite and it is likely that they will be on the bench for the home side.

Defender Luke Young [groin] and the pacy Gabriel Agbonlahor [illness] are slight doubts but are both expected to be passed for fit to be included in the Boxing Day squad.

Possible Starting XI: Friedel; L Young, Cuellar, Collins, Warnock; Albrighton, Bannan, Reo-Coker, Downing; A Young; Heskey.


Tottenham

Tottenham could welcome back star man Rafael van der Vaart [hamstring], as well as midfielder Jermaine Jenas [calf] and defender Younes Kaboul [hip] for Sunday's match at Aston Villa.

William Gallas will undergo a fitness test to see if he has fully recovered from the hamstring injury he picked up a fortnight ago.

Ledley King [groin] has trained this week but is not deemed fit enough to play, whilst forgotten man Jonathan Woodgate is not expected to feature until near the end of the season.

Possible Starting XI: Gomes; Hutton, Dawson, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Modric, Palacios, Bale; Van der Vaart; Defoe.

Prediction

Aston Villa have a number of key players returning from injury and a 2-1 win against West Brom could have signalled the end of their poor run, but I expect the quality of Spurs to prove too much for Gerrard Houllier's underachieving side.

The statistics show that Tottenham struggle at Villa Park but the attacking quartet of Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart behind the instinctive finishing of Jermain Defoe will have Villa fans worried.

The home side have quality in their side too, with Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Marc Albrighton able to cause a leaky Spurs defence problems - but it is at the back where Villa could really be exposed.

Expect goals and an open game. Tottenham to record just their second win outside of the capital this season.

Aston Villa 1-3 Tottenham

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26-12-2010 16:00 Wolverhampton Wanderers - Wigan Athletic

Hitting A Stride

Wolves have won their last two games at Molineux and would have given local rivals West Brom a tough game had last week's fixture at the Hawthorns gone ahead.

A win for the Midlands side on Sunday could see them escape the bottom three for the first time since the beginning of the season.

Hitting Rock Bottom?

Wigan, meanwhile, are in a spot of bother having not won since mid-November, and have not won away since August, when the Latics triumphed by a slender margin at White Hart Lane.

Defeat for the Lancashire would see them slip behind their opponents in the league table and would see the odds on Wigan falling down to the Championship tumble even further after a mixed season.

TEAM NEWS

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Boss Mick McCarthy will be without long-term absentees Karl Henry, Jody Craddock and Adlene Guedioura, who are all not due back until late January at the earliest.

Kevin Doyle will also undergo a late fitness test to ascertain whether he will be able to start, with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake primed to start up top if the Irishman is ruled out.

But the home side, despite being rooted to the bottom of the Premier League disciplinary table, otherwise have a full host of players to choose from with no suspensions.

Possible starting XI: Hahnemann; Zubar, Stearman, Berra, Elokobi; Jarvis, Foley, Mancienne, Milijas, Hunt; Ebanks-Blake

Wigan Athletic

The Honduran duo of Maynor Figueroa and Hendry Thomas will both be missing through suspension after picking up a host of yellow cards this season, leaving manager Roberto Martinez with something of a selection headache.

James McCarthy, Victor Moses and Franco di Santo are all expected to miss out through injury.

Possible starting XI: Habsi; Stam, Gohouri, S Caldwell, Alcaraz; Cleverley, McArthur, Watson, Diame, N'Zogbia; Rodallega

Prediction

A six pointer if ever there was one for these sides, who will both eye the scrap with a fellow struggler as an opportunity to pick up much needed points to ward away from relegation.

The Latics won 2-0 at Molineux last season, but will struggle without the power of Figueroa and Thomas, and Wolves should have enough to grab at least a point.

Wolves 1-1 Wigan Athletic

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26-12-2010 16:00 Newcastle United - Manchester City

No Time For Sentiment For Former Citizen Barton

Manager Alan Pardew will be delighted with the news that Barton has publicly stated that he is very happy at the club. Earlier this week there was speculation about his future and indeed prolific goalscorer Andy Carroll and midfielder Kevin Nolan.

But this week the new manager insisted that these players would not be going anywhere as he bids to send the Toon back up the Premier League.

Barton himself faces his former team but has said there will be no sentiment when they meet on Boxing Day and he certainly will not be wanting his old team to grab the three points in this match.

Pardew got off to a great start as Newcastle manager winning 3-1 against Liverpool in his first game in charge. With the Birmingham City match postponed due to the severe weather conditions, his second game will certainly be no easier.

Roberto Mancini Hoping To Put Everton Defeat Behind Him

The Blues boss will be disappointed after his side’s 2-1 defeat at home to Everton which with a win could have seen them go top of the league at Christmas time for the first time since 1921.

However, Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines spoiled City'a Christmas party in a whirlwind first 20 minutes which saw the Toffees storm to a 2-0 lead. A solitary reply from a deflected Yaya Toure shot midway through the second half after the visitors has been reduced to ten men gave City a lifeline but the away side held on for a crucial three points and only their fourth win of the season.

This defeat will have not have gone down well at Eastlands and Mancini knows that any more slip-ups could prove costly if his side are to be in the running for the Premier League at the end of the season.

City will be quietly confident of picking up a good result on Boxing Day. They are undefeated in their last five away games in all competitions and have not lost the last three in this fixture but they will have to keep Barton and Carroll quiet to continue this record.

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle United

Veteran defender Sol Campbell is expected to return for the Boxing Day clash from a virus he picked up last week.

Shola Ameobi is out with a hamstring injury and will not be expected back until at least the start of the New Year. Young striker Niall Ranger will be given the opportunity to impress his new boss. Otherwise there are no fresh injury concerns for Newcastle boss Alan Pardew.

Possible starting XI: Krul; Simpson, S Taylor, Campbell, Enrique; Routledge, Barton, Tiote, Gutierrez; Carroll, Ranger

Manchester City

Kolo Toure will miss the match at St James’ Park after he received his marching orders for two bookings in the space of a minute against Everton in Monday's 2-1 defeat.

Roberto Mancini might be keen to bench Mario Balotelli for this match after the Italian's outburst to the media during the week claiming that he was better than Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney after winning Young European Player of the Year.

The Citizens' boss will want to make sure his young protege keeps his feet on the ground, if that is possible, and remained focus on what matters - his football.

This could see the return of striker Jo who has been frozen out recently at Eastlands.

Possible starting XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Boateng, Kompany,Kolarov; Barry, Silva, Johnson, Yaya Toure; Tevez, Jo

Prediction

City's recent disappointing loss to Everton deprived them of the opportunity to go top of the table, but Mancini's side are undefeated in their last 5 away games and will be hoping to continue in a similar vein at St James' Park. Newcastle for their part come fresh off the back of an impressive victory against Liverpool. A draw looks like a good bet in what should be an absorbing encounter.

Newcastle 1-1 Man City

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26-12-2010 16:00 Manchester United - Sunderland

Top Of The Table

United have done very well to surge forward to the top of the table owing to Chelsea’s poor form, and now have a two-point lead over second placed Arsenal with a game in hand.

This puts them in a very strong position ahead of this Boxing Day fixture, and confidence can be taken from the fact that they have been traditionally superb during this period.

Of their last 16 outings right after Christmas, the Red Devils have gone on to win 15 of them. Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges have also been at the top of the league at this stage on five previous occasions, and went on to win the Premier League in four of them.

If that is not enough, the Old Trafford outfit remain the only team in the top-flight who are yet to be beaten in the league, and have won their last three games on the domestic circuit.

And the recent victory over Arsenal would likely lift the spirits of even the most pessimistic of United fans, as they head into this home game against Steve Bruce’s side.

Bruce Looking For His Maiden Triumph Over Ferguson

The Sunderland manager was a previous Manchester United player – and captain - himself, and knows precisely how the mood will be in the opposite camp ahead of this game.

But his own players’ achievements are no less significant, as they are currently placed sixth in the standings. And having carved out a previous 3-0 victory over Chelsea, the Black Cats may fancy their chances against their opponents.

However, Bruce is yet to beat his former boss in the tactical field, as he has never bested Ferguson during his years as a manager. But he will know that it nearly happened last season, when the Wearsiders were leading 2-1 and looked like winning the game before an own goal from Anton Ferdinand during stoppage time meant that it ended all square.

But is has been four decades – 42 years, to be precise – since Sunderland managed to beat the Red Devils in their own backyard, which means that the current crop will go into the club’s history books if they manage to pull off what would seem an unlikely victory.

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United

Michael Owen recently declared himself fit for the Christmas period, which comes as a boost to manager Sir Alex Ferguson. But the experienced forward is likely to remain a fringe player, as he remains well down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

Paul Scholes (groin) is not expected to return for another two weeks, while Antonio Valencia (ankle) and Owen Hargreaves (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Possible starting line-up: Van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani; Berbatov, Rooney.

Sunderland

Lee Cattermole is suspended for this encounter after an accumulation of bookings. Danny Welbeck will also be unavailable, as he is on loan from United and is not allowed to take part in this game.

Michael Turner (knee), Titus Bramble (knee), Andy Reid (hamstring) and Fraiser Campbell (knee) are all unavailable through injury.

Possible starting line-up: Gordon; Onuoha, Mensah, Ferdinand, Bardsley; Henderson, Meyler, Malbranque, Richardson; Bent, Gyan. 

Prediction

With everything currently going United’s way, it is hard to envision anything other than a victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges on Boxing Day.

Man Utd. 3-1 Sunderland

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