New Year's Premier League Roundup '08 · Dec 28, 08:58 PM
Most of the European soccer leagues are on winter break over the next few weeks, that’s why it’s going to be all about the Premiership during that time. There is a very good slate of matches coming up this weekend. Here is the schedule.
Saturday
Birmingham vs. Fulham
Chelsea vs. Newcastle
Portsmouth vs. Middlesbrough
Wigan Athletic vs. Aston Villa
Sunderland vs. Bolton
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Reading
West Ham United vs. Manchester United
Everton vs. Arsenal
Sunday
Derby County vs. Blackburn Rovers
Manchester City vs. Liverpool
I’m not the biggest fan of predictions, but here are a few for you to munch on. I think Chelsea are going to have a difficult time with Newcastle, believe it or not. I think Chelsea will still come away with the three points, but they will struggle without Drogba. I think Chelsea need another striker during the window, Drogba will be back after the African Cup of Nations, but I can’t see him staying with Chelsea beyond this season. I think it’s pretty obvious at this point that he doesn’t want to be there anymore. As for Newcastle, I remember reading a blog on Wordpress yesterday that Sam Allardyce may not survive this season. Obviously this isn’t any insider knowledge and I can’t remember which blog it was or else I would post the URL. With that being said, Newcastle has a very difficult schedule coming up, and the supporters still haven’t warmed up to Allardyce yet. I don’t think they ever will, the impression I get is that the supporters don’t mind losing as long as the club shows some spirit. I haven’t seen Newcastle play with much heart at all this season.
As for the West Ham/Manchester United contest, it’ll be very interesting to see how the crowd reacts to Carlos Tevez returning to Upton Park. He did help them avoid relegation last season, but then he left in a pretty controversial fashion. I don’t think we will see too much abuse hurled at him, but they won’t exactly be welcoming of Tevez either. West Ham are having a very good season right now and this will be a tough test for Manchester United. But, United have a very strong side and they are the defending champions for a reason, I think they will get a draw at the very least.
The Everton/Arsenal match is shaping up to be a very interesting game as well. I think Arsenal should tread carefully at Goodison Park. David Moyes has built himself a pretty talented side that are always tough to beat at home. I could see Everton winning this game, but in the end I think it will be a draw.
The Liverpool/Manchester City contest will also be pretty interesting. Manchester City have played very well at home this season and there is a new sense of optimism surrounding the club. I have a funny feeling that we could see Manchester City winning the Premier League before we see Liverpool ever win it. Thaksin Shinawatra and Sven Goran Eriksson both seem like they are on the same page, unlike Benitez and his yank owners. I think this match will also be a draw, but once again, I could see City winning this game at the same time. Elano is pure class, supposedly Inter Milan wants him but they will have a hard time getting him. He is definitely the kind of player that you can build around.
Well, like I said, I’m not too big on predictions but there are some of my thoughts on this weekend’s upcoming matches. I’ll be back at the end of the weekend with some thoughts on the results.
— Adam Nicholls
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