Premier League Preview

Games to look forward to.....

Liverpool versus Arsenal
This game, contested between two of the Premier Leagues much revered 'Big 4', should be a game that has ramifications for the title race. I say should, because the truth is that Arsenals recent results, and Liverpools entire season to date, render this but an afterthought in the hunt for this years league title. That does not mean that the match holds no importance whatsover though.

For Liverpool, Rafa continues to state that things are improving. A limp performance that somehow ended in victory at Goodison may well have been an improvement in terms of points taken but to say that the win was fortunate would be putting it mildly. That win has scarcely been built upon, with a subsequent dour draw at Ewood Park and their meek Champions League tilt finishing with yet another Anfield reversal. Rafa needs to put a run of wins together. His excuses have now run out - Torres and Aquilani are returning to full fitness - and it is a bit rich complaining about injuries when his opponents are suffering a far greater number (as are many others in the league).

For Arsenal, well they still need to prove that they can play successfully without van Persie. Injuries are hampering this further, with Bendtner now out until the New Year. A victory against Stoke is one thing, going to Anfield more testing altogether.

Manchester United versus Aston Villa
One quote from Ferguson this week highlights the depth of the injury crisis currently enveloping United - he was speaking of Vidic returning and claimed that he was now happy that he could play a back four of Fletcher, Carrick, Vidic, and Evra. Happy that he can play a back four consisting of two central midfielders.....how has it come to this?? The likelihood is that he will at least have Rooney and Berbatov back from injury. However United have been lining up with one up front of late, and with a weakened back four United may well opt to start with five in midfield to offer some protection, despite Berbatovs imminent return and Michael Owen rolling back the years midweek.

As for Villa - they have been in decent form of late and this has coincided with the introduction of Downing to the team. It has also seen the team play two up front, and it will be interesting to see whether Villa will line up in this attacking manner. It would certainly ask stern questions of the makeshift United back four - Villa may never have had a better time to turn United over at Old Trafford.

Chelsea versus Everton
A dip in results since the win at The Emirates has seen Chelsea tumble out of the Carling Cup, lose to Manchester City, and draw their final (admittedly meaningless) group game in Europe. One footnote from that match was the loss of influential midfielder Michael Essien to injury. In all probability he will not play for Chelsea again until February. A return to form would be welcome, especially to erase any concern that a dip in form could turn into a crisis, at a time of the year where poor results in the past have cost them titles.

For Everton, performances have been steadily improving, though not necessarily results. A decent display against Liverpool still garnered zero points, but a tremendous fight back against top four challengers Spurs last weekend saw them snaffle a point from two goals down. They have something to build on and in many ways its unfortunate that they've to visit the Bridge this weekend.

Bolton versus Manchester City
A loss to Wolves was not what the doctor ordered for Bolton prior to the visit of Manchester City. The fans are rebelling against Megson and one has to wonder whether he has the squad to turn things around. However, were the fans to get their wish and Megson be shown the door, are there really many suitable candidates out there that could definitely do a better job? One has to wonder.

City and Mark Hughes finally produced a a league win last weekend, and against Chelsea of all teams. Unlucky to lose late at United, a draw at Anfield, and wins against Chelsea and Arsenal. They can mix it with the top sides - can they now consistently get wins and performances against the Premier Leagues lesser lights?