Runci's Top Corner: EPL Preview GW27

Discussion in 'Blog' started by wing, Mar 3, 2012.

By wing on Mar 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM
  1. wing

    wing New Member

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    Blackburn had a famous set of twins playing for them, WBA had a bench that could rival any ruck combo that you care to mention while Walcott was..well Walcott.  Join me over the break for whats happening this weekend

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    Spurs v Man United

    Giggs scored a last-minute winner against Norwich on his 900th Man United appearance. By SAF’s account they didn’t deserve the win, but win they did. It’s a habit that United have mastered. They now have another difficult game to overcome before a decent run of games and a win here will keep the pressure on City as we approach squeaky-bum time.

    Spurs got trounced 5-2 last week at Arsenal and will be a bit short of confidence, they also took a comprehensive beating at Old Trafford at the start of the season. Parker and Adebayor were missing then and Parker will be missing this week after his red card at the Emirates. Bale, Walker and VDV are all slight doubts. Smalling is doubtful for United.

    WBA v Chelsea

    Chelsea – with Lampard restored after dropping to the bench for two – earned three welcome points and goals against Bolton last week. They remain level on points with Arsenal in fourth place. A trip to The Hawthorns against a West Brom side with their tails up after nine goals in two might prove a little harder.

    Odemwingie has scored five of them as he shows form that has earned him the player of the month award.

    Long, Cox sat on the bench as did Dorrans. Morrison continues to show form and scored as did Andrews.

    *Possibly feeling bold after playing well and scoring last week, Lampard came out in the media and said that his relationship with AVB has “not been ideal”. He added “There have been certain issues. Certain players we don’t like not to play.”

    I’m far from convinced that these comments will guarantee him more game time.

    Terry and Bosingwa remain out while Sturridge should be fit. Brunt may be back for West Brom.

    Liverpool v Arsenal

    Agger is out for about three weeks while Gerrard is doubtful after coming off in England’s mid-week game with a hammy. Liverpool should be on a high after winning their first trophy since 2006, and it’s a chance to put themselves back in contention for fourth place.

    Rosicky has come onto a game in the last few weeks but could miss this one with a back injury. Ramsey should still be missing. Arshavin is back in Russia on loan. RVP continues to trail-blaze, and was instrumental in Arsenal’s 5-2 thumping of Spurs. Walcott played at a level commensurate to that of a Monday night Brunswick futsal third division match. That was until he stepped up to score two excellent goals, and well that’s the currency that we deal in. Looking forward to this one.

    Blackburn v Villa

    Way back when, I commented on McLeish not really getting a fair crack of the whip, judge him on what he can do with better, more expansive players at his disposal. Truth is, Villa have been rank-rotten in a fair few games and sitting back against Wigan, who are bottom of the table, just doesn’t cut the mustard. If they lose this one, they’ll most likely end up in a relegation fight.

    Richard Dunne is out with a nasty fractured collarbone, while Collins should make it after pulling out of Wales mid-week game. Regardless The Yak will fancy his chances. Villa’s chances of scoring have deteriorated with Keane now back at the LA Galaxy and Bent most likely out for the season. Maybe Rovers will gain a cherished first clean sheet for the season. The Olsson twins played in Blackburn’s 0-3 game last week but Martin is doubtful for this one.

    Man City v Bolton

    Only twice this season have City failed to score at least three at home, and they’ll be expected to do the same again this week. City have a full squad to choose from. Boyata is ineligible to play under his loan agreement.

    * ThePosty was asking about Richards missing last wk. With free-wks, Europa cup matches and quite possibly old age catching up with me Id not realised that that was the 2nd league game in a row that Richards had missed. Its looking ominous for him. Personally Ill keep him this wk as there  has been a few variables but if he doesnt play this wk then hes out my team.

    QPR v Everton

    Last week’s debutant Diakite lasted 32 mins before seeing red after six fouls, most of which were bookable offences. Cisse is still suspended. Luke Young should return but QPR haven’t had a clean sheet for 17 games.

    Everton are doing their usual by hitting form after a poor first half of the season. They’re unbeaten in seven (five league) games. Rodwell, Osman and Jelavic could all play some part after injury, but Darren Gibson is out. One win in 14 now for QPR, Hughes has been in charge for six of them.

    Newcastle v Sunderland

    Martin O’Neill, the master motivator, has an outstanding record in local derbies and will have his players believing that they can win this one. Whatever happens it’s unlikely to finish like last season when Newcastle won 5-1.

    Cisse should make it after missing Senegal’s midweek game. While Bardsley, who missed Scotland’s midweek friendly, will probably still be missing.

    Fulham v Wolves

    At first glance, this is a home banker but Wolves last three forays to the capital ended in two draws at Spurs and Arsenal respectively  as well as a win at QPR. They’ll be lifted also by a battling draw at Newcastle last week, as well as the return of top scorer Steven Fletcher.

    Fulham are strong at home though and will be lifted by a rare away win last week at QPR where new signing Pogrebnyak scored again. Diarra could make his debut.

    Wigan v Swansea

    Despite dominating possession last week against Villa, Wigan couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. A familiar story this year. They’ll need to do it this week against a well drilled Swansea side that have the inspirational Vorm back after illness. Swansea are similarly placed to Villa and if they lose this one they’ll be a little too close to the relegation pack for comfort. They have the second worst away record in the league. Caldwell is doubtful for Wigan after getting stitches in his ankle playing for Scotland midweek.

    Stoke v Norwich

    Norwich were very unlucky last week against Man United but they remain in eighth place and have won three of their last four away games despite being unable to keep clean sheets.

    They have no problems scoring home or away though, Grant Holt remains a huge part of that. Ayala could feature after injury.

    Stoke will have Robert Huth back after his three match ban, and will be looking to improve on their two wins from ten games.
     

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Discussion in 'Blog' started by wing, Mar 3, 2012.

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