Friday, January 11, 2008

Premier League Preview

Manchester United vs Newcastle

Owen Hargreaves and Gary Neville are definitely out for the Premier League holders, while managerless Newcastle are considering playing Oberfami Martins if he is allowed back from Nigeria's training camp. Also missing are Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye and Geremi who are all away on international duty.Footy Focus prediction - do we have to!! If ever there was a foregone conclusion, this is it. Manchester United win to pile more misery on a season to forget for mangerless Newcastle.

Middlesbrough vs Liverpool
Rafael Benitez will welcome back Daniel Agger after a long lay-off with a metatarsal injury. Also rested or previously injured Arbeloa, Gerrard, Reina, Gerrard and Torres will all return in what is (as they all are these days) a must win game for Premier League wannabes' Liverpool. For 'Boro Gary O'Neil and George Boateng return, but sick-note Jonathan Woodgate and Sanli look likely to miss out. Footy Focus prediction - Liverpool win.



Everton vs Manchester City
Everton have lost three key players, with Yobo, Yakubu and Pienaar all away at the African Cup of Nations. On the plus side midfielder Mikel Arteta returns after suspension. Manchester City are hoping Elano is fit to take the place of Nery Castillo who will be rested. Defiinitely out it Michael Johnson with an abdominal strain. Footy Focus prediciton - score draw.

Arsenal vs Birmingham City
For Premier League leaders Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos set to return after injury, while much talked about and unsettled keeper Jens Lehmann is on the bench. Robin van Persie is again out, this time with flu, while Arsenal are another cup affected by the African Nations Cup with Eboue, Song and Toure all away. For Birmingham Martin Taylor will return, while Damien Johnson is going to play with a protective mask, only two weeks after suffering a slight skull fracture. Kapo will also play having recovered from injury. Footy Focus prediction - Arsenal win.

0 comments:

Blog Partners