Premier League Preview – 26/27th Jan

Portsmouth v West Ham
This has to be a “six pointer” match tonight, as Pompey and West Ham go to battle at Fratton Park, as win for either side will give them hope, as they both try and force their way out of relegation danger. Portsmouth have a lot of complications off the field, as the team could well be forced out of the Premier League, if they don’t pay there worrying debts. On the field though, Portsmouth will enter this match with a confidence boost, as the side progressed into the next stage of the FA Cup on Saturday. On the other hand Pompey will be short of numbers, as key players such as Kevin Prince Boateng, Michael Brown, Nadir Belhadj and Aruna Dindane, are either injured or away on international duty.

West Ham are boosted with the return of their top goalscorer Carlton Cole, the striker has recovered from a knee injury, and he could well be among the substitutes tonight. However on West Ham’s behalf they could well struggle in this game, the Hammers have not won a game on the road since the opening day of the season. On the other hand, West Ham’s finances are on the up, as David Sullivan and David Gold were named as the joint owners of West Ham football club last week. Team news states that the Hammers could well be without left-back Herita Ilunga, while Kieron Dyer is a hurtful long-term absentee, as the former Newcastle player is injured again.
Gav’s Prediction – Portsmouth 1-1 West Ham

Tottenham v Fulham
Tottenham are currently fourth in the Barclays Premier League table, and a win later today could well steer them in the right direction, for that all important Champions League spot. However Harry Redknapp’s side are suffering a blip at the moment, as the North London club, haven’t won a game in three matches. Also tonight the game against Fulham could well prove to be a very stern test for Tottenham, as Aaron Lennon and Tom Huddlestone are still not fit enough to appear for Spurs. It’s going to be tough for Tottenham tonight.

Fulham have a good number of injury worries to deal with, as three of their first choice strikers are out injured. Andy Johnson, Diomansy Kamara and Bobby Zamora are all doubtful; also Clint Dempsey and Paul Konchesky are definitely unavailable. Since the 3-0 win against Manchester United, like Tottenham, Fulham have also struggled to find results as they have lost their last four league matches. Fulham will have a match on their hands later today, and a draw looks very likely as the last time these two sides met, was Boxing Day last year, as the score finished 0-0.
Gav’s Prediction – Tottenham 2-2 Fulham

Aston Villa v Arsenal
This could well turn out to be a cracking contest at Villa Park tomorrow, as Villa will try to take all three points away from 2nd placed Arsenal. Villa are one of five teams fighting for a place in the top four, however Villa are only two points off 4th spot, but Tottenham and Liverpool could well pull away from the West Midlands club, if them two sides win their matches tonight. Aston Villa will have to deal with many injury problems, as John Carew, Richard Dunne and Stephen Warnock are all doubtful. On the other hand, Villa will most likely field a strong midfield, as Stewart Downing, Ashley Young and James Milner, will most likely compact the midfield. Villa is capable of beating Arsenal, however with the form Arsenal are showing at the minute, they will probably win this match.

After being dumped out of the FA Cup by Stoke City at the weekend, Arsene Wenger will definitely be making big changes for tomorrow’s game at Villa Park. Eboue and Song are still away with their respective international teams, plus Robin Van Persie and Samir Nasri are still out injured. Sol Campbell though, could well start for the Gunners; however Vermaelen and Gallas will probably be the centre back pairing for Arsenal. Arsenal are unbeaten in nine league games, and the North London club defeated Villa on the 27th of December, as the Gunners secured a 3-0 win that day. Cesc Fabregas will undoubtedly be Arsenal’s key player tomorrow evening, but the whole Arsenal squad will have to be on form against Aston Villa.
Gav’s Prediction – Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal

Chelsea v Birmingham
Chelsea face Birmingham City on Wednesday night, as a comfortable win over Birmingham, could well see Chelsea snatch that top spot again, if their goal difference is better than Arsenal’s at the end of their of respective games. Chelsea are coping very well, as many of their top players are out in Africa, but Nicolas Anelka and Daniel Sturridge are doing the business for the Blues at the minute. However Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard are highly doubtful for this contest, therefore Chelsea will have to alter their team around dramatically, meaning that they could well have to drift in the likes of Fabio Borini. Chelsea should have no trouble dispatching Birmingham away, as they do have the home advantage.

Birmingham have been the surprise package of the Premier League, and their defence has proven to be one of the best in the league, as they are the only team this season to have stopped Chelsea from scoring, in a Premier League match. The Brummies can go 13 games unbeaten, if they don’t lose to Chelsea tomorrow night, plus McLeish’s men are unbeaten away from home in five matches. New signing Michel could well make his debut against Chelsea. Team news sees Carsley, Murphy, Tainio, O’Connor and Parnaby as definite absentees.
Gav’s Prediction – Chelsea 2-0 Birmingham

Other Matches
Bolton v Burnley – Tuesday
Wolves v Liverpool – Tuesday
Blackburn v Wigan – Wednesday
Everton v Sunderland – Wednesday