England Premier League Preview: Week 20 (Jan 2-4)
Manchester United will be looking to stay in touch at the top of the Premier League table with a win at Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Manchester United can move level on points with league leaders Manchester CIty if they win at Newcastle United.
United are three points behind league leading Manchester City after being beaten 3-2 by Blackburn Rovers last time out, but have played a game less than the Citizens.
Newcastle have fallen to seventh place in the table after winning one of their last eight games.
These two teams met at Old Trafford back on November 26th, when a second half Demba Ba penalty snatched a 1-1 draw for Newcastle.
In the other game of the day, Bolton Wanderers will be looking for a win to lift themselves off the bottom of the table when they travel to face Everton.
Last placed Bolton are four points adrift of safety after drawing 1-1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out. Everton can move into the top half of the table with a win or draw, and will enter this fixture looking to extend a four game unbeaten run.
Newcastle have fallen to seventh place in the table after winning one of their last eight games.
These two teams met at Old Trafford back on November 26th, when a second half Demba Ba penalty snatched a 1-1 draw for Newcastle.
In the other game of the day, Bolton Wanderers will be looking for a win to lift themselves off the bottom of the table when they travel to face Everton.
Last placed Bolton are four points adrift of safety after drawing 1-1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out. Everton can move into the top half of the table with a win or draw, and will enter this fixture looking to extend a four game unbeaten run.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea |
Molineux Stadium (Wolverhampton, West Midlands), Monday January 2nd, 10:00AM EST
Channels: Bwin Video, FSC, Fox Deportes, Abu Dhabi Sports, ESPN HD Brasil, Viasat Premier League, Viasat Fotball Sweden, SportKlub Slovenia, SportKlub Serbia, Rossiya 2, Digi Sport 1 Romania, Sport TV1, Canal+ Sport, Sky Calcio 1, Sport 1, Digi Sport Hungary, Nova Sports 1, Canal Plus Urheilu, TV2 Sport PL Danmark, 6'eren, DIGI Sport, Sportklub Croatia, Diema, Tring Sport 1, Sport.TV Liga Inglesa, Sportsnet HD, J Sports 4, Star Sports Maldives, ESPN Sri Lanka, ESPN Nepal, ESPN India, ESPN HD India, ESPN Bangladesh, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Internet 7, SuperSport HD 3, SuperSport 7, SuperSport HD 3 Nigeria, SuperSport 7 Nigeria, Sky Sport 1 HD Germany, Sky Sport 1 Germany
Wolverhampton Wanderers will play host to Chelsea on Monday with both teams looking to end runs of poor form.
Chelsea achieved the best result of their season on December 12th when they beat league leading Manchester City 2-1. However, the Blues have fallen to fifth place after not winning any of their four games since, and were beaten 3-1 by Aston Villa this past weekend.
Wolves are two points above the relegation zone, and will enter this game looking to end a five game winless streak.
Leading goal scorer Steven Fletcher and Ronald Zubar are injury doubts for Wolves, while Nenad Milijas is suspended. New loan signings Emmanuel Frimpong and Eggert Jonsson are available to make their debuts for Mick McCarthy’s men.
Defender Branislav Ivanovic and midfielder John Obi Mikel are sidelined with injury for Chelsea.
It would not be a surprise if Andre Villas-Boas was to rotate his squad in the wake of the Villa loss, which could mean the recall of Fernando Torres and Frank Lampard to the Blues starting lineup.
Torres will be desperate to return to goal scoring form, after Spanish national team coach Vicente Del Bosque this week cast doubt on his place in the upcoming EURO 2012 tournament.
“It’s a concern. He’s not playing much. If he plays and is on form he’ll go to the Euros,” Del Bosque told BBC Sport. “But if the (current) situation doesn’t change it’s going to be difficult for him.”
Chelsea achieved the best result of their season on December 12th when they beat league leading Manchester City 2-1. However, the Blues have fallen to fifth place after not winning any of their four games since, and were beaten 3-1 by Aston Villa this past weekend.
Wolves are two points above the relegation zone, and will enter this game looking to end a five game winless streak.
Leading goal scorer Steven Fletcher and Ronald Zubar are injury doubts for Wolves, while Nenad Milijas is suspended. New loan signings Emmanuel Frimpong and Eggert Jonsson are available to make their debuts for Mick McCarthy’s men.
Defender Branislav Ivanovic and midfielder John Obi Mikel are sidelined with injury for Chelsea.
It would not be a surprise if Andre Villas-Boas was to rotate his squad in the wake of the Villa loss, which could mean the recall of Fernando Torres and Frank Lampard to the Blues starting lineup.
Torres will be desperate to return to goal scoring form, after Spanish national team coach Vicente Del Bosque this week cast doubt on his place in the upcoming EURO 2012 tournament.
“It’s a concern. He’s not playing much. If he plays and is on form he’ll go to the Euros,” Del Bosque told BBC Sport. “But if the (current) situation doesn’t change it’s going to be difficult for him.”
Aston Villa vs Swansea City |
Villa Park (Birmingham), Monday January 2nd, 10:00AM EST
Channels: Abu Dhabi Sports, FoxSoccer.tv, Sport TV2, SuperSport 3 Nigeria, SuperSport Internet 3, SuperSport 10, SuperSport 3 Africa, SuperSport 3, Bwin Video, Canal+ Fútbol / HD, Sky Calcio 2, Nova Sport Bulgaria, Viasat Xtra Premier League 1, Sport 1 Russia, Digi Sport 2 Romania, SK Prime Serbia, Sportsnet World, Tring Sport 2, Sky Supercalcio, Lig TV 3
Aston Villa will be looking to start 2012 as they ended 2011 when they play host to Swansea City on Monday.
The Villains ended 2011 by producing a 3-1 upset win at Chelsea, while Swansea earned a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the same day.
Villa can consolidate their place in the top half of the table with a victory here, while Swansea will be looking for a win to increase the five-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
Striker Emile Heskey is expected to return to fitness for Villa, while captain Stiliyan Petrov is an injury doubt and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Striker Darren Bent could return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench to score in the win at Chelsea. Shisha smoking twitter celebrity Stephen Ireland also scored in the win at Stamford Bridge, and is expected to continue in the Villa midfield.
Defender Steven Caulker will return for Swansea, while leading goal scorer Danny Graham is also expected to return to the starting lineup.
The Villains ended 2011 by producing a 3-1 upset win at Chelsea, while Swansea earned a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the same day.
Villa can consolidate their place in the top half of the table with a victory here, while Swansea will be looking for a win to increase the five-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
Striker Emile Heskey is expected to return to fitness for Villa, while captain Stiliyan Petrov is an injury doubt and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
Striker Darren Bent could return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench to score in the win at Chelsea. Shisha smoking twitter celebrity Stephen Ireland also scored in the win at Stamford Bridge, and is expected to continue in the Villa midfield.
Defender Steven Caulker will return for Swansea, while leading goal scorer Danny Graham is also expected to return to the starting lineup.
Queens Park Rangers vs Norwich City |
Loftus Road Stadium (London), Monday January 2nd, 10:00AM EST
Channels: Abu Dhabi Sports, Viasat Sport, FoxSoccer.tv, SuperSport Maximo, Sky Calcio 3, Bwin Video, Nova Sports 2, Viasat Xtra Premier League 3, Canal+ Sport 1, SportKlub + Serbia, Tring Sport 4, Sky Sport 3 Italia, Digi Sport Plus Hungary
Queens Park Rangers will be looking to climb away from the relegation zone when they play host to Norwich City at Loftus Road.
QPR are currently two points above the drop zone after going winless in their last seven games, a streak that started with a 2-1 loss at Norwich in late November. Norwich are five points ahead of QPR, and will enter this game looking to end a four game winless streak.
Defensive pair Anton Ferdinand and Fitz Hall are sidelined with injury for QPR, while goalkeeper Paddy Kenny is expected to return.
James Vaughan and Elliott Ward remain sidelined with injury for Norwich, while defensive duo Marc Tierney and Ritchie de Laet are also ruled out.
QPR are currently two points above the drop zone after going winless in their last seven games, a streak that started with a 2-1 loss at Norwich in late November. Norwich are five points ahead of QPR, and will enter this game looking to end a four game winless streak.
Defensive pair Anton Ferdinand and Fitz Hall are sidelined with injury for QPR, while goalkeeper Paddy Kenny is expected to return.
James Vaughan and Elliott Ward remain sidelined with injury for Norwich, while defensive duo Marc Tierney and Ritchie de Laet are also ruled out.
Blackburn Rovers vs Stoke City |
Ewood Park (Blackburn), Monday January 2nd, 10:00AM EST
Channels: Viasat Xtra Premier League 2, Abu Dhabi Sports, FoxSoccer.tv, SuperSport 5, SuperSport 5 Africa, SuperSport Internet 5, SuperSport 5 Nigeria, Bwin Video, Tring Sport 3, Sport 2
Blackburn Rovers will continue their fight against relegation when they play host to Stoke City at Ewood Park.
Blackburn currently occupy the relegation zone, and are three points adrift of safety after beating Manchester United 3-2 last time out. Rovers manager Steve Kean will be hoping a win here can ease some of the pressure he is feeling from the Ewood Park fans.
Stoke are currently eighth in the Premier League table, and will enter this game looking to end a three game winless streak.
Gael Givet could return to the Blackburn defense after recently undergoing heart surgery, while Junior Hoilett, David Dunn and Martin Olsson are all injury doubts.
Leading goal scorer Yakubu will lead the Blackburn attack, and the powerful Nigerian striker has netted seven goals in his last six games.
Defender Andy Wilkinson is an injury doubt for Stoke and will be assessed ahead of kickoff. Striker Cameron Jerome should continue in attack after scoring his first goal for the club during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic.
Blackburn currently occupy the relegation zone, and are three points adrift of safety after beating Manchester United 3-2 last time out. Rovers manager Steve Kean will be hoping a win here can ease some of the pressure he is feeling from the Ewood Park fans.
Stoke are currently eighth in the Premier League table, and will enter this game looking to end a three game winless streak.
Gael Givet could return to the Blackburn defense after recently undergoing heart surgery, while Junior Hoilett, David Dunn and Martin Olsson are all injury doubts.
Leading goal scorer Yakubu will lead the Blackburn attack, and the powerful Nigerian striker has netted seven goals in his last six games.
Defender Andy Wilkinson is an injury doubt for Stoke and will be assessed ahead of kickoff. Striker Cameron Jerome should continue in attack after scoring his first goal for the club during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic.
Fulham vs Arsenal |
Craven Cottage (London), Monday January 2nd, 12:30PM EST
Channels: Bwin Video, FSC, Fox Deportes, Sky Sports 1/HD, Abu Dhabi Sports, ESPN HD Brasil, Viasat Premier League, Viasat Fotball Sweden, Canal+ Fútbol / HD, SportKlub Slovenia, SportKlub Serbia, Sport 1 Russia, Digi Sport 1 Romania, Sport TV2, Canal+ Sport, Sky Calcio 1, Sport 1, Digi Sport Hungary, Nova Sports 1, Canal+ Sport, Canal Plus Urheilu, TV2 Sport PL Danmark, 6'eren, DIGI Sport, Sportklub Croatia, Nova Sport Bulgaria, Tring Sport 1, Sport.TV Liga Inglesa, Sportsnet World, J Sports 4, Star Sports Taiwan, ESPN Papua New Guinea, ESPN Pakistan, ESPN Myanmar, ESPN Mongolia, ESPN Indonesia (Indovision), SuperSport Maximo, SuperSport Internet 3, SuperSport HD 3, SuperSport Action, SuperSport 3, SuperSport HD 3 Nigeria, SuperSport 3 Nigeria, SuperSport 3 Africa, SuperSport 10, Sky Sport 1 Germany
Arsenal will be looking to extend a three game unbeaten streak when they make the short trip across London to face Fulham.
Fulham are currently five points above the relegation zone after going winless in their last three games.
Arsenal broke into the top four this past weekend when they beat Queens Park Rangers 1-0.
Leading goal scorer Andrew Johnson is sidelined with injury for Fulham, while fellow striker Bobby Zamora is also ruled out. Irish winger Damien Duff is expected to return to the Fulham starting lineup after coming off the bench during last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Norwich City.
Defender Thomas Vermaelen is sidelined with injury for Arsenal, and is expected to be replaced by Francis Coquelin.
Arsenal could be boosted by the return of club legend Thierry Henry, who signed recently on loan from the New York Red Bulls. If Henry starts in attack, he will be partnered by Robin van Persie, the Premier League’s leading goal scorer.
Fulham are currently five points above the relegation zone after going winless in their last three games.
Arsenal broke into the top four this past weekend when they beat Queens Park Rangers 1-0.
Leading goal scorer Andrew Johnson is sidelined with injury for Fulham, while fellow striker Bobby Zamora is also ruled out. Irish winger Damien Duff is expected to return to the Fulham starting lineup after coming off the bench during last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Norwich City.
Defender Thomas Vermaelen is sidelined with injury for Arsenal, and is expected to be replaced by Francis Coquelin.
Arsenal could be boosted by the return of club legend Thierry Henry, who signed recently on loan from the New York Red Bulls. If Henry starts in attack, he will be partnered by Robin van Persie, the Premier League’s leading goal scorer.
Wigan Athletic vs Sunderland |
The DW Stadium (Wigan), Tuesday January 3rd, 2:45PM EST
Channels: FoxSoccer.tv, Fox Soccer Plus, Abu Dhabi Sports, ESPN Cono Sur, ESPN Latin America Andina, ESPN DOS, Viasat Xtra Premier League 1, Tring Sport 3, Sportsnet World, SuperSport Internet 5, SuperSport 5, SuperSport 5 Nigeria, SuperSport 5 Africa, Bwin Video
Tottenham Hotspur vs West Bromwich Albion |
White Hart Lane (London), Tuesday January 3rd, 2:45PM EST
Channels: FoxSoccer.tv, Fox Deportes, Abu Dhabi Sports, ESPN Venezuela, ESPN Cono Norte, ESPN + Andina, ESPN + Sur, Viasat Sport, Viasat Xtra Premier League 2, Canal+ Deportes HD, SportKlub + Serbia, Sport 1 Russia, Digi Sport 2 Romania, Sport TV3, Sky Calcio 2, Digi Sport Plus Hungary, Nova Sports 4, Nova Sport Bulgaria, Tring Sport 2, Sportsnet World, J Sports 2, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Internet 3, SuperSport 7, SuperSport 7 Nigeria, FSC, Bwin Video
Manchester City vs Liverpool |
Etihad Stadium, Manchester (Manchester), Tuesday January 3rd, 3:00PM EST
Channels: Bwin Video, ESPN3 USA, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, Sky Sports 1/HD, Sky Sports 3D, Abu Dhabi Sports, ESPN HD Brasil, Viasat Premier League, Viasat Fotball Sweden, Canal+ Fútbol / HD, SportKlub Slovenia, SportKlub Serbia, Rossiya 2, Digi Sport 1 Romania, Sport TV4, Canal+ Sport, Sky Calcio 1, Sport 1, Digi Sport Hungary, Nova Sports 1, Canal+ Sport, TV2 Sport PL Danmark, Canal+ Sport 1, 6'eren, DIGI Sport, Sportklub Croatia, Diema, Tring Sport 1, Sport.TV Liga Inglesa, Sky Sport 1 Germany, ESPN Caribbean, TSN 2, RDS, J Sports 4, SuperSport Maximo, SuperSport Internet 7, SuperSport HD 3, SuperSport 3, SuperSport HD 3 Nigeria, SuperSport 3 Nigeria, SuperSport 3 Africa, SuperSport 10, Lig TV 3
Newcastle United vs Manchester United |
Sports Direct Arena (Newcastle-upon-Tyne), Wednesday January 4th, 3:00PM EST
Channels: Rossiya 2, Nova Sports 2, Digi Sport 1 Romania, DIGI Sport, Canal Plus Urheilu, Digi Sport Hungary, ESPN + Sur, ESPN + Andina, FSC, FoxSoccer.tv, Fox Deportes, ESPN Venezuela, ESPN HD Brasil, Canal+ Sport, 6'eren, ESPN Cono Norte, Sportsnet World, Sky Sport 1 HD Germany, Sport 2, Sportklub Croatia, SportKlub Serbia, SportKlub Slovenia, Tring Sport 1, TV2 Sport PL Danmark, Viasat Fotball Sweden, Viasat Premier League, J Sports 4, ESPN India, ESPN HD India, ESPN Nepal, ESPN Bangladesh, ESPN Pakistan, ESPN Papua New Guinea, ESPN Sri Lanka, Star Sports Maldives, ESPN Malaysia, ESPN HD Malaysia, ESPN Indonesia (Indovision), ESPN Myanmar, ESPN Mongolia, ESPN Brunei, ESPN HD Brunei, ESPN Taiwan, ESPN HD Taiwan, Sky Sport 1 Germany
Manchester United will be looking to stay in touch at the top of the Premier League table with a win at Newcastle United on Wednesday.
United are three points behind league leading Manchester City after being beaten 3-2 by Blackburn Rovers last time out, but have played a game less than the Citizens.
Newcastle have fallen to seventh place in the table after winning one of their last eight games.
These two teams met at Old Trafford back on November 26th, when a second half Demba Ba penalty snatched a 1-1 draw for Newcastle.
Danny Guthrie and Peter Lovenkrands are sidelined with injury for Newcastle, while winger Gabriel Obertan will recover from a toe injury in time to play.
Wayne Rooney is expected to be reinstated into the United attack for this game, while defensive pair Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling have recovered from injury.
United are three points behind league leading Manchester City after being beaten 3-2 by Blackburn Rovers last time out, but have played a game less than the Citizens.
Newcastle have fallen to seventh place in the table after winning one of their last eight games.
These two teams met at Old Trafford back on November 26th, when a second half Demba Ba penalty snatched a 1-1 draw for Newcastle.
Danny Guthrie and Peter Lovenkrands are sidelined with injury for Newcastle, while winger Gabriel Obertan will recover from a toe injury in time to play.
Wayne Rooney is expected to be reinstated into the United attack for this game, while defensive pair Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling have recovered from injury.
Everton vs Bolton |
Goodison Park (Liverpool), Wednesday January 4th, 3:00PM EST
Channels: Bwin Video, FoxSoccer.tv, Fox Soccer Plus, Abu Dhabi Sports, ESPN Cono Sur, ESPN Latin America Andina, Viasat Sport, Viasat Xtra Premier League 1, SK Prime Serbia, Sport 1 Russia, Digi Sport 2 Romania, Sport TV4, Digi Sport Plus Hungary, Canal+ Sport 1, Nova Sport Bulgaria, Tring Sport 2, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Internet 3, SuperSport 7, SuperSport 7 Nigeria, Star Sports Indonesia (Indovision), Star Sports Sri Lanka, Star Sports Papua New Guinea, Star Sports Myanmar, Star Sports Mongolia, Star Sports India, Star Sports Nepal, Star Sports Bangladesh, Star Sports Pakistan, ESPN Maldives, ESPN DOS, Star Sports Philippines, Star Sports Korea, Star Sports Taiwan
Bolton Wanderers will be looking for a win to lift themselves off the bottom of the table when they travel to face Everton.
Last placed Bolton are four points adrift of safety after drawing 1-1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out. Everton can move into the top half of the table with a win or draw, and will enter this fixture looking to extend a four game unbeaten run.
Dutch winger Royston Drenthe is ruled out for Everton, while Marouane Fellaini and Seamus Coleman are injury doubts.
USA international midfielder Landon Donovan will play his first game for Everton since joining on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has suggested Gary Cahill will play in this game, despite the defender being heavily linked with an imminent move to Chelsea.
Darren Pratley has recovered from illness in time to play for Bolton, while goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is an injury doubt.
Last placed Bolton are four points adrift of safety after drawing 1-1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out. Everton can move into the top half of the table with a win or draw, and will enter this fixture looking to extend a four game unbeaten run.
Dutch winger Royston Drenthe is ruled out for Everton, while Marouane Fellaini and Seamus Coleman are injury doubts.
USA international midfielder Landon Donovan will play his first game for Everton since joining on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has suggested Gary Cahill will play in this game, despite the defender being heavily linked with an imminent move to Chelsea.
Darren Pratley has recovered from illness in time to play for Bolton, while goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is an injury doubt.
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