Hello all, today's post marks the first time I've posted every day in a week so I hope you've enjoyed the read. Don't have much more to say so I'll get on to this weeks picks.

Stoke v Manchester City

Stoke despite being 19th in the league boast quite a good home record and in contrast City have quite a poor away record.

City though finally seem to have gathered some momentum and are unbeaten in their last four league games. They also will have been boosted by Craig Bellamy's fine debut performance and I'm sure with his price tag at only 6.6m a lot of fantasy football owners will be looking at picking him up.

City are looking for the 5th consecutive victory over Stoke.

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Arsenal v West Ham

Who would have thought Carlton Cole would end January being the Premier Leagues hottest striker..... Not I, thought the fact is he has six goals in his last six league games.... Not bad at all.

This is a must win game for Arsenal who midweek slipped to five points of a top four place and with at least one of Liverpool and Chelsea guaranteed to drop points this weekend these are three points Arsenal can ill afford to throw away.

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Aston Villa v Wigan

Villa are showing no sings of stopping their good run of form which has seen them march right in to the thick of the title race. 

Heskey get's a to play against his former team and when you consider the amount of times ex-players score against their former employees (see Craig Bellamy midweek) the signs look good for Villa.

Having said that I don't think Wigan will be pushovers but I think by hook or by crook Villa will take this one.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Bolton v Tottenham

Bolton dropped two massive point midweek against Blackburn which would have seen them leap frog Spurs in the table.

Bolton's home form should al so be a concern for them as they are the only team in the league yet to score double figures at home this season.

Spurs seem set on buying back as many ex players as possible which has me asking - What's Sir Les up to these days?

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Fulham v Portsmouth

Pompey where just not meant to beat Villa on Tuesday night, they had 17 corners and 9 shots on target to Villa's 1 yet lost the game 0-1 and despite how hard Tony Adams try's things just don't seem to be going his way.

Fulham have only one defeat at home this season and are one of only five team's yet to conceded double figures at home, although Tottenham are also one of those team's so I'm not sure how important that stat really is.

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Hull v West Brom

Hull are now without a win since early December and you feel that if they fail to beat West Brom at home they will be in real trouble.

West Brom on the other hand have only managed four goals on their travels this season and yet remarkably that's not the worst in the league (see Fulham).

I'm thinking of getting rid of Giovanni from my fantasy team this week and if I do watch out for a two goals one  assist performance from the little Brazilian.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Middlesbrough v Blackburn

Boro have go to win sooner or later right? That last league win in early November at Villa park seems a long, long, long, long time ago.

Blackburn managed to scrape a point from a game they looked dead and buried in midweek, but since a similar thing happened to them a few week ago against Manchester City I'm sure they wont care too much.

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Manchester United v Everton

I believe this was originally meant to be the Monday night game, but with Everton needing a replay in the FA Cup it's been switched to Saturday evening.

Can United make it 12 games without conceding? They might be helped if Tim Cahill can't play after coming of midweek late on against Arsenal with what looked like a pulled muscle (or it could have been time wasting cramp, who knows?)

For the good of the league it would be better if Everton could snatch a point at Old Trafford as United seem poised to take the league by the scruff of the neck.

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

Newcastle v Sunderland

After getting rid of Kenwyn Jones from my fantasy team midweek I'm half tempted to bring him straight back for this one.

Nothing like a good old North-East Battle to watch whilst eating your Sunday roast.

Newcastle need the three points slightly more than Sunderland, will they get them is another question.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Liverpool v Chelsea

As an Arsenal fan, I will be rooting for a draw in this one and as it's a game between the "Big Four" I'm pretty sure Lawro's going to say draw (he usually does).

Both teams have been wildly inconsistent of late and both know a defeat here would seriously dent their title hopes.

Chelsea have only mustered one point from their four "Big Four" matches this season.... Very poor indeed.

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Check out Lawro's predictions here.

Take care

Football Guy

Hi all, since we last spoke a few silly things have happened to me. First off, I decided to dig out this Arsenal scarf that I've had for 20 years. It was bought for me by my mother a couple of week after Arsenal clinched the 1988/89 league title at Anfield and so therefore commemorate it, it might well be the only item of clothing I've owned for 20 years..... Anyway, the reason why it was silly for me to dig it out is that over the past 20 years I've realized something...... THE SCARF IS JINXED!...... I already knew this so why the hell did I dig it out yesterday? Seriously people, over the years I've worn that scarf (obviously a lot more back when I was younger but stopped when I realized what was happening) whilst watching at least 30+ Arsenal games and I don't recall Arsenal ever winning one! Now maybe when I was young there might have been a game or two they won whilst me wearing it and me not remembering but I can say for sure that this millennium anyway we have not won when I have wore it..... Note to self.... Put scarf back in closet and leave well alone.

The other silly thing that happened to me last night was in the wee hours of the morning in the land of nod. I had a dream that me and Teddy Sheringham had ab argument that got quite heated and raged on for what seemed an eternity yet for the life of me I can't remember what it was about..... Before you ask, no I don't usually dream about Teddy. The big problem I have with the dream is that the argument was a draw it seems and that really annoys me..... How do I not beat Teddy Sheringham in an argument, even if it is in a dream?

Maybe I should try to avoid eating late at night.....

Football Guy v Mark Lawrenson

So as I found out yesterday, Lawro did do a preview, but after seeing the results it would have been better for him had he not.

This Week

Football Guy - PS 2 CR 7 WR 3

Lawro           - PS 1 CR 6 WR 4

Players you wish you had not made Captain

1. Steven Gerrard         - 2pts
2. Fernando Torres       - 2pts 
3. Nicolas Anelka           - 2pts
4. Emmanuel Adebayor - 2pts

Players you should have made Captain

1. Ryan Giggs           - 15pts
2. Cristiano Ronaldo - 14pts 
3. Nemanja "Player of the Season" Vidic      - 12pts
4. Jermain Defoe     - 10pts
5. Dimitar Berbatov - 9pts

Players you wish you had made Captain but never would

1. David Di Michele - 12pts
2. Carlton Cole       - 11pts
3. Matt Duke          - 9pts

The Cristiano Ronaldo award for fantasy excellence

1. Salomon Kalou - 16pts

After Tuesday nights games I was pretty sure old man Giggsy was going to win it, little did I know one of Chelsea underrated players popped up with two goals to help Chelsea keep pace with United.

Winners and Losers

Winners

Aston Villa

Villa seem to be in this winners section quite a bit of late and when you look at their results over the last couple of months it's easy to see why. Four wins in the spin and seven in their last eight games in title winning form and has seen them come to within three points on leader Manchester United. They also haven't lost in the league since early November, which funnily enough was to Middlesbrough which was also Boro's last win in the league.

Manchester United

After this midweek round of games United have opened up a two point lead in the title race and have a game in hand. They really do have the best and most balanced squad in the league, a fact that has been underlined of late with their 11 clean sheets in a row using about 10 different defenders.

I think it's United's title to lose.

Losers

Liverpool

That's now five  draws in their last seven league games. Their still only two points back from United but with their form the way it is that gap only looks like getting bigger.

It must be worrying times for the red half of Merseyside as thier hunt for their first title in 19 years looks to be falling apart and United look on course to equal Liverpool's record of 18 league titles.

Take care

Football Guy 

So as you may have noticed, despite me saying differently at the end of my Thursday post there was no weekend preview. It's funny that since I woke up earlier than normal on Friday to write  it and it was then I realized...... poo.... it's the FA Cup fourth round. I don't really start getting interested in the FA Cup until the last 16, which just so happens to be this next round so don't worry, I'll have a preview for that when it comes around in a few weeks.

Also due to the FA Cup there is no Monday Hangover (at least as you normally know it). As there was no preview it means the "Football Guy V Lawro" battle for supremacy was postponed for a week (kind of like the way in WW1 the British and the Germans stopped fighting on Christmas Day and played a game of football). Also missing from what would normally be the Monday hangover is fantasy football since fantasy premier league only counts in.... well... the Premier League, so that has been cut too for the week, but fear not, there will be a special "Thursday Hangover" this week to go over the midweek league action.

Beckham

So everyone's favorite ex-England captain was in the news this weekend. He scored his first goal for Milan and sparked a fresh debate over his future at LA Galaxy.

This lead to me last night finding a rather amusing article on ESPN.com's front page about the goal. ESPN for those of you that don't know is a major sports network in the US of A and is usually rather exclusive on it's North American sports. Anyway, I started to read through the comments ;eft by readers and stumbled upon one that cracked me up.

Only an American can sound this funny talking about soccer - (quoted as was with spelling mistakes)

SL1CKvic (1/25/2009 at 9:19 PM)

I dont understand the basis for anyone hating beckham. You can hate his image but really he is a standup repectful guy from what I gather. I have followed his career since he was number 10 on Man U and he brough the Tri-fecta to Man U - he also won a championship in spain where he was benched most of the season b/c the manager didnt like him.....then he throws him in in the second half of the season and he goes off on points. He really just wants to play world class ball; and here thats impossible. So someone please explain why you hate beckham. And dont say the money b/c you know if you were offered that cash or his promotions you would take it in half a heartbeat.

So it's great to hear that are American pal "SLICKvic" has followed Beckham's career ever since he was number 10 "on" Man U. Though the best has to be that fact that D-Becks10 brought the Tri-Fecta to United..... Tri-Fecta....... Tri "F-ING GENIUS" Fecta! Needless to say for the next 30 minutes after reading that I started thinking of other "Americanized" ways SLICKvic would say for Double, the best I could come up with was instead of winning the double you'd "play the deuce", I throw it out to you at home for some better ones. One last thing about Beck before we move on, Do you remember the second half of his last season in Spain when he help Real win the championship after going off on points?..... No neither do I.

Just in case you were wondering if that was real, have a look at the 2nd from top post on this page.

Some things are funny without being made up

Merseyside Derby

So that's Two Merseyside Derbies in six days and not one red card to be seen! I wonder what the odds were on that? I did think Everton should have had a penalty early on after Arbeloa accidentally clipped Pienaar's heels but Steve Bennett didn't agree with me. I guess I should have know better and not be surprised, after all an Everton player has only been fouled in the Liverpool box at Anfield once in thelast 71 years.

I'll be back tomorrow with a mid-week preview and some thoughts on the flurry of recent transfer activity in the Premiership, until then.

Take care

Football Guy

Well people, the good news is I'm feeling much better than I did a few days ago, the bad news is I still don't feel that great and I have to go back to work later today..... I really do hate having the flu and I'm not talking about man-flu where I might have a sore throat and milk it to no end, this was the real deal stuck in bed, throat feels like someone is scraping it with sandpaper, nose want stop running (like  Park Ji-Sung) and you feel like the end of the world is nigh. That's what I hate!

I must say, a very underrated negative about being really ill is losing the ability to taste. I could have eaten pretty much anything over the last couple of days and as long as it was not rough on my throat it would not have mattered, it's a really shame because last night I had one of my favourite lasagna's (Football Mum's special recipe) and it tasted like I was eating sloppy cardboard....

Speaking of food, I'd like to introduce a new friend of the site to you all - It's long time Football Guy friend and soon to be powerful journalist Tracey Fitzgerald and her blog about eating out in London - I ate London. I fully recommend her judgment on all things food in the London area, so if your eating out in London but not sure of where to go, make sure you see what Tracey has to say about the place and if what she say's is good I'm sure you can't go too far wrong.

I would also like to say Happy Birthday to longtime reader and one of the few people who regularly leave comments on the site - I'm not from Leeds a.K.a Neill Parker - Who despite BEING from Leeds is a Manchester United fan for some reason. "I"won't say how old he is, but just for reference, think Micky Rourke.

Speaking of strange looking famous people, Arry Redknapp's Spurs threw away a three goal aggregate lead last night yet still managed to squeeze through the the League Cup final where the will be defending their crown against United. Don't worry Burnley fan's, you probably won't have to wait long for revenge as there's a decent chance you might be playing Spurs next season if you can just go on a bit of a run and make the Championship play-offs and get promoted, but in all fairness it's more realistic to say wait for Spurs to go down and give them a nice welcome when they arrive.

Speaking of welcome guests, Arsene Wenger has been trying his hardest to get Zenit to let Andrei Arshavin come over to play. He seems to be Arsenal's only real target of this transfer window and could become very handy for an Arsenal team who despite playing better still look like they lack creativity in midfield without Cesc. My only real question about AA is - Whats up with his eyes? Can he see out of them? Is there a professional squinting circuit as I think I've found the champ for the next 10 years..... OK, that was more than one question, but I guess when you see a man with paper cuts for eyes one question is never enough.

Speaking of questions, a lot seemed to have been asked about Liverpool this week after blowing two points late on in the Merseyside derby. That is now their sixth draw in their last nine games and certain sections of the media are starting to really question if Liverpool are good enough to win the title? Now my personal opinion about Liverpool's current form is that it's balancing itself out, by that I mean if you look at Liverpool's early season form there were quite a few games the wound up winning that they could have easily drawn and in the last 10 games or so they have drawn a number of games they could have won. I think Liverpool will end up being who we thought they were - A team not quite good enough over 38 games to win the league - But will be a lot closer then in the past few seasons.

Speaking of being close, how many teams are in the race to stay up? Will if you look at the table, only three points separate 20th-12th and will Hull going down quicker than an erection after seeing Amy Winehouse topless on a beach, I'd say we have at least 10 genuine contenders for the drop and were almost in to February! I wrote about how this was a crazy season a few months ago in my November Power Rankings, but I did think it would have sorted itself out by now. Squeaky Bum time stars early this year.

Speaking of starting early, could we just do away with early kick-offs? More often than not they are pretty dull games and as most football fans I know quite like a drink on a Friday/Saturday night it makes them a chore to get up for. I think evening games are the way forward, I loved the fact Spurs v Wigan was on a Friday night a few weeks back in the FA Cup and I seem to remember the Premiership a few year ago having the odd game on a Friday night, why did they get rid of them? Saturday and Sunday nights should be used as well and I'm sure if you asked most fan they would agree. The only time I want to watch Football pre 3pm is if the World Cup in in Asia!

OK, enough of my rambling, I've got to get ready for work and need to eat some tasteless food as I'm hungry.

I'll be back tomorrow for my weekend preview, until then

Take care

Football Guy

Hi all, it's time for another late night weekend preview due to work.... As I said last week, you will have to bear with me until I get used to this last work routine.

Anyway, I don;t really have much to talk about so I think we should get straight to it.

Blackburn v Newcastle

So apparently "mean" Joe Kinnear wants to snap up Nigel Quashie...... So... your in the midst of a relegation fight... I know what I'll do to solve the problem, I'll buy a man who's already been relegated FOUR time from the Premiership in his career..... Smart move Joe, why not just walk in to the away end this Saturday at Ewood Park and take a BIG GIANT PISS on all the Newcastle faithful.

There's no chance in hell I'm backing Newcastle to win this one now, couple that with that fact I'm sure Fat Sam will be out for a bit of revenge after being fired from St James last season. Needless to say I think home win

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Bolton v Manchester United

United don't seem to want to conceded at the moment and there's no reason to think they will start at the Reebok. They also have the chance to go top of the league, although it might only be until Monday night.

Even so it could be an ominous sign for the rest of the title chasers as I don;t think United have played anywhere near their best football this season so far.

Bolton have a good run of games after this one and I don't think will be too upset by a defeat from one of their neighbors.

Football Guy's verdict 0-2

Chelsea v Stoke

I know Stoke have done pretty well against the "Big Four" this season, but Chelsea really need this one and I think they will get it.

They were as poor as I've seen them since Abramovich took over last Sunday at Old Trafford and they need a performance.

I don;t this Stoke's bully-boy tactics will work very well at the Bridge and since that's the only way they know how to play Chelsea should be fine

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Manchester City v Wigan

Kaka... £100m.....£500k a week..... Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the era of "the death of football as we know it".

OK, that might be a slight over the top, but I do think that we could be starting down a path from which there will be no turning back. I shall discuss this in a column in a few weeks.

I don't think Wigan have too much to worry about this season and since their out of the FA Cup I would say there season is pretty much over. As long as they don;t go in to total meltdown they should easily avoid the drop.

Football Guy's verdict 3-1

Sunderland v Aston Villa

I'm waiting for Villa's one real weakness to show it's self yet there seems to be no sign of it. I'm talking about the fact they have a pretty small squad and surely so timely injuries should put a stop to their fight for a top four finish.

Sunderland, please let Kenwyn Jones score for my Fantasy Team... Please!!!

Football Guy's verdict 1-2

West Brom v Middlesbrough

The proverbial six-pointer. It seems like Boro's last win came in a by-gone era when football was played with a orange leather ball and you could not only smoke in bar, but at work in hospital and at church too.

West Brom could move out of the bottom three this weekend if results go their way, but I think they should not worry about that and concentrate on picking up what could be a vital three points against a team they might well end up going down with.

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Hull v Arsenal

Call me a pessimist, but despite the fact Hull are in their worst run of form this season I still fear for Arsenal's chances tomorrow. Maybe it's just because I still have nightmares of Giovanni's thunder strike at the Emirates, or the fact I just don't trust my beloved Gooners to go and get a result they really need.

Fantasy Football note - With Silvestre and Gallas out for the next couple of weeks it might be a good time to snap out Johan Djourou who will be filling in for them for the time being.

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

West Ham v Fulham

Probably the worst London derby this season. Although now I've said that there will surely be plenty of goals and loads to talk about.

Fulham are hunting only the second win from 12 meetings with the Hammers in this league and since you know how much I like trends it might give you a bit of an idea what my verdict will be.

Fantasy Football note - It might be a good idea to start signing some Fulham players in the next couple of weeks as they have no one nut two games to make up and that mean two chances to pick up extra point of what I like to call "double bubble".

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Tottenham v Portsmouth

So Jermain Defoe didn't have to wait long for a chance to stick it too the fan's who apparently threatened his life.... You stay classy Jermain.

Who's knows anymore what result Spurs might conjure, although I will say I think this could be the week Gareth Bale get's his virgin league win for Spurs.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Liverpool v Everton

So Rafa has apparently turned down a new contract offer from Liverpool sighting lack of control as the reason. I don't blame him, as he say's in the link, he is judged by results on the pitch and ultimately responsible if things go wrong so he dosent want anyone else messing with his system.

Everton not only are missing a attack force, but are now missing half of the partnership that is filling in for them. Fellaini will most certainly be missed.

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

Take care 

Football Guy

Football Guy posting midweek?!?!? SHOCK, HORROR!

Don't worry, it's not the apocalypse or anything else untoward. It's just that I realized I failed to give a prediction for the Manchester United v Wigan match tonight and am not sure if Lawro will so I might as well just in case.

But before we get to that, I would like to send my commiserations to our resident Canaries fan and most frequent commentator on the site, Martin Race, who today I'm sure read the news Glenn Roeder has been sacked by his beloved Norwich City. I'm not sure how you feel about that Martin, but from my point of view it's good for the club.

Roeder was doing what he does with evey club he has managed.... Nothing. The team really hadn't gone anywhere and I think it was time for a change. Funnily enough this was (statistically speaking) Roeder's second best performance as a manager, which really put's in to perspective what a poor manager he is 

Cristiano Ronaldo

On Monday C-Ron was unsurprisingly named World Player of the Year. 42 goal, Premier League Champion and Champions League winner, can't really argue with that.

I will say that "I" personally think Messi is a better player, but due to what C-Ron has achieved in the last year I can;t complain with the award. I almost feel he should have won it due to the amount of Fantasy Football League's he single-handedly won last season.. If you had no C-Ron in your team last season and were not making him captain each week you were going to be at least 200+ points behind your league winner and that alone should have really won him World best player!

Manchester United v Wigan

As I already mentioned, I'm not sure if Lawro is giving a prediction for this one, but just in case I will anyway.

I'm pretty annoyed as I brought in Rio for John O'Shea thinking Rio would be back for these two games as would Evra. Turns out Evea is now out for four weeks due to the injury he sustained against Chelsea and Rio had another bout of back spasms (someone must have tipped him off that he would be drugs tested). Anyway, should have just stuck with O'Shea who I had to start with and brought in Wigan's Ryan Taylor like I wanted who picked up nine points on Sunday and anything he gets tonight would be a bonus.

United have not conceded a league goal in 720+ minutes of football (which is 8 games) two shy of Chelsea's Premier League record. It's a good thing their defense has been so tight because other than the three they scored against Chelsea, goals have be few and far between in their recent Premier league form.

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Take care

Football Guy

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, slightly later than billed we finally have this weekends preview!

You what they say, "better late than never". It's been quite a hectic few weeks for me and now with the new job I've started, you might need to just bear with me over the next couple of weeks as I find my feet.

I did find out an interesting story last night, it involved leeches... You know, those little blood-sucking things (not Avram Grant) that they used to use in old medicine for "blood-letting".

Anyway the story goes that all leeches are hermaphrodites and when they want to reproduce the leech who is designated to be the guy literally grows some balls! Which the female leech proceeds to eat... err.. what? That's right, leeches reproduce by growing testicles and then having another one eat them whilst still attached... No thanks. This also got me wondering if leech rape constitutes force-feeding?

Football Guy v Mark Lawrenson

Here's a quick chance to recap how thing stand in my battle for prediction supremacy with Lawro.

Aston Villa v West Brom 

These are games Villa just can't afford to slip up in in their quest for a top four finish this season  and in all fairness probably won't.

 

I know this is a derby match but really, a team like West Brom, that has failed to score in seven of their 10 away league games this season, and netted once in the last five on their Premier League travels (v Wigan) hardly seem likely candidates to halt a top four wannabe in their track.

 

Look out for owners of Agbonlahor or Ashley Young in your fantasy leagues, they could be starting the weekend very nicely indeed.

 

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

 

 

 

Arsenal v Bolton

Remember the day's when Bolton were Arsenal's "bogey team"? Well I think it's safe to say those days are well behind us with the Gunners looking for their fifth consecutive victory over the Trotters (not Del Boy and Rodney).

You got to love Arsene's sense of what his team really need, by that I mean the current Arse-shaving rumors. It's funny that Arsene feel's there is nothing missing from his team yet the absence of a commanding CB or a top quality DM are so obvious the see that even Hellen Keller had noticed.

Anyway, it's always a good sign when your manager neglects defensive problems and tries to buy more attackers... Good job Arse-ne.

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Everton v Hull 

Have the wheels finally come off the Hull bandwagon? It's going to get a little tougher before it get's better with the Tigers after getting back from Goodison will be wait for a visit from Arsenal.

Everton's defense has tightened up remarkably over the last month with the Toffees recording five clean sheets from their last six games.

After this game though Everton face Liverpool (a) Arsenal (h) Manchester United (a), nice and easy right?

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

Fulham v Blackburn

If someone told me a year ago Fulham would go TWO whole month's without losing a Premiership game, I would think it was during the months of June and July.

Fulham also boast a rather impressive record against the top five this season with three draws and a win (although yet to play United). What does that mean for tomorrows match against Blackburn?

Blackburn are unbeaten under Fat Sam and also unbeaten in their last five meetings with Fulham.

Fantasy owners take note - If you can, bring in Jason Roberts! he seems to have found a new lease of life under Fat Sam and with home games against Newcastle and Bolton coming up, things could keep getting better for J-Rob and his owners

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Middlesbrough v Sunderland

After managing back to back games scoring four goals in each Sunderland find themselves in a two match goal drought in the league (not happy as I own Kenwyn Jones in fantasy).

Boro on the other hand have not won a league game for excatly two months and have not scored a league goal in over 330 minutes of football.

Surely that has to change right? Well it's not a good sign when you best player openly states he want to leave. Stuart Downing... You are a real big PRICK! How can you come out mid-season and tell your team who are on a horrible run of form and will be battling against the drop that you want out? Can't you wait a couple of month till the end of the season and leave then? Creep!

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Newcastle v West Ham

As you may know, I like to look at trends and patterns to help me decide when I'm not sure of a result. Well West Ham have not won at St James Park for over 10 years! What make's me think that will change tomorrow?

Newcastle surely have to put in a better performance then they did last time out against Liverpool.

I love player who try to manufacture transfer rumors about themselves - Charles N'Zogbia

"My agents are talking with Tottenham and Villa and, from what they've told me, Arsenal could also be in the frame, I have a preference for the Gunners but they are three great clubs".

Joe Kinnear - 

"I have spoken to Arsene Wenger and he said he's not interested in any of my players, so I don't know where the agent is coming from,"

Enough said.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Portsmouth v Manchester City

Getting gumped 3-0 at home by a team struggling to survive in the Championship must surely count as the low point of City's season.

It's alright though City fans, you get to play the team you demolished 6-0 earlier in the season, what a timely pick-me-up.

This might also be the battle of the two manager most likely to be the next ones fired. Pompey have lost four straight in the league and two of those have been heavy home defeats (3-0 and 4-1 to Newcastle and West Ham).

I think we might have another one on the cards tomorrow.

Football Guy's verdict 1-2

Stoke v Liverpool

Remember back in September when Stoke drew 0-0 at Anfield and everyone said "that's exactly why Liverpool won't win the league". Now, fast forward a couple of months to the present day, if Liverpool beat Stoke tomorrow they will go SIX points clear at the top of the league for at least 24 hours. How many still believe Liverpool won't win the league?

Stoke look set to unleash new signing Matthew Etherington on Liverpool... I can smell the fear...

Football Guy's verdict 0-1

Wigan v Tottenham

I watched last Friday's FA Cup tie between these two and thought Wigan were a bit unlucky not to get a replay out of it.

Now, that was without Zaki, Heskey or Valencia. So with them and also being at home means they should win right?

Jermain Defoe is back at Spurs less than a year after leaving for £12m (bought back for £15m), basically Spurs paid Pompey £3m to have Defoe for a year... smart business.

Interestingly rule L19 forbids players returning to clubs within a year, but the League can wave this at its discretion... Hmmm

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Manchester United v Chelsea

And finally we reach the weekends big one. Defending Champs v last seasons runners up, 2nd v 3rd, Red Devils v The Pensioners.

Both United and Chelsea are winless in games against the other big four teams this season although all of those have been away for United where as Chlesea have all been at Stamford Bridge.

Both team do need the three points from this one as they figure Liverpool should turn over Stoke and they don't want to fall any further behind.

I'm not going to do a Lawro, who I'm sure has predicted a draw (I have not looked), I'm going to say a United win, but before I do that, here's a little warning to all you fantasy managers out there that are going to have C-Ron as captain for this weeks games -

Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to score a Premier League goal against Chelsea... Think about it.

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

Take care

Football Guy

Hello one and all, here's wishing you a happy new year. As you may have noticed, I've not posted anything for about nine days or so. "Lazy Bum!" I hear you cry, well not exactly... I've been entertaining four friends from Croatia who were visiting London for the first time and staying at casa del Football Guy. Now, I'm not sure if you have ever tried being a tour guide and drinking partner for seven straight day's before but let me assure you, I didn't have much time for anything else! And besides, all we've had since I last spoke to you all is some silly 3rd round FA Cup ties which, apart from Manchester City's humbling at the hands of Nottingham Forrest, didn't really spring too many surprises.

Football Guy v Mark Lawrenson

Time for a quick recap on how the last round of my ongoing battle with Lawro went. Lawro's predictions here and mine are here.

Last Week

Football Guy - PS 1 CR 7 WR 3

Lawro           - PS 1 CR 6 WR 4

Like I said in my predictions, I wish I had had the balls to go with a draw for the Fulham Chelsea match as I was proved right! Dam my lack of testicles...

Fantasy Football

Quick recap 

Rafa still hate's Fantasy Football, after scoring twice on Boxing Day Robbie Keane was the 3rd most transferred in player for the last round of games, so what does Rafa do? Drops him from Liverpool's 5-1 drubbing of Newcastle. I've said it before about Rafa, you have four definates who if fit Rafa is sure to play (Gerrard, Torres, Carragher and Reina) the rest are select at your own risk.

Did you know that since Fat Sam has taken over at Blackburn, Jason Roberts has scored 24 points in those three games? To put that in to context, it took Roberts the previous 17 weeks to amass 31 points. Maybe J-Rob should be on your January sales shopping list.

The Cristiano Ronaldo award for fantasy excellence

1. Steven Gerrard - 18pts 

Stevie G has been on a right tear up over the last 5 weeks where he has managed to score 55 points at an average of 11 per week. That's the kind of form we've come to expect from C-Ron over the last couple of seasons and it's by far Gerrard's best spell of the year. Is it time to sell Ronaldo and go with a Gerrard+Lampard combo? I wouldn't give it the green light just yet, but if I were over 100 points behind the leader of my league I'd be seriously considering it.

Power Rankings

In The Thick of it 20th - 12th

These teams at the moment are worrying about the top flight status and will be for the foreseeable future. Like winter follows autumn they know they are in for a long cold winter and HOPE that by the time spring come's around things will be considerably more rosey.

This section seems to be getting bigger and bigger each time we visit the Power Rankings!

PR 20th (20th) - PL 20th (20th)  WBA

You know what happens when your bottom at Christmas right? You go down, apart from that one time West Brom managed it... You'd think that anything Brian Robson can do as a manager most people can do better but yet somehow 15 other managers have tried and failed in the Premiership era where Captain Marvel has succeeded... Don't worry Baggies, if the Homer Simpson of Management could save you I'm sure Tony Mowbury must have some chance right?

I'm not sure I've disliked a team more for pure Footballing reasons than I have this Stoke side. Even the evil old Bolton teams than Fat Sam created had a bit of skill and flair. Unfortunately not this Stoke side who are basically a Championship side on steroids. They will push, shove, bruise and foul you for 90 minutes and then some. That's not how football is meant to be played and I think they are the only side at the moment who plays without any flair in the Premier League (unless you count 50 yard throws).

The last time I did the Power Rankings was the 14th of November, the last time Boro won a league game was the 9th of November. That's Eight games without a league win and that's why they have slipped from 11th to 18th in the Power Rankings. Their big problem over these eight games has been goals, they have only managed Four of them over this poor run and is definitely something Southgate needs to address and fast!

I do remember writing last time I did a Power Rankings -

"It's strange to think that the team with currently the worst defence is not bottom of the league"

Well we all know what happened after that comment and (thankfully for Blackburn) had Paul Ince still been in charge I'm sure they would be bottom of the league right now. Now despite my general dislike for Fat Sam, I do however respect that he knows what he's doing in these parts of the league (after all it's not rocket science) and I'm 99% sure he will keep Rovers up.

PR 16th (9th) - PL 16th (16th) Tottenham Hotspur

It seems I may have been a tad generous in my placement of Tottenham last time round. Not only did I have them 9th but also in the "Hunt for Europe" section... Well when your wrong you say your wrong and I was most definitely wrong and am very angry at myself for it.

Question - What happened to high scoring, fun Tottenham from last season? They managed to score Four in One trip to the Emirates yet from Ten home games they have only manged Seven poxy goals. Last season there were a whopping 80 goals scored at White Hart Lane which was by far the most and worked out to a massive 4.2 goals per game, this season WHL is on pace for 25 goals... If your going to be crap, at least be entertaining!

Maybe Ricky Sbragia should not have taken the job permanently as his first game after taking the post full time was also his first loss. More worryingly for the Mackems is the fact Ricky seems to think Micheal Chopra is a Premiership player! And here's us thinking he knew what he was doing. 

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and allow him the chance to show what he's made of, decent stuff so far.

PR 14th (7th) - PL 12th (9th) Portsmouth

Pompey are very lucky to be this high in the Power Rankings and now thinking about it, should be a lot lower. Thankfully for them I'm willing to give Tony Adams ONE more month to show me he knows what he's doing cos so far it seems like he does not.

One win in their last Eight games is a good way to get yourself relegated and to make matters worse, your star striker Jermain Defoe has apparently received death threats from your own fans... I bet it was this guy, he's always looked like a creep to me.

(BTW - If I wanted to leave a club and not look like the bad guy, I too would say the fan's had threatened to kill me)

So hold on a minute, is Michael Owen staying or going? He owes them another year right?

But wait just a second, is Shay Given Staying or Going? Newcastle owe him the chance to leave and play for a club with real chance to win something right?

hey, how about Mike Ashley, selling or staying? He owes the Newcastle fans a proper owner who does not take the club he want to sell off the market just because nobody is stupid enough to pay what he paid for the club right?

Newcastle - Where nothing is straight forward.

Have you ever noticed how crap Bolton's badge is, it kind of reminds me a little of this badge.

Quirky stat about Bolton - No score draws this season.

Their next two games are tough, Arsenal away, Manchester United home, but after that they have a run nine games stretching till April that I'm sure they will feel they can win and I think they should pick up enough points over that period to see themselves safe for another year.

Looking over their Shoulder 12th -10th

These are the teams that are thankful that for now there are teams that are worse than them, but need to keep looking over their shoulders in case they get sucked in.

The Tigers have now lost three straight in the league which equals their worst run this season. The problem is their next two games are Everton away and Arsenal at home, which could easily see them end up with a five game losing streak and them slip further down the table.

Having said that I still think Hull will be OK this season, but I do think they will end up closer to the drop than most people think.

I probably should have put the Hammers further down the list as they are likely to lose quite a few key players during January.

Mind you, if they can keep them they'll most like finish where they stand now, somewhere in mid-table.

Question - Is Gianfranco Zola the most universally like ex-Chelsea player ever?

Back in November when Wigan were 17th in the League I wrote -

"I don't get why Wigan are not getting more points. Thay have some very good players in Zaki, Heskey and Valencia yet can't seem to win games thay should"

I'll be honest people, it feel good to be right, especially with a team you would like to see do well. I've said before that I like Steve Bruce as a manager, I just hope he can keep a hold of his key players until the end of the season and build from there.

Forget Hull, Fulham have supprised me the most this season. I was sure they were going down, didn't see any other secnario and yet here they are 9th in the League with a by FAR better defensive record than either Arsenal or Aston Villa.

I'm not going to go as far as to say they are safe just yet, but by next months Power Rankings they could be.

Your Season Ended in August

This is for those teams who will end up in mid table mediocrity, who's fans barring a cup run will have very little to get excited about. Hence, your season ended in August.

PR 7th (8th) - PL 13th (13th) Manchester City

Slightly controversial I know given their current form a League position but seriously, who really believes City will go down?

I'm sure if I gave you the choice between backing City to go down for £1m or them finish at least 10 points clear of relegation for £10k you chose the second option right? If I'm wrong you are a bigger fool than I.

Question - How did Wayne Bridge become more expensive over the last five year despite warming Chelsea's bench for most of them?

That was a question asked of me by one of my buddies from the SportBoys, if you've never read there stuff be sure to check it out.

In the Hunt for Europe 6th 

For those who are looking at a UEFA cup spot but not quite top 4 spot.

Do I believe Aston Villa can break into the top four? Yes. Do I also believe Everton can finish above Villa? Yes.

Everton can for me most certainly catch Villa and come 5th, but to do so their going to need some more fire power up front as Cahill, Arteta and Lescott can't do it all.

Hopefully Saha will be back soon (and then injured again) which will help easy the pressure on their beleaguered strike force.

Fourth Spot Chasers  4th

I think you can guess what that means.

Had Villa taken their chance on Boxing Day, beaten Arsenal and gone six point clear of them instead of snatching a late point and being only three points ahead I would have bumped them up one place in the Power Rankings.

Alas for them they stay fifth for now, but that could all change soon enough as they have a pretty favorable run of fixtures coming up that, if they seriously think they can get 4th spot they have to win.

The Arsenal Transfer Funds Mystery -

28/11/2008 - Arsenal have money to spend

02/01/2009 - Arsenal have "no" money to spend

Question - What happened in those 34 days? Peter Hill-Wood + Gala Casino = no transfer funds

Title Chasers 3rd - 1st

The big boys, the ones who dream it will be their captain lifting the trophy in may.

PR 3rd (1st) - PL 2nd (1st) Chelsea

So for the first time this season Chelsea drop from the top spot down to 3rd.

There's only so many time's you can slip up at home and get away with it, since the last Power Rankings were published Chelsea have managed just one home league win from four matches.

Also in store for them in the second half of the season are trips to Villa Park, The Emirates, Anfield and this weekends trip to Old Trafford. That's a lot of potential dropped points right there.

PR 2nd (3rd) - PL 3rd (4th) Manchester United

I've been scratching my head wondering what the hell is up with United attack? Then I realized... Nothing! It's the same as it was last year apart from the fact C-Ron is not bailing them out each week and on pace to score 256 goals in the season.

In fact C-Ron's influence on the United attack is so great that in the six league games he has gone without scoring united have failed to score more than one in all of them and the last three times United managed to score more than one goal in a league match C-Ron scored at least two goals in each of them.

Question - How good are United without Ronaldo scoring every week? Not as good as we thought!

Hopefully now that I've finally put Liverpool atop the Power Rankings all the threats of burglary from scousers will stop.

Fair play to Liverpool who have managed to open up a three point gap at the top of the League despite having one of the worlds best strikers out for big chunks of the season so far.

Now with Torres seemingly back, Liverpool need to take full advantage and press on in their pursuit of their first title in 19 years.

Final Thought

Three of the last four teams top of the league at Christmas have gone on to win the League. The one that failed was last season Arsenal, I shall no proceed to set myself on fire...

Take care

Football Guy 

Hi everybody, hope you all enjoyed the feast of football served up for us yesterday. There was a bountiful 25 goals dished out over the ten games which was plenty to go round, however if you had the misfortune of being at either White Hart Lane or the Stadium of Light you really did end up with a Christmas Turkey!

Game of the day I guess had to be the last one. It was actually one of the best games of the season with both teams netting twice, the woodwork was also hit four times and Martin O'Neill set a new record for most distance covered on the touchline by a manager during a match.

There was also a rather funny/awkward hand shake between the two managers after a heated discussion minutes into the second half. It's funny that Wenger is often described as a professor or a great thinker yet he seems to love to get into near punch up's on the touchline more than any other manager in the Premiership. Funniest one has to be when him and Martin Jol butted heads in some sort of antelope mating ritual (Sorry as i can't find the video).

Elsewhere, the "Big Three" all one and in pleasantly symmetrical order, 1-0 2-0 3-0.

Stephen Ireland answered my fantasy football teams call with a first half hat trick of assist and a second half goal with absolutely destroyed Hull who have shipped NINE goals in their last two games.

Then there was Pompy, who instead of winning their game comfortably they get spanked 4-1, sorry Tony, as much as I love you, things just seem to go wrong for you. I hope people don't start remembering you as a $*1T manager rather than the great captain you were.

Arsenal v Portsmouth 

So, Tony Adams get's to finally take on Arsenal in a managerial capacity. I don;t think it's going to be a happy return. Portsmouth have developed that dangerous trait of playing well yet losing. Funnily enough it started right after Big Tone took over.

Arsenal Will Have Adebayor back for this one and I'd look for him to be in amongst the goals, if you've got the cash I recommend bringing him into your fantasy team for this one

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Blackburn v Manchester City

results despite using the exact same tools. Under Paul Ince Blackburn 

Bolton v Wigan

Both teams are sitting pretty going into the last games of the year.

Although both know that it could all change very quickly if you take your eyes of the ball.

I think both team's play some decent football and I wish them all the best for the new year.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

 

 

Everton v Sunderland

Everton need to get that home form into gear and I think it starts here.

Ricky Sbragia has today been confirmed as the permanent replacement for Roy Keane and he really did earn it. Goes to show that when the opportunity arrives, make sure you make the most of it and Ricky sure has.

Everton have still got striker problems but as long as Tim Cahill can keep finding the net they should be alright for the next few games.

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

 

 

Fulham v Chelsea

Now, it's time for the best Home v the best Away in this Battle for West London supremacy.

I've never understood why Chelsea play in Fulham (That's were Stamford Bridge is, not Chelsea but Fulham).

I really want to say a draw... I just don't have the testicular fortitude to do it, grrrr.

Football Guy's verdict 0-1 (but really think 1-1 but am too pussy to do it)

 

 

Newcastle v Liverpool

Do you remember way back when, in the good old day's were Liverpool and Newcastle would annually play out 4-3 thrillers?

I miss those days, and as much as I would love for another one I just can;t see it happening at 12:00pm as I don;t think there has ever been an exciting game played at that kickoff time.

Liverpool may or may not have Fernando Torres back on the bench for this one, I'm going to stick my neck out and say he wont play.

Football Guy's verdict 1-2

 

 

West Brom v Tottenham

It's good to see that Harry Redknapp is a fan of the Football guy, I know this because he must have read my comments the other month about Tottenham's inability to win a match Gareth Bale starts.

So since then Gareth Bale seems to have vanished off the face of the planet, look out for him to be sold in January.

West Brom on the other hand are just poo, they play some decent stuff but without any real end product. Lookout for them to sign a Nigel Quashie type player who has been relegated five times with five different teams, always a smart move.

Football Guy's verdict 0-1

 

 

West Ham v Stoke

I think West Ham were on the right end of a very flattering scoreline Boxing day.

They could have easily been 3-4 down themselves yet go on to win the match handsomely, quite a contrast to their recent form which has been quite the opposite.

Stoke almost held the Champions to a 0-0 draw, although I almost once won a tap dancing contest... Dam that "almost".

Stoke along with Fulham are the only teams to have yet to win a game on their travels and I don;t expect that to change here.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

 

 

Manchester United v Middlesbrough

I what to know whats happened to United's attack? They have only managed three goals in their last five games. In the five previous to that they managed 13. Now considering I have both C-Ron and Berbatov in my fantasy team, I expect some answers!

 

I'd also like to know what's happened to Boro's form? no win's in nine games spells trouble.

 

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

 

 

 

Hull v Aston Villa

Have Hull finally turned in to the team we thought they would be at the start of the season? Well with 11 goals conceded in their last three games you could see why I'd ask that.

Villa will feel they should have one their game against Arsenal in the first half yet funnily enough should thank their lucky stars they came away with a point.

I'm going to say Hull are on their way down the table, expect another half time team talk from the center circle.

 

Football Guy's verdict 1-3

 

 

Take Care

 

Football Guy 

 

 

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                           

Merry Christmas to you all, I hope Santa brought you all you deserved this year. I went for a hour and a half long walk this morning around Islington and managed to see 10 people (three of which were jogging and two were homeless). It really is a ghost town on Christmas day.

For a football fan though, this really is a glorious time of the year. Games come think and fast and there is loads of food and booze to enjoy them with. I can't understate how much I love the festive period and the sporting action it brings!

I know most people love Christmas for the presents (greedy so and so's), so I thought I would take so time before the previews to mention some of the "presents" I think a few of the Premiership teams hope they will receive.

Arsenal

When your locked in what looks to be a real battle to come at least forth, the last thing you need is your captain and best player to get crocked ofr four months which basically rules him out for the rest of the season.

We already knew Arsene would probably need to buy a midfielder in January, but now with Cesc injury it seem the wise old Frenchman will need to add to his Xmas wish list. It's also never a good position to be in when teams know you are desperate for a player, they really can hold you to ransom.

Wenger's big problem will be that the restless Arsenal fan's out there will probably be look for a relatively big name signing to appease the sense of lack star power in the team, those kind of player don;t come cheep at the best of times and with teams knowing Arsenal's predicament it could make finding another one of Arsene's "bargains" very tough indeed.

Chelsea

A home win please! Chelsea are without a win at fortress Stamford Bridge since demolishing Sunderland 5-0 on November 1st.

I think they will get there wish as they face West Brom at home on Boxing Day and if they are unable to beat them then maybe uncle Roman will have to get out his big fat cheque book and delve in to the January sales.

Liverpool

Fernando Torres fit! There is only so much Stevie G and co can do without there best front man. A fully fit and in form Torres could be the difference for whether or not Liverpool can end there 19 year title drought.

The good news is that he seems to be about to make his comeback, the bad news is judging by  Fernondo's injury history since joining Liverpool, he's probably about a month away from another spell on the sidelines.

West Brom

Can lightning strike twice? We all know that if your bottom on Christmas Day it mean almost certain relegation come May.

Having said that the Baggies are the only team to have avoided that fate, surviving after a truly miraculous run that saw them still at the foot of the table come the last day of the season.

They already find themselves four points adrift from safety and with a trip to Chelsea on Boxing day it looks unlikely they will be any nearer to safety come the weekend.

Lawro's predictions

Stoke v Manchester United

Fresh from their exploits in Japan, United return to Premiership action looking to make up some ground in the title race. Waiting for them is a vist to Stoke who they crushed last month at Old Trafford 5-0.

That game was also the last time C-Ron scored in the Premiership and United will need the World Footballer of the Year back in goalscoring form if they are to get their title chase back on track.

Stoke have been remarkable good this year at home with a record of W-5 D-2 L-2. I don;t expect them to be adding to the first two columns tomorrow.

Football Guy's verdict  0-3

Chelsea v West Brom

Chelsea have to start winning at home sometime soon and this fixture presents them with the perfect opportunity to get their once legendary home form back on track.

I hope Lampard has not gorged himself to much with Christmas Turkey and is fighting fit for this one as he could do with a goal (as could my fantasy team). If your looking for a little festive bet on Boxing day go with Lampard First Goalscorer @ 5/1. It might help you make up for that lousy present you bought your girlfriend.

West Brom have no hope here and I think Chelsea crush them

Football Guy's verdict 3-0

Portsmouth v West Ham

Tony Adams really really really needs a a run of league wins! Since the beginning of November Pompy have managed just two league wins out of eight games and yet despite their form are still 10th.

West ham I think have been pretty unlucky to only have one point from their last three games (that coming at Stamford Bridge). It's never a good sign to play well and lose. They seem to be having all sorts of problems putting the ball in the back of the net and could really do with a top striker in January. Unfortunately it seems they are more likely to sell due to their precocious financial standing.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Tottenham v Fulham

Last season White Hart Lane was the place to go to see goals, this season it is not. WHL has seen the least amount of net bulging action in the Premiership with only 14 goals in 9 games, the next best (or worst) is at either the JJB or Reebok which have both seen only 18 goals each.

Fulham sport the Premier League's best home record picking up 20 points at Craven Cottage (although United have played 2 games less at Old Trafford). The problem they have is that they also have the league second worst away record (Stoke having the worst) with only 4 points from 8 games on their travels. I don't expect that to change.

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

Liverpool v Bolton

The Merseysiders celebrate Christmas at the top of the tree for the first time in 12 years and a record equaling 16th time all told. Good news for Liverpool as they have gone on to win the title on 10 of the 15 occasions they previously were on pole position on 25 December, but the most recent of these was the 1987-88 season.

They will also have gone a whole calender year unbeaten at home should they avoid defeat.

All you need to know about Bolton's chances in this one is that the last time they one at Anfield Albert Einstein was still alive, maybe they could use his big fat brain to devise a way to win tomorrow.

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Manchester City v Hull

I bet I know what Mark Hughes want for Christmas, a much needed 3 points. Who would have thought come Boxing day City would have the same amount of league points as their position in the league (both 18).

This one should be an entertaining affair as there have been a total of 116 goals in their 36 games combined this season, which if I've done my maths corectly works out to 3.2 goals per game.

I really enjoyed the 2-2 draw they served up last month as I was fortunate enough to have both Giovanni and Stephen Ireland in my fantasy team who score 3 between them. I'm hoping for more of the same!

Football Guy's verdict 2-2

Middlesbrough v Everton

Things are looking considerably less rosy for Boro then they did a few weeks ago. Their last league win was back in October and have managed just 4 points from their last 8 games.

Everton on the other hand have been surprisingly good away from Goodison, picking up 19 points on their travels compared to just 7 at home.

There still lacking in the fire power department but one goal might be all that's needed.

Football Guy's verdict 0-0

Sunderland v Blackburn

About two weeks ago this game might have been sorting out who was the worst in the Premiership, but know with both teams having new men in charge there seems to be a sense of optimism for what the new year will hold.

I'm sure both will fancy their chances and both need the win. I think they might well cancel each other out.

Football Guy's verdict 2-2

Wigan v Newcastle

So it looks as though Mickey Owen will be staying at St James's for at least another year as he feel's he "owe's them one more". That awfully nice of him, it's good to see he's will to turn up each week for ONLY £100,000 a week. Let that be a lesson to you all and try to be more charitable in the new year!

Wigan on the other hand have two striker's who's future's are a little less certain. What will happen with Zaki and Heskey? If they were to lose both of them I would be straight down the bookie's with some some cash back them at 7/1 for the drop.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Aston Villa v Arsenal

Finally we have what's arguably the best game on Boxing Day. 3rd vs 5th in what could be a massive momentum swinger it the "race for fourth".

Arsenal really will be up against it traveling without their two best players (Cesc and Adebayor). Will they have enough to overcome a Villa side who have lost just once at home?

Arsenal haven't actually lost to Villa at Villa Park this millennium and will be hoping that run continues.

I don't want to knock Villa in what they have achieved so far this season but I will say they have been very fortunate with injuries. I read a stat somewhere which has them as the team that has used the fewest different players in the league so far this season and if you think about it, other than John Carew, they haven't had anyone missing from the first team for any considerably length of time.

If they are to push for a Champions League spot their run of injury free luck will have to continue but if the worst happens they will be doing themselves a big favor if they can open up a 6 point lead over Arsenal.

The Gunners this season have managed their best performances when their backs have been against the wall, I hope that continues!

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Final Thoughts

I would like to take this moment to wish you all a very merry Christmas, may it be as good to you as it has so far been to me. I will be back on Saturday with the preview for Sunday's games (It will also be my first weekend post). I've also got planned for nest week the "Football Guy end of year awards" which should be fun, but until then

Take care

Football Guy