Premier League Weekend Preview (1 December)

Christmas is nearly upon us and that can only mean one thing - get ready for a festive football feast!

Traditionally, December is a manic month for the sport with bundles of crammed fixtures. In turn, this provides fantasy managers with the opportunity to either excel or flop.

There are an unprecedented 61 Premier League fixtures in the next 31 days, and it all kicks off tomorrow. Here’s the latest news and previews for the weekend games…

Saturday

15.00 kick off unless stated

Chelsea v West Ham (12.45)

Chelsea’s home record is quite extraordinary. They are unbeaten in their last 69 Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, and that is unlikely to change against a solid West Ham team. The Hammers are beginning to get over their injury crisis and welcome back Dean Ashton, Scott Parker and Freddie Ljungberg. Chelsea have doubts over Florent Malouda, Peter Cech and Paulo Ferreira, while Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Ballack are still injured - but that won’t stop them registering another victory.

Prediction: Chelsea 2 - 0 West Ham… YTM Player to watch: Frank Lampard

Blackburn v Newcastle

These two teams are both in need of a pick-me-up after some horrendous results recently. I have been ridiculed for my praise of Blackburn this season, but I was as surprised as anyone to read they were the better team against Aston Villa on Wednesday…. only to lose 4-0. Rovers have no injuries whatsoever, but are missing suspended captain Ryan Nelsen. Newcastle have been shocking of late and they could be in trouble if Blackburn bring their shooting boots.

Prediction: Blackburn 3 - 1 Newcastle… YTM Player to watch: David Dunn

Portsmouth v Everton

This is a mouthwatering clash between two very good sides with high hopes of finishing in the top six. Everton couldn’t be in better spirits after demolishing Sunderland last week. Portsmouth are still flying high but with boss Harry Redknapp currently on police bail, how will it affect them? Pompey are also likely to be missing influential striker Kanu and Everton might just nick it.

Prediction: Portsmouth 1 - 2 Everton… YTM Player to watch: Tim Cahill

Reading v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough are on that slippery slope towards the relegation zone. I think they face a real fight to avoid the drop this season, and fixtures like these are so vitally important to their hopes of surviving. Despite Reading’s slow start, they have looked as solid as ever this season. Expect the Royals to grind out three points.

Prediction: Reading 2 - 1 Middlesbrough… YTM Player to watch: James Harper

Sunderland v Derby

See above for Sunderland’s current Premier League status. Again, this is a bread and butter relegation scrap that both teams need to win. Derby will undoubtedly be buoyed by the arrival of Paul Jewell, but it has to be remembered that they are still yet to score away from home and possess a goal difference that a rugby team would be embarrassed by (it’s -28 after 14 games).

Prediction: Sunderland 1 - 0 Derby… YTM Player to watch: Ross Wallace

Wigan v Man City

Steve Bruce will be hoping to last longer than his previous spell at the JJB, which lasted 55 days as manager. City have suffered a huge blow this week with news that Elano could be out for up to a month. With their average strike force and their playmaker out, City may be blunt as an attacking threat. Expect Wigan to provide a spirited, stern test.

Prediction: Wigan 0 - 0 Man City… YTM Player to watch: Richard Dunne

Aston Villa v Arsenal (17.15)

Villa have been inspired of late and O’Neill has managed to get a real tune from his young team. Arsenal are unbeaten and looking to extend their lead at the top of the league. However, with Fabregas out injured alongside Van Persie, will the Gunners be the same power as of late? A crushing loss in Seville will have done them no good, and with a tough month ahead a draw could be a good result here.

Prediction: Aston Villa 1 - 1 Arsenal… YTM Player to watch: Tomas Rosicky

Sunday

15.00 unless stated

Liverpool v Bolton

Forget the controversy surrounding Rafa Benitez’s future and concentrate on Liverpool’s league position. They are unbeaten and looking to move into second place with a win here. Six points behind Arsenal at present, but if the Gunners slip up at Villa, the Reds could be within three or four providing they get past sturdy Bolton. The Trotters are unbeaten themselves under new boss Gary Megson, but almost came unstuck against Greek outfit Aris in midweek.

Prediction: Liverpool 2 - 0 Bolton… YTM Player to (possibly) watch: Harry Kewell

Tottenham v Birmingham (16.00)

Finally, Spurs look to be on track this season and their midweek UEFA Cup thriller resulted in a great 3-2 win, having been two down at half time. They can take that confidence into this game and register another win. Having given the other European hopefuls a big head start this season, Juande Ramos will do well to get Spurs into the top eight. Birmingham look to be one of five relegation contenders. (The others are Derby, Wigan, Sunderland and Middlesbrough).

Prediction: Tottenham 2 - 0 Birmingham… YTM Player to watch: Steed Malbranque

Monday

Man Utd v Fulham (20.00)

United welcome back Wayne Rooney, who will join up with Tevez, Ronaldo, Giggs and Nani to torment Fulham’s backline which includes Dejan Stefanovic, Chris Baird and Carlos Bocanegra - mismatch or what?! United tend to steamroller these kind of teams, and I wouldn’t expect anything less on Monday night.

Prediction: Man Utd 3 - 0 Fulham… YTM Player to watch: Carlos Tevez

Wednesday

Newcastle v Arsenal (19.45)

It might be worth sticking in a few Arsenal and Newcastle players this week as this will be their second fixture during the scoring period. Liverpool ripped Newcastle to shreds in the Geordies’ last home fixture, and Arsenal might just repeat the dose. Their slick marauding style will be too hot for the Toon Army to handle.

Prediction: Newcastle 0 - 2 Arsenal… YTM Player to watch: Kolo Toure

Good luck this weekend and for this month’s £11,500 prize fund!

Cheers,

Matt H @ YTM