The New England?

A new kit. A new temporary (or not) manager. A few new players.

It was a new look England tonight.



England played in their new white and red kit for the first time.

Credit: here


And for 45 minutes at the very least what we saw was good. England more than matched the Netherlands without producing any efforts on goal before half time, but there was enough to suggest a solid performance, despite the likes of Wayne Rooney missing out.

I don't think anyone can begrudge the quality of Arjen Robben's run and goal for the first; it would be harsh to do so, but, 57 minutes in, the signs of 'Same Old England' were visible for all to see.




Robben scored two goals, including the winner, at Wembley tonight.


Credit; here



It wasn't just that they went behind but the manner of it, from James Milner scuffing a chance on the edge of the Netherland's box, to a mix up between Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling. Mistakes. The same old mistakes.

And barely a minute later, when Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, with six goals in his last four games, headed home, the student vicinity surrounding myself resembled that of a graveyard. Silence apart from the odd person's mutterings.

England has lost its passion, purely because the national team isn't good enough.

Regardless, it was refreshing to see Stuart Pearce giving some of the youngsters, in form youngsters too, a chance at Wembley.

From Chris Smalling to Danny Welbeck, Pearce did what no England manager has yet succeeded, breeding the youngsters through from Under 21 level to the first team, against a very good Holland side.




Welbeck and Smalling played under Pearce for England's U21s, and both started tonight.

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Perhaps England has grown too accustomed to the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Rio Ferdinanc dominating the spine of the national side. It hasn't worked, and I'm can only hope that Pearce will continue to try and develop the players for two or three years time.

If they play together often enough, they will gel. It can work.

One thing which might not work is Scott Parker as captain. I know he's many people's choice for the side, given his performances for Spurs this season and the credit is understandable, but tonight, and before tonight, I'm not sure he is a leader.

If I was England manager I'd be looking towards bringing Michael Dawson into the international set up, perhaps alongside Ledley King. It's certainly done the job at Tottenham when called upon, so why would it not work for England?





Michael Dawson has yet to be given a true chance by England. Who knows if that will come.






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I'm not here tonight to rant about who I'd have in the England side, but to see people's views on the England we saw tonight. For me, it was promising enough to suggest i'd like to see more of this side, maybe with a bit more belief in their play.

Newcastle v Sunderland

Sunday 4 March, Sports Direct Arena, 12pm.

The Tyne-Wear derby hits our television screens this weekend and ahead of Sunday's mouth-watering clash, Edward Bretherton looks ahead to the game, and at how the sides have fared in recent spats in the North East.

It's barely 16 months since Kevin Nolan's hat-trick gave Toon an emphatic win at the formerly named St James' Park, something Sunderland fans will still be stricken from, despite their recent surge under Martin O'Neill.




Kevin Nolan became the first player to score a hat-trick in the fixture since Peter Beardsley in 1985.


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It's safe to say that Sunderland are a different proposition now. They've lost only four of 16 games since O'Neill took to the helm against Blackburn, including all three games when they haven't scored, but recent victories over Arsenal and Stoke showed that the Black Cats are very much on the up. And don't forget, that's very much without a recognised striker, with Nicklas Bendtner warming the bench continually, and Fraizer Campbell having only just returned from injury. It's not O'Neill's team yet, but it has his values; hard working, hard to beat, energetic, passionate.

Passion is something the North East derby never lacks.



Phil Bardsley was sent off earlier in the season as tempers flared. It was Joey Barton's last game for the club.



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Two red cards in the last three games, no fewer than sixteen yellow cards. Expect it to be spicy. Tasty. Nasty.

The Newcastle team itself is somewhat different to last years, who recorded their biggest victory against Sunderland since 1956.

Out have gone Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Jose Enrique, in have come Davide Santon, Yohann Cabaye, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse.



All smiles at Newcastle. Ba and Cisse have the potential to form a frightful partnership.


Credit: here



Some turn-around and all credit goes to Alan Pardew for turning Newcastle into a European-pushing side again, despite losing some huge players.

And it's not just Alan Pardew who has a lot to shout about this season.

Demba Ba has been magnificent. 16 goals, half at home, and a free transfer too. Now that is shrewd business.

You do wonder how the Senegal striker will take to the action on Sunday, presumably alongside Cisse, in what will probably be their first action of the Tyne Wear derby, with Ba only making the bench in their victory at the Stadium of Light in August.

I don't think Ba knows what a bench is any more, and he doesn't have to.

I've seen Newcastle in person three times this season, and whilst Ba didn't score in the Carling Cup game at Ewood Park, he certainly showed Rovers a thing or two about finishing at St James' (as it was then called) at the start of the season, when he netted his first goals for the club, a hat trick.

It's not just his finishing that has to be admired. His movement is superb. He has that uncanny ability to make late runs, find space, and produce that clinical effort at the end of it. In that way, he reminds me of Michael Owen, in his prime, when he was scoring goals for fun at Liverpool in arguably a better team.

Not only that, his hold up play, ability to bring others into the game, and footballing brain has to be admired. It didn't happen for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations, but he did score on his return, against Aston Villa.

Alan Pardew seemed to suggest after the draw with Wolves that Demba Ba is vital in nurturing Cisse into the club, but you hope that the former Charlton boss has put his attentions into the right man.

Demba Ba is that good, and Newcastle found a steal, despite medical problems when they tried to sign him.

It's not just him that will cause Sunderland problems on Sunday, with Cisse having scored in both of his Newcastle home appearances so far. Some start to a career as a number nine in those illustrious parts.

Indeed, it's been 22 years, and 25 attempts since the Black Cats kept their neighbours out. Surely there will, again, be goals guaranteed on Sunday. You expect one of the Toon strikers might take their chance, if it comes.

Sunderland have only one win in this fixture in their last fourteen efforts, compared to Newcastle's eight but, take away last weekend's capitulation at West Brom, they haven't been conceding many goals neither.

I just feel that Martin O'Neill hasn't quite settled on their midfield yet, and arguably whether there is a place in the team for former captain Lee Cattermole. It seems a straight choice between him and former Blackpool midfielder David Vaughan at the moment, while Craig Garder's another one on the merry-go-round of playing or sitting on the bench.

One player who isn't is James McClean. I don't think anyone would have singled McClean as one to grace the Premier League at the start of the season, but his pace and direct approach has caused all sorts of problems since he made his full debut against Blackburn at the stadium of Light.



James McClean has made a real impact since being given a chance in the Sunderland first team.



Credit; here

He's certainly won over the fans with his four goals in only fifteen appearances, while Stephane Sessegnon continues to shine in what is a free role given to him by Martin O'Neill.

It seems the Africans are thriving in the Premier League. Who knows, maybe Asamoah Gyan might be welcome back now after a change in management at the side he left on loan. Perhaps he could teach Ba and Cisse a few dances...

Let's hope for an entertaining game, but I'm heading to the SDA thinking Newcastle will grind out a 2-1 win, a nerve wracking win, but one where they'll have the chance to prove themselves after throwing away a two goal lead last weekend. It won't be easy, and Sunderland might sneak a draw. But that's the drama of football.

Gray/Keys on Women in Football

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After hearing all about Andy Gray and Richard Key's off the mic comments on women in football, I felt the need to step forward and say something.

The comments, that the woman lines-person in the Liverpool v Wolves game, Sian Massey, would need the offside rule explained to her and that she would get a huge decision wrong, came as the experienced Sky campaigners thought they were off the mic before the broadcast was submitted.

However, their disrespect for women in football, the FA for their confidence, and Miss Massey is evident.

The official, who has worked her way up through both the women's and men's ranks, impressed with her performance, calling the opener onside, despite contrary calls from elsewhere, a decision which was proved correct when Raul Meireles was sent clear.

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This was taken from a superb article by former referee Graham Poll on their actions, you can have a read here.

Let me make my opinion clear, there is room for women in football, despite what these former ''professionals'' think and these comments might have been with the view that they don't want the game, which saw them become famous, to change.

As well as Sky, other broadcasters have begun to shy away from appointing knowledgeable journalists in television positions in favour of the former pro's, even in formula one for the coming season, but you wonder whether this unprofessional lapse might prompt a re-think across the board.

Gray himself is well known for his controversial personality, one that has seen him become a success on Sky's weekend football team, but the real question might be whether Sky decide to stick with the duo, who have been at Sky for 13 years between them.

On research, Keys has also had a spat with Roy Keane before, with the former Ipswich manager being recorded as saying "I was asked last week by ITV to do the Celtic game," he said. "A couple of weeks before that I was asked to do the United game against Celtic at Old Trafford. I think I've done it once for Sky. Never again. I'd rather go to the dentist. You're sitting there with people like Richard Keys and they're trying to sell something that's not there." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Keys)

The worst thing is that the duo are not just criticising one person (which in turn is bad enough), having also verbally abused former West Ham United's vice chairman, Karen Brady, in the onslaught.






Karen Brady was left offended by comments made about her.




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If no-one else acts justifiably then the FA should, as it's them who have given women, and Miss Massey, a chance at the top level.

An FA statement on the Independent's website read: "The FA has made real strides in encouraging both male and female match officials to enter the game at every level, and will continue to offer every encouragement to all officials within the football family to progress to the highest levels possible.

"We are proud to have some of the world's best match officials, both male and female.

"Overall the number of female referees in England (Levels 1-8) stands at 853 and climbing, and all of our female match officials act as fantastic ambassadors for the game. They have our wholehearted and continuing support.




Sian Massey also ran the line when Blackpool travelled to Sunderland in December.



Credit; here

I believe that the duo, who will now face talks with their employers, have apologised to the assistant, but that's not really good enough when there is a clear belief against what they have apologised for.

True characters aren't always shown on air and if that is what Keys and Gray believe, then they should be ousted from Sports, and by broadcasters who have found a reputation for producing the best quality sports coverage.

They've let their employers, the public and women lines-persons down and action should be taken to see women's integration into professional men's football as smooth as possible.





Gray and Keys might be testing their 3D glasses from home after they revealed their true beliefs about women in football.


Credit; here

I can only hope this scenario has no effect on Miss Massey officiating in the Barclays Premier League again when, perhaps, she might find some appreciative pundits for her impressive displays.

The Good and the Bad of Barcelona

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Last night saw something which football fans across the globe have become immune too, a Barcelona defeat.

It had been 30 games since Barcelona lost 2-0 at home to Hercules, when they travelled to the second division leaders, Real Betis, leading 5-0 after the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie.

Despite playing the likes of Messi and Xavi with some youngsters including Bojan, Barcelona were 2-0 down within ten minutes and went on to lose the game 3-1.

Messi missed a penalty and, ok, it was of no substance in a tie which was effectively already over, but it shows that Barca perhaps lack a strength in depth.





Messi missed a penalty as Real Betis caused an upset in the Spanish Cup.

Credit; here

I take time to analyse the good and bad things about Barcelona and what they can achieve this season.

We'll start with the good, and that obviously peaked with their 5-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Classico in November.

I remember watching the game and I was expecting Barca to win fairly easily, but they still impressed me with their incredible movement and their ability to convert the multiple chances they created. You can watch the goals below.

It was Xavi, Villa and Messi who tormented Real throughout and even Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 22 goals this season, could not do more than touch the ball in the Catalan side's half.

It hasn't only been Real on the wrong side of a mauling from Pep Guardiola's side this season, however, and Espanyol, Almeria and Seville have all been hit for five, contributing to the Champions huge goal difference total of +50, most of which coming from the 8-0 away demolition of Almeria, who face Barca in the next round of the Cope del Rey. Bet they can't wait.

The most frightening thing about Barcelona, as well as their standard of players, is how technically good their midfielder's are.

I class Andres Iniesta as the best midfielder in the world, despite some well regarded pundits saying Xavi is better, as he takes the games to teams, can pass, can score and has a footballing brain.



Iniesta and Xavi have played together for some time at both club and international level, and they supplement each other's play well.

Credit; here

It's a close match, but it's safe to say that the side have two of the top players in that position in the world, who have ketp the likes of Cesc Fabregas out of the Spanish team.

They play well off each other and have two of the best footballing brains I have ever seen. It's a shame that I doubt we'll ever see either of them in the Premier League.

Obviously, it's ok to have creativity, but you need the strikers to finish those chances.

The front three, Messi, Villa and Pedro, have scored a combined 42 goals, despite only Pedro playing all 19 league games so far, and only Hercules, in the league, and Atletico Bilbao, in the Cup, have managed to keep out the dominatory side so far this season.



Barca's trophy collection is already pretty impressive, but they are still in with a chance of winning the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and La Liga, where they sit four points clear at the top.

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The real question is, how do you stop Barcelona? Maybe one day, someone might hire a few double decker buses to park in front of the goal, advice which might be well heralded by Arsenal when they travel to the Nou Camp in 6 weeks.

Arsene Wenger's side are full of confidence at the moment after beating Chelsea 3-1 at the Emirates last month but you question whether Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas and company can really afford to take the game to Barcelona.



Barcelona left their mark on the pitch against Arsenal last time out and it could become a permanent scar if Arsenal fail to turn up again.

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That is one area where Barcelona are a little short, at the back.

It's a bit like picking at holes, considering they have kept 9 clean sheets this season, but they don't usually draw 0-0, you quite simply have to score against them.

This video might be a few years old but, regardless, the team still set out in the same manner.




The last time they were beaten to nil, prior to the Hercules defeat, was in a pre season friendly against Manchester City in 2008 and maybe Arsenal, and other teams, are going to have to accept that they won't have much of the ball, and that they must take any chance they get.

That is where pace comes in. Theo Walcott must be huge for Arsenal in both legs against the Spanish side, and pace is something which they have struggled against, especially given he'll likely be up against Eric Abidal.




Walcott's pace could be absolutely essential if Arsenal are to get any kind of result, but he must make the right decisions.

Arsenal scored against Barca in both of last season's ties, and maybe they can learn from their experiences but I expect Barca to lift the trophy again come May and it will be a privilege to see them conquer the domestic world at Wembley.

There have been questions raised of Guardiola as a manager, but how can a manager be under pressure when he has a team that could perform whether they have a manager, coaching team, fans, or not.

It's time for someone to step up and not be afraid of the Spaniards, and that could be their downfall, but we don't want a Spanish team to dominate the whole of Europe for years to come.

A treble would go some way to claiming that title and anyone who can stop them would again be worthy of winning whatever competition they're playing in.

How do you stop Barcelona? Do Arsenal have any chance in the Champions League tie? Could Barca win the treble?

Lion of Vienna - Nat Lofthouse

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The funeral time and place for Bolton Wanderers club legend, Nat Lofthouse, has just been announced on the Official Bolton Wanderers website.

The former England striker, who scored 30 goals in 33 appearances for his country, died on Saturday night, aged 85, after a glittering career at his one and only club, Bolton.

255 goals in over 450 appearances for the North West side will mean he is well remembered and there are set to be special tributes ahead of Bolton's home game with Chelsea on Monday.

It's a sad time for Wanderers fans, and a website has been set up here with information about the striker, who scored both goals against Manchester United in the 1958 FA Cup Final, after losing 4-3 to Blackpool three years earlier.

He made his debut for England against Yugoslavia, where he scored both goals in a 2-2 draw and had 15 successful years at a club he later went on to manage, and the East stand at the Reebok is still named after him.




Nat Lofthouse was a huge success throughout his career.


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His legendary status was supported by him being voted the club's best ever player in a 2006 poll at the club.

The mascot at the club, Lofty the Lion, was introduced in 1995, being named after the cult hero and the player is sure to have left his mark on a club that has come some way since.

Details regarding the funeral at this sad time can be found on the Bolton Wanderers website.

Did you ever see Nat play? What did you think of him as a player or man? Please discuss below.

Ancelotti to Drop Chelsea Experience?

Rumours have emerged after Carlo Ancelotti's press conference ahead of Chelsea's home game with Blackburn that the Italian might drop the out-of-form Michael Essien and Didier Drogba in favour of youth players Josh McEachran and Daniel Sturridge, who both impressed in last weekend's demolition of Ipswich Town in the FA Cup.

With the Londoners out of sorts in the league and Blackburn having won their last three, the game is sure to be high tempo, but Chelsea have a fantastic record against Blackburn, particularly at home, and I have them down to win the game in this week's predictions.

It would be a huge shock, in my eyes, if Drogba in particular was left out, given he was the Premier League's top scorer last season and hassles defences even when he doesn't play well.

There's been some speculation over who will start up front, but Ancelotti can't afford any slip ups.

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It would be a huge boost for Blackburn if the Ivorian's name is missing from the team sheet and Chelsea can't afford to hand away any advantage with the way their playing.

A loss of form from the striker would seem a good reason to drop him, but surely if they are to muster any title challenge, Drogba has to be playing and he has to find his form.

That might only come with game time and surely there are enough goals in a Chelsea side for whom Nicolas Anelka hasn't scored in the league since they travelled to Blackburn in October.

Similar might be said of both Florent Malouda and Frank Lampard, although the England international has been injured, who have both scored only once in the same time period.

You would think that this form, which has seen Chelsea take seven points from the last 27 available, only 10 less than they lost in the whole of last season.

Maybe Ancelotti has something up his sleeve, or maybe he's been told to change things by Roman Abramovic, who has been strangely quiet since Russia won the 2018 bid, despite the manager saying they need to buy a centre back.

Perhaps that centre back could be someone of the stature of Christopher Samba, who will again skipper Rovers today despite criticising the club's new owners, Venky's, and their lack of communication with the players.

Florent Malouda had a fantastic start to the season but, like several other Chelsea players, has gone off the boil over the last month.

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It will be interesting to see how the Stamford Bridge crowd react to the introduction of youth tomorrow, if the gaffer decides for it, which I don't think he can afford to with his job seemingly on the line amongst the managerial chop and changing in England's top flight.

It's been some time since the Blues really clicked in the league and tomorrow is a fantastic chance to re-start their season and really turn it on.

Will Drogba start later? What will the score be? Please discuss below.

Where Should Beckham Go?

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It's not a surprising rumour in my eyes, that David Beckham wants to come to the Premier League whilst the MLS takes its usual break.

It hasn't been decided whether the former England captain, who has yet to officially retire from international football, will be allowed by LA Galaxy to leave the club in a bid to keep up his fitness.

Last season, Beckham went to Milan for a second loan period in January, although it was unsuccessful due to injury, and the likelihood of him moving again would probably depend on whether he wants to, rather than whether the public want him to.

Beckham scored two goals in his first brief spell at AC Milan, with his set piece ability still invaluable.






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I can only see that answer being yes with the winger having only started 7 games since September and having scored twice.

The MLS returns on 16th March, so it's likely any loan would see the former Real Madrid player returning to the USA before that date, when LA Galaxy play the Seattle Sounders away.

Players and former managers have questioned whether Beckham should be allowed to move, and whether it is necessary, but I doubt they'll dare not allow the MLS's biggest star permission to do as he likes.

Not to forget that Landon Donovan had a successful loan period at Everton, where he proved his ability on the top stage. Surely that could only benefit the football league across the Atlantic. He decided against it this time, but surely he won't regret his choices.

The real question could lie with where Beckham wants to move to, with several English clubs expressing their interest in making a move.

The first to do so was Harry Redknapp, who has moved to suggest it's now unlikely, despite saying that Spurs would sign no more players in the last transfer window before van der Vaart appeared.

The English gaffer will be disappointed with how rumours have spread and how the competition for his signature looks more challenging now.

Other clubs include Blackburn Rovers, who's owners, Venky's, have said the offer is there for Beckham, as well as Ronaldinho, to move to the North West on cut salaries, although the Brazilian's move would be permanent.


Anuradha Desai, Rovers new owner, has bid £6.2m for Ronaldinho but he has made no indication that he is moving anywhere, yet alone to link up with former team mate Beckham, who is also undecided.

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I'm almost certain that Blackburn's highest owner over the years has been Andy Cole on £50,000 after his move from United and despite the new ownership and promised money, I'm not sure the North West side could afford to house such a big name.

You can read the latest from Ewood on the local paper's website, here or on the club's official website, here.

One club who probably would be big enough is Newcastle United, but a lack of big name players, or connections with the English superstar would probably rule them out too.

There is, in my eyes, a reason why the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City haven't moved for the 35 year old and that reason, similar to the reason he's been left out of the England squad, is that he is no longer as good as he used to be.

The realisation is that Beckham would probably start half of the games at most, if he stays injury-free and his lack of pace would see left backs have him in their pockets more than they used to.

There are two reasons why Beckham, however, is in demand and that is his experience and his crossing ability.

It's been said several times that Beckham at Spurs, where I do think he will end up, will help Aaron Lennon's crossing and add that belief that they can reach the Champions League again this coming season.


Beckham will know Aaron Lennon well from England squad training and will also be well acquainted with the likes of Michael Dawson, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch.

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Overall, the London option has to be the best choice for Beckham, with him already owning a house there, and a chance to be at another club who are moving forward might be too much for him to resist.

Harry Redknapp will be delighted and Spurs fans should be too.

It might be worth keeping an eye on LA Galaxy's twitter, here.

Where do you think Beckham should go? Do you think he is good enough for the Premier League? Please discuss below.

Premier League Predictions- Week Six

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Each week, I will now post my predictions for the weekend, and see if i can get more right than BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson.

This week, for the 4/5 January, the predictions below stand.

This week's predictions	Score	Lawro	Edward
Blackpool v Birmingham	1-2	2-1	1-1
Fulham v West Brom	3-0	2-1	1-1
Man Utd v Stoke	2-1	2-0	4-0
Arsenal v Man City	0-0	1-1	2-1
Aston Villa v Sunderland	0-1	2-1	2-1
Blackburn v Liverpool	3-1	1-2	0-3
Bolton v Wigan	1-1	2-0	3-1
Everton v Tottenham	2-1	1-1	0-2
Wolves v Chelsea	1-0	0-2	1-2
Newcastle v West Ham	5-0	1-0	2-1

I expect the big winners this weekend to be Manchester United. Stoke's home form is one to be afraid of and United were lucky to come away from the Britannia with all three points after two Javier Hernandez goals but the Red Devils tend to make light work of teams at home, having beaten Blackburn Rovers 7-1 and Sunderland 2-0 over the last few weeks.

Stoke are sure to put up a fight and Kenwyne Jones will be his usual hand-full up front but it could be a case of Sir Alex Ferguson's side having all of the ball and Stoke holding firm.

They will be helped by the return of Robert Huth, who has four league goals this season, but they haven't been turned over yet and maybe it's time for United to up the anti and take control of what could be their twelfth Premier League crown.

Wayne Rooney has never scored against Stoke, but will be looking to add to his two Premier League goals this season, after hitting the target at West Brom.

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Wayne Rooney scored the opener against West Brom at weekend and Hernandez was on target, but surely Dimitar Berbatov will partner the England international as United try to repeat their 4-0 victory against the Potters at home last season.

With their unbeaten record still there and a place top of the league still at stake before City play Arsenal on Wednesday, I expect them to do a professional job.

Furthermore, it could be another crucial result for Roy Hodgson ahead of their FA Cup tie with Manchester United, as another team who play in red, Liverpool, travel to play a Blackburn Rovers side in dire straights.

It was such an important comeback for Hodgson and the Merseysiders against Bolton but the team have been mis-firing in my opinion because of a negative approach in the team line up.

Maybe a more attacking formation, with Gerrard, Joe Cole and Dirk Kuyt supporting Fernando Torres might be the trick against a side which has conceded 18 in their last seven games.

Blackburn are on a slide with doubt over the future of their current captain, Christopher Samba, and a lack of direction on where the new owners and manager are taking the club.

The lengthening injury list at Ewood isn't helping in any way, shape or form and it might kick start Liverpool's season with another three points here.

Ewood Park isn't the fortress it was under Sam Allardyce or even Mark Hughes and Liverpool aren't the team they were but something has to give on Wednesday night.

Perhaps the man to transform the Red's fates might be Joe Cole, one of Hodgson's signings, who has scored in two of his last three visits to Rovers in the league.





Cole hit the winner for Liverpool against Bolton, but hasn't been starting for Roy Hodgson's side.




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He will be hoping that another good performance alongside captain Steven Gerrard, who is set to earn his 550th cap, might help him cement a more permanent place in their chop and change midfield.

The big game of the week again comes at the Emirates where Arsenal play Manchester City, with the hosts looking to overtake one, if not both, of their Manchester rivals.

City have yet to beat the Gunners away in the Premier League but have won 6 of their 10 away games so far this campaign, whereas Arsene Wenger's team have lost one third of their home games, including defeats to Newcastle and West Brom.

The Gunners problem is that they have struggled to break down teams when they have been behind and that is exactly what City are good at, scoring on the break and sitting back with their three holding midfielders.

There is usually a bit of added spice between these two sides now Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor switched sides, but Arsenal have a few key players returning and they can't slip up again after their draw at Wigan.

Otherwise their 3 points against Chelsea would become meaningless and I think they might just show Roberto Mancini's side how to play top 4 four football.



Samir Nasri was the key influence as Arsenal beat City 3-0 in October.


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In the bottom half, it will be interesting to see how Blackpool respond to their unfortunate defeat to Manchester City when they face Birmingham, who seem to be shipping goals of late.

Not only that, but their last league win came six attempts ago, at home to Chelsea and it could be time for their luck to change now they've slipped into the relegation zone.

That will be the key game at the bottom and maybe Alex McLeish's side need to find an experienced and able striker to score the goals to guide his team to safety, and they'll have to pick up at least a point from these games.

Good luck to everyone's teams.