Waiting for the hammer to fall

We're heading into the final weekend of the season and it couldn't be tighter at the bottom.

West Ham United, managerless for the moment after parting company with Avram Grant, have already been relegated to the doom and gloom of the Championship after a six year stay in the top flight of English football but we couldn't have expected a last day where no less than FIVE teams could join them in the second tier of English football.



This time the last day relegation scenario doesn't involve Newcastle, a day which saw Alan Shearer's side relegated two seasons ago.

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Instead, it's between Wigan, Blackpool, Birmingham, Wolves and Blackburn Rovers on the last day to determine who will be travelling to the likes of Hull, Southampton and Brighton next season in the Championship.

It could be argued that, with another point on the board, both Wolves and Blackburn (40pts) will both end Sunday's face off having avoided relegation, but a defeat for either side could see them looming close to the dreaded trap door. A victor in that game would be guaranteed another season in the top flight.

The real business, instead, comes between the other three teams, Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan, who are all on 39 points, with only a tally of two separating them on goal difference.

That means that ahead of games to Tottenham, Manchester United and Stoke respectively, a point could be enough to save one side's heads.

The reality is that, if one of those three teams wins, either Wolves or Blackburn will be overtaken no matter of the result at Molineux on Sunday.

However, three draws in games involving Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan would see no chance in the table as it stands, with Wigan dropping out in 19th and Blackpool in 18th, one goal behind Birmingham.

That, in itself, would be dependent on Wolves not being beaten by two clear goals at home to Blackburn. A 2-0 home defeat for Wolves, and draws at Old Trafford, White Hart Lane and the Britannia Stadium would see Blackpool escape the drop zone on goals scored, with the same goal difference as Mick McCarthy's side. A remarkable defeat would be the only way Blackburn would be relegated if the sides below them and Wolves can only draw. A 7 goal swing would be needed.

Then, we come down to the scenario that Wigan have to better both Birmingham and Blackpool's results to save themselves.

It's interesting that all three sides on 39 points are away on the last day and the goal difference scenario is one you can't take your eyes off.

Wigan currently sit bottom of the goal difference chart on -22 goals, while Blackpool are one better off and Birmingham are one more better off than the Seasiders'.

The strange fact is that Wigan, questionably, have the game where if they are to lose, it's going to be a respectable defeat, whereas Blackpool and Birmingham could face thrashings at the Champions, even if a second string is deployed by Sir Alex, and Spurs, who need a win to seal their league position of 5th after beating Liverpool 2-0.

So who will stay up and why?



TOTTENHAM v BIRMINGHAM CITY

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Just looking at Birmingham's record against Spurs would give their fans resounding hope, in the first of three games live on Sky.

A 1-1 draw earlier in the season, after a Craig Gardner goal, came before their form dipped after their Carling Cup Final win over Arsenal.

I watched the game at home to Fulham on Sunday along with the West Ham game at Wigan and couldn't believe that the Blues' defense just fell apart, given their generally good defensive record. Ok, they were missing the suspended Liam Ridgewell but it could have easily been worse than 2-0 had it not been for Ben Foster (how many times have we said that this season?)

Despite accumulating draws over the years against Spurs, their only Premier League win at White Hart Lane came on 2nd December 2007, when Seb Larsson scored a last minute winner to secure a 3-2 win.

More of the same will be needed on Sunday and I'm sure that Alex McLeish will send his side out fighting from the off, something they haven't done of late, and their fate is in their hands, at the moment.



Birmingham will have to take advantage of any mistakes from Tottenham if they are to have any chance of getting the result they will need.

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On the contrary, Spurs have to win to secure 5th place ahead of Liverpool and van der Vaart's goal at weekend tends to make you think that he's back on form behind Jermaine Defoe, who has been hit and miss all season.

But after 4 draws in their last 5 home league games, Harry will be looking for his side to finish all guns blazing and I would bank on there to be goals for Spurs, if they can take advantage of the width they have used all season. A 3-0 defeat will make it especially nervy for Birmingham, and they might need to score to stand a chance of survival. The pressure might well drift through, especially if results are going against them.

There certainly aren't many goals in the Midlands' side, but they'll do especially well to keep Tottenham out at home in front of their own fans for the last time this season.

It will depend on other results.





MANCHESTER UNITED v BLACKPOOL

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That brings Blackpool into play with,arguably, the trickiest game of all, away at the Champions, who will be picking up the Premier League trophy on the day, in a game which is live on Sky.

This could go two ways; United could play a Reserve team with next weekend's Champions League Final against Barcelona in mind, or they could play some of the first eleven, given the trophy celebrations afterwards.

I expect that van der Sar will be returning in goal for his last game at Old Trafford and a defensive featuring Rafael, Smalling, Evans and Evra could be a tricky one to breach for a Blackpool side who are definitely capable of goals.

I could see the likes of Giggs, Park, Hernandez and Rooney all being rested, but every United team has goals in it and Sir Alex would never dis-respect other teams around the relegation zone on the last day by playing a team that wasn't built to win.



Blackpool gave United a real scare at Bloomfield Road and will looking to spoil the day the Reds' party day.

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Blackpool, in themselves, deserve the right to have a chance of avoiding the drop on the last day.

Victories against the likes of Spurs and Wigan (4-0) and Liverpool (2-1) should not be forgotten and they have gone to the likes of the Stadium of Light and won by taking their chances.

It would be some story if they could go to Old Trafford, the games which supporters were eagerly anticipating when the fixture list came out, and win to secure their Premier League status, something which would be a credit to the players, the fans and Ian Holloway for their belief.

In a different way to Birmingham, I do believe that Blackpool have to go for it at Old Trafford and they have to take their chances, as they did against Bolton at the weekend.

It might be a case of 'can we score more than you?' but the Oranges' boss will take it hands down.



The message from Blackpool fans is clear, but they have their own challenge at Old Trafford.

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They've got nothing to lose Blackpool, who have come a long way from their 4-0 win at Wigan on the opening day, despite patchy form in the middle period of the season and it would be in the interest of the top flight that they stay in the top tier and keep the likes of Charlie Adam.

United might have one eye on the final and one single goal in a 2-1 defeat will see them leapfrog Birmingham. A 1 goal swing would also be enough, given Blackpool's superior scoring tally.





STOKE v WIGAN

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That boils down to Wigan, who, if Blackpool lose by only one goal, would have to pick up points at Stoke, live on Sky.

A 2 goal defeat for Blackpool at United and a 1 goal defeat for Wigan at Stoke would also see Wigan down on goals scored, with Blackpool having scored 14 more than the Lancashire outfit.

Stoke's home record is generally good and, after the disappointment of the final, the players will hope to end a good season on a high, with a top 8 finish not out of the question.



Manuel Figueroa scored a memorable goal at Stoke last season and a 2-1 lead heading into the last 15 minutes could be priceless this time.

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It would be a suitable position for the excellent football Stoke have played under Tony Pulis this season.

Despite this, Wigan have only lost once to Stoke in the last nine meetings, a 2-0 defeat at the Britannia in 08/09. Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie scored that day, but the last three have ended as score draws, something which may be enough for Wigan.

They needed a miraculous comeback at home to West Ham on Sunday to stay in the league although they can expect Stoke's defense and goalkeeper to be more solid this time around.

As Roberto Martinez said, it's certainly the second of two cup finals for the Pie eaters, who, judging by predictions, will need a result to stay in the league.

It's time to see what Wigan are made of, but they can't remain a one man team forever and you'd imagine someone will finally move for Charles N'Zogbia in the summer, no matter of Wigan's league situation.



Can N'Zogbia save Wigan and can their fans bare to watch?

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It was his two goals who kept Wigan in it on Sunday and the likes of Hugo Rodalega, who has only scored once in his last eleven games for Wigan, will have to perform.

If they can go to Stoke and get under their collar, they might be able to nick the decisive early goal that could see them stay up.

On the contrary, West Ham had so many wasted chances, at times cutting through the Wigan defense and, if this happens again on Sunday, then the likes of Kenwyne Jones and Jonathan Walters will take their chances, as they have done all season.

No doubt Wigan will be working on set pieces ahead of the game after awful defending from set pieces against West Ham and playing even one aerially poor defender could cost them the point that they need at a stadium where the Stoke fans would really get behind their team.

Because of that, I could see Stoke scoring a few, and Wigan could be on the wrong end of a 3-2 loss, one that would send them down, but this is the game that could stop heartbeats of fans at both Birmingham and Blackpool throughout the day.

Interestingly, Wigan are offering supporters into the DW stadium for free to watch the game after they pre-ordered too few away tickets for the last game.

Three defeats would mean that Blackburn and Wolves would both be safe but most people will go into that game not knowing what to expect from either side.

It's been a long time since Wolves won three on the bounce and Blackburn themselves are three games unbeaten, so you'd predict that this would be a draw, ensuring that only a win from Wigan, Blackpool or Birmingham would send Wolves down. It could cue a mass pitch invasion in the Black Country but they've worked hard to be in this position and a 1-1 draw will see them safe.

Get set for a huge weekend in Premier League football, I sure am ready.

Who Should Get the Olympic Stadium?

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It's all the rage at the moment, who should get the Olympic Stadium after it's been used for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Whatever the committee decide, we are sure to find out over the next few days.

Today signals the day when both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur will both finalise plans to move into the 60,000 seater stadium.

The chief of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC), Andrew Altman, will have the final say on which London club, if any, will be allowed to move in after the summer of 2012.

The bids are fairly contrasting, with West Ham vowing to keep the athletics track which is being purpose built into the stadium, and Tottenham saying they want to get rid of it.

The proposal, initiated by Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, intends to reduce the distance supporters would be away from the pitch from 45 metres to only 8, but the bids have been criticised, as the arena is being built with athletics in mind.

He has written an interesting open letter to supporters explaining the current situation and that can be read here.

Perhaps an athletics track in the capital of England would benefit UK athletics more so than moving a football stadium 15 miles, in West Ham's case, or 23 in Spurs'.

West Ham's captain, Scott Parker has said that the move would be perfect, even geographically for West Ham to lead the club onwards and upwards.





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It would seem more logical that West Ham were to move, given the problems with moving Spurs out of Tottenham and having to change their name, but there are still concerns as to how they could even fill three quarters of the super stadium.

Spurs fans haven't all taken to the proposed move lightly.

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Tottenham would certainly have no problem in that aspect, despite the club having only a 36,000 seater stadium, as they have a 15,000 strong waiting list for season tickets alone.

Their argument is that it would benefit the club, who are currently in the Champions League, and would put them in a bigger club bracket.

Lamine Diack, a member of the International Athletics committee, in an interview with the BBC, spoke of how huge disappointment would follow if the organisations failed to honour their commitment to leave an athletics track in central London, but other high profile figures, including Pele, have stepped forward in the last few days supporting the Spurs bid.

Harry Redknapp has also had his say, suggesting that a move from West Ham, who he used to manage, could see an economic downfall of a club who already sit bottom of the Premier League, but it looks like the most stable bid could be successful.

The real question might be whether a stadium that big could only be used as a training facility for the UK's top athletes, with it being empty for maybe half a year, or whether a football stadium would boost the economy in the West Ham area of London.



Flip a coin, roll a dice, who knows what the decision could be.


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I'm glad I'm not deciding because it's one tough decision but maybe, given both football clubs already have sufficient facilities, Athletics, for once, should take priority.

What will happen to the Olympics Stadium? Will both football bids be declined? Please discuss below.

Derby Draw Day

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It's been some time when I recall all four of Sunday's Premier League games ending in draws.

No doubt Match of the Day 2 will reveal how long it's been tonight, but I don't have 60 hours to check the records and see when, or if, it has happened.

I have to admit, I've watched all three televised games today and I was disappointed with the football on show, aside from the Merseyside derby.

Usually with derby football, there are tackles flying in left, right and centre but, aside from Rafael, it wasn't anywhere near as heated as I expected.

The first televised game was at St Andrews where one of the more predictable draws was played out between two sides who can't keep clean sheets or score goals.

It was good to see David Bentley return to the first team to make his debut for the Blues, and I was impressed with his temperament and crossing ability, which he has showed throughout his career.

Perhaps Birmingham could have counted themselves unlucky to have come away with only a point, given the chances they missed, notably from Matt Derbyshire, who I like as a player.

The Birmingham derby never really got going between two teams struggling for form.

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At the other end, it was James Collins who hit the target for Gerard Houllier's side, which sums up their problems, given that the front pairing of John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor only have 3 goals between them this season.

If you don't score goals, you will struggle to stay up and something has to change for these teams, although I think Birmingham, as Blackburn did a few years ago, will benefit hugely from Bentley's deliveries, and that will be a huge boost for them heading into the second half of the season.

Admittedly, I haven't yet seen the Tyne Tees dervy but I've had a read online and read the BBC Live text and it sounded like another drab game, with the highlight being the Sunderland mascot chasing a Magpie, the nickname of Newcastle, around the Stadium of Light and failing to get rid of it.

Something to watch tonight again on Match of the Day, no doubt.

A beach ball went un-noticed last year at the Stadium at Light when Sunderland scored, but a magpie was not welcome today in the North East in the intense derby atmosphere.

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Aside from that, another good result for Newcastle under Pardew. He might have taken some criticism with taking over after Hughton under the circumstances but it seems he's settled well and kept the dressing room and Kevin Nolan, who scored his fourth goal against Sunderland this season, happy.

It was good to see Asamoah Gyan get back on the score sheet from a neutral point of view and Steve Bruce will again be delighted that his side found confidence to rally and claim a draw.

Two derby defeats against your bitterest rivals in one season, no matter of league positions, would be demoralising and worrying, for any Premier League manager, given the current sacking rates.

Still, the point looks good for both teams who have no need for looking over their shoulder in what promises to be a good season in Tyneside.

The best game of the day, rather predictably, was the Merseyside derby, with Liverpool and Everton playing out the day's entertaining game at Anfield, with a 2-2 draw.

Interestingly, Steven Pienaar wasn't included prior to his ominous move, but Kenny Dalglish's first point as Liverpool manager round two couldn't have come in better circumstances, with his side 2-1 down just after half time, despite leading through a Raul Meireles effort early on.

Sylvain Distin scored his first league goal for Everton since March 2007 earlier today.

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On the other side, Everton manager David Moyes must be delighted that his team are unbeaten against their rivals this season, and the Scotsman must hope that there are better things on the horizon for a team who have only won twice in their last 12 league games.

Jermaine Beckford might have finally found his feet in the Premier League and it shows some good signs that Moyes was prepared to let Yakubu out on loan to Leicester for the remainder of the season, another sure confidence boost after his goal made it 2-1 today.

It will be interesting to see how Liverpool respond from their first point in four league games, ahead of their games against Wolves and Fulham, with Dalglish still searching for a first win. Surely that will come but Liverpool played better football today, even without their captain, than they have been doing of late, despite conceding two goals.

Maybe times are changing at the club but it's already a season which should be written off by all involved with the club.

The last game, and perhaps the most anticipated, was Manchester United travelling to Spurs.

I would mention anything, but I really can't and, aside from Rafael van der Vaart and Gareth Bale, there was precious little good about the game, which ended 0-0.





Willem Korsten scored twice when Spurs last beat Man United over ten years ago.





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United remain unbeaten this season and return to the top of the table with games in hand, after City beat Wolves 4-3 in a cracker at Eastlands yesterday.

Spurs, on the other hand, move down to fifth after Chelsea's victory over Blackburn who can hopefully complete a better Super Sunday next week when they face West Brom at Ewood Park in the only game.

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.

New Year Predictions- Premier League Champions?

For the first post of 2011, I've decided to give my predictions for a series of events which will be analysed over the next few days.

Where better to start than with the Premier League title race, which couldn't be closer, with only 6 points separating the top five sides and Manchester City really giving indications that they are ready for the fight.

United are still unbeaten half way into their season and have at least one game in hand, away at Blackpool, on each of their challengers.

If Sir Alex Ferguson's side are to get their 19th top flight league success, 11 having already come in the Premier League, it seems vital that Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney keep fit and share the goals, something which hasn't happened this season.

Both have only netted in the same game in the league once, while United will be looking to sure up a defence which has conceded 18 times, despite keeping 7 clean sheets.

Rio Ferdinand has missed six Premier League games this season and will have to stay away from injury to help United pick up vital clean sheets.

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One team who have had no such problems at the back are Manchester City, who seem to have cover on every level for every position.

The signings of Jerome Boateng and Yaya Toure have given more stability to a side which was fragile, at times, last season, but has stacked up 9 clean sheets and only conceded 14 goals.

Adding to that, City have been effective going forward with Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli scoring 12 and 5 times in the league respectively.




James Milner has yet to score for City since his move from Aston Villa.

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City's problem is that they can't finish teams off and perhaps if they can share the goals around more often and keep their best players fit, then they will become realistic title challengers.

I think this season they might just find one or two too many, although they are on course for a destined Champions League place.

You would have imagined at the start of the season that Chelsea would have been the ones to beat.

Instead, the Champions sit in fifth place,six points off the pace after only one win in their last 8 league fixtures. Seven points from that time simply isn't good enough and is more like relegation form, given defeats to Birmingham, Sunderland and Arsenal.

It's not the Chelsea we know and love to watch, instead they are shipping goals faster than the Titanic sunk and the likes of Nicolas Anelka have yet to make their mark after an encouraging start.



Frank Lampard has mainly watched from the sidelines as Chelsea lost four times before his return, in another defeat, to Arsenal.

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Didier Drogba, the Premier League's top scorer, might be finding his feet now after a barren run but his presence alone usually wins games for Carlo Ancelotti, something which hasn't been happening of late.

Maybe the answer lies with the return of Lampard, with Manchester United still to face the Champions twice, but it's crucial that their defence is improved, with right back remaining their problem position.

It will be interesting to see who is bought because someone is sure to come in, but 6 points is a lot to make up at this stage and it's going to be a tough ask with the Champions League a sure distraction.

One team who arguably has a more intense distraction in the same competition is Arsenal who have two appetising dates with their conquerors from last season, Barcelona, in the next two months.

Last season, the Spanish side masterminded a 6-3 aggregate win which finished Arsenal's season, with an injury to Cesc Fabregas affecting the Gunners' league form.

It was interesting to see Arsene Wenger and Robin van Persie come out and say that they wanted Barca in the last 16, but self-confidence can be a harmful thing after five seasons with no silverware.

That might be changed this year, with the North Londoners looking to seal a spot in the Carling Cup final in their up-coming games with Ipswich Town.

Regardless, Arsene Wenger distinctly believes that Arsenal have the squad to win the Premier League.

There is no doubt that there is individual talent, with Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin and Walcott all capable of fantastic things, but their defence is a liability and they seem to be lacking a natural born leader who can pick the team up if they aren't playing well.

Until they find that person, in the model of Patrick Vieira or Tony Adams, the youngsters will never achieve their potential over such a long season.

I would be wrong to write them off but unless they can strengthen a defence which has conceded 11 times at home, twice more than Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham, I can't see this trophy heading back to the Emirates in May.

Sebastian Squilacci and Laurent Koscielny haven't stepped up to the enormous gap left by centre back Thomas Vermaelen.

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It's about time they spent some money to keep up with the other big boys, but should they lose in the Champions League, they will have time to cement another attemot next season.

The other contenders for the Champions League spot, or more fourth place, are Tottenham Hotspur.

The majority of people think that Roberto Mancini's City will have too much for them over the course of the next five months, but that might be down to whether they can keep Rafael van der Vaart, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale fit.

The influential Dutch play-maker has already missed one month of the season with a hamstring injury and the side suffered. A repeat performance would surely end any season ambitions at a crucial stage of the season.




David Beckham will probably be joining Tottenham on loan in January and his experience will help, but his talent might be better used on the training ground, given Spurs good midfield selection.

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Another thing that Spurs are short of is a decent striker.

If you look at the other title challengers, they all have a recognised striker who is near guaranteed to score 20 goals a season. Those goals can make all the difference when you have a choice of Roman Pavlyuchenko, Jermain Defoe or Peter Crouch to lead the line, neither of which seem much fancied by Harry Redknapp.

It's been a huge relief that Michael Dawson has returned just now, with other injuries at centre half and their experience of challenging for 4th will do them good and there's a good chance they'll at least repeat that, but I can see them missing out, perhaps because of their Champions League run.

Prediction: Manchester United, with Wayne Rooney still to fire on all cylinders, might be able to make the most of their game in hand and step up to their usual standard for the second half of the season.

I expect Chelsea to improve considerably with Lampard having returned and it will still be a battle between City and Spurs for 4th. It might even be settled by goal difference.

1st - Manchester United
2nd - Chelsea
3rd - Arsenal
4th - Manchester City
5th - Tottenham Hotspur

What do you think? Can City challenge for the league? Will Spurs reach the Champions League again? Can United go unbeaten all season? Post your predictions below.

Premier League Predictions- Week Four

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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 27/28 December,, the predictions below stand.

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

I expect the big winners this weekend to be Tottenham Hotspur. Their 2-1 win against Aston Villa, despite having Jermaine Defoe sent off, shows how high team spirit is in the camp and I expect the combination of Rafael van der Vaart and Gareth Bale will alone be enough to see off an inconsistent Newcastle, who are without captain Kevin Nolan through suspension.

Can Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart guide Tottenham to victory when they face Newcastle?

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When Tottenham win at White Hart Lane, they have scored goals this season and I think they may do so against Newcastle this afternoon, as the visitors looked susceptible at the back in their home defeat to Man City.

I expect the other big winners to be Sunderland, who could capitalise on Blackpool's lack of playing time to seal a win at the Stadium of Light.

The visitors have had three games cancelled due to the bad weather and a lack of under-soil heating at Bloomfield Road and have only played once since November.

Three points would sent the Black Cats back above Bolton, who face a tricky away tie at Chelsea tomorrow, and that could inspire Steve Bruce's side to put in a performance this afternoon.

Danny Welbeck and Asamoah Gyan have been scoring all the goals for Sunderland, but Darren Bent's finishing might well be the key to unlocking Blackpool's resilience.

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Maybe the time has come for Darren Bent, who hasn't scored since November, to get back amongst the goals against a Blackpool side which are sure to give them a game in the North East this afternoon.

It will be just as interesting to see how Arsenal react to beating Chelsea against Wigan, who produced a fantastic comeback to beat the Gunners 3-2 at home last season.

The returning Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas inspired Arsenal to beat Chelsea, but will they have the same effect against Wigan?

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If they are to be real title contenders, which last night proved they are, they need to follow up performances with results against teams like Wigan, although Hugo Rodallega and Charles N'Zogbia might be out to prove a point with the January transfer window looming.

Good luck to everyone's teams over the next two days.

Van Der Vaart v Tevez. The Battle for Fourth.

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Last season it was the battle for fourth – Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur - now the battle has extended further.

Rafael van der Vaart and Carlos Tevez have, at times, single handily carried their teams through tricky ties and scored crucial goals in the process.

I take a look at who will break into the top four, and who’s influence will have a greater effect on their overall season.

Ok, van der Vaart has only been in England's top flight for the last 4 months, but he has made enough of an impression at the north London side to suggest he will be a big player in their Champions League and Premier League campaigns.

The number 11 signed for a minimal £8million on transfer deadline day, after an unsuccessful spell with Real Madrid, despite being an huge influence in the Netherlands' run to the final of the World Cup.

Now, the 27 year old play-maker has 10 goals for his new club, eight in the league, and has added that extra dimension to Harry Redknapp's midfield which, with Aaron Lennon, Luka Modric and the rejuvenated Gareth Bale, is now one of the strongest in the league.

Two more goals against Aston Villa this weekend ensured a second brace of the season against Gerard Houllier's side and the second was a beautiful counter-attacking goal which shows how potent Spurs are in possession.

Not too different to Craig Bellamy's goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season.

The beautiful game at its best.

David Bentley and Jamie O'Hara have become peripheral figures in Spurs world class midfield.


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It is because of their strength in depth that Spurs have all of a sudden been named title challengers. I doubt that will happen over the next few seasons with Redknapp still debating who his best striker is and centre backs, namely Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate, taking forever to recover from injuries.

Harry Redknapp has already said that this season could be a great one for the side, who currently sit fifth, five points behind Manchester City in the league, despite having a game in hand.

If his Dutch genius can produce throughout the rest of the season and avoid a repeat of the hamstring injury which has kept him out for the last month, maybe they can pull off something special.

Van Der Vaart's hamstring injury meant he missed 1-1 draws with Birmingham City and Chelsea, and their final Champions League group game, a 3-3 draw with FC Twente.





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They are real contenders to cement a position in the top 4, which they did last season by beating Manchester City 1-0 at Eastlands thanks to a Peter Crouch goal, shown below.

Arguably, both sides are stronger now than they were then although City's inspiration still lies with a striker, and captain, they bought last summer.

Carlos Tevez has 12 goals this season in the league, including doubles in match-winning performances against Liverpool, Blackpool, Newcastle and Fulham.

In fact, when Tevez scores, City don't lose, as has proved the case in further games against Wigan, Chelsea, Newcastle (again) and Bolton this season.

City have only scored 28 goals in the season and have been criticised for their defensive approach, despite signing talent like Mario Balotelli to bolster an attack which already features Emmanuel Adebayor, Jo and Adam Johnson.

Roberto Mancini has chosen to play three holding midfielders - Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong - in most games this season, with the emphasis on a packed 5 man midfield, even at home and that is what has brought criticism. You can't rely on clean sheets to win trophies and sometimes a risk is worth taking.

Manchester City's defence has been bolstered by an increase in holding midfielders, but there is rarely a place for title winner Patrick Vieira.


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The goals are left to the likes of David Silva, Carlos Tevez and James Milner, who is yet to score for his new club, but it's usually a thankless task for Tevez in Roberto Mancini's preferred lone striker role.

Numerous pundits questioned Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to let the 26 year old Argentinian leave in the summer of 2009, but the number 32 has shown his ability, despite recently admitting he wants to return to his homeland.

The striker scored 23 goals in the league last season, including 2 against his former club West Ham but could not help City reach the League Cup final at United's expense, despite scoring all of City's 3 goals in the two legs.

Tevez sparked the snood craze in the UK, and has been on fire in the Premier League too.







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One thing is near certain, if Tevez wasn't on City's books, they would not be in the position they are now; only two points off the top, despite playing two games more.

Any City fan would have taken that in the summer.

The important thing for City, is to keep all of the players happy. If that happens, they'll get the promised spot in the Champions League, be it this season or the next.

Spurs aside, there are no other threats at this time, with Liverpool, Villa and Everton each having started disastrously.

The quality is there, now might be the time for their quality to show and winning their away games is a good start.

It's slightly strange that City have won two more away from home than they have at Eastlands and that is something which needs addressing, especially with Chelsea, Arsenal and the unbeaten United usually dropping precious few home points.

United have only lost four home games in the league since the start of the 2007/08 season. City have lost 15 in the same time, including 5 in the last 18 months. It's something that needs addressing before they become title challengers.

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The real question in this is who can take their side further, Tevez or van der Vaart?

There's not much between them as players but you wonder how much Spurs' Champions League run might distract them from pursuing a repeat performance.

It's definitely brought the best out of Gareth Bale, but Roberto Mancini is under a huge amount of pressure to deliver and he's done ever so slightly better than Mark Hughes.

If it doesn't happen, he'll be gone, like Hughes, come May, although I expect this season will be closer than the last at the top end. There might be more room for error, and who knows that might suit.



















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Arsenal, United and Chelsea are near guaranteed a top 4 finish, and I think that Carlos Tevez might want to finish off what his signing started at City, a bid to ensure European football of the greatest standard, and his side might just beat Redknapp's to it this season.

It's sure to be an exciting watch and hopefully we will see some of the best football which makes the Premier League the best league in the world.