Kevin Keegan’s appointment as Newcastle boss has brought a shock to the footballing world, but there are some important questions to be answered by him over the coming weeks. How much will he need to spend to make the club successful? Can he build a good relationship with Michael Owen? Will Alan Shearer join him as number two at the club? Whatever the responses, Newcastle are definitely in for a change under their favourite man.The other crisis club in the league, Liverpool, have been in the news every day this week too. The two American owners sparked another row after admitting they had approached Jurgen Klinsmann about the manager’s job at Anfield just in case Rafa left. Also, with the owners' financial problems, it seems like Liverpool fans’ dreams are about to come true, as the Americans look to sell up.
This week some interesting fixtures in the Premiership, with the return ties of the first games of the season taking place. As the end of the season looms closer, the bottom half of the table looks very tight, with eight or so clubs within touching distance of the relegation zone. There is heat at the top of the table too, with Manchester United currently in top spot, albeit thanks to goal difference.
Mushtaq Quraishi looks ahead to another exciting week in the league…
Saturday 19 January
Birmingham City v Chelsea
After holding Arsenal last weekend, Birmingham should go into this game brimming with confidence. Alex McLeish has solidified the squad and they look full of belief. The Blues boss is trying exceptionally hard to bring in some more players during the transfer window, the most prolific being McFadden from Everton. The Toffees have now accepted a bid of around 5.5 million pounds for the sensational Scot. But Birmingham are level on points with eighteenth placed Sunderland and McLeish’s side know they are only out of the bottom three thanks to goal difference. So it is vitally important Birmingham keep up their decent recent performances and get a few wins under their belts soon. Having McFadden should help.
Chelsea are now only four points behind leaders Manchester United in the league and Avram Grant has every intention of closing that gap even further. The Israeli has brought in Nicolas Anelka and defender Ivanovic within the space of a week, outlining his objectives for an ever-growing squad. Chelsea have been weakened by the loss of players to the African Cup of Nations, but their recent performances certainly aren’t showing these problems. Five wins in a row in all competitions sees Chelsea in one of their best runs of the current season and one can only imagine how good they could be if John Terry and Frank Lampard weren’t injured. Chelsea must continue their recent form as they look set to push table-toppers Manchester United to the limit.
If Chelsea hadn’t signed Anelka last week, then this game could well have ended in a stalemate. After all, Birmingham did hold Arsenal last time out and they are a half decent side, willing to give all just to stay in the league. Chelsea on the other hand must continue their impressive run of form to maintain the pressure on United and Arsenal. I think Chelsea should grab the win, though Birmingham will try their best to hold the Londoners.
Prediction: 0-2
Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough
Blackburn's recent resurgence in form has seen the side edge closer to the much-coveted fourth spot. Rovers are only three points behind the last Champions League spot now, as Hughes’ side look forward to a successful second half of the season. December’s player of the month Roque Santa Cruz has been in sparkling form over the festive period and will look to continue his impressive goal-scoring streak here. Blackburn fans and players will be delighted at Kevin Keegan’s managerial appointment at Newcastle, seeing as Mark Hughes is now safely secure at the club now, at least until the next vacancy! Rovers need to sign a central-midfielder during January after the departure of Robbie Savage to Derby, but until then Tugay and Stephen Reid look capable of doing well in the middle of the park.
Fourteenth placed Middlesbrough are another side exceptionally close to the drop zone, as Southgate’s side hover only a point above the relegation spots. But recent performances have shown terrific organisation from Boro, especially after they held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw last time out. But a big criticism of the side is their inconsistency, which has seen them do well against the ‘big’ teams, but struggle against the easier sides. Southgate’s men must treat every game with respect and make sure they get a win and move on. As for transfers, it seems like Afonso Alves won’t be moving to Teeside after all, after a mix-up in the situation. Therefore, Boro must set their sights on another striker.
As always, Blackburn are quite solid in front of their home fans and they will make this game tough for Boro. Rovers have some beautifully placed wingers, top-class strikers and a tight defence. If Boro play like they did against Liverpool, they could win this game. However they have proved difficult to predict this season, so I tip Blackburn for the slender win.
Prediction: 1-0
Fulham v Arsenal
Five points from safety, it isn’t comfortable at all for Fulham and new boss Roy Hodgson. The manager has seen the quality of his side over the last couple of weeks and knows there are some good players in his squad. However, I’m sure many will have pointed out the ‘bad apples’ in his side, as he looks to transform the club into an attractive prospect. He has a big job on his hands and it is vital that new players are signed soon in order to help the club survive. Their previous game saw the Cottagers lose 2-1 against West Ham, with yet another away defeat.
Arsenal slipped up against Birmingham and they now lie second in the table behind Manchester United. The Gunners were considerably weakened thanks to the loss of a few defenders to the African Cup of Nations. But that was always going to be the problem for the side and they will now have to adapt to life without these key men, at least for the next month. Wenger doesn’t look like he will spend money during the transfer window and who can blame him? His side are still well and truly in the running for the title and events over the last month have shown some exciting twists and turns at the top.
For Fulham, it will just be a bonus game and they will look to keep the score low. Arsenal will want to bounce back from last weekend's draw, therefore I think they will win this game comfortably.
Prediction: 0-2
Portsmouth v Derby County
Portsmouth’s recent slip in form has been predictable, especially after the club lost many players to the African Cup of Nations and the ongoing saga of Harry Redknapp’s future. The side are losing their way in their quest to finish in a European spot come the end of the season and Redknapp will have to replace his African players as soon as possible if his side are to maintain their current good league position. I don’t think Pompey will be that frightened of Derby County, nevertheless they shouldn’t be too complacent.
Derby will go into this game with the same mentality as they have had over the last couple of months. The players are giving it a real go and deserve a win in the near future, just to help their confidence. Derby are also signing players from everywhere, with the likes of Laurent Robert and Robbie Savage joining the club over the last couple of weeks. But Derby will have to win a game as soon as possible if they are to stand any chance of cutting down the thirteen point gap which would see them edge into safety.
This is a chance for Portsmouth to get back on track and produce a good, morale-boosting win. Derby will be gunning to do the same and it is about time they found a victory too, nevertheless, despite missing key players, I think Portsmouth should be able to scrape a win.
Prediction: 1-0
Reading v Manchester United
Steve Coppell’s Reading side go into this game without a win in six. The Royals' FA Cup Third Round Replay against Tottenham ended in a 1-0 defeat, sending the side crashing out of the competition. And a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa prior to that effectively brought Reading back into the relegation mix in the bottom half of the league. Despite holding a seemingly comfortable thirteenth position in the Premiership, Reading are only two points above the drop zone. The side will need to start playing some good football again, as they did against Liverpool a couple of months ago. Reading have been like Middlesbrough in terms of consistency this campaign and it is almost impossible to predict how they will play.
Manchester United are enjoying life at the top of the Premiership, albeit on goal difference. But it now looks as if Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will stay at the top for a while now. United have an exceptional squad full of some of the most talented players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo showed his excellence by scoring a hat-trick last time out and he is key to some of the Red Devils' main movements. Though there will still be some twists and turns at the top end of the table for the remainder of the season, United do have enough in their side to win the league once again.
This is a chance for Manchester United to consolidate their position at the top of the table, though for Reading it is a chance to cause yet another shock against another one of the ‘top four’. But it doesn’t seem as if United will slip up here.
Prediction: 0-2
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland
In-form Tottenham have improved by leaps and bounds under Juande Ramos and are now pushing for a top-ten finish come the end of the season. A 1-0 win over Reading saw Spurs reach the fourth round of the FA Cup where they will now face Manchester United. Ramos has chopped and changed his front players many a time since his arrival and this effective rotation is paying dividends for the side. The team are also very confident on the ball and look like their old selves. But there is still some improvement needed and some strengthening of the squad yet to do before they can realistically challenge for a top six spot again. But they are definitely moving in the right direction.
Had it not been for goal difference, Sunderland would be clear of danger at this stage of the season. However, due to early season defensive problems, the Black Cats occupy eighteenth spot. But Keane’s side haven’t been all bad recently, managing two wins in their last three Premiership games. Kieran Richardson has clearly been the shining star over Sunderland’s recently improved performances and has netted a few times to help his side out. The former Manchester United starlet looks well suited to Sunderland’s attitude of play and he will do well for them for the remainder of the season. With Richardson and the intelligence of Jones up front, Sunderland look more than capable of staying up. They are clearly able to win games as they have shown over the last month and I think it is only time before they starting pushing up the table.
Both sides spent heavily in the Summer, both sides started the campaign fairly badly but both sides are finally beginning to improve. It is more important for Sunderland to win this game, so that they can slide out of the relegation zone, however Spurs will also want to move far ahead of other relegation contenders. It is all set up for an exciting game and I think this game will end in a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Newcastle United v Bolton Wanderers
With Harry Redknapp, Mark Hughes and Gerard Houllier all tipped to become Newcastle’s new manager, it came as a surprise and shock to many when the board appointed Kevin Keegan as their manager. The ‘legend’ returned for yet another spell at the club as he hopes to bring the Magpies some much-yearned-for success. Can he succeed? Will he appoint Shearer as his number two? These are a few questions that will be answered over the coming weeks, but for now let’s just hope Michael Owen and Kevin Keegan can get over their past troubles!
Bolton are another side on only twenty points this season, so they are also dangerously flirting with the relegation spots. With only one win in five, the side’s recent results haven’t been very good at all. But their style of football is still reasonably capable of keeping them in this league. The defeat to Blackburn last time out saw Bolton outplayed at times and no doubt they will face this prospect many a time for the remainder of the season, however they will have to improve their attacking options if they are to stand any chance of staying up this season. The Trotters are certainly not as sharp without Nicolas Anelka.
Newcastle’s resounding win over Stoke in the FA Cup as well as the appointment of Kevin Keegan as boss has brought an air of confidence and delight back around the city. It will take some time for Keegan to impose his managerial style on the squad, therefore I don’t think they will show great improvement very quickly, however expect each player to put in a good performance, just to show the new man what they are capable of.
Prediction: 2-2
Sunday 20 January
Wigan Athletic v Everton
Steve Bruce’s troubled Wigan side face in-form Everton this weekend, with the Latics hoping to find a win and move away from danger. Wigan have had some good patches of form this campaign but at other times they have been simply awful. This has lead to their lingering around the bottom three for most of the season. Steve Bruce hasn’t made much of a difference to the club, however he is trying to instill some confidence into his side, as well as that battling spirit, which saw him do well with Birmingham. Wigan may have to plunge into the transfer market if they are to survive; especially after most of their relegation contenders are spending money signing new talent.
Everton look to keep up the pressure on Merseyside rivals Liverpool, as both sides once again contend for the coveted fourth Champions League spot. Everton are currently fifth in the league and are playing some very good football indeed. They have lost some players to the African Cup of Nations, the most notable being Yakubu. The striker was doing exceptionally well for the Toffees before his departure, so Everton’s main problem will be scoring goals. But they have a midfield perfectly capable of chipping in with the goals, with the likes of Cahill, Osman and Arteta all making up an attacking proposition.
I think Everton will edge this game. They have a talented squad and a very offensive game plan. Wigan will give it their best shot, but Everton tend to do very well against teams of Wigan’s calibre.
Prediction: 0-1
Manchester City v West Ham United
Wednesday’s FA Cup replay saw these sides square up to each other before this important league game. That replay saw Manchester City victorious, thanks to an Elano header, earning them a 1-0 win. But West Ham seemed to match City for most of the game and they will feel hard done by after such a decent display. But the Hammers have a chance to make amends as they face City for the second time in five days.
Manchester City’s super trio of Elano, Petrov and Bianchi are doing some real damage to the opposition every time they go forward. Petrov is playing particularly well, as he consistently puts brilliant balls into the box and his teasing runs trick defenders. But when Petrov is not in sight, star-man Elano threatens to carve out an inch-perfect pass from the central area of the field, which ends up at the feet of Bianchi, who isn’t in the best goal-scoring form at the minute, but his intelligent play is clearly helping the City side win games. Sven has got the perfect blend of awareness, creativity and flair in his squad and I think they will finish in the top six.
West Ham have been brilliant this season as they look to finish in the top ten come the end of this campaign. Dean Ashton is notably their star-man, the striker causing all sorts of problems in and around the penalty area. However, without Bellamy, West Ham lose some attacking potential in their squad. But their performance against City on Wednesday showed they are courageous and can create chances when going forward, so they are more than capable of upsetting City.
This game will be exactly like the one on Wednesday, but I think this time it will end in a draw. West Ham showed enough that night to prove they can give City a game and this game should be more exciting than Wednesday’s.
Prediction: 1-1
Monday 21 January
Liverpool v Aston Villa
Liverpool are in a crisis at the moment, with all sorts of problems off the field. With the two American owners publicly admitting holding talks with Jurgen Klinsmann over possibly taking the reins at Anfield, many fans have simply turned their backs on the owners. Fans would rather Benitez stayed than his employers! And that looks likely now, after the financial problems which are stopping the club moving forward with new stadium plans. DIC, the Dubai company are now expected to make a bid for Tom Hicks’ share in the club, much to the delight of Liverpool fans around the globe. After all, why don’t the owners just let Benitez do his job rather than hint at his departure every other day? Back on the field, Liverpool’s win over Luton in the FA Cup replay has earned them a decent tie against non-league Havant & Waterlooville. It will be interesting to see how Benitez approaches that game!
Aston Villa are another side trying to take fourth spot in the league and they are currently very close behind their hosts, Liverpool. Martin O’Neill has built an experienced, quick and young team full of talented players. The side played out an entertaining 4-4 draw with Chelsea around a month ago and though this game probably won’t end like that, it just shows Villa’s attacking options and ability going forward. One thing is for sure - Aston Villa will give Liverpool an incredibly tough game.
Liverpool have the better squad and with Steven Gerrard in top-form, it seems as if the Reds are favourites to win this game. It was Gerrard’s late free-kick which got Liverpool all three points on the opening day of the season and I expect a similar result here.
Prediction: 2-1
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