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Friday, February 10, 2012

Previewing Saturday’s EPL fixtures


A whopping eight EPL fixtures on the schedule for Saturday, February 11.
You know what that means, it’s time to predict and preview a handful of them.
Forgive me, but I can only predict five matches today.
Since I have already previewed Everton v Chelsea, only Blackburn Rovers v Queens Park Rangers and Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic are going to miss cut.
Now then, let’s get started
Manchester United v Liverpool:
The latest of Evra v Suarez is set to take place at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon in Manchester.
Don’t expect a warm reception for the Uruguayan.
This battle between 2nd place United and 7th place Liverpool should be a cracker.
Players to Watch
Former Everton striker Wayne Rooney is the man to watch for Manchester United.
Rooney is coming off a penalty-brace against Chelsea.
Is he hitting top form at the opportune moment for the Red Devils?
For Liverpool, Luis Suarez is the player to watch.
Whether he’s landing kicks to the mid-section or twisting and turning in the penalty area, Suarez is Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking player.
Prediction
With United at Old Trafford, a 2-1 score seems more than likely.
Fulham v Stoke City:
Stoke City travel to Craven Cottage to take on Martin Jol’s Fulham on Saturday.
The away side are currently 12th in the table, while Fulham are sitting in 14th place, thanks to talisman Clint Dempsey.
Players to Watch
Speaking of Dempsey, he’s the man to watch on Saturday in this fixture.
The United States has netted 10 goals in the Premier League this season, making him the top scoring midfielder in England’s top-flight.
With Robert Huth banned, Ryan Shawcross must step up if Stoke are to get a result at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Prediction
At the end of the day, there is not much between these two sides, 1-1 draw.
Sunderland v Arsenal:
Coming off a 7-1 win over Blackburn Rovers, Arsenal take on a revitalized Sunderland side under new boss Martin O’Neill.
Players to Watch
We’ve got a shocker on the cards, Robin van Persie is the man to watch for the Gunners.
The Holland international has bossed the Premier League this season, bagging 22 goals and seven assists in 24 league matches.
For Sunderland, Stéphane Sessègnon, who has tallied six goals and seven assists in 24 Premier League games in 2011-12, is the player that Arsenal supporters and Arsene Wenger should fear.
Prediction
2-2 draw. That says it all.
Swansea City v Norwich City:
Premier League newcomers Swansea City and Norwich will clash at Liberty Stadium in Wales at the weekend.
Both of these sides have become respectable Premier League clubs, with Norwich currently in 9th position and Swansea breathing down their necks in 10th.
Players to Watch
Former Watford talisman Danny Graham, who has netted eight league goals in 2011-12, is the match to watch for Swansea.
In retrospect, you should keep an eye on Norwich City striker Steve Morison, who has bagged eight goals and four assists in 24 league matches.
Prediction
Advantage Swansea City, 2-0 Swans.
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United:
The Magpies will travel to north London to take on Spurs at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
One thing is certain, Harry Redknapp will be in the dugout for Spurs.
Players to Watch
Although Emmanuel Adebayor has scored nine goals in the Premier League this season, the former Togo international has failed to score in 2012.
Can he break his goal-scoring drought on Saturday?
For the Magpies, Demba Ba is the man to keep a close eye on against Spurs.
His goal-scoring record, 16 league goals in 20 matches, surely speaks for itself.
Prediction
Nothing will separate these two teams at White Hart Lane on Saturday, 2-2 draw.