March 22, 2008
Manchester United vs Liverpool
This clash between these fierce rivals promises much but, as usual with so much at stake, will most likely deliver little. Liverpool are hoping to pull away in the close battle for the fourth and final Champions league spot, just three points ahead of rivals Everton with a superior goal difference. Sir Alex Ferguson is currently unbeaten in all previous battles with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. Prolific midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo (24 goals in the Premier League) will be looking for more success having surpassed George Best’ goal record for a season against Bolton on Wednesday, while Fernando Torres will also be hoping to add to his tally of 20 Premier League goals in his debut campaign. Despite this expect a tense affair with few goals, Liverpool having only conceded nine goals away all season whilst Man Utd have only conceded five at home. Manchester hold the upper hand having won the three points at Anfield earlier in this season, but Liverpool’s recent form suggests an upset could be on the cards.
Team news:
Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand, Edwin Van Der Sar, Louis Saha (all doubtful) Patrice Evra and Wes Brown likely to be recalled.
Liverpool: No new injury worries, although Daniel Agger (broken metatarsal) is out for the season and Harry Kewell is in Singapore captaining Australia.
Prediction: Man Utd too strong at home. 1 - 0.
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Chelsea vs Arsenal
Another top of the table clash, this time acting as a tasty appetiser for the upcoming Champions League quarter final. Top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor and the mis-firing Gunners have recorded four draws in their last four league games as their challenge for the title stutters, leaving them three points behind Manchester United. Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their scintillating 4-4 draw at Spurs during mid-week, and abolish their reputation as big game bottlers having been out fought in the FA cup by Barnsley and out thought by Juande Ramos in the Carling cup final. Expect particularly warm receptions for Ashley Cole and William Gallas as they line up against their old team mates. Chelsea, undefeated at home, look favourites for this one.
Team News:
Chelsea: Petr Chech and Nicolas Anelka look likely to return, with John Obi-Mikel and Michael pushing for a start.
Arsenal: look set to remain unchanged from last week’s draw with Middlesbrough, with long term injuries Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky still absent.
Prediction: look for form man Joe Cole to shine in a 2-1 win. (more…)
