English Premier League Previews

This weeks Premier League action is highlighted by two teams with contrasting fortunes meeting in a clash that could be vital for the winner, as Everton take on Wigan away from home at the JJB Stadium.

Dark horses of the competition early on, Everton have materialized into definite European challengers after sustaining their form through the draining Christmas period. They have lost integral players to the African Cup of Nations, but had a dour win over league rivals Manchester City at home last week to give them some breathing space in the fighting for UEFA competition spots. They will be strengthened by forward Andy Johnson's' return, while on loan Valencian midfielder Manuel Fernandez could make an immediate impact in the central midfield role. Midfield maestros Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill were the difference last week against Manchester City, and if they are allowed ample opportunity to roam in the centre of the park Wigan will be hard pressed to stop them creating chances on goal. A win against the Latics is vital as they face tough opposition in the weeks to come with clashes against Chelsea in the Carling cup and tough matches against Tottenham and Blackburn in the league

Wigan have been a resurgent force over the Christmas break with an unanticipated draw against league giants Liverpool, and two wins against fellow Premier league strugglers in Sunderland and Derby leaving them on the precipice of hauling themselves out of the bottom four. Manager Steve Bruce has almost a full squad to choose from with only Ryan Taylor and Carlos Nash with injury woes at the moment, and potential new signing Erik Edman could slot into a left-back position if his transfer from Rennes is confirmed in time. The Latics attacking fortunes lay on the attacking threat of forward Marcus Bent, who has been in fine form this season with seven goals to his name already.

Wigan has been good as of late, but Everton are a classy outfit and light years ahead of where Wigan is in the league. They do have home advantage, but this should count for little in this contest. I would take the $2.25 on offer for the Toffee's, available at PartyBets
The other value match involves a back-to-back fixture with Manchester City once again taking on West Ham United at the City Of Manchester Stadium, after there dull 1-0 result in the FA Cup only day's ago.

The Citizens impressed early but are fading quickly with a mounting injury crisis taking a massive toll on the Eastland's club. As it stands, they will be without new signing Nery Castillo for another six weeks after he fractured a shoulder bone, Michael Johnson will miss again with an abdominal injury and Emile Mpenza adds to the gluttony of injured forwards with a hamstring injury. They take on a familiar enemy having faced West Ham three times already this season, and for the third time in 15 day's but it should hold no fear for City as West Ham has not scored against them in their three previous clashes. They will rely on the attacking threats of Martin Petrov and Elano compensating for their lack of first-choice forwards; however impressive Italian Rolando Bianchi should regain his place in the starting lineup and will be the central point for many of City's forward thrusts.
West Ham has been labeled underachievers so far this season but they seem to be back on track with three victories in their last five away attempts and a solid league placing. They will be able to bring back Danny Gabbidon after a groin injury, and young French midfielder Julian Faubert is slowly edging closer to a first team start after he did his knee early in pre-season. West Ham will want to stop the worrying trend of leaving COMS without a victory, the last time they did so was over five years ago. Much of the Hammers creative play is channeled through inventive English strike Dean Ashton who has scored six times in Premier league action already and he will need to have a good day to breach the Citizens defence, which has only conceded seven goals at home this season.

While this is an entertaining clash with both teams playing about the same level as of now, Manchester City have the ability to play some brilliant attacking football whereas West Ham are not in the same class as the Eastland team.. Coupled with the game being at COMS, I would take the $2.00 available at PartyBets for a Manchester City victory.

• 
• 
• Email to a friend
• Print