Here’s some random thoughts from me, put together to hopefully collect some thoughts and comments from you lot on tonight’s games. There are four fixtures in all, mainly affecting the bottom end of the table with six-pointers as far as the eye can see.
Up at the top, Arsenal will face Newcastle for the second time in four days and it will be interesting to see how Keegan sets about preventing another 3-0 scoreline. He’s once again limited by his options – Viduka is out so he has the option of Smith or perhaps Ameobi up front with Owen. Barton is set to figure on the bench which adds a little more flavour to proceedings. Wenger is without Rosicky but is set to recall Eduardo to a starting role and Almunia, Hleb and Sagna should also return. Fantasy managers will be looking for Fabregas to convince after weeks of disappointing returns. Adebayor is once again the key figure and should be amongst the points again.
Bolton have the chance to pull further away from Fulham as they pair off at the Reebok. Hodgson will give a debut to new signing Hangeland, which should help their lack of aerial power. I can see Megson’s side grinding this one out for a 1-0 or 2-0 scoreline though. Without his new recruits up front, Hodgson is really struggling for firepower, particularly away from home. Bolton meanwhile, know exactly how to shut up shop at the Reebok and use set-pieces to their advantage. I’ve got my money on Taylor having an important role here. His delivery from free-kicks and corners could be a factor, plus he may even get the spot-kicks.
Boro against Wigan is a tough one to call. Marlon King could be the key here – he will arguably be the only goalscorer on the pitch and if he can settle to the pace quickly, he could win it for Wigan. A bit of late team news – Bruce is without new signing Edman after he picked up a calf injury in training so Kilbane is likely to be at left-back with Taylor starting on the left of midfield once more. I can see a low scoring draw in this one with Wheater perhaps reaping more FPL bonus points and causing his usual brand of havoc at set-pieces.
Finally Birmingham travel to Sunderland for another tight looking game on paper. I can see some goals here though with a clash of styles on the cards. Birmingham appear to have a more crafty approach with McFadden and Kapo central figures. Sunderland meanwhile give debuts to Bardsley at right-back and Prica up front and appear to have a more direct approach in mind. Prica and Jones will be a big physical presence which Birmingham may struggle with. Prica has already come out with some lovely little one liners on his arrival…
“I always give 100 per cent and defenders are always in a little pain after games against me. It hurts people to play against me.”
Nice. Prica could be worth watching then, as could Birmingham’s Mauro Zarate – an Argentinian on loan from Al Sadd who are apparently looking for around £20 million for the player. The 20-year-old has already impressed in training and he’s likely to figure from the bench tonight.
That’s about it for now. I’ll keep maintaining the team news section throughout the day to keep you posted on any last minute selection issues. Still no updated news on Vidic by the way.