SATURDAY PREMIERSHIP PREVIEWS
Aston Villa v Fulham
On paper, and looking briefly at the league table, there's not much to choose between these two teams so you would have to say that home advantage should swing it Villa's way. Fulham will be smarting after their second half collapse against Liverpool last weekend, whilst Villa shouldn't allow their confidence to be affected by their defeat at Highbury last Saturday. No shame in that. Home win.
Crystal Palace v West Brom
Four points from their last two games have lifted the Baggies' spirits and put a little bit of daylight between them and the clubs in the relegation zone, where Palace currently find themselves. But Eagles boss Iain Dowie is not ready to hit the panic button just yet and reckons victory over Albion tomorrow will kick-start their season - as well as put them level on points with the West Midlands rivals. Home win…just!
Chelsea v Blackburn
There's probably never a good time to go to Stamford Bridge, but the timing of this particular fixture could hardly be worse for a Blackburn side in freefall. Just one point from their last three games has left Rovers in the drop zone as Mark Hughes continues to search for the perfect blend. After defeat by Manchester City, Chelsea are upbeat again following their latest Champions League success so a home win looks a formality.
Liverpool v Charlton
Danny Murphy will be looking forward to this one, although I'm not sure if he'll be in the mood to go out for a few pints with his old Liverpool pals after Charlton's visit to Anfield. Both teams are struggling to find a decent level of consistency, but Rafael Benitez feels as though his new-look side is starting to gel and is now capable of going on a winning run. Having said that, I think Charlton are capable of earning a draw which will probably mean the drinks are on Danny!
Norwich v Everton
Everton's last five league games have all ended in a 1-0 scoreline - four of them victories for the Toffees - so don't expect a goal glut at Carrow Road tomorrow lunchtime. Despite their lofty league position, Everton have only managed ten goals in their opening nine Premiership games, whilst Norwich have conjured up just seven. Six draws and no wins so far for the Canaries would suggest another stalemate is on the cards.
Tottenham v Bolton
Spurs have become a hard team to score against under Jacques Santini but, despite the wealth of striking talent at his disposal - Keane, Defoe, Kanoute et al - the Frenchman has yet to see his team firing on all cylinders at the business end of the field. Bolton are in fourth place on merit at the moment and Big Sam has every right to believe his side can steal the points at White Hart Lane. Away win.
