Tottenham v. West Brom
Tottenham will be looking to bounce back after dropping points away to Swansea last time out, in a game they really needed to win if they are to be considered serious title contenders.
West Brom had been on a good run of form in the latter part of 2011, but struggled away at Everton and could find their trip to White Hart Lane a challenge.
At home Spurs will be a different animal, and with three points all the more important after dropping points a fee days ago, West Brom may find it hard to harness the attacking threat that Spurs possess.
Home win for Tottenham, who will have too much for Roy Hodgson’s West Brom.
Prediction: 2-0
Wigan v. Sunderland
The Martin O’Neill factor is working wonders for Sunderland who have taken ten points from O’Neill’s first five games, and the highlight has been their 1-0 win over Manchester City on New Year’s Day.
Confidence is growing amongst the players and those who seemed lacking in quality and not up for the job now seem like world beaters, and O’Neill will hope that continues.
Wigan aren’t coming into the game in bad form, after earning a well fought out draw at Stoke last time out, with Ben Watson being brought off the bench specifically to take the penalty which earned them the point.
If this was at the Stadium of Light it might be different, but at the DW I think Wigan can get a result, although three points might be asking a bit much.
Prediction: 1-1
Man City v. Liverpool
Manchester City have drawn and lost their last two matches, whilst Liverpool are coming into the match after a good 3-1 win over Newcastle United at Anfield a few days ago.
Every team has to suffer a wobble in form, but Manchester City are in danger of surrendering their status as league favourites, although their loss to Sunderland could be partly down to the absence of Sergio Aguero and David Silva who only started on the bench, and Mario Balotelli who was rested all together.
Luis Suarez is back for Liverpool who are likely to stick with two goal Craig Bellamy, as they look to frustrate City and hopefully take something from their trip to Manchester.
If City are to win the league, it is games like this that they must win, especially considering their last two games, with three points being a must whilst Manchester United are also struggling, because the Red Devils are bound to start winning games relentlessly as they always do.
Prediction: 1-0
Alex O’Loughlin @Alex O’Loughlin
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