Premier League preview

It's derby day in the capital, while Jewell, Bruce and McLeish make their bows

By Alex Dunn   Last updated: 30th November 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Premier League preview

Jewell: Glad to back

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Last weekend's Premier League action raised a smile from even the staunchest of doom-mongers, with England's woes put on the back-burner as domestic football painted a brighter picture of the national game.

A hearty feast of football yielded 29 goals that filled even the gluttonous and having enjoyed an aperitif of European fare in midweek, more of the same will be expected from a public now coming to terms with the national side's failings.

Usurped champions Chelsea are looking anything but ordinary under Avram Grant and following a midweek demolition job in Norway, they will be full of confidence for Saturday's early kick-off as West Ham make the short trip to Stamford Bridge, in a game that can be seen live on Sky Sports 1.

The traditionalists will be sated at 3 o'clock as five games get underway, with two managers making bows in new dug-outs.

Steve Bruce should have no problem locating the home dressing room having briefly occupied it earlier in his career, as Wigan welcome North West rivals and high-flyers Manchester City to The JJB.

The 'six-pointer' is one of football's most overly used cliches but while Roy Keane wouldn't admit to it, he will be well aware of just how significant Sunderland's game with Derby could turn out to be - as Paul Jewell makes his return to the touchline.

Blackburn's hosting of Newcastle pairs together two sides who in their last outings were on the end of miserable home defeats; as Aston Villa and Liverpool proved too strong on their travels respectively.

Gareth Southgate cannot help but have noticed the startling number of top flight sackings this season and eager not to add his name to a growing list, he will demand a performance from his side at Reading.

Portsmouth and Everton have enjoyed much brighter seasons and while Harry Redknapp has endured a miserable week, his side will be looking to put a smile back on his face at Fratton Park.

League leaders Arsenal conclude the day's action with a trip to in-form Aston Villa; who having thumped Blackburn in midweek will be in optimum spirits for the visit of Arsene Wenger's side.

On Sunday, Tottenham will hope their impressive midweek comeback in the Uefa Cup does not come at too high a cost, as their leg-weary players take on Birmingham and new boss Alex McLeish at White Hart Lane, live on Sky Sports 1.

Rafa Benitez has been on the back pages all week but it is on the pitch rather than in the boardroom that he will be concentrating his thoughts, as Bolton travel to Anfield in Sunday's other game.

Aston Villa v Arsenal

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 17 games against Villa - the Gunners have won 12 of those matches. Villa's last victory over Arsenal came in December 1998 when they came back from 2-0 down at half-time to win 3-2 - since then Arsenal have won four and four have been draws.

Blackburn Rovers v Newcastle United

Newcastle have won three and lost 11 of their last 17 Premier League away games. The last four meetings between Blackburn and Newcastle have all ended as away wins.

Chelsea v West Ham United

Chelsea have won two of the last three meetings with West Ham by a 4-1 scoreline. Didier Drogba has scored three goals in four Premier League games against West Ham.

Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers

Liverpool have won seven and drawn one of the eight home meetings with Bolton in the Premier League. The Trotters have only scored once in their last five visits to Anfield.

Portsmouth v Everton

Pompey are unbeaten in their last 10 games at Fratton Park. Three of the last four matches at Fratton Park have finished 0-0 - the other saw Portsmouth win 7-4 against Reading setting a new Premier League record for goals in a single match.

Reading v Middlesbrough

Last season, Reading played Boro at home on the opening day of the season and cam back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Boro have won four of the last five meetings with the Royals in all competitions.

Sunderland v Derby County

The Black Cats have won five and drawn three of the last eight meetings with the Rams. Derby have failed to win on their last 12 visits to Wearside.

Wigan Athletic v Manchester City

Wigan have won all four Premier League matches against Manchester City and have scored four goals in both of the two home games against the Citizens. Antoine Sibierski scored for Man City in the 4-3 defeat to Wigan at the JJB Stadium in December 2005.

Tottenham Hotspur v Birmingham City

Spurs have won all four home games against Birmingham City. Robbie Keane has scored four goals in his last six Premier League games against the Blues.

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