Premier League: Five things to look out for

JOE looks ahead to this weekend in the Premier League and considers what matches to watch and avoid, who might surprise and who probably won't.

By Conor Hogan

Surprise Package: Stoke City

We have a sneaking suspicion that Stoke might get a victory against Liverpool, as the Potters were back to winning ways midweek, and the Reds put their magnificent win against Chelsea behind them, giving a deplorable performance against Wigan at the DW Stadium.

Recent history dictates, however, that this will probably end up a draw, and a dull one at that. Stoke have scored only one goal in their four Premier League meetings against Liverpool, three of which have finished in draws. And Roy Hodgson’s men have only won four of their last 22 away Premier League matches.

Whipping Boys: Blackburn

Two points from twelve for a team as talented as Tottenham is a pretty abysmal return. They have been a little unlucky, certainly, and were on the end of some bad refereeing decisions - but it cannot be denied that in the league they have been underperforming. If their current points total is translated over an entire season, Spurs will end up with a mere 51, barely enough to sneak into ninth position in 2009/2010.

Tottenham are having a massive problem scoring goals, having netted only 14 times in 12 league matches. By comparison, they have scored 20 goals in only six Champions League ties. Harry Redknapp’s men have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eleven league matches.

This weekend, however, they have a great chance to end their horror run against a Blackburn side that have won only one of their last seven meetings with Spurs at White Hart Lane. Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle aside, they are also a team that tends not to travel well.

Game not to miss: Everton v Arsenal

Like many teams, David Moyes’ side have had a stuttering start to the season. Generally, however, they have raised their game against the big teams, defeating Liverpool and garnering draws against Tottenham and Manchester United.

They’ll be facing an Arsenal side in decent form, having picked up 12 points from a possible 15. Both these sides have lost three matches each this season.

Game to miss: Manchester City v Birmingham

Birmingham have been slightly more exciting than normal in the last few days, coming from behind to snatch a 2-2  draw against West Ham, and losing 3-2 to Stoke City. Despite this, they are still the team with the most 0-0 draws so far this season (three).

This weekend they will be away to the undisputed Kings of Boring, the infinitely dour and defensive Manchester City. Cautious Roberto Manicini’s strategy of packing his team with as many defensive midfielders as possible has resulted in the Citizens scoring only seven times in six home matches. And Wednesday’s Manchester Derby was one of the most pathetically dreary in the history of the Premier League.

What about the rest:

Aston Villa’s last gasp winner against Blackpool’s B team, their first win in six, hasn’t convinced fans of the Birmingham club that Gerard Houllier is right man to take their team forward. Unbeaten Manchester United are the visitors to Villa Park on Saturday, and while Aston Villa have a dreadful Premier League record against the Red Devils (one win in 29), the last two meetings at their home ground have resulted in draws.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will hope to finally convert good performances into points as they take on an inform Bolton side at Molineaux, while Avram Grant will be under immense scrutiny, as his West Ham try to fend off Ian Holloway’s kamikaze Blackpool at Upton Park.

And leaders Chelsea will attempt to overcome defensive draw specialists Sunderland, while Andy Carroll tries to extend his current hot streak, as well as help Newcastle improve their home record, as his team takes on Fulham at St James Park.

Fixtures:

Saturday 13 November 2010

Aston Villa v Man Utd, 12:45

Man City v Birmingham, 15:00

Newcastle v Fulham, 15:00

Tottenham v Blackburn, 15:00

West Ham v Blackpool, 15:00

Wigan v West Brom, 15:00

Wolverhampton v Bolton, 15:00

Stoke v Liverpool, 17:30

Sunday, 14 November 2010

Everton v Arsenal, 14:00

Chelsea v Sunderland, 16:10