By: Josh Ouellette
The first weekly breakdown of the top four teams in the English Premier League one new change. The top three of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal remain the same. But Aston Villa the team that had surged of late is now in sixth place after losing their last two matches. Tottenham Hotspur replaces the Villains with a draw and a win in their last two matches. With the matches this week all the places could change.
1st Place: Chelsea
Hull City v. Chelsea
Hull had a rough and winless December playing the likes of Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Manchester United. The Tiger’s January doesn’t get any easier going up against top ranked Chelsea.
The Blues are playing strong behind Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. Their last match was a victory over Fulham. Looking to stay atop the Table, Chelsea needs to win to assure them the top spot over Manchester United.
Hull hasn’t beaten any of the teams near the top of the League Table, and that won’t change against Chelsea. Drogba and Lampard lead the way against the Tigers. The Blues win in a rout 3-0 over Hull City.
2nd Place: Manchester United
Birmingham City v. Manchester U.
The first time these two teams played this year was the first match of the season, the Red Devils came out on top in a one to nothing affair.
After a rough start to the season, Birmingham is playing superbly winning seven of their last 12 matches and securing 26 points. Led by veteran midfielder Lee Bowyer Birmingham City is looking to avenge their season opening loss and beat Man U.
Wayne Rooney and his Red Devils have the opportunity to take over the top seat of the League Table with a win and a Chelsea loss. Rooney is tied for the Premier League lead in goals with 14, along with Drogba and Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Manchester U. will be looking to beat a tough Birmingham squad away.
The Reds will be spirited to get a victory and unseat Chelsea, while Birmingham is trying to climb their way up into the top four. This match comes down to last minute heroics, Man U. wins 2-1 over City.
3rd Place: Arsenal
Arsenal v. Everton
This match will carry much interest for America as Landon Donovan plays his first Barclay’s Premiership match for the Toffees. Donovan will be joining US National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Arsenal played six League games in December and went (5-1-0) only drawing Burnley. Cesc Fabregas and Andrey Arshavin have combined for 15 goals this season and to keep winning could possibly mean a shot to be first in the League Table in a few weeks.
Even with the boost of gaining Donovan, Everton should be outmatched against the Gunners. Arsenal wins 2-1.
4th Place: Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool v. Tottenham Hotspur : Game of the Week
Tottenham has bounded back into the fourth spot with some help from Aston Villa’s two-game losing streak and strong play at the end of December. Led by Robbie Keane and Defoe, Tottenham will be looking to improve on their fourth place lead.
Liverpool finished December with a big win over Villa. Led all season by Fernando Torres who has 12 goals on the season. Liverpool is trying to surge back into Champions League contention and is currently in seventh place. With the match at home they have a better shot at gaining the full three points and improving in their placement in the Table
Both teams have much at stake in this match, and a great match-up of two of the Leagues top strikers in Defoe and Torres. This may come down to how well both teams give opportunities to each of their strikers. The Spurs take a point in this match away. Liverpool’s Torres and Tottenham’s Defoe each score, this match ends 1-1.
Current Picks Record: (6-7, Arsenal’s surprise rout of Aston Villa surprised me and was my only wrong pick last week. After starting 0-4, I’ve gone 6-3.)
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