EPL - 2nd January 2013

Tonight sees three Premier League games and on paper, they look like being three good ones.


Chelsea v QPR

Harry Redknapp takes his relegation threatened, QPR side to Stamford Bridge to take on an in form Chelsea side.  Chelsea have won their last four league games and they look like being the team who will push Manchester United the closest in this years title race.  QPR are in bad form and have lost their last three in a row.  They have the right man in charge though in Harry Redknapp and if anyone can save them, Harry can.

Tonight's game won't have any controversy over hand shakes as neither John Terry or Anton Ferdinand are playing.  Chelsea have made a few changes for this game and their line up includes, Ross Turnbull, Ryan Bertrand, Oscar and Marko Marin.  QPR will look to keep the game tight for as long as possible but they will have their work cut out against this Chelsea team.

Prediction - Chelsea should win by two or three goals.


Liverpool v Sunderland

Liverpool will be without new signing, Daniel Sturridge when they face Sunderland at Anfield.  Sturridge will most likely make his debut this weekend at Mansfield in the FA Cup.  Tonight's Liverpool line up sees a return to action for Andre Wisdom who replaces Jose Enrique.  Sunderland line up in their 4-5-1 formation with Steven Fletcher up front.

Liverpool need to be a bit more consistent.  It seems like they win one, then lose one and for a club like Liverpool that's not good enough.  Sunderland have also been inconsistent this season but they will feel confident of getting a result at Anfield as they have a good record their in recent times.

Prediction - I expect this will be in the region of 1-1 or 2-1 to Liverpool but I'll side with the home win.


Newcastle v Everton

Newcastle will be rocked by the news that striker, Demba Ba is on his way to Chelsea.  Ba has done well in his time at Newcastle and he has scored half of their goals this season.  He will be a big loss for the eordies although it may allow them to bring a slightly more balanced look to their team.  Ba and Cisse as a partenership hasn't always worked and now they can put all their efforts into providing Cisse with the ammunition he needs.

Everton are in good form this season and a win tonight would take them up to fifth, above Arsenal.  Traditionally, Everton are slow starters so it will be interesting to see if they improve in the second half of the season.  If they do, a Champions League place is a realistic target for the Toffees.

Prediction - I can't see Newcastle winning this one and think both sides will be happy with a point.