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This weekend will see the matches of the thirteenth round of the English Premier League being played. Tactics, players, coaches, motivation. We present to you a detailed analysis of the upcoming matches with evaluations from both playing sides, match history, and the final verdict.
Saturday
“Wigan” - “Arsenal” 14:45 – “JJB” stadium
This could be the week when the “Wigan” bubble finally bursts. They had a fantastic start in their debut season, but this time they will have to battle a really strong opponent, and the fans understand very well that this euphoria will come to an end someday, and that day is not far off. “Arsenal” is known for their unique ability to quickly recover from painful losses and rapidly find good form. Of course, they sorely missed Thierry Henry, but which club wouldn't miss such a player.
In the coming month, “Wigan” will have to test their mettle against the giants of the Premier League. The debutants will have to host “Arsenal” and “Tottenham” at home, and in December, they will face the likes of “Liverpool,” “Man Utd,” and “Chelsea” away. Regardless of the small margin defeats in the first two matches, so far “Wigan” has not lost a single game, and in the last nine matches, they have only dropped two points. Paul Jewellas became the first coach in four and a half years to win the Manager of the Month award twice in a row.
If “Arsenal” fails to beat the “Wigan” team, it will be a new anti-record for the club - seven matches away without a win and six away games without a win since the start of the season. In the last five away matches, the Gunners have only played to a draw twice. If “Arsenal” wants to maintain hope of fighting for the league title, the club must start collecting points away from London.
Prediction: 0 - 2
“Charlton” - “Man Utd” 17:00 – “The Valley” stadium
The statistics of meetings between “Man Utd” and “Charlton” are clearly more in favor of the “Red Devils,” but Alan Curbishley desperately needs a win, and recently, they have been showing excellent play. Everyone is waiting for a win like the one “Man Utd” achieved against “Chelsea,” but this time, the opponent is different, and everything will have to start from scratch.
“Charlton” has been trying to solve the puzzle of “Man Utd” since their first meeting, but the last time they triumphed over the “Red Devils” was in 1989, with a victory of 2-0. The club is also seeking to climb out of a small slump after two consecutive losses.
On the other hand, “Man Utd” wants to retain the chance to fight for the title, especially after a memorable victory against “Chelsea.” However, “Man Utd” is currently ten points behind the champions, and the “Blues” have four more wins. Interestingly, in the Premier League, “Man Utd” (11 goals scored away) is only surpassed by “Charlton” (12 goals scored away).
Previous meetings (Premier League): “Charlton” 0 wins; “Man Utd” 10 wins; 2 draws Last season: “Charlton” 0 - 4 “Man Utd”
Prediction: 1 – 1
“Chelsea” vs. “Newcastle” (These matches will be broadcasted live on "Channel 5") 17:00 – “Stamford Bridge” stadium
The favorite without a doubt remains “Chelsea,” as in the last match, “Newcastle” defeated “West Brom,” but they must thank goalkeeper Shay Given for that. The team's attacking machine is functioning well, but the defense is completely at a standstill.
Speaking of “Chelsea,” I believe they will return to their usual form and be strong again. The London club will spare no effort to avoid the fate of their neighbors “Arsenal” last year when after “Man Utd” broke their unbeaten streak, the “Gunners” started to stumble.
Previous meetings (Premier League): “Chelsea” 11 wins; “Newcastle” 6 wins; 7 draws Last season: “Chelsea” 4 - 0 “Newcastle”
Prediction: 2 - 0
... (more content with additional predictions for other matches) ...Monday
“Birmingham” vs. “Bolton” 22:00 – “St Andrews” stadium
Both coaches are good friends, so a hot battle is expected, not for the faint-hearted football lovers. This could be a turning point for the “Birmingham” club. “Bolton” is a tough nut to crack, but a victory would significantly help Steve Bruce's team recover.
Previous meetings (Premier League): “Birmingham” 3 wins; “Bolton” 2 wins; 1 draw Last season: “Birmingham” 1 - 2 “Bolton”
Prediction: 1 - 0
