AFTER A WEEK’S break thanks to the FA Cup third round, the Premier League serves up a couple of tasty games.
While third-placed Tottenham will seek to continue their rich vein of form against basement side QPR in the first fixture of the weekend and Chelsea are at the Britannia later that afternoon, it’s the following day that most will be eagerly anticipating.
In what can deservedly be called a genuine ‘Super Sunday’, Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford at lunch-time before Manchester City travel to the Emirates.
Also, Chelsea and Southampton both play two matches in Gameweek 22 so sticking a couple of players from the former in your team could be a good shout.
Two players to pick this week
Demba Ba: Chelsea’s new signing looked more dangerous in the nine minutes on the field than team-mate Fernando Torres had for the first 81 against Swansea in midweek and surely deserves a start tomorrow.
With two goals to his name already, we’re backing the syrup-loving frontman to bag himself a few more against Stoke and/or Southampton.
Shane Long: The Tipperary native ended a five-week goal drought in the 1-1 draw with QPR last weekend and how he would love to notch against the club who gave him his first taste of English football. Expect one of those muted ‘I’m showing respect to my former team’ celebrations if he is on target at the Madejski Stadium.
Two players to avoid
Sergio Aguero: The Argentine may have two goals in as many games but will not line out against Arsenal due to a torn hamstring. So steer clear.
Fabricio Coloccini: Seemingly tired of life in the North East, Coloccini is believed to be keen on a return to his homeland but should start against Norwich – a side now managed by his former boss Chris Hughton. Probably best not to risk it.
Predictions:
QPR 1 – 3 Tottenham
Aston Villa 1 – 1 Southampton
Everton 2 – 2 Swansea
Fulham 2 – 1 Wigan
Norwich 1 – 0 Newcastle
Reading 1 – 2 West Brom
Stoke 0 – 2 Chelsea
Sunderland 1 – 2 West Ham
Man United 3 – 2 Liverpool
Arsenal 0 – 2 Man City
Who’s leading TheScore.ie Primera Division?
Mark Dinan’s Sultans of Ping FC are out in front with 1,231 points having tallied up 88 in Gameweek 21. KICKBAGS, managed by Luke Kitt, trail the league leaders by just four points, however.
