Walker's Word - Weekend 8-9 January 2007

With seven goals in his last 10 matches, Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka has his sights firmly set on punishing his former employers this season. He scored twice against Manchester City in December and will look for more of the same against a side which has lost seven out of 11 on the road this season.

 

Charlton already looked dead and buried despite the arrival of a new manager and four months of the season to play. They have good players on the books but they don't appear able to perform, as two Cup exits against lower league opposition this season testifies. The odds on Middlesbrough to win this one are tempting.

 

Chelsea were fortunate to beat Wigan in December after the Latics came from two behind only to lose in the last minute. After two draws at Stamford Bridge in their last two league games, Jose Mourinho is under pressure and I expect the Blues to win convincingly this weekend.

 

Manchester United needed a last minute howler from Gabor Kiraly to knock Aston Villa out of the FA Cup last weekend but should win again back in league duty. United have won the last three Premiership encounters against Martin O'Neill's side at Old Trafford.

 

Sheffield United are five points clear of the relegation zone and an FA Cup exit at the hands of Swansea City will allow them to concentrate on survival. A point against visiting Portsmouth would do nicely.

 

West Ham United will unleash former Fulham captain Luis Boa Morte against his former employers this weekend as they strive to make up the four points they currently lie from safety. Fulham have improved on their travels, but still struggle to win away from the haven of Craven Cottage.

 

Blackburn could be good for a draw at Ewood Park against Arsenal after coming back strongly following a 6-2 thrashing at the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger's side have lost five out of 11 on the road which indicates they are susceptible against teams that are in form.

On Sunday, Everton's top half of the table clash against Reading could end all square while Tottenham's home form (eight wins in 11 league matches) should see them beat Newcastle who are still looking over their shoulders at the bottom three.

 

Verdict:

Liverpool vs Watford - Liverpool

Bolton vs Manchester City - Bolton

Charlton vs Middlesbrough - Middlesbrough

Chelsea vs Wigan - Chelsea

Manchester United vs Aston Villa - Manchester United

Sheffield United vs Portsmouth - Draw

West Ham vs Fulham - West Ham

Blackburn vs Arsenal - Blackburn

Reading vs Everton - Draw