Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
Carol Radull
24 December 2011
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Chelsea Vs Fulham Monday 4pm
My Prediction: The Blues 2 – 2 The Cottagers
Two derbies in five days for Chelsea! A London derby never needs analysis because it’s a unique breed of game. Chelsea had a taste of a derby on Thursday when they played Tottenham at White Hart Lane and that ended in a 1 – 1 draw; although anyone who watched the game, would know that Spurs played better. But that is the nature of the derby; better doesn’t necessarily mean grabbing the three points. Chelsea however, looked like they were losing formation kidogo; with a few acts of individual brilliance at times from players like John Terry.
AVB isn’t quite doing something right and I can’t place my finger on what that is. Fulham meanwhile have been unpredictable. A draw with Arsenal and win over Liverpool; then a 5 – 0 loss to Manchester United is what has characterised their season. Unpredictable I say. But again, a London derby is too. Especially this one since Stamford Bridge is actually on Fulham Road and neighbours don’t get closer than this. An equal number of fans in the stands will provide the requisite tension. This will be a good game to watch; probably as rough as Thursday’s clash with Spurs.
Arsenal Vs Wolves Tuesday 6pm
My Prediction: The Gunners 2 – 0 Wolves
On one sense Arsenal should borrow a leaf from Norwich and score an early goal against Wolves, but in the other sense, unlike Norwich, we should allow the game to end in a 2-2 draw. Wolves have always been a team full of resilient players. Even when they go down in the game, they very often recover quickly and take over. So my Gunners had better be very cautious. Arsenal have been better this season in terms of recovering when down, but watching them against Aston Villa midweek was worrying.
The team are struggling and it shouldn’t be. The only person we were missing from the regular squad was Johan Djourou who isn’t exactly a force in the side. I believe Arsenal will get through this game but I hope Arsene Wenger is aware that the transfer market opens soon and he should add experience to the squad. We need it. Do I sound nervous? Well I am, but the three points will be ours on Monday.
Liverpool Vs Blackburn Monday 6pm
My Prediction: The Reds 1 – 1 The Rovers
I get so frustrated when I hear about Blackburn’s two wins of the season. They sit at the bottom of the EPL standings having only beaten two teams this season, one of those teams is Arsenal. (I remember clearly, I was the opposite of a birthday gift) But Rovers have coaching issues that need to be resolved. But it does mean that Rovers can trouble a team if they want to and Liverpool is a struggling team.
Their midweek draw with Wigan shocked even me and showed me that they can get worse than they already are. Luis Suarez is thinking about his appeal on the racism ruling; while Captain Steven Gerrard is still injured. Andy Caroll; well I can’t believe this is the same guy who terrorised Arsenal when he was at Newcastle. Two shaky teams, two teams desperate for a win; two teams walking away with a point on Monday.
Manchester United Vs Wigan Monday 6pm
My Prediction: The Red Devils 3 – 0 Wigan
Aiy! As much as I am not a fan of Manchester United, it’s difficult to deny that they have the most superior goal scorers in the league. Five against Fulham! What? When Arsenal could only manage a draw and Liverpool couldn’t even get that! Any team facing The Red Devils in the next week or so are in trouble. Wigan’s season has been bad although a draw against Liverpool midweek would have given them a little confidence. But enough confidence to get even a point at Old Trafford? Even I’m not banking on that. So as painful as this is; I know the Devils are walking away with three points on Monday.
Merry Christmas to you all.
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