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[V] V Liverpool – Rafa’s Reds embark on a mission to prevent Sir Alex from taking their title of most league wins in England without their normal playmaker who too is off to join the Madrid revolution. Glen Johnson will add another dimension to a side that only lost two games last time out and this fixture was one of them. A lot will hinge on their ability to break down the brick walls that teams set up at Anfield. Plus Points: Possess two of the greatest players in the world. Doubts: Often depend on those two to come to their rescue. Injury to either may hinder any title ambitions
Tottenham – “Nine games, two points, one hero”. Harry steered the sinking Spurs ship around well last time out but didn’t he just know it? With the money spent he surely has to be aiming to qualify for Europe this time. Something tells me we may see them re-appearing at Wembley again in February but that may hinge on the state of their defence. Sébastien Bassong has joined from Newcastle but with Woodgate, Dawson and King injured there may be vulnerability there that their first visitors can exploit. Spurs fans can rest assured in the knowledge that they do have four right-backs in Hutton, Chimbonda, Corluka and Naughton. Plus Points: Quality to burn up front as well as no European distractions. Doubts: Spurs fans will be worried about the fitness of their central defenders. Expectation is very high at the Lane too.
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Chelsea – Having retained Drogba and Terry, The Blues should be fairly comfortable in terms of preparation here and retain pride in the fact that they’re the only one of the top four not to lose a key player. New signings were few and far between but regardless of whether Zhirkov is fit or not, a newly reborn Malouda will more than suffice. I fully expect Chelsea to win this one by at least two goals thus laying foundations for a serious title challenge. Plus points: Strong squad with quality and depth, Terry’s stay should boost fan morale. Doubts: Ancelotti’s willingness to learn from Scolari’s mistakes, Petr Cech’s form.