Merry Christmas to everyone!
So the next round of matches approaches, spread over the next two days with our home game against Wolves postponed until Tuesday. Here’s the current situation for Arsenal and those round about us:
| Pos | Club | Played | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Spurs | 16 | 13 | 35 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 17 | 15 | 33 |
| 5 | Arsenal | 17 | 8 | 32 |
| 6 | Liverpool | 17 | 7 | 30 |
So is there a chance to gain a place this Christmas. A slim one perhaps with Chelsea playing Fulham tomorrow. Also tomorrow, Liverpool host Blackburn. On Tuesday, as well as our home game, there is Tottenham away to Norwich to keep an eye on.
Chelsea v Fulham (13.00 Boxing Day)
Our Christmas wish is a slim one indeed. It depends on a sudden transformation in Fulham’s away form, though I suppose there’s always a chance in a local derby! Here’s the form guide:
Chelsea at home: WWWWLLWW Fulham away: LLDLWDDL
You see what a I mean? Apart from beating Wigan, Fulham haven’t done much away from home. They did get one of those draws against us of course so maybe…. and Chelsea of course have drawn their last two games.
Liverpool v Blackburn (15.00 Boxing Day)
Looking over our shoulder, Liverpool play Blackburn and I think this one’s a home win. The situation for Blackburn looks increasingly grim. Steve Keen is presumably still there because they can’t afford the severance payment or because no -one else will return their calls.
Liverpool at home: DWWDDDDW Blackburn away: LDLDDDLLL
Liverpool haven’t lost at home, Blackburn haven’t won away. Still, as long as we win against Wolves we can’t lose a place whatever the result as Anfield.
Arsenal v Wolves (13.00 Tuesday)
Every game counts, so every game requires a bit of care. But the chances are we will beat Wolves. Apart from that loss to Liverpool in the second game of the season, our home form has been pretty good.
Arsenal at home: LWWWWWDW Wolves away: WDLLLLLL
Wolves have been just the opposite. They started the season with a win away at Blackburn but then only got a draw at Villa and their travels since have been completely pointless.
Norwich v Tottenham (19.30 Tuesday)
Any chance of a sly smile or more on Tuesday night? Norwich are no mugs at home and won their last home game against Newcastle. But Newcastle had begun their slide by then and to be honest you have to see Spurs winning this one.
Norwich at home: DLWWDLWW Spurs away: LWWDWWL
Spurs had a little hiccup at Stoke last time they went away of course, so dropped points are not out of the question. Is a Spurs defeat too much to ask Santa for?
My guess is that this round of matches will see no change in order at all for the top six, but you never know. Funny old game and all that!
Have a great Christmas Day.
