Louis Antonius shares his vast English football knowledge with us as he looks at the interesting Boxing Day games that the fixture list has served as a Christmas treat for football fans…
PREMIERSHIP:
ASTON VILLA (3rd) VS ARSENAL (5th)
A massive game at the top of the Premiership as these two battle for 4th and the final Champions League spot. Aston Villa have impressed everyone this season and there’s no doubting they’re the only team that can break into the top 4 this season and the team that will drop out if they do get it is Arsenal. I don’t think this game decide who finishes 4th but it’ll give the winner the momentum they need to pull away from their rival. Villa, 3 points in front of Arsenal going into the game have the players to get the result as they showed with a great 2-0 win at the Emirates, but their far from convincing home form is a worry. Also Villa captain Martin Laursen is a doubt for the game, and if he doesn’t play Villa will really miss his strength at the back. Arsenal will be happy they didn’t lose to Liverpool at the weekend but the game obviously came at a big loss. The news that captain Cesc Fabregas will be out for 4 months is really bad for the Gunners who will also be without last season’s top scorer Emanuel Adebayor because of his sending off in that game. Despite these 3 players being unavailable there is still the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Robin Van Persie to make sure it really is a thrilling game.KEY MAN (ASTON VILLA) - Gareth Barry
With Cesc Fabregas absent, Barry can really dominate the middle of the pitch and prove he is a top player.
KEY MAN (ARSENAL) – Robin Van Persie
Arsenal’s top scorer this year has to continue scoring if Arsenal want to remain a Champions League club.Louis’ Verdict = A very entertaining draw
CHAMPIONSHIP:
READING (2nd) VS CARDIFF (5th)
Another top of the table clash. Reading had a superb 3-1 win away at Birmingham at the weekend, which pushed them into the automatic spots whilst Cardiff impressed with a 2-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday. Reading have quality throughout their side scoring for fun with the Hunt brothers and Kevin Doyle whilst staying strong at the back with the likes of Ivar Ingimarsson. Meanwhile last year’s FA Cup finalists Cardiff have surprised a few with their current high position. It’s sure to be a great game at the Madjeski similar to the 2-2 at Ninian Park earlier in the season. Both teams unbeaten in six, Reading have the joint best home record in the league, scoring the most whilst Cardiff have a solid away record, conceding the 3rd least. Reading will hope Noel Hunt is fit after being subbed off early at the weekend with a head injury whilst Cardiff will still be missing top scorer Ross McCormack with a hamstring injury but do have Michael Chopra back with them on loan and scoring goals.
KEY MAN (READING) - Kevin Doyle
An obvious choice but he’s a goal machine who should be playing at a higher level. I expect a few Premiership managers are keeping a close eye on him with the transfer window just round the corner.
KEY MAN (CARDIFF)- Wayne Routledge
Great loan signing for the Bluebirds. Pace and skills that will need to be at their best on Friday.Louis’ Verdict = Home win
LEAGUE ONE:
LEEDS (9th) VS LEICESTER (1st)
A really interesting game in League one. It’s been a big week for both teams for different reasons. Leeds come into the game having lost their last 5 games but sacked Gary McAllister and replaced him with a good manager in Simon Grayson who has got Blackpool out of this league before and is capable of doing it with Leeds. Leicester will be delighted with the news that Matty Fryatt has signed a new contract ending speculation he will leave in the summer. It couldn’t be harder for Grayson in his first game against top of the league opposition but he wants a challenge and has certainly got one with Leeds desperately needing points. 30,000 Leeds fans will be there expecting…
KEY MAN (LEEDS)- Fabien Delph
Great young talent capable of big things. Already an England U-21 international he can pass, tackle and pops up with the odd goal.
KEY MAN (LEICESTER)- Matty Fryatt
Fantastic goal scorer. A new contract under his belt, Leicester will need him to add to his 23 goals if they want a result.
Louis’ Verdict = Grayson off to the perfect start beating first placed Leicester
LEAGUE TWO:
BRENTFORD (3RD) VS BOURNEMOUTH (23RD)
Crucial game for these two teams at opposite ends of the table. Bournemouth have done well overturning their 17-point deduction but really need to push on if they’re going to survive. Meanwhile Brentford are at the other end joint 2nd with a game in hand, but again need results to push on as they’re looking behind themselves at the chasing pack rather than above and trying to catch the runaway leaders Wycombe. Brentford are strong at home and I worry for Bournemouth who although they haven’t lost in their last 6 league games, they haven’t won away since September in the league and only last week were embarrassed by non-league Blyth Spartans away in the FA Cup. They did impressively beat 2nd place Bury last game can they get another win against a top team…?
KEY MAN (BRENTFORD) - Alan Bennett
On loan from Reading needs to impress Steve Coppell he’s worthy of a place at Reading. He has to be strong, as he will be battling with Bournemouth’s big front man Lee BradburyKEY MAN (BOURNEMOUTH) - Sammy Igoe
The no.7 has played at many clubs but at 33, Bournemouth could be his last. Small and versatile, likely to start on the right wing is a threat and will be looking to add to his first goal last week.
Louis’ Verdict = Bournemouth to give the Bees a good game but home win
Bookmark with:
