Two Barclays Premier League fixtures are scheduled for Sunday, 5th December 2010.
Table of Contents
West Brom v Newcastle – Kick-Off (GMT) 13:30
In the day’s early kick-off, West Brom entertain Newcastle in a repeat of the fixture which, last season, took place in the Championship, as both sides were promoted in the summer. Both Newcastle and West Brom are perhaps higher in the league than their fans had dared to hope in August, and deservedly so, after both have produced some excellent football this term.
Inconsistency is something which currently plagues both West Brom and Newcastle, however, so much will depend on which team settles the best today.
Andy Carroll will be the key threat for the visitors, while West Brom have shared the goals throughout their squad a little this season, with top-scorer in the league Odemwingie offering their most likely outlet.
Both Newcastle and West Brom are level on points in the league, as West Brom have slipped from their high-flying, top four, start to the season a little to 13th place. A draw is the most likely result, but it would be no surprise, either, if this were over by half time. Could be an entertaining match if there are early goals.
Sunderland v West Ham – Kick-Off (GMT) 16:00
Sunderland and West Ham have enjoyed opposite seasons to date.
Sunderland started well in the league, based upon a solid defence, before they were pounded by their bitter rivals, Newcastle, at St James’ Park, 5-1, after central defender Titus Bramble was sent off. Both of their key centre halves, Bramble and Turner, are now injured and, despite having unearthed an attacking gem in Gyan, Darren Bent also has injury problems too.
West Ham have not been able to marry together their good patches of play with results, and sit second from bottom in the Premier League, despite reaching the League Cup Semi-Final last week with an excellent 4-0 win over Man Utd.
West Ham will be looking to roll their momentum from that Man Utd win into this tough away fixture with Sunderland, while the Black Cats will be desperate to record a win to keep themselves in with a chance at Europe, particularly given the start to the season they enjoyed.
Much will depend upon Sunderland’s slightly new-look defence and the form of their recently returned stopper Craig Gordon. If they can keep things tight at the back, they have enough in the locker to win this match 1-0 or 2-1. Otherwise, West Ham might be able to produce the point, or points, they need to creep closer to league safety this afternoon, with their attackers growing in confidence of late.
Barclays Premier League Fixtures – Sunday 5th December 2010
- West Brom v Newcastle – Kick-Off (GMT) 13:30
- Sunderland v West Ham – Kick-Off (GMT) 16:00
