Let’s look at the games involving the top five and bottom five teams in the Premier League.
SATURDAY 8TH JANUARY
Arsenal v Leeds
Not so long ago this would have been a game between two of countries giants. Now it is a chance for Leeds to commit a giant-killing act. That doesn’t sound right but it would be a remarkable achievement if they were to get a result.
Arsenal are expected to rest Nasri, Wilshire and van Persie as well as maybe some others, but they have a strong squad and will still field a formidable side.
Leeds have made great progress under manager Simon Grayson, winning promotion from League One last season and sitting in the play-off places in the Championship this time around. The slightly worrying thing for them is that they are on a run of four without a win and anything less than top form could lead to a long afternoon.
Soccernews prediction:3-0
Doncaster v Wolves
Wolves are fighting for their lives in the Premier League and two wins in their last three games against no lesser teams than Liverpool and Chelsea have seen them climb out of the bottom three for the first time in a while. They may see this game as something of an unwelcome distraction and with Mick McCarthy’s previous for naming a reserve side in games he doesn’t feel to be important, I wouldn’t expect too strong a Wolves side to take the field.
Doncaster have been described as the Arsenal of the lower leagues due to the pass and move football they always play under manager Sean O’Driscoll. They are a small club with very limited resources and it is remarkable that they manage to maintain a mid-table Championship position. They have won two of their last three games as well and will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
Soccernews prediction:0-1
Hull v Wigan
This would have been a Premier League game between two pretty poor teams last season but, of course, Hull got relegated to the Championship. Now, it will be an FA Cup game between two pretty poor teams.
Wigan are second from bottom in the league and have won only once in their last nine games. I watched them in their defeat to Newcastle and it was one of the worst displays I have ever seen from a Premier League side.
Hull have not set the Championship alight although they are now sitting in mid-table after a very poor start. They have only lost once in their last ten outings but many of those games have been drawn.
Soccernews prediction:0-1
Reading v West Brom
This is a game between two teams who have spent much time in both the Premier League and the Championship in recent years. At the moment, it is West Brom who go into the game as the
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