NJ's Premier League Boxing Day Preview

By Nishant Joshi

Birmingham vs Chelsea



26th December 12:45 GMT
ESPN (12:00 onwards), ESPN HD (12:00 onwards)

Birmingham did us proud once again last weekend, and with Alex McLeish leading his side to a 5-1-0 record in their last six games, the midland side are the form side in the league right now. On the other hand, Chelsea have failed to record a clean sheet in their last six games, and there is a palpable lack of confidence being shown by Petr Cech and his charges. I strongly fancy Birmingham to continue their good form and I'm sure that Chelsea will struggle to notch a win here.

Fulham vs Tottenham



26th December 13:00 GMT

Roy Hodgson's men are continuing their excellent season, and they face another side exceeding pre-season expectations in Tottenham. Harry 'it wasn't me' Redknapp has led Spurs to their best start in years, and are likely to be challenging for a Champions League spot if they keep up their current form. Craven Cottage is a tough place to come and get a win, and I strongly fancy Spurs to be too short here as warm favourites. Having beaten Manchester United with embarrassing ease just last week, we should be more than happy to take Fulham at odds-against in the 'draw no bet' market.

Liverpool vs Wolves



26th December 17:30
ESPN (17:00 onwards), ESPN HD (17:00 onwards)

Liverpool are in a horrendous run of form right now, and even though they finally have Gerrard and Torres playing together in a run of games, unlike previous seasons, this has not prevented Liverpool from suffering from as bad a slump since Rafa Benitez took over. Javier Mascherano will be suspended, and although Alberto Aquilani is likely to make his full debut for the club, anybody even contemplating backing Liverpool at 1.3ish against any club at the moment should surely be locked up.

Wolves showed themselves to be more than capable with their last outing yielding an impressive 1-0 win away to Spurs. Overall, I feel that Liverpool must be opposed at this price, even though I am still to be fully convinced that Wolves will be able to climb up the table. Back Liverpool's incompetence rather than Wolves' brilliance here.

NJ's Bets:

Lay Chelsea against Birmingham - 3.25pts liability @ 1.62 (Betfair)

Fulham to beat Tottenham (draw no bet) - 3pts @ 2.1 (Boylesports, Stan James, William Hill)

Lay Liverpool against Wolves - 2.25pts liability @ 1.32 (Betfair)