Premier Legue Fixtures 30th January

Birmingham v Tottenham Hotspur
Gareth Bale deserves to start after his recent Man of the Match performances and I really hope he continues his winning run. Even though he does play for Tottenham.

Fulham v Aston Villa
After two great performances from the substitutes’ bench for Fulham, Simon Davies probably deserves a start and is in with a chance of getting one but I’m not sure I’d risk it just yet. James Collins has been a very important part of Villa’s excellent defence and ought to keep his place. James has refuted Arsene Wenger’s claims that Villa play ‘long ball’. I think Arsene is a very intelligent guy but I have to agree with James this time (because he’s right, not because he’s Welsh). Not that Villa never use long ball but I’d say they’re more of a counterattacking side really.

Hull City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
If Boaz Myhill can play against Wolves like he did against Tottenham, Hull only need worry about scoring goals. But with Jimmy Bullard not due to return until next week, this could be difficult. Wayne Hennessey will probably be on the bench, depriving me of the chance to see Wales’ goalkeepers up against each other. Sam Vokes should be on the bench as well although Mick McCarthy has dropped a strong hint that one of his substitute strikers could be in line to start. Dave Edwards has had a setback from his ankle injury and will be out for another two months.

Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers
Bolton probably got a bit worried when they looked at the fixture list and saw they were playing Liverpool. When they remembered how Liverpool have been playing lately, they probably felt a bit better. But it still won’t be an easy game although if Sam Ricketts keeps his place in Bolton’s starting line-up, it can only help.

West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers
West Ham are another side who badly need points and Jack Collison will certainly be doing his best to ensure it happens. He hasn’t scored for a while but hardly a game goes by without him testing the goalkeeper. Danny Gabbidon is still out for West Ham. Jason Brown should be on the bench for Blackburn.

Wigan Athletic v Everton
Probably only a major injury crisis will see Jason Koumas return to the squad. And as Cardiff can’t afford him, he only has another three days to find a new club.