Michael Essien is proving to be a versatile footballer; he’s added the forearm smash to his already impressive repertoire. He’s a 16/1 shot to see red, but beware; it looks like the only way he’ll ever be sent off is if he pulls out a machine gun.
Michael Owen returns to Liverpool with Newcastle, presumably to try and locate his wheel nuts. Liverpool’s trek to Japan and back can’t have done them any favours; the Geordies are definitely worth an interest at 4/1. Alan Shearer should be backed at 5/2 to score at any time in the match; he’s just short of Jackie Milburn’s goal scoring record. Michael Owen is a 13/8 shot to find the net; he’s just short.

Alan Curbishley was being tipped as the next England manager a few weeks ago, the way Charlton have collapsed in recent weeks, he’d be lucky to find a job cleaning up in McDonalds, a position normally associated with Lee Bowyer. The Gunners are going to beat up on somebody soon, Charlton are that somebody. Take a piece of the 4/7.

Quotes of the week:

“Birmingham have not won a trophy for err…I don’t think they’ve ever won a trophy.”
Alex ‘Rudolph’ Ferguson

“If you try and play football against Arsenal, they’ll beat you; we didn’t do that last week.”
Alan ‘Grumpy’ Shearer

“Paul Scholes is a fantastic midfielder, there’s not a weakness that he hasn’t got.”
Steve ‘Dopey’ Bruce

Charlton v Arsenal Monday 26th December 12.45 Live on Sky

Charlton 9/2
Draw 12/5
Arsenal 4/7

Get on: Arsenal
Arsenal murdered Charlton in both matches last season with Freddie scoring in both games. The Addicks have conceded 19 goals in their last 7 matches. The wounded Gunners will run riot.

Chelsea v Fulham Monday 26th December 13.00

Chelsea 1/5
Draw 4/1
Fulham 11/1

Get on: Chelsea
Fulham are winless away from home all season; Chelsea haven’t conceded a goal in 11 _ hours of football. A safe home win.

Tottenham v Birmingham Monday 26th December 13.00

Tottenham 2/5
Draw 11/4
Birmingham 13/2

Get on: Tottenham
The Spurs have scored three goals in their last three games. The way Birmingham are playing, a 3-0 defeat will be a respectable result.

Liverpool v Newcastle Monday 26th December 15.00 Live on Premiership Plus

Liverpool 8/13
Draw 12/5
Newcastle 4/1

Get on: Newcastle
The Toon army have only lost one match when Michael Owen has played this season. He’ll be up for this one.

Man Utd v West Brom Monday 26th December 15.00

Man Utd 1/5
Draw 4/1
West Brom 11/1

Get on: Man Utd
Man U are 6-1-0 in their last 7 league matches. The Albion have not won on the road all season. Home banker.

Middlesbrough v Blackburn Monday 26th December 15.00

Middlesbrough 10/11
Draw 9/4
Blackburn 5/2

Get on: Blackburn
Blackburn strolled to victory in last weeks Cup tie, a repeat is definitely on the cards.

Portsmouth v West Ham Monday 26th December 15.00

Portsmouth 5/4
Draw 9/4
West Ham 7/4

Get on: Portsmouth
Harry faces West Ham for the first time since he left the club four years ago; with the Hammers leaking goals recently, a home win gets the nod.

Sunderland v Bolton Monday 26th December 15.00

Sunderland 11/4
Draw 12/5
Bolton 4/5

Get on: Sunderland
The Mackems will win a home match this season…. possibly.

Wigan v Man City Monday 26th December 15.00

Wigan 11/8
Draw 11/5
Man City 13/8

Get on: Wigan
Both teams are capable of playing great football; it’s what the Yanks call a pick-em. City have lost four of their last five away from home, I’ll edge towards Wigan.

Aston Villa v Everton Monday 26th December 17.15 Live on Sky

Aston Villa Evs
Draw 2/1
Everton 5/2

Get on: Aston Villa
The good news: Steven Davis has signed a new contract at the Villa. The bad news: Van Der Meyde has been ruled out for Everton. The good news edges it.