AVB told www.chelseafc.com: “We never underestimate Everton because our record at Goodison Park is not impressive. It is a difficult place to go, and a team that has made a great transfer market without a lot of noise, but with the right buys. They have improved a lot from when we played them first. They are always a solid team and can create problems, plus the environment of Goodison Park is never easy. Their situation in the league at the moment is eleventh but very close to eighth place, which will straight away change the perspective.”

Last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Manchester United was full of both positive and negatives for Chelsea. Yes they lost a three goal lead but at least they scored three goals. Roman Abramovich must have felt the need to check in however as he attended several training sessions at Cobham this week. AVB was happy to talk about his conversations with the Chelsea owner in his press conference. He said: “They have been good – short and accurate and precise.

“We haven’t stopped speaking, just because he is physically present it doesn’t mean the conversation has just started now. Conversation has been on-going in different moulds but with physical presence you get your ideas across better so it’s good to have him here.” Abramovich won’t be pleased about the way in which Chelsea have been progressing and playing this season, which I gather is why he made his way to training.

Turning to the players and AVB has John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard in contention for selection for the Toffees match after recovering from injury while Ashley Cole is back from suspension. Ramires and John Terry both are still sidelined and AVB added that Terry has been given some time off. The manager said: “He has a couple of days off for his injury, not regarding the turmoil and the media attention. It is nothing to do with that He should be back for Birmingham.” Ivory Coast are through to the final of the African Cup of Nations so both Didier Drogba and Saloman Kalou are still absent.

Everton’s injury list is still fairly long with Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman all still absent. New signing Nikica Jelavic is vying to make his home debut after coming off the bench at Wigan.

Both teams have had a mixed bag of results of late so the outcome of this weekends match is hard to predict. I hope Chelsea win but I can foresee I draw. My prediction 1-1.

Kristen Hardy

This fixture has provided some bad memories for the Toon faithful over the years, after the Villains decided Newcastle’s Premier League fate in 2008/2009.

However since then, Newcastle have had a resurgence under Alan Pardew and currently sit sixth in the table, just one point behind Arsenal. The Magpies have surprisingly found themselves in a four way battle for fourth, in a season which critics stated as a “struggle” in August.

Demba Ba: Back from the African Cup of Nations

Alan Pardew will also be buoyed by the return of Senegalese striker Demba Ba, who has scored 15 goals since his arrival on a free transfer from West Ham in the summer. This weekend will also provide a chance for debutant Papiss Demba Cisse to pull on the legendary number nine shirt in front of the Geordie faithful, since his big money move in January.

Both players have arrived back prematurely since Senegal’s shock departure from the African Cup of Nations, to Newcastle’s delight.

The Toon boss believes that his squad must keep their feet on the ground, and take each game as it comes: “It’s incredible where we are. I look at the teams above us and we’ve got to continually strive to try to match them – and beat them if we can. That’s what we’ll do when we go into Aston Villa. We’re not really looking any further than that – we’re just going to go into Villa and hopefully win.”

Villa meanwhile, have struggled under Alex McLeish with the managerial changes since the departure of Martin O’Neil in 2010. During O’Neil’s reign, the Midlander’s were regular challengers for Champions League football, but since then Villa have seen Gerard Houiller slip through the trap door in the space of a season. This lack of consistency is something of which Newcastle have known very well in the past.

Villa fans will remember that fateful 6-0 defeat at St James Park (as it was then) last time out, and with the Midlander’s currently sat in the bottom half of the table, they will be hoping to put that game firmly in the past.

And with that in mind, Villa boss McLeish hopes his squad will stand up and be counted after their 2-2 draw with QPR last weekend: “The players knew I wasn’t happy about the first half against QPR and they knew they had to justify wearing the Villa jersey. They know they can’t continue to make mistakes and the concentration from start to finish has to be at the top level.”

The away side have been better on their travels this season having lost just two of their last 12 league games. They will now look to Darren Bent for some inspiration after he notched his 100^th Premier League goal last weekend.

Creative spark Johan Cabaye is set to sit out the second of his three match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct. Long term casualties Steven Taylor (Achilles) Sylvain Marveaux (groin) and Sammy Ameobi (knee) continue their road to recovery.

Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is a major doubt after being admitted onto a special fitness programme to improve hamstring spasms, which kept him out of the game against QPR.

Marc Albrighton (thigh) and James Collins also face a fitness battle while Chris Herd continues to recover from an ankle injury.

Score Prediction:  2-0 home win.

Laura Howard

Jose Mourinho: Rumours of a return to The Bridge

When Chelsea FC take on Manchester United it is usually a fiery contest but recent events have overshadowed what will be a frosty fixture. John Terry’s axe as England captain has drawn the focus of the media and the fans but his probable absence could ensure that the match takes centre stage.

Both teams have been at the centre of racist incidents. United’s Patrice Evra was the alleged victim of Luis Suarez’s slurs while Terry is accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. Anton just happens to be Red Rio Ferdinand’s brother so if Terry had been playing tomorrow tension between the two sides would have evidently been present. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson backs his players amidst the controversy and doesn’t believe a possible hand shake would have been a problem.

He told The Daily Mail: “He has nothing to be ashamed of if he does decide to shake John Terry’s hand, because the real guilt doesn’t lie with Rio. It’s the same with Patrice Evra next weekend. He should be applauded for standing up to it. The matter is over, I don’t think it’s a problem shaking hands.”

United have had the edge over Chelsea in the last five fixtures, winning the last four and the Blues sit 12 points behind joint leaders United but AVB believes his side need a stretch of wins not just one victory. He said: “The future has to be continuity. A win on Sunday would have extra importance only if you find continuity after it.”

Chelsea will be missing several key players for the game. As previously stated John Terry is still absent with his knee injury and Ashley Cole is suspended following his red card in the mid-week trip to Swansea. John Obi Mikel and Ramires are still injured but Frank Lampard could return, he will have been assessed in training today. Gary Cahill is likely to make his debut alongside David Luiz at the back and AVB will have to choose between Ryan Bertrand and Jose Boswinga to replace Ashley Cole.

United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard is out for up to six weeks with an ankle injury so David de Gea is set to return in goal. Tom Cleverly is available again while Nani, Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young are fit.

Chelsea’s chances of winning the title may look far from likely but they are actually better off than at the same stage last season, all be it one point. This fixture would normally be an exciting encounter, but exciting doesn’t necessarily mean goals. Chelsea have looked fairly lacklustre of late and there have been rumours this weekend that Jose Mourinho wants to return to Stamford Bridge. AVB needs to get Fernando Torres scoring, Chelsea playing well and then maybe his job will be secure.

Can Chelsea beat Manchester United? It’s unlikely. I regretfully predict Chelsea 0-2 Manchester United.

Kristen Hardy

The Whites’ draw with Arsenal on Wednesday evening coupled with defeats for Wolves, Blackburn and Wigan resulted in Owen Coyle’s side putting a two point gap between themselves and the drop zone.

The Wanderers have gained a number of plaudits for their performances in recent weeks, and have suffered just one defeat since the turn of the year.

They will however come up against a Norwich City side who have been difficult to beat on home soil this season, with just three league defeats to their name at Carrow Road since their promotion to the top flight.

Having suffered a 3-0 reverse against a rejuvenated Sunderland team at the Stadium of Light in midweek, Paul Lambert’s men will no doubt be looking to bounce back against the Whites on Saturday afternoon.

The two sides last met back in September, where goals from Anthony Pilkington and Bradley Johnson ensured an unexpected victory for the visitors at the Reebok Stadium. Bolton striker Ivan Klasnic received his marching orders just before half time and despite Martin Petrov pulling Wanderers back into the tie with a 64th minute penalty, the Canaries held out for the win.

The last time the teams clashed at Carrow Road was back in December 2004 when Norwich emerged on the right side of a 3-2 scoreline. The game had seen the Whites take the lead on two occasions through Jay Jay Okocha and Fernando Hierro, but were eventually defeated by a Mathias Svensson goal six minutes from time.

In terms of team news, Wanderers’ new signings Ryo Miyaichi and Marvin Sordell could play some part in the match as the team look to build on what has been a solid month for the club.

Defender Tim Ream will be unavailable however as he is set to return to the country late on Friday evening after finalising his move to the UK.

Sordell in particular will be wanting to make an instant impact following his £3 million move from Watford on deadline day. The forward notched 27 goals in just over 80 games for the Hornets, and will certainly be hoping to replicate his fine form in front of goal for his new employers.

Speaking to the official Bolton Wanderers website this week, the 20-year-old openly admitted that his move to the Premier League was a dream come true.

Having spent the past two seasons playing his trade in the Championship, the striker is determined to make his mark in the top flight as his new side bid to beat the drop.

“Playing in front of big crowds and at big stadiums is what you dream about all your life,” he said. “Watching the game against Arsenal on Wednesday was a great experience and hopefully I can be involved in games like that.

“To be honest, I think I should have scored a lot more this season (for Watford), but you take what you get and hopefully I can score many more goals for Bolton.

“I’m here to play football and I’m looking forward to going to training and showing everybody what I can do. Hopefully I will get a chance this Saturday as well.

“I want to settle down and hit the ground running and impress the fans, the coaching staff and the players. I want to do well for the football club.

“I’m an England Under-21 international and it feels weird saying that, and even saying I’m a Bolton player hasn’t sunk I yet.”

With a number of young players having found their feet in the Premier League after enjoying spells with the Whites, Sordell revealed that the club’s reputation had an influence on his decision to make the move up north.

He said: “Players like Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge have come here recently and I’ve seen how well they have done. They have pushed on to the England senior team and credit goes to the club and the manager for helping them develop.

“As the manager says, young players can go as far as they want. So if I work hard, keep improving and listening to the people around me hopefully I will be in that position one day.”

Adam Bogdan looks set to keep his place in goal after yet another impressive performance against the Gunners, despite Jussi Jaaskelainen having made a return from injury.

Long term injuries aside, the Bolton boss revealed that only Gretar Steinsson is a doubt for the game having picked up a minor knock against Arsenal.

His opposite number Lambert has just one absentee ahead of the clash, with Marc Tierney remaining sidelined after suffering a reaction to a groin injury.

With 16th placed Queens Park Rangers facing second from bottom Wolves this weekend, the Whites know that a positive result is crucial in their bid to pull themselves away from trouble.

The Wanderers will also no doubt be looking to start the match as they mean to go on – the team are currently unbeaten this season when they have opened the scoring, winning five and drawing two games.

Owen Coyle and his side will undoubtedly not be taking anything for granted come kick off, but could arguably not be in a better frame of mind as they look to extend their recent fine form.

Prediction:

Carrow Road is never an easy place to go, but the Wanderers will make the trip down south this weekend full of confidence after a number of excellent results.

Norwich are very strong at home, but they will no doubt be licking their wounds after a heavy defeat to the Black Cats.

Although I’d love to say we’ll get a win, I think it might be a draw. I’ll go for 1-1 – Anthony Pilkington for the Canaries, and Chris Eagles for the Whites.

David Ngog: Playing against old club

Bolton welcome Liverpool to the Reebok Stadium on Saturday evening looking to record their first home league victory since November.

The Whites last emerged victorious on home soil when they triumphed 5-0 over Stoke City on November 6, but have slipped to three defeats and a draw since then.

Owen Coyle’s side enter the game on the back of an improved run of form since the turn of the year though with two draws, two wins and just a single defeat in their last five games in all competitions.

Despite slipping to a 3-0 loss against the Champions at Old Trafford last Saturday, the team earned plaudits for a spirited performance that including a penalty save by goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.

They entertain a Liverpool team this weekend who can only be described as inconsistent of late. Following their impressive victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final last week, the Reds failed to find their way past a resilient Stoke City at Anfield when they returned to Premier League action at the weekend.

Sitting in seventh position and just a point separating them from Arsenal in fifth, Kenny Daglish’s side will be looking for a positive result at the Reebok as they aim to keep in the hunt for a top five finish.

They will however come up against a Bolton team that appear to have developed a new sense of confidence in recent weeks. Despite the far from unexpected sale of defender Gary Cahill to Chelsea, Wanderers will enter the game with the knowledge that maximum points could move them out of the relegation zone.

With 18th placed QPR set to welcome the rock bottom Latics to Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon and just three points separating the bottom five clubs, it could be all change in the relegation dog fight this weekend.

Earlier this season, the Reds ran out 3-1 winners at Anfield with goals from Jordan Henderson, Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam ensuring the victory, despite a late consolation from Ivan Klasnic.

In the corresponding clash last campaign, a late Maxi Rodriguez goal earned the Merseyside outfit all three points at the Reebok.

Liverpool will make the short trip to Bolton fully aware of their fine record in this fixture in recent years, with four wins in as many visits. The Whites will no doubt take solace however from their last victory on home soil over the Reds that came back in 2006 where Ivan Campo and the late Gary Speed meant that Sam Allardyce’s side recorded a comfortable victory.

This weekend’s game will see Bolton striker David Ngog come up against his former employers for the first time since his move last summer. The Frenchman spent three years at Anfield after signing from Paris Saint-Germain, but signed for the Whites back in August for a fee believed to be in the region of £4 million.

Having been hampered by injuries since his transfer however, the 22-year-old has notched just two goals so far in his Wanderers career – something that the forward is determined to eradicate as his side aim to avoid relegation.

Speaking to the official Bolton Wanderers website, Ngog revealed that although he would like nothing more than to score against his old team mates, his main priority is helping his current team to victory.

He said: “I’m playing against my old club, but as a professional you have to have the feelings that it is nothing different and that it is like any game on a Saturday.

“It’s one we want to win, like any other match. I’m starting to feel more comfortable about being in the side and I think the team is generally doing better and improving.

“Now we have to keep the consistency and try to win game after game. It’s not going to be easy but things are looking good.

“I’m looking forward to playing against Liverpool. I’m good friends with everyone at Anfield, particularly Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel.

“I’m a striker and I want to score goals. It would be special if I do at the weekend, but winning and climbing out of the bottom three in the league table is much more important.”

In terms of team news Coyle has no fresh injury worries, but the game looks to be too soon for goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen who has missed a number of matches in recent weeks through injury.

Aside from that however, the Scot looks set to ring the changes after his side’s midweek FA Cup replay victory over Macclesfield Town.

The Bolton boss’ managerial counterpart Dalglish has a number of injury concerns of his own ahead of the weekend’s game. The likes of Jay Spearing, Daniel Agger and Lucas are all major doubts, alongside Luis Suarez who continues to serve his eight-match ban.

With the visit of Arsenal on Wednesday week next on the agenda, the Whites will no doubt see this weekend’s clash as crucial in their bid to beat the drop.

Although history and statistics may be against them, Wanderers will certainly be looking to end their torrid record against the Reds come Saturday evening.

Prediction

Despite Liverpool failing to break down Stoke in their last game, they are undoubtedly still a force to be reckoned with.

Having managed to get one foot in the Carling Cup Final at the Etihad, Dalglish’s side will arrive at the Reebok full of confidence of extending their run of victories against us.

More than anything though, it seems plausible that the Reds could underestimate the threat which Wanderers pose. Having emerged victorious at Goodison Park earlier this month, Bolton will be looking to record another scalp against a Merseyside club.

It is clear to see that the Anfield outfit are missing the influential figure of Suarez, something that the Whites will definitely be hoping to take advantage of.

Although most of the pundits and the history books may say an easy Liverpool win, I’m going to be optimistic and say a 2-2 draw – Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt for the Reds, David Ngog and Martin Petrov for us.

Papiss Demba Cisse: second top goal scorer in the Bundesliga

Some people say that the January blues are common after the festive period, but the New Year has seen a 100% winning start for the boys in black and white, plus a surprise new arrival.

This week has seen the signing of striker, Yes striker! Papiss Demba Cisse from German outfit Freiberg. The Senegal international who is away on African Nations duty with countryman Demba Ba was second top goal scorer in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 24 goals with a further nine to add to his tally this season. He is believed to have arrived for around £10million which still leaves over half of the £35million budget that Newcastle received for Andy Carroll last January.

The opportunity for the in-form Ba to pair up alongside his counterpart Cisse has sparked excitement once again on Tyneside, with the prospect of European qualification and even a title fight that was once associated with the club in the mid-1990’s, but some fans are renowned for high ambitions hence why disappointment looms when things don’t go to plan.

Consequently, there is huge pressure on the shoulders of Cisse, who has already been awarded the number nine shirt, which was reportedly rejected by Demba Ba in time for next season.

However with both players missing for this weekend’s clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage, Alan Pardew will again have to rely on the services of Shola Ameobi and Leon Best, who to their credit, have both pulled their weight when called upon. Best’s winner last time out against QPR showed his boss the type of quality he has in his locker.

Pardew insists that even though Fulham have changed their style of late under boss Martin Jol, they will be a big threat, speaking to Nufc.co.uk: “They have got an outstanding squad, I think in the second half of the season they will do better in terms of results. It is a tough game for us.” Meanwhile, defensively the Toon boss insists that securing the signature of Captain Fabricio Coloccini is paramount if he wants to continue building a squad capable of Champions League football.

Newcastle could move back into the top five this weekend if they beat an inconsistent Fulham side who currently sit 14^th with just one win in their last three league games. Albeit, that came against Arsenal in a 2-1 home win. The Cottagers have failed to repeat this kind of form which also saw them beat Liverpool back in December with a defeat last weekend to struggling Blackburn.

Fulham boss Jol believes that his team can over-come Newcastle despite their disappointing defeat, he told Fulhamfc.com: “We have to pick ourselves up and try to put it straight against Newcastle on Saturday. We’re optimistic because I think we’ve done well over the last two months. We’ve beaten Liverpool and Arsenal at home so hopefully we can do the same here”

The last five matches in West London between the two sides have been decided by a single goal, and Jol will be hoping the result swings in their favour this weekend.

Team news, Fulham forward Moussa Dembele will miss out with a hip injury after limping off last weekend against Blackburn. Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (spine) who signed a new contract in midweek is still sidelined so David Stockdale is likely to continue his run in the side.

Newcastle will make a late decision on the fitness of midfielder Yohan Cabaye after he was stretchered off last weekend against QPR with an ankle knock. He remains doubtful.

Lovenkrands (calf) has returned to training but Steven Taylor (Achilles) Sylvain Marveaux (groin) and Sammy Ameobi (knee) all remain on the long term injury list.

New signing Demba-Cisse, Demba Ba and also Cheik Tiote are all unavailable due to African Cup of Nations duty.

Score Prediction – Fulham 1 – 2 Newcastle (away win)

Laura Howard

Since O’Neill took charge of the Blues they have won five of their last seven matches, subsequently moving into the top half of the table. The Blues managed a convincing win over Championship side Portsmouth last weekend and AVB wants to use this as a platform going forward. The manager told www.chelseafc.com: “We have exhausted ourselves in words and it is time to get a run of victories to get our title challenge together.”

With the January transfer window well and truly open the rumour mill is on full spin. Gary Cahill’s move to Chelsea looks to be moving now as he has a medical today (Friday) and AVB is still confident that the move will go ahead. He told www.chelseafc.com: “Hopefully it will be concluded soon. It is all part of the negotiation and I am sure we will reach an agreement.” AVB confirmed that there has been a bid for defender Alex but gave little more away. In other news this week John Terry is reported to have an extra-large mortgage on his house but I’m sure that will not affect his performance on the pitch.

Chelsea will be without Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, who have both travelled out to the African Cup of Nations. John Obi Mikel and Branislav Ivanovic remain on the sidelines but  John Terry has been declared fit along with Daniel Sturridge. Michael Essien played 75 minutes for the reserves last week but is unlikely to feature until the trip to Norwich which follows this weekend’s fixture.

Black Cat full back Phil Bardsley believes that his team has a good chance at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s recent home form. Bardsley told the Hartlepool Mail: “But this season and towards the end of last year, I don’t think they’re the team they were. I still think they’re a massive team, big and strong, but we go there without any fear. There’s a bit of transformation there and if we keep doing what we have been doing, we’ve got a great chance.”

Will Fernando Torres thrive in the absence of Drogba and Kalou? Possibly. Can Chelsea win the title? I doubt it. Will Chelsea beat Sunderland? I predict a 2-1 victory.

Henry: Record goalscorer returns

After weeks of talk about Thierry Henry joining Arsenal on a 2 month loan deal, it’s now finally been completed. Henry will be eligible for the FA Cup match against Leeds on Monday. He’ll then be available for the rest of January and February. He’ll be filling in for Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh whilst they compete in the Africa Cup of Nations. Some sections of the media have questioned whether this move is the right one for Arsenal. Some have said it’s down to sentiment and Arsenal’s record goalscorer won’t be hugely beneficial to the side. So has Arsene Wenger pulled off a good signing?

Henry returning to Arsenal never seemed likely after his departure to Barcelona in 2007. Now the move has been finalised, it’s created plenty of excitement around the Emirates heading into a crucial period of the season. But will that excitement act as a distraction to the current side or spur them on? My view is that this signing will help Arsenal greatly, I’m aware he won’t be playing every game and his main role will be from the bench, yet Henry can have an effect in the dressing room too. So many members of the current Arsenal side have won precious little in their careers so far. Arsenal’s talisman Van Persie only has an FA Cup winners medal to his name since joining the club. Henry was an ever present in the Arsenal team during the ‘invincibles’ era, also winning the league in 2002 and the FA Cup three times. He’s been through all of Arsenal’s most recent success; the striking statistic is that Arsenal have won nothing since the Frenchman’s departure. He can only be of assistance to this Arsenal side. Once he’s made his first appearance during this loan spell, the excitement will then calm down and there will be no distraction.

Henry is primarily replacing Chamakh during this loan period, playing the role of the second choice striker. The Moroccan’s performances this season have been very poor and he’s certainly not looked capable of readily replacing Van Persie at any stage. Then there’s obviously Ju Young Park, who besides his League Cup display against Bolton, has displayed very limited quality. So in any other situation, you’d perhaps lean towards the opinion that this Henry deal is sentimental, but in Arsenal’s current situation, they need another forward. So his experience and quality are genuinely needed for these coming two months. Plenty of Arsenal’s squad have already spoken positively about Henry’s arrival. Wojciech Szczesny told Arsenal.com, “He’s still a great finisher and very clever. As well as that he’s a great figure to have in the dressing room. He helps all the young players off the pitch as well as on the pitch”. Van Persie has added, “He is unbelievable, even in training. He had a couple of sessions and without putting too much pressure on him, he is looking right up there. He is looking very good”. So with players reactions to his arrival being as positive as that, how can it be any hindrance to the current crop of Gunners players? It can’t possibly be one. They get to play and train with an Arsenal legend, that’s certainly going to make players want to give 100%. And he’s not coming in to block anyone’s place in the side, so the squad harmony will still be there. I can’t see any negative effects for Arsenal, as long as the fans don’t expect miracles from him, we’ll be better off with him around.

Henry himself has told Arsenal.com, “For me being able to come here and train, being in the dressing room and seeing all the training staff, I have no words to describe it. To wear the jersey one more time, I can only be honoured”. Wenger has confirmed he will be considered for Monday’s FA Cup game at the Emirates, so eager fans could get their first glimpse of his return then. The Frenchman’s return has certainly generated excitement, people will be hoping for another wonder goal to add to his collection. No matter whether there’s any more Henry magic to appear in the Premier League, he’ll still be a good bit of business for this period. It’ll be great to see him back in North London for the coming two months.

Arsenal face Leeds at the Emirates on Monday at 7.45pm.