Benitez - predicting better in the league.

By David John

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BETTING BOX
FIXED ODDS
	2pts Chelsea to beat Arsenal at 7/4 (VC Bet, bet365).	In dominant mood at the moment and can keep up the pace at the top.
	2pts Liverpool to beat Everton at 5/4 (Betfred, Coral).	Both struggling but Reds look in better shape to to take the three points.

Arsenal v Chelsea

The Gunners bounced back from their surprise loss to Sunderland last week with a routine win over Standard Liege in the Champions League but their mettle will be tested to the full when they host the leaders on Sunday. Arsene Wenger seemed a bit rattled in his 'Arsenal first, World Cup later' rant and his mood will not have been improved as the injuries pile up - Kieran Gibbs and William Gallas both picked up knocks in midweek. The Stadium Of Light reverse came after an unbeaten run of 13 matches and to lose back-to back in the league would see them slip 11 points behind Chelsea. The latter have been in dominant mood and won their last four domestically without conceding a goal and five of their last eight in all competitions have been by 4-0 or better. They are a best price of 7/4 to repeat last May's win at the Emirates when they outmuscled the home team and ended a lengthy winning streak on that occasion. Brimful of confidence, they can repeat the dose.

Verdict: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 2

Everton v Liverpool

It is fair to say that this could be an edgy, niggly Merseyside encounter considering the current form of both outfits. The home side have won just one of their last seven league games with David Moyes' threadbare squad unable to cope with an horrendous injury list. There were rumblings in the press conference after the 3-2 loss to Hull in midweek that Moyes may be on the verge of stepping down but that would be well out of character from the Scotsman. But he is nevertheless a realist and a relegation battle could be on the cards in the forseeable future. The red half of the city have done little better and won two of their last 11. The management of Fernando Torres and his groin injury, a rash of defeats and confirmation of a Champions League exit have meant a tough period for Rafa Benitez. But in a perverse way, the latter could actually have a positive effect as Rafa The Gaffer can now focus his attention on domestic issues - he has already said: "We will get better in the league." They look in a better place than the Toffees to sift through the debris of recent weeks and are worth supporting at 5/4 with Betfred.

Verdict: Everton 0 Liverpool 2

Wolves v Birmingham

Wolves have notched just three points from a possible 21 and they are now entrenched in the bottom three. Mick McCarthy has shrewdly drawn a line under heavy defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea and now has his sights on three key fixtures in the run up to Christmas - this one, Bolton and Burnley. Birmingham have been moving in the other direction and eight points from a possible 12 in recent weeks has seen them move clear of the drop zone. Experienced players like Stephen Carr and Lee Bowyer have enjoyed a renaissance in the top flight and have been key elements in Birmingham's improved form of late. Alex McLeish would perhaps like to see more output from his frontline but the omens are looking solid for their chances at the moment. You can get a fraction over 2/1 with Hills for an away success and that would be the choice if pushed - but I am happy to sit this one out.

Verdict: Wolves 1 Birmingham 2