Watch Sunderland V Tottenham Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013. Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet is still without Keiren Westwood and Carlos Cuellar.Watch Sunderland V Tottenham Live, Watch Sunderland V Tottenham Live Stream, Watch Sunderland V Tottenham Free Live Stream, Watch Sunderland V Tottenham Online, Watch Sunderland V Tottenham Online Free, Sunderland V Tottenham Live, Sunderland V Tottenham live stream Online.
Goalkeeper Westwood has a shoulder injury while Spanish defender Cuellar is still troubled by a hip complaint.
Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen misses out after rolling his ankle against Fulham in midweek.
Moussa Dembele faces a fitness test after a hip problem, while a foot injury denies former Sunderland loanee Danny Rose a Wearside return.
MATCH PREVIEW
For the second time in four days Gus Poyet faces one of his former clubs, hoping for a more sedate affair than the seven-goal thriller against Chelsea and a more positive Sunderland outcome.
After this encounter, three of their remaining four matches this year are away from home and picking up points at the Stadium of Light is going to be pivotal in the survival battle.
They begin the weekend five points from safety and will be well aware that they cannot afford to be cut adrift over the festive and New Year period. It's a big challenge ahead for a team that have won only four times in their last 29 league matches
There's no doubt that Poyet has given them renewed spirit and togetherness, as was shown by coming back at Chelsea in the week, but they need more defensive stability having kept only two clean sheets and conceded 28 goals.
They are hardly facing one of the league's most prolific sides. Tottenham's two late and most welcome goals to beat Fulham in midweek only took their season tally to 13, the same number that Luis Suarez has scored alone.
It's an area that will need rectifying as the season goes on if Spurs are going to break into the top four.
The response after the thrashing at Manchester City has been both encouraging and much needed for Andre Villas-Boas. He won't need reminding of the importance of some consistency ahead though - the win at Fulham was their first in five games and just their third in nine matches.
They have won more games away than at White Hart Lane but will be wary of what happened to Manchester City recently on Wearside, Sunderland will be dreaming of an exact repeat.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Spurs have not lost to Sunderland in their last six Premier League matches, with the Black Cats scoring just three goals.
In 12 Premier League trips to Wearside, Tottenham have won more times (five) than they have lost (four). They are unbeaten in their last three visits.
Sunderland
Sunderland have scored four own goals this season, at least two more than any other side.
The Black Cats have had just 33 shots on target this season - the lowest tally in the top flight.
They have lost a league-high eight points from winning positions this season.
Tottenham
Tottenham are one of only two teams (along with Newcastle) yet to score more than twice in a Premier League game this season.
They have lost just two of their last eight Premier League away matches.
Spurs are one of only two sides in the top half of the table to have a minus goal difference.
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Watch West Brom V Norwich Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013
Watch West Brom V Norwich Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013. Albion defender Jonas Olsson is suspended after accumulating five bookings this season.
Diego Lugano or Craig Dawson could deputise, while midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu returns to the Baggies squad after serving his own one-match ban.Watch West Brom V Norwich Live, Watch West Brom V Norwich Live Stream, Watch West Brom V Norwich Free Live Stream, Watch West Brom V Norwich Online, Watch West Brom V Norwich Online Free, West Brom V Norwich Live, West Brom V Norwich live stream Online.
Norwich striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel is back in training after a toe problem but will not be risked.
Robert Snodgrass, who has scored in his last two games against the Baggies, is out with a knee injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
When Norwich last visited The Hawthorns a year ago, they were protecting an impressive 10-match unbeaten run which had taken them up to seventh in the table. It was a series of results which had included victories against Arsenal and Manchester United.
West Brom had themselves been inspired and, having been as high as third in the final week of November, promptly re-established their place in the top six by clipping the Canaries' wings with a 2-1 victory.
It's a very different story this time around and both sides go into the weekend knowing that their proximity to the bottom three is a little too close for comfort.
With just one win in their last eight games, the Baggies have been stuttering and they have lost successive games for the first time this season.
With three of their next four games away, they'll need to relieve any unnecessary anxiety by inflicting Norwich's seventh defeat of a disappointing away campaign.
Norwich's midweek defeat against Liverpool came courtesy of a stunning one-man display by Luis Suarez, but it means they've now conceded 21 goals on the road, far and away the leakiest defence in the division.
Added to that fact is that Bradley Johnson's consolation at Anfield was only their fourth goal secured away from East Anglia.
There is, though, some encouragement for Norwich, as on their most recent meeting in May they spanked West Brom 4-0 in arguably their best display of last season.
They can also boast recent successes at The Hawthorns, having recorded wins there in both the FA Cup and the Premier League in January 2012. One way or another this looks set to be a fascinating duel.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Both sides won their respective home games in this fixture last season.
The 4-0 win by Norwich at Carrow Road in May was their biggest margin of victory in this fixture.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom have lost two successive games for the first time this season.
The Baggies have conceded the first goal on seven occasions, and have only managed two draws from those losing positions.
They have only failed to score in two of 14 fixtures this season.
Steve Clarke once turned down the opportunity to work with Chris Hughton at Newcastle, although the pair remain on good terms.
Norwich City
They have conceded the most Premier League away goals this season (21), while their 28 conceded overall is joint highest with Sunderland.
Norwich's four league wins this season have all been followed by a defeat.
The Canaries have conceded four or more goals on three occasions this season, but have more clean sheets (four) than champions Manchester United (three).
Just three of the 12 league goals scored by Norwich this season have come from strikers - two for Gary Hooper and one for Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Diego Lugano or Craig Dawson could deputise, while midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu returns to the Baggies squad after serving his own one-match ban.Watch West Brom V Norwich Live, Watch West Brom V Norwich Live Stream, Watch West Brom V Norwich Free Live Stream, Watch West Brom V Norwich Online, Watch West Brom V Norwich Online Free, West Brom V Norwich Live, West Brom V Norwich live stream Online.
Norwich striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel is back in training after a toe problem but will not be risked.
Robert Snodgrass, who has scored in his last two games against the Baggies, is out with a knee injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
When Norwich last visited The Hawthorns a year ago, they were protecting an impressive 10-match unbeaten run which had taken them up to seventh in the table. It was a series of results which had included victories against Arsenal and Manchester United.
West Brom had themselves been inspired and, having been as high as third in the final week of November, promptly re-established their place in the top six by clipping the Canaries' wings with a 2-1 victory.
It's a very different story this time around and both sides go into the weekend knowing that their proximity to the bottom three is a little too close for comfort.
With just one win in their last eight games, the Baggies have been stuttering and they have lost successive games for the first time this season.
With three of their next four games away, they'll need to relieve any unnecessary anxiety by inflicting Norwich's seventh defeat of a disappointing away campaign.
Norwich's midweek defeat against Liverpool came courtesy of a stunning one-man display by Luis Suarez, but it means they've now conceded 21 goals on the road, far and away the leakiest defence in the division.
Added to that fact is that Bradley Johnson's consolation at Anfield was only their fourth goal secured away from East Anglia.
There is, though, some encouragement for Norwich, as on their most recent meeting in May they spanked West Brom 4-0 in arguably their best display of last season.
They can also boast recent successes at The Hawthorns, having recorded wins there in both the FA Cup and the Premier League in January 2012. One way or another this looks set to be a fascinating duel.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Both sides won their respective home games in this fixture last season.
The 4-0 win by Norwich at Carrow Road in May was their biggest margin of victory in this fixture.
West Bromwich Albion
West Brom have lost two successive games for the first time this season.
The Baggies have conceded the first goal on seven occasions, and have only managed two draws from those losing positions.
They have only failed to score in two of 14 fixtures this season.
Steve Clarke once turned down the opportunity to work with Chris Hughton at Newcastle, although the pair remain on good terms.
Norwich City
They have conceded the most Premier League away goals this season (21), while their 28 conceded overall is joint highest with Sunderland.
Norwich's four league wins this season have all been followed by a defeat.
The Canaries have conceded four or more goals on three occasions this season, but have more clean sheets (four) than champions Manchester United (three).
Just three of the 12 league goals scored by Norwich this season have come from strikers - two for Gary Hooper and one for Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Watch Stoke V Chelsea Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013
Watch Stoke V Chelsea Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013. Stoke City full-back Erik Pieters is a "major doubt" with groin trouble and Marc Muniesa could deputise.
Marc Wilson is in line to retain his place in the absence of former Chelsea defender Robert Huth through injury.Watch Stoke V Chelsea Live, Watch Stoke V Chelsea Live Stream, Watch Stoke V Chelsea Free Live Stream, Watch Stoke V Chelsea Online, Watch Stoke V Chelsea Online Free, Stoke V Chelsea Live, Stoke V Chelsea live stream Online.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has said a knee injury rules out centre-back David Luiz while forward Oscar has recovered from an ankle knock but may not figure.
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o is now available after missing two games with a groin problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Chelsea haven't lost at the Britannia Stadium since Stoke City arrived in the Premier League, and they travel to the Potteries on the back of three straight wins as they try to keep pace with leaders Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho's second-placed side have been finding the net regularly of late too, with 10 goals in the last three games, including four at Sunderland on Wednesday as they came out on top in a seven-goal thriller.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football analyst
"If I were to sum up how this Stoke team under Mark Hughes compares to his predecessor Tony Pulis I would say they still cannot score goals and are not quite as solid defensively.
"Even though they are at home, it is just very hard to tip Stoke to beat Chelsea because of their absolute lack of creativity and goals."
Read Lawro's full prediction and score
Stoke haven't beaten Chelsea in the league since April 1975, a run encompassing 14 games over 38 years, and they'll have their work cut out here on current form.
It's turned into a tough autumn for former Chelsea player Mark Hughes, who took over as Stoke manager from Tony Pulis in the summer.
I was at Upton Park at the end of August when they deservedly won with a brilliant free kick from Jermaine Pennant. They played well that day, but alarmingly they've only won once since then and that was against Sunderland, who are now bottom of the table.
This has been a good fixture for Chelsea in recent seasons that has seen them win three times and draw twice.
Last season's game turned into a 4-0 thumping and was an afternoon to forget for Stoke's Jonathan Walters, who managed to score two own goals at one end and miss a penalty at the other.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Paul Peschisolido scored the winner the last time Stoke beat Chelsea - it was a League Cup second-round replay in October 1995 and Potters boss Mark Hughes played for the Blues.
Stoke are winless in 14 league matches against Chelsea since a 3-0 home victory in April 1975 (D3, L11).
The Potters have failed to score in seven of the 10 Premier League meetings.
Stoke City
Stoke are unbeaten in their last four home matches (W1, D3) but have won just four league games at the Britannia Stadium in 2013. They have never won fewer than five home matches in a calendar year.
The Potters have picked up just two points from six games against top-half opposition this season.
They are one of only three teams yet to score a header this season, alongside West Ham and Spurs. Last season, 10 of their 34 goals were headers.
Stoke striker Jonathan Walters has scored at both ends in this fixture - netting in a 1-1 draw in April 2011 but scoring two own goals and missing a penalty in the last meeting - a 4-0 Chelsea win last January.
Current boss Mark Hughes made 123 appearances and scored 39 goals for Saturday's opponents during his playing career.
Chelsea
Chelsea have won their last three league games, scoring 10 goals.
The Blues are a place higher (second), have won two more games, and lost one fewer than at the same stage last season.
Jose Mourinho's side have scored three or more goals on five occasions this term.
Demba Ba has scored four Premier League goals against Stoke; only against West Brom (six) has he been more prolific.
John Terry celebrates his 33rd birthday on the day of this match.
Marc Wilson is in line to retain his place in the absence of former Chelsea defender Robert Huth through injury.Watch Stoke V Chelsea Live, Watch Stoke V Chelsea Live Stream, Watch Stoke V Chelsea Free Live Stream, Watch Stoke V Chelsea Online, Watch Stoke V Chelsea Online Free, Stoke V Chelsea Live, Stoke V Chelsea live stream Online.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has said a knee injury rules out centre-back David Luiz while forward Oscar has recovered from an ankle knock but may not figure.
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o is now available after missing two games with a groin problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Chelsea haven't lost at the Britannia Stadium since Stoke City arrived in the Premier League, and they travel to the Potteries on the back of three straight wins as they try to keep pace with leaders Arsenal.
Jose Mourinho's second-placed side have been finding the net regularly of late too, with 10 goals in the last three games, including four at Sunderland on Wednesday as they came out on top in a seven-goal thriller.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football analyst
"If I were to sum up how this Stoke team under Mark Hughes compares to his predecessor Tony Pulis I would say they still cannot score goals and are not quite as solid defensively.
"Even though they are at home, it is just very hard to tip Stoke to beat Chelsea because of their absolute lack of creativity and goals."
Read Lawro's full prediction and score
Stoke haven't beaten Chelsea in the league since April 1975, a run encompassing 14 games over 38 years, and they'll have their work cut out here on current form.
It's turned into a tough autumn for former Chelsea player Mark Hughes, who took over as Stoke manager from Tony Pulis in the summer.
I was at Upton Park at the end of August when they deservedly won with a brilliant free kick from Jermaine Pennant. They played well that day, but alarmingly they've only won once since then and that was against Sunderland, who are now bottom of the table.
This has been a good fixture for Chelsea in recent seasons that has seen them win three times and draw twice.
Last season's game turned into a 4-0 thumping and was an afternoon to forget for Stoke's Jonathan Walters, who managed to score two own goals at one end and miss a penalty at the other.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Paul Peschisolido scored the winner the last time Stoke beat Chelsea - it was a League Cup second-round replay in October 1995 and Potters boss Mark Hughes played for the Blues.
Stoke are winless in 14 league matches against Chelsea since a 3-0 home victory in April 1975 (D3, L11).
The Potters have failed to score in seven of the 10 Premier League meetings.
Stoke City
Stoke are unbeaten in their last four home matches (W1, D3) but have won just four league games at the Britannia Stadium in 2013. They have never won fewer than five home matches in a calendar year.
The Potters have picked up just two points from six games against top-half opposition this season.
They are one of only three teams yet to score a header this season, alongside West Ham and Spurs. Last season, 10 of their 34 goals were headers.
Stoke striker Jonathan Walters has scored at both ends in this fixture - netting in a 1-1 draw in April 2011 but scoring two own goals and missing a penalty in the last meeting - a 4-0 Chelsea win last January.
Current boss Mark Hughes made 123 appearances and scored 39 goals for Saturday's opponents during his playing career.
Chelsea
Chelsea have won their last three league games, scoring 10 goals.
The Blues are a place higher (second), have won two more games, and lost one fewer than at the same stage last season.
Jose Mourinho's side have scored three or more goals on five occasions this term.
Demba Ba has scored four Premier League goals against Stoke; only against West Brom (six) has he been more prolific.
John Terry celebrates his 33rd birthday on the day of this match.
Watch Southampton V Man City Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013
Watch Southampton V Man City Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013. Southampton's injury crisis has deepened, with Victor Wanyama suffering a hairline fracture of the leg and Nathaniel Clyne damaging his pelvis in the midweek defeat by Aston Villa.Watch Southampton V Man City Live, Watch Southampton V Man City Live Stream, Watch Southampton V Man City Free Live Stream, Watch Southampton V Man City Online, Watch Southampton V Man City Online Free, Southampton V Man City Live, Southampton V Man City live stream Online.
Jose Fonte is a doubt but Gaston Ramirez has recovered from a bad cold.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany suffered no reaction after returning from injury in midweek so should start.
Matija Nastasic, David Silva and Stevan Jovetic all remain on the sidelines with calf injuries.
MATCH PREVIEW
Southampton's recent run of games always looked hard: Arsenal and Chelsea away, swiftly followed by Manchester City at home.
The home game with Aston Villa in between should have been some respite; instead, Southampton lost and it turned the spotlight still more on a side struggling with injuries.
Villa's 3-2 win may have defied almost every stat going in the game, but it was still Saints' third successive loss, their worst run under Mauricio Pochettino.
Let's not take our eye off the bigger picture though. Southampton have 10 more points than at this stage of last season and are 10 places higher in the table. This is not a crisis at St Mary's.
Last time I saw Manchester City play, they lost at Sunderland and James Milner told me in the tunnel afterwards that the players had no answers as to why their away form was so at odds with their all-conquering swagger at home.
Manuel Pellegrini seemed equally non-plussed, but a win at West Brom would suggest that either they have worked out some answers or that it was just inevitable that such a squad would click away from home in the end. Albion's late goals made the game appear more competitive than it was.
City go to Munich next week to take on Bayern, but with the next phase of the Champions League already assured, they might be wise to prioritise their trip to Southampton as more important.
They are in the pack chasing leaders Arsenal and will be eager not to allow a six-point gap to grow before the Gunners head to the Etihad next weekend.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Southampton's 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the corresponding fixture last season was Mauricio Pochettino's first win in charge.
There were nine goals in the two meetings between these sides last season: Saints won 3-1 at home but lost 3-2 in Manchester on the opening day of the season, despite having led 2-1.
Southampton
Southampton are on a run of three consecutive defeats, their worst run under Mauricio Pochettino.
Saints' defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday was their first at home this season.
They have now conceded eight goals in three games, having previously let in just five goals in their opening 11 league fixtures. However, only Arsenal (10) have conceded fewer in this season's Premier League.
Manchester City
City are on a run of three consecutive victories, their best run under Manuel Pellegrini.
They are the Premier League's top scorers, with 40 goals in 14 games. They have scored 10 more goals than any other side. However, only 11 of those 40 have come away from home.
Pellegrini's side have won just two matches away from home in this season's Premier League (W2, D1, L4).
Sergio Aguero has scored 16 goals in his last 14 appearances for City in all competitions. He's scored 10 goals in his last nine league games.
Jose Fonte is a doubt but Gaston Ramirez has recovered from a bad cold.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany suffered no reaction after returning from injury in midweek so should start.
Matija Nastasic, David Silva and Stevan Jovetic all remain on the sidelines with calf injuries.
MATCH PREVIEW
Southampton's recent run of games always looked hard: Arsenal and Chelsea away, swiftly followed by Manchester City at home.
The home game with Aston Villa in between should have been some respite; instead, Southampton lost and it turned the spotlight still more on a side struggling with injuries.
Villa's 3-2 win may have defied almost every stat going in the game, but it was still Saints' third successive loss, their worst run under Mauricio Pochettino.
Let's not take our eye off the bigger picture though. Southampton have 10 more points than at this stage of last season and are 10 places higher in the table. This is not a crisis at St Mary's.
Last time I saw Manchester City play, they lost at Sunderland and James Milner told me in the tunnel afterwards that the players had no answers as to why their away form was so at odds with their all-conquering swagger at home.
Manuel Pellegrini seemed equally non-plussed, but a win at West Brom would suggest that either they have worked out some answers or that it was just inevitable that such a squad would click away from home in the end. Albion's late goals made the game appear more competitive than it was.
City go to Munich next week to take on Bayern, but with the next phase of the Champions League already assured, they might be wise to prioritise their trip to Southampton as more important.
They are in the pack chasing leaders Arsenal and will be eager not to allow a six-point gap to grow before the Gunners head to the Etihad next weekend.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Southampton's 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the corresponding fixture last season was Mauricio Pochettino's first win in charge.
There were nine goals in the two meetings between these sides last season: Saints won 3-1 at home but lost 3-2 in Manchester on the opening day of the season, despite having led 2-1.
Southampton
Southampton are on a run of three consecutive defeats, their worst run under Mauricio Pochettino.
Saints' defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday was their first at home this season.
They have now conceded eight goals in three games, having previously let in just five goals in their opening 11 league fixtures. However, only Arsenal (10) have conceded fewer in this season's Premier League.
Manchester City
City are on a run of three consecutive victories, their best run under Manuel Pellegrini.
They are the Premier League's top scorers, with 40 goals in 14 games. They have scored 10 more goals than any other side. However, only 11 of those 40 have come away from home.
Pellegrini's side have won just two matches away from home in this season's Premier League (W2, D1, L4).
Sergio Aguero has scored 16 goals in his last 14 appearances for City in all competitions. He's scored 10 goals in his last nine league games.
Watch Liverpool V West Ham Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013
Watch Liverpool V West Ham Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has no new injury concerns following Wednesday's thrashing of Norwich City.Watch Liverpool V West Ham Live, Watch Liverpool V West Ham Live Stream, Watch Liverpool V West Ham Free Live Stream, Watch Liverpool V West Ham Online, Watch Liverpool V West Ham Online Free, Liverpool V West Ham Live, Liverpool V West Ham live stream Online.
Striker Daniel Sturridge will be sidelined until the new year with an ankle sprain.
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison is banned for one match after accumulating five bookings this season.
Razvan Rat is likely to miss out with a hamstring injury, while Andy Carroll will not feature despite returning to training after a foot injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
Us football commentators can become fascinated with stats but here's one of which my colleagues will be blissfully unaware - in the last five appearances on Match of the Day, my games have yielded a grand total of just five goals with the half-time cup of tea frequently one of the main highlights.
A couple of truly awful 0-0 results in that run have ensured very late slots on the programme with Gary Lineker and company stifling yawns.
So I make the trip to Anfield with a spring in my step and hopes high.
If I can use a Christmas analogy, and given the number of times I've heard Slade, Wizzard and The Pogues on the radio recently I think I can, then Luis Suarez promises to be my Santa Claus. His goals are to be my presents.
Here are some proper statistics for you. His four goals against Norwich on Wednesday marked his second hat-trick of the season and makes him the Premier League's top scorer with 13 to his name. Added to that, 10 of those have come in his four games at Anfield.
In his last 28 appearances for the club he's scored 29 times. And of course it's not just about quantity, what about the quality? The flying header against West Brom, his deadly accurate free-kick at Everton and then that audacious 40-yard half-volley over John Ruddy's head in midweek. All truly world-class strikes.
Charged with the task of trying to keep the Uruguayan quiet are West Ham, whose record at Anfield can only be described as pitiful. They have just three wins in 55 visits, their last coming when The Beatles topped the charts and Sam Allardyce was in short trousers kicking a tennis ball around in the playground at a primary school in Dudley.
Now lose that image quickly and return to 2013. The Hammers boss has seen his side lose three of their last four games, only last Saturday's much-needed 3-0 victory over fellow strugglers Fulham enough to keep them out of the relegation zone.
Tuesday night's defeat by Crystal Palace was a major blow. Already struggling for goals, suspension rules out top scorer Ravel Morrison from this one, Andy Carroll is still injured and even the normally reliable Kevin Nolan hasn't netted since the opening day of the campaign.
Big Sam would surely settle for a repeat of the goalless draw they got on Merseyside last April and with my current run in the commentary box that's always a possibility - especially as I've just discovered that Suarez has never scored against West Ham! Aaaargh! Last on again?
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
It is 50 years since West Ham last beat Liverpool at Anfield, a 2-1 victory in September 1963.
The Hammers have won just three of 55 meetings away from home.
Liverpool are unbeaten in the last nine meetings.
Liverpool
Liverpool have scored more league goals at home (18) than West Ham have in all 14 of their Premier League games.
Only Manchester City (40) have scored more goals than Liverpool (30) in the Premier League.
No team has been ahead at half-time more often than Liverpool (10) this season. Brendan Rodgers' side have not lost from that position.
Liverpool have scored five or more goals in a single top-flight game on five occasions under Rodgers.
Glen Johnson has scored in three of his last four Premier League appearances against his former club West Ham.
Luis Suarez has only failed to score against three of the current Premier League clubs - West Ham, Hull City and Cardiff City.
West Ham United
Only leaders Arsenal have conceded as few goals away from home as West Ham (five) in the top flight this season.
West Ham have kept a clean sheet in all three of their league wins so far in 2013-14, and only Everton have kept more (eight) than the Hammers' and Tottenham's seven in the Premier League.
However, Sam Allardyce's side have failed to score a goal in eight of the 14 games this season.
Three of the current West Ham squad have played for Liverpool: Andy Carroll, Joe Cole and Stewart Downing.
Striker Daniel Sturridge will be sidelined until the new year with an ankle sprain.
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison is banned for one match after accumulating five bookings this season.
Razvan Rat is likely to miss out with a hamstring injury, while Andy Carroll will not feature despite returning to training after a foot injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
Us football commentators can become fascinated with stats but here's one of which my colleagues will be blissfully unaware - in the last five appearances on Match of the Day, my games have yielded a grand total of just five goals with the half-time cup of tea frequently one of the main highlights.
A couple of truly awful 0-0 results in that run have ensured very late slots on the programme with Gary Lineker and company stifling yawns.
So I make the trip to Anfield with a spring in my step and hopes high.
If I can use a Christmas analogy, and given the number of times I've heard Slade, Wizzard and The Pogues on the radio recently I think I can, then Luis Suarez promises to be my Santa Claus. His goals are to be my presents.
Here are some proper statistics for you. His four goals against Norwich on Wednesday marked his second hat-trick of the season and makes him the Premier League's top scorer with 13 to his name. Added to that, 10 of those have come in his four games at Anfield.
In his last 28 appearances for the club he's scored 29 times. And of course it's not just about quantity, what about the quality? The flying header against West Brom, his deadly accurate free-kick at Everton and then that audacious 40-yard half-volley over John Ruddy's head in midweek. All truly world-class strikes.
Charged with the task of trying to keep the Uruguayan quiet are West Ham, whose record at Anfield can only be described as pitiful. They have just three wins in 55 visits, their last coming when The Beatles topped the charts and Sam Allardyce was in short trousers kicking a tennis ball around in the playground at a primary school in Dudley.
Now lose that image quickly and return to 2013. The Hammers boss has seen his side lose three of their last four games, only last Saturday's much-needed 3-0 victory over fellow strugglers Fulham enough to keep them out of the relegation zone.
Tuesday night's defeat by Crystal Palace was a major blow. Already struggling for goals, suspension rules out top scorer Ravel Morrison from this one, Andy Carroll is still injured and even the normally reliable Kevin Nolan hasn't netted since the opening day of the campaign.
Big Sam would surely settle for a repeat of the goalless draw they got on Merseyside last April and with my current run in the commentary box that's always a possibility - especially as I've just discovered that Suarez has never scored against West Ham! Aaaargh! Last on again?
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
It is 50 years since West Ham last beat Liverpool at Anfield, a 2-1 victory in September 1963.
The Hammers have won just three of 55 meetings away from home.
Liverpool are unbeaten in the last nine meetings.
Liverpool
Liverpool have scored more league goals at home (18) than West Ham have in all 14 of their Premier League games.
Only Manchester City (40) have scored more goals than Liverpool (30) in the Premier League.
No team has been ahead at half-time more often than Liverpool (10) this season. Brendan Rodgers' side have not lost from that position.
Liverpool have scored five or more goals in a single top-flight game on five occasions under Rodgers.
Glen Johnson has scored in three of his last four Premier League appearances against his former club West Ham.
Luis Suarez has only failed to score against three of the current Premier League clubs - West Ham, Hull City and Cardiff City.
West Ham United
Only leaders Arsenal have conceded as few goals away from home as West Ham (five) in the top flight this season.
West Ham have kept a clean sheet in all three of their league wins so far in 2013-14, and only Everton have kept more (eight) than the Hammers' and Tottenham's seven in the Premier League.
However, Sam Allardyce's side have failed to score a goal in eight of the 14 games this season.
Three of the current West Ham squad have played for Liverpool: Andy Carroll, Joe Cole and Stewart Downing.
Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013
Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013. Crystal Palace have no fresh injuries so Tony Pulis may stay loyal to the side that beat West Ham on Tuesday.
Yannick Bolasie sits out the last game of his three-match suspension, while Adlene Guedioura, Jack Hunt and Glenn Murray remain sidelined.Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Live, Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Live Stream, Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Free Live Stream, Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Online, Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Online Free, Crystal Palace V Cardiff Live, Crystal Palace V Cardiff live stream Online.
Cardiff are expected to welcome back Craig Bellamy from a hamstring complaint.
Left-back Andrew Taylor is also fit again but faces a battle to dislodge teenager Declan John.
MATCH PREVIEW
I remember driving across London on the August Bank Holiday weekend, listening to Tony Pulis providing co-commentary for BBC 5 Live as Cardiff defeated Manchester City in their first ever home match in the Premier League.
As a Welshman, the pride in his voice was obvious as Cardiff won 3-2 in a dramatic match. He was very good in the role, and I have had the pleasure of working with him a couple of times in his short spell away from management.
The media's loss is Palace's gain, and after an excellent win over West Ham on Tuesday, Pulis finds himself up against the club he was so delighted for on that August day.
Cardiff's one away victory this season came in the capital, at Fulham, at the end of September, thanks to a late Jordan Mutch goal. Since then it's just one win in eight for Malky Mackay's side, but they will certainly fancy their chances of returning home with all three points this weekend, despite Palace's improvement.
To do so, Cardiff will have to end their run of three away matches without a goal. Indeed, they've scored just three times - all at home - in their last six matches, although those goals did earn a draw against Manchester United and victory over Welsh rivals Swansea.
Cardiff start this match just above the relegation zone, with Palace now only four points behind them following their win over West Ham. Many pundits are predicting a draw, which seems a logical conclusion, yet since when has football been about logic?
One thing absolutely certain about this match is that the atmosphere will be intense. Selhurst Park with the floodlights on and both sets of fans in full voice is a great place to be.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Crystal Palace have won 18 of the 30 previous home league games with Cardiff (D6, L6), including a 3-2 victory last season - a win percentage of 60%.
Only twice in the last 16 games have either club won this fixture by more than one goal.
In the last three league meetings, the team to score first has ended up losing the game.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have picked up seven points from their last four games, keeping clean sheets in three of them - that's two points more than Manchester United over the same period.
All three of the Eagles' victories have been against sides currently in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Palace's three league wins this season have all come under different managers: Ian Holloway, Keith Millen (caretaker manager) and Tony Pulis.
Pulis's side are 11th based on the six-game form table.
Cardiff City
Cardiff's only win in their last eight games was their south Wales derby victory over Swansea on 3 November (W1, D3, L4).
The Bluebirds have scored 11 times in the Premier League this season; only opponents Crystal Palace (8) have scored less.
Cardiff have failed to score in their last two league games and found the back of the net only three times in the last 619 minutes.
Only Everton and West Brom (six) have drawn more games than Malky Mackay's side (five).
Yannick Bolasie sits out the last game of his three-match suspension, while Adlene Guedioura, Jack Hunt and Glenn Murray remain sidelined.Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Live, Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Live Stream, Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Free Live Stream, Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Online, Watch Crystal Palace V Cardiff Online Free, Crystal Palace V Cardiff Live, Crystal Palace V Cardiff live stream Online.
Cardiff are expected to welcome back Craig Bellamy from a hamstring complaint.
Left-back Andrew Taylor is also fit again but faces a battle to dislodge teenager Declan John.
MATCH PREVIEW
I remember driving across London on the August Bank Holiday weekend, listening to Tony Pulis providing co-commentary for BBC 5 Live as Cardiff defeated Manchester City in their first ever home match in the Premier League.
As a Welshman, the pride in his voice was obvious as Cardiff won 3-2 in a dramatic match. He was very good in the role, and I have had the pleasure of working with him a couple of times in his short spell away from management.
The media's loss is Palace's gain, and after an excellent win over West Ham on Tuesday, Pulis finds himself up against the club he was so delighted for on that August day.
Cardiff's one away victory this season came in the capital, at Fulham, at the end of September, thanks to a late Jordan Mutch goal. Since then it's just one win in eight for Malky Mackay's side, but they will certainly fancy their chances of returning home with all three points this weekend, despite Palace's improvement.
To do so, Cardiff will have to end their run of three away matches without a goal. Indeed, they've scored just three times - all at home - in their last six matches, although those goals did earn a draw against Manchester United and victory over Welsh rivals Swansea.
Cardiff start this match just above the relegation zone, with Palace now only four points behind them following their win over West Ham. Many pundits are predicting a draw, which seems a logical conclusion, yet since when has football been about logic?
One thing absolutely certain about this match is that the atmosphere will be intense. Selhurst Park with the floodlights on and both sets of fans in full voice is a great place to be.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Crystal Palace have won 18 of the 30 previous home league games with Cardiff (D6, L6), including a 3-2 victory last season - a win percentage of 60%.
Only twice in the last 16 games have either club won this fixture by more than one goal.
In the last three league meetings, the team to score first has ended up losing the game.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have picked up seven points from their last four games, keeping clean sheets in three of them - that's two points more than Manchester United over the same period.
All three of the Eagles' victories have been against sides currently in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Palace's three league wins this season have all come under different managers: Ian Holloway, Keith Millen (caretaker manager) and Tony Pulis.
Pulis's side are 11th based on the six-game form table.
Cardiff City
Cardiff's only win in their last eight games was their south Wales derby victory over Swansea on 3 November (W1, D3, L4).
The Bluebirds have scored 11 times in the Premier League this season; only opponents Crystal Palace (8) have scored less.
Cardiff have failed to score in their last two league games and found the back of the net only three times in the last 619 minutes.
Only Everton and West Brom (six) have drawn more games than Malky Mackay's side (five).
Watch Man Utd V Newcastle Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013
Watch Man Utd V Newcastle Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 7 -December 2013. Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney is suspended after being booked for the fifth time this season in Wednesday's defeat by Everton.
Phil Jones is available after a ban, but Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie are doubts because of respective illness and injury.
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Newcastle forward Papiss Cisse faces a fitness test on the heel injury which ruled him out of the defeat by Swansea.
Hatem Ben Arfa also missed that game with illness but should be fit.
MATCH PREVIEW
Until Wednesday, Everton hadn't won away to Manchester United since 1992 - so even without the David Moyes against his old club scenario, it was a pretty big deal.
Let's face it - every United home defeat is, and we COULD be dealing with something even bigger this time.
Newcastle haven't beaten United at Old Trafford since 1972, when goals from John Tudor and Stewart Barrowclough gave the Magpies their one and only success since 1950. That's one win in 48 games spanning 63 years.
Over those years they've generally had a good go in vain, with last season's Premier League visit a prime example. Three times Newcastle led, only to be beaten 4-3. They'll just have to take the lead once this time to make the home regulars restless.
They've seen their side drop 10 points at home already this season - one more than went begging in the whole of last term - and whilst nobody could credibly suggest that United are experiencing a clichéd 'crisis', they can ill-afford to drop many more if they're to challenge for a top four place, let alone the title.
The last time they had as few points after 14 games was in 2001-02 when they went on to finish third.
Currently as close to the bottom three as they are to Arsenal at the top, Moyes might even take third if offered it now, having admitted that his side "will have to play some great football and win an awful lot of games in the run-in".
After four successive wins, Newcastle suffered their own setback at Swansea on Wednesday, but that won't stop Alan Pardew from thinking - like many other managers - that this is the season to go to Old Trafford undaunted.
Teams have a prayer there now, with Manchester United fans perhaps offering a few up to the 'man upstairs'. That's Sir Alex Ferguson, for the avoidance of doubt.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Newcastle have only won one of their last 23 matches against Manchester United in all competitions - a 3-0 Premier League home victory in January 2012.
In total, they have only won four of their 38 Premier League matches against the Red Devils - all at St James' Park.
Manchester United have won 78 Premier League points against Newcastle - more than any other club has against the Geordies.
In last season's encounter on Boxing Day at Old Trafford, the home side came from behind three times to win 4-3 thanks to a last-minute goal from Javier Hernandez.
Manchester United
The Red Devils have now failed to score in two Premier League home games in the same season for the first time since 2006-07.
They have only won five of their last 11 league games at Old Trafford.
United have conceded more goals than any other club in the top half of the table - bar Newcastle.
If Robin van Persie does not recover from injury this will be the first time United have played a league game without either him or Wayne Rooney in their side since the Dutchman arrived.
United have scored only eight goals in seven Premier League home games this season, fewer than bottom of the league Sunderland.
They have not lost successive Premier League home games since May 2002.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have alternated between wins and defeats in their last eight away games in the league.
Their defeat at Swansea brought to an end their run of four straight wins and it was only their second defeat in their last eight matches.
They have conceded 14 goals away from home in the league this season - a total only surpassed by three other teams.
Phil Jones is available after a ban, but Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie are doubts because of respective illness and injury.
Watch Man Utd V Newcastle Live, Watch Man Utd V Newcastle Live Stream, Watch Man Utd V Newcastle Free Live Stream, Watch Man Utd V Newcastle Online, Watch Man Utd V Newcastle Online Free, Man Utd V Newcastle Live, Man Utd V Newcastle live stream Online.
Newcastle forward Papiss Cisse faces a fitness test on the heel injury which ruled him out of the defeat by Swansea.
Hatem Ben Arfa also missed that game with illness but should be fit.
MATCH PREVIEW
Until Wednesday, Everton hadn't won away to Manchester United since 1992 - so even without the David Moyes against his old club scenario, it was a pretty big deal.
Let's face it - every United home defeat is, and we COULD be dealing with something even bigger this time.
Newcastle haven't beaten United at Old Trafford since 1972, when goals from John Tudor and Stewart Barrowclough gave the Magpies their one and only success since 1950. That's one win in 48 games spanning 63 years.
Over those years they've generally had a good go in vain, with last season's Premier League visit a prime example. Three times Newcastle led, only to be beaten 4-3. They'll just have to take the lead once this time to make the home regulars restless.
They've seen their side drop 10 points at home already this season - one more than went begging in the whole of last term - and whilst nobody could credibly suggest that United are experiencing a clichéd 'crisis', they can ill-afford to drop many more if they're to challenge for a top four place, let alone the title.
The last time they had as few points after 14 games was in 2001-02 when they went on to finish third.
Currently as close to the bottom three as they are to Arsenal at the top, Moyes might even take third if offered it now, having admitted that his side "will have to play some great football and win an awful lot of games in the run-in".
After four successive wins, Newcastle suffered their own setback at Swansea on Wednesday, but that won't stop Alan Pardew from thinking - like many other managers - that this is the season to go to Old Trafford undaunted.
Teams have a prayer there now, with Manchester United fans perhaps offering a few up to the 'man upstairs'. That's Sir Alex Ferguson, for the avoidance of doubt.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Newcastle have only won one of their last 23 matches against Manchester United in all competitions - a 3-0 Premier League home victory in January 2012.
In total, they have only won four of their 38 Premier League matches against the Red Devils - all at St James' Park.
Manchester United have won 78 Premier League points against Newcastle - more than any other club has against the Geordies.
In last season's encounter on Boxing Day at Old Trafford, the home side came from behind three times to win 4-3 thanks to a last-minute goal from Javier Hernandez.
Manchester United
The Red Devils have now failed to score in two Premier League home games in the same season for the first time since 2006-07.
They have only won five of their last 11 league games at Old Trafford.
United have conceded more goals than any other club in the top half of the table - bar Newcastle.
If Robin van Persie does not recover from injury this will be the first time United have played a league game without either him or Wayne Rooney in their side since the Dutchman arrived.
United have scored only eight goals in seven Premier League home games this season, fewer than bottom of the league Sunderland.
They have not lost successive Premier League home games since May 2002.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have alternated between wins and defeats in their last eight away games in the league.
Their defeat at Swansea brought to an end their run of four straight wins and it was only their second defeat in their last eight matches.
They have conceded 14 goals away from home in the league this season - a total only surpassed by three other teams.
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