Watch Cardiff V Sunderland Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013. Cardiff midfielder Gary Medel is hopeful of returning to the side after sitting out the Boxing Day defeat by Southampton with flu.
Craig Bellamy misses out because of a knee injury, but there are no new injury concerns.Watch Cardiff V Sunderland Live, Watch Cardiff V Sunderland Live Stream, Watch Cardiff V Sunderland Free Live Stream, Watch Cardiff V Sunderland Online, Watch Cardiff V Sunderland Online Free, Cardiff V Sunderland Live, Cardiff V Sunderland live stream Online.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is without the suspended Wes Brown, while fellow defender John O'Shea could again be absent with a shoulder injury.
Keiren Westwood and Carlos Cuellar remain on the sidelines.
MATCH PREVIEW
So, after months of undermining and destabilising his manager, Cardiff City's owner Vincent Tan has finally made the move to sack Malky Mackay.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football analyst
"We had been waiting for Cardiff owner Vincent Tan to make a decision and now he has made it. Malky Mackay has gone. Now we have to wait and see what Tan does next.
This is a huge game for both teams. Sunderland got a big win against Everton, which might end up being a turning point in their season."
Read Lawro's full prediction and score
In my original preview of this match I openly wondered how much longer their non-existent relationship could go on for. I did think Mackay was still going to be the one I was interviewing after this particular match, but long term there seemed only one outcome.
I think someone's going to have a decent manager very soon, and I'm not talking about Cardiff. Having taken them to the League Cup final in 2012 and promotion earlier this year, Mackay is likely to be a man in demand and won't be twiddling his thumbs for long.
That's not to say all was well on the pitch. The fans protested against Tan before the kick off on Boxing Day, but Thursday's defeat was their fifth in the last eight matches.
Southampton cut Cardiff's defence to shreds in the opening half an hour and the owner clearly didn't take kindly to seeing his club three goals down by half time for the second time inside a week.
It isn't just the goals they're conceding that are the problem - Cardiff are finding scoring at the other end particularly tricky at the moment.
Things aren't about to get any easier at the start of the new year either, with three of the next four matches away to Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.
It puts a premium on getting something from this one against Sunderland and the visit of West Ham on 14 January. It also adds to the urgency of getting a good replacement in quickly, though it sounds as though feelers have already been put out.
Sunderland will travel to South Wales with an extra spring in their step following an unexpected three points at Everton on Boxing Day.
Gus Poyet acknowledged Tim Howard's red card changed the game and the performance of his own goalkeeper Vito Mannone probably won it for them, but he'll take the points however they come.
The victory brings them right back up on everyone else's coat tails and there are now eight teams separated by just six points at the bottom.
It looks like it isn't just the title race that promises to be exciting and nerve-shredding this season.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
This is the first top-flight meeting between the clubs since the 1956-57 season.
They last met in the Championship in the 2006-07 season. Both sides enjoyed away victories.
Cardiff
The Bluebirds have managed one win and five points from their last eight games.
They have taken seven points from the last 15 available at home.
Cardiff have scored just five goals in their last 10 Premier League games.
They have scored only eight goals in nine home league matches this season.
Sunderland
Sunderland won their first away game this season against Everton on Boxing Day. In 2013, they have won just three of 18 away league matches (W3, D3, L12).
They have been given more red cards in Premier League games than any other side this season (five).
The Black Cats have won only one of their 12 final games of the year in the Premier League (3-1 v Bolton in 2007).
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Watch Norwich V Man Utd Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013
Watch Norwich V Man Utd Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013.Norwich midfielder Jonny Howson will face a fitness test on the back injury that has kept him out for two matches.
Defender Michael Turner is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season on Boxing Day.
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Manchester United right-back Rafael is doubtful after coming off with a groin injury against Hull.
Antonio Valencia is suspended after picking up a red card in that game, while Phil Jones is out for a fortnight with a knee injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
Norwich may sit with three teams between them and the bottom three but Chris Hughton will not be fooled by that; one bad day and they could be in the relegation zone themselves.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football analyst
"Nemanja Vidic was on the bench against Hull on Boxing Day and I just wonder if that was a view to playing him in this game. It will help United if he does play because they miss him when he doesn't.
"Apart from Rio Ferdinand, whoever else it is at centre-back - out of a combination of any two of Phil Jones, Jonny Evans or Chris Smalling - just seems to lack an experienced head that will allow the other defender to concentrate on their own game."
Read Lawro's full prediction and score
The Boxing Day defeat at home to Fulham was damaging enough in itself without being seriously compounded by away wins for Sunderland and Crystal Palace which drew Norwich further back into the discomfort zone.
The likeable Hughton now has something of a selection dilemma; does he take the view that New Year's Day and the trip to Palace is such a six-pointer that it's worth preserving the legs of some of his key men against United - a match they might lose anyway, whatever team he picks?
I don't see the Norwich boss going down that route. After all, Norwich beat United in this game last season, and what better way to get tiredness out of your legs and confidence coursing through your veins than a really good display against the champions?
They have some really good players at Carrow Road, and with Gary Hooper beginning to show that goals are his stock in trade, I still firmly believe that they are good enough to stay up - but they are just a defeat or two from a real crisis.
United seem to have ridden out their own tempest with some impressive character. Three consecutive league wins have put them back on the margins of the title race and calmed the nerves at Old Trafford.
In fact, United seem happier away from home at the moment - they have not lost in 10 trips over the course of more than three months.
Less than three weeks ago, David Moyes' side were ninth, 13 points behind the leaders, now they are seventh having cut the deficit to eight points. If they can hang in there until Van Persie and Vidic are fit, United will ensure that the leading pack need to keep glancing over their shoulders now and again.
As the announcer on the London Underground says: "Mind the Gap".
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Norwich have beaten Manchester United on two of the three occasions they have hosted them in the Premier League.
But United have won 4-0 the last two times that the teams have met, including in the League Cup in October.
Norwich
Norwich have only lost four of their 18 Premier League home games in 2013.
The Canaries have picked up five points from the 15 available so far in December.
Only Fulham (35) have conceded more than the 31 league goals that Norwich have let in this season.
Gary Hooper has scored in each of Norwich's last four home games, and has scored four of their last six league goals.
Manchester United
They have won five successive league and cup matches for the first time under David Moyes, and are aiming for a season's best fourth league win in a row.
United have done better on the road than at Old Trafford season. They have earned 17 points from nine away games, and 14 from their nine home games.
The Red Devils have not lost away from home in any competition since Manchester City defeated them 4-1 in September (W6, D4).
Defender Michael Turner is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season on Boxing Day.
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Manchester United right-back Rafael is doubtful after coming off with a groin injury against Hull.
Antonio Valencia is suspended after picking up a red card in that game, while Phil Jones is out for a fortnight with a knee injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
Norwich may sit with three teams between them and the bottom three but Chris Hughton will not be fooled by that; one bad day and they could be in the relegation zone themselves.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Image of Mark Lawrenson Mark Lawrenson Football analyst
"Nemanja Vidic was on the bench against Hull on Boxing Day and I just wonder if that was a view to playing him in this game. It will help United if he does play because they miss him when he doesn't.
"Apart from Rio Ferdinand, whoever else it is at centre-back - out of a combination of any two of Phil Jones, Jonny Evans or Chris Smalling - just seems to lack an experienced head that will allow the other defender to concentrate on their own game."
Read Lawro's full prediction and score
The Boxing Day defeat at home to Fulham was damaging enough in itself without being seriously compounded by away wins for Sunderland and Crystal Palace which drew Norwich further back into the discomfort zone.
The likeable Hughton now has something of a selection dilemma; does he take the view that New Year's Day and the trip to Palace is such a six-pointer that it's worth preserving the legs of some of his key men against United - a match they might lose anyway, whatever team he picks?
I don't see the Norwich boss going down that route. After all, Norwich beat United in this game last season, and what better way to get tiredness out of your legs and confidence coursing through your veins than a really good display against the champions?
They have some really good players at Carrow Road, and with Gary Hooper beginning to show that goals are his stock in trade, I still firmly believe that they are good enough to stay up - but they are just a defeat or two from a real crisis.
United seem to have ridden out their own tempest with some impressive character. Three consecutive league wins have put them back on the margins of the title race and calmed the nerves at Old Trafford.
In fact, United seem happier away from home at the moment - they have not lost in 10 trips over the course of more than three months.
Less than three weeks ago, David Moyes' side were ninth, 13 points behind the leaders, now they are seventh having cut the deficit to eight points. If they can hang in there until Van Persie and Vidic are fit, United will ensure that the leading pack need to keep glancing over their shoulders now and again.
As the announcer on the London Underground says: "Mind the Gap".
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Norwich have beaten Manchester United on two of the three occasions they have hosted them in the Premier League.
But United have won 4-0 the last two times that the teams have met, including in the League Cup in October.
Norwich
Norwich have only lost four of their 18 Premier League home games in 2013.
The Canaries have picked up five points from the 15 available so far in December.
Only Fulham (35) have conceded more than the 31 league goals that Norwich have let in this season.
Gary Hooper has scored in each of Norwich's last four home games, and has scored four of their last six league goals.
Manchester United
They have won five successive league and cup matches for the first time under David Moyes, and are aiming for a season's best fourth league win in a row.
United have done better on the road than at Old Trafford season. They have earned 17 points from nine away games, and 14 from their nine home games.
The Red Devils have not lost away from home in any competition since Manchester City defeated them 4-1 in September (W6, D4).
Watch Man City V Crystal Palace Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013
Watch Man City V Crystal Palace Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013. Manchester City's fit-again defender Matija Nastasic could be recalled against Crystal Palace, having been among the substitutes on Boxing Day.Watch Man City V Crystal Palace Live, Watch Man City V Crystal Palace Live Stream, Watch Man City V Crystal Palace Free Live Stream, Watch Man City V Crystal Palace Online, Watch Man City V Crystal Palace Online Free, Man City V Crystal Palace Live, Man City V Crystal Palace live stream Online.
Martin Demichelis missed that match because of injury, and Sergio Aguero, Micah Richards and Stevan Jovetic are all still out.
Crystal Palace forward Marouane Chamakh is available after suspension.
The recalled Yannick Bolasie impressed in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa and may keep his place.
MATCH PREVIEW
Notwithstanding their fully-merited Boxing Day win against Aston Villa, you fear for Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. But, then, you fear for any side visiting Manchester City this season.
Christmas leaders Liverpool had the temerity to open the scoring at the home of the 2012 champions on Boxing Day but they eventually succumbed to defeat, just like every other Premier League visitor before them.
Yes, Liverpool worried City and the hosts benefitted from one or two controversial decisions, but Manuel Pellegrini's side demonstrated they can dig in when not at their devastating best.
Nonetheless, devastating has been City's default setting, of course.
They have put seven goals past Norwich, scored six against both Tottenham and Arsenal and four against Manchester United and Newcastle. In fact, four goals in a home match works out as below average for City this season!
Avoiding defeat on Saturday would seem an impossible job for Tony Pulis. Then again, keeping Crystal Palace up seemed an impossible job when Pulis was appointed in November. Four wins - and clean sheets - in seven games have followed as the Eagles have flown the prickly nest of the relegation zone.
The stoppage-time goal by Dwight Gayle that earned them victory at Aston Villa on Boxing Day was a top-class strike from a player who Pulis had publically doubted beforehand was ready for the Premier League.
Plenty of people have thought the same about the Crystal Palace squad in general this season, but Pulis has marshalled his side into an organised and tenacious bunch.
They have not, though, faced a side as ruthless and rampant at home as Manchester City. The visitors will need to summon all of their recently-acquired qualities, and ride their luck, to prevent a comfortable home victory.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Crystal Palace have lost their last three trips to Manchester City and are winless in seven attempts since a 2-0 top-flight victory on 22 December 1990.
Manchester City
City are the only team in the Premier League this season yet to drop a point at home. They have also scored in each of their last 59 Premier League home games.
If they score on Saturday, City will break their own Premier League record of 53 goals from the opening 19 games, set in 2011-12.
They are unbeaten in their last seven league matches (W6, D1) but are attempting to earn four successive wins for the first time under Manuel Pellegrini.
City are unbeaten in their final game of the year since returning to the Premier League in 2002-03 (W5, D6).
Alvaro Negredo has scored in each of his last nine appearances at the Etihad Stadium.
Crystal Palace
Tony Pulis has won nine points from his six Premier League games in charge of Crystal Palace - two more than Ian Holloway and Keith Millen won combined from 12 matches.
The Eagles have kept five clean sheets in their last eight league fixtures.
They have only taken one point from their nine games against top-half opposition.
Palace have scored the fewest goals in the division (12) and failed to recover any points from losing positions.
Martin Demichelis missed that match because of injury, and Sergio Aguero, Micah Richards and Stevan Jovetic are all still out.
Crystal Palace forward Marouane Chamakh is available after suspension.
The recalled Yannick Bolasie impressed in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa and may keep his place.
MATCH PREVIEW
Notwithstanding their fully-merited Boxing Day win against Aston Villa, you fear for Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium. But, then, you fear for any side visiting Manchester City this season.
Christmas leaders Liverpool had the temerity to open the scoring at the home of the 2012 champions on Boxing Day but they eventually succumbed to defeat, just like every other Premier League visitor before them.
Yes, Liverpool worried City and the hosts benefitted from one or two controversial decisions, but Manuel Pellegrini's side demonstrated they can dig in when not at their devastating best.
Nonetheless, devastating has been City's default setting, of course.
They have put seven goals past Norwich, scored six against both Tottenham and Arsenal and four against Manchester United and Newcastle. In fact, four goals in a home match works out as below average for City this season!
Avoiding defeat on Saturday would seem an impossible job for Tony Pulis. Then again, keeping Crystal Palace up seemed an impossible job when Pulis was appointed in November. Four wins - and clean sheets - in seven games have followed as the Eagles have flown the prickly nest of the relegation zone.
The stoppage-time goal by Dwight Gayle that earned them victory at Aston Villa on Boxing Day was a top-class strike from a player who Pulis had publically doubted beforehand was ready for the Premier League.
Plenty of people have thought the same about the Crystal Palace squad in general this season, but Pulis has marshalled his side into an organised and tenacious bunch.
They have not, though, faced a side as ruthless and rampant at home as Manchester City. The visitors will need to summon all of their recently-acquired qualities, and ride their luck, to prevent a comfortable home victory.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Crystal Palace have lost their last three trips to Manchester City and are winless in seven attempts since a 2-0 top-flight victory on 22 December 1990.
Manchester City
City are the only team in the Premier League this season yet to drop a point at home. They have also scored in each of their last 59 Premier League home games.
If they score on Saturday, City will break their own Premier League record of 53 goals from the opening 19 games, set in 2011-12.
They are unbeaten in their last seven league matches (W6, D1) but are attempting to earn four successive wins for the first time under Manuel Pellegrini.
City are unbeaten in their final game of the year since returning to the Premier League in 2002-03 (W5, D6).
Alvaro Negredo has scored in each of his last nine appearances at the Etihad Stadium.
Crystal Palace
Tony Pulis has won nine points from his six Premier League games in charge of Crystal Palace - two more than Ian Holloway and Keith Millen won combined from 12 matches.
The Eagles have kept five clean sheets in their last eight league fixtures.
They have only taken one point from their nine games against top-half opposition.
Palace have scored the fewest goals in the division (12) and failed to recover any points from losing positions.
Watch Hull V Fulham Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013
Watch Hull V Fulham Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013.Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor and midfielder David Meyler are both unlikely to be fit after suffering knee injuries against Manchester United.
Alex Bruce is struggling with a calf problem sustained in the same game.Watch Hull V Fulham Live, Watch Hull V Fulham Live Stream, Watch Hull V Fulham Free Live Stream, Watch Hull V Fulham Online, Watch Hull V Fulham Online Free, Hull V Fulham Live, Hull V Fulham live stream Online.
Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has not recovered from an ankle injury so David Stockdale will again deputise.
Forward Dimitar Berbatov missed the win at Norwich with a groin injury but could be fit enough again to feature against Hull.
MATCH PREVIEW
The visit of Fulham to the KC Stadium will bring back many fantastic memories for Hull City supporters. Their Premier League debut was against the London club in August 2008 when they came from behind to pick up all the points.
That victory set the tone for an impressive start to life in the top flight, and incredibly the Tigers were third by the end of October.
However, a dramatic downturn in form saw them tumble down the table and they came perilously close to being relegated, surviving the drop by just one point.
Some fans might be concerned that a similar fate awaits this time as a solid start has given way to a run of poor results, with Steve Bruce's side managing just two wins since September.
Early joy on Boxing Day turned into bitter disappointment as they threw away a 2-0 lead over champions Manchester United to lose 3-2 and end the day just four points above the relegation zone.
It's Fulham who occupy that final relegation spot. But there's a new swagger about the team since Rene Meulensteen replaced Martin Jol as head coach.
They have rediscovered the winning habit, enjoying victories over Norwich and Aston Villa, and although they were thrashed at Everton, they pushed Spurs and Manchester City all the way before losing.
With fellow strugglers West Ham and Sunderland coming to Craven Cottage early in the New Year, there's a real opportunity for Fulham to climb away from trouble.
A first away win on Humberside since 1996 would be a huge step in the right direction.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Hull have won three of the four Premier League meetings between the sides.
Hull beat Fulham 2-1 in August 2008 in their first top-flight game.
Hull City
Hull are without a win in five league games (D3, L2).
They let in three goals against Manchester United on Boxing Day, having conceded just three in total in their previous eight home matches this season.
Nonetheless, no team has conceded fewer goals at home than Hull (six).
Fulham
Fulham have lost eight of their last 10 Premier League matches.
They have performed better away this season than at Craven Cottage, earning nine points from their nine away matches, as opposed to seven from nine home matches.
Rene Meulensteen's side have conceded 35 league goals, more than any other top-flight team.
Alex Bruce is struggling with a calf problem sustained in the same game.Watch Hull V Fulham Live, Watch Hull V Fulham Live Stream, Watch Hull V Fulham Free Live Stream, Watch Hull V Fulham Online, Watch Hull V Fulham Online Free, Hull V Fulham Live, Hull V Fulham live stream Online.
Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has not recovered from an ankle injury so David Stockdale will again deputise.
Forward Dimitar Berbatov missed the win at Norwich with a groin injury but could be fit enough again to feature against Hull.
MATCH PREVIEW
The visit of Fulham to the KC Stadium will bring back many fantastic memories for Hull City supporters. Their Premier League debut was against the London club in August 2008 when they came from behind to pick up all the points.
That victory set the tone for an impressive start to life in the top flight, and incredibly the Tigers were third by the end of October.
However, a dramatic downturn in form saw them tumble down the table and they came perilously close to being relegated, surviving the drop by just one point.
Some fans might be concerned that a similar fate awaits this time as a solid start has given way to a run of poor results, with Steve Bruce's side managing just two wins since September.
Early joy on Boxing Day turned into bitter disappointment as they threw away a 2-0 lead over champions Manchester United to lose 3-2 and end the day just four points above the relegation zone.
It's Fulham who occupy that final relegation spot. But there's a new swagger about the team since Rene Meulensteen replaced Martin Jol as head coach.
They have rediscovered the winning habit, enjoying victories over Norwich and Aston Villa, and although they were thrashed at Everton, they pushed Spurs and Manchester City all the way before losing.
With fellow strugglers West Ham and Sunderland coming to Craven Cottage early in the New Year, there's a real opportunity for Fulham to climb away from trouble.
A first away win on Humberside since 1996 would be a huge step in the right direction.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Hull have won three of the four Premier League meetings between the sides.
Hull beat Fulham 2-1 in August 2008 in their first top-flight game.
Hull City
Hull are without a win in five league games (D3, L2).
They let in three goals against Manchester United on Boxing Day, having conceded just three in total in their previous eight home matches this season.
Nonetheless, no team has conceded fewer goals at home than Hull (six).
Fulham
Fulham have lost eight of their last 10 Premier League matches.
They have performed better away this season than at Craven Cottage, earning nine points from their nine away matches, as opposed to seven from nine home matches.
Rene Meulensteen's side have conceded 35 league goals, more than any other top-flight team.
Watch Aston Villa V Swansea Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013
Watch Aston Villa V Swansea Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013.Injured Aston Villa pair Ron Vlaar and Christian Benteke will again be missing for Saturday's visit of Swansea.
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Midfielder Ashley Westwood is available after serving a one-match ban.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is expected to freshen up his side, with the likes of Wilfried Bony, Pablo Hernandez and Jonathan de Guzman all in contention to start.
However, the quartet of Michu, Nathan Dyer, Michel Vorm and Garry Monk remain sidelined by injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
Given the recent fortunes of these two clubs you sense this fixture has taken on greater significance, with an opportunity to end the year on a high.
Villa have now lost four games in a row, while the excursions of the Europa League mean Swansea have taken just 10 points from the last 10 games.
Paul Lambert says it is his job to look upwards but the harsh reality of his team's situation is that they are very much looking over their shoulder.
They are just one point better off than this stage last season, when they endured a long winter before their positive end to the campaign.
The biggest concern will be their home form. They have lost six of their nine games at Villa Park this season but the problem is more deep rooted - the home supporters have seen only 11 victories in the last 47.
Villa haven't scored in five of their last six games at home and their total of only six goals is the worst in any of the four top divisions. It is little wonder the natives are restless.
There will be anxiety in the air and Swansea will look to capitalise on that. Michael Laudrup's team have won more games away than at the Liberty stadium.
Despite the fact they are without the injured Michu and are waiting for record signing Wilfried Bony to really start firing, only eight teams have scored more goals than them so far this season.
Whatever the outcome, the Welsh side will look back on 2013 with fond memories. A fifth straight defeat for Villa and they will certainly be glad to see it end.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Swansea have lost eight of their nine previous league trips to Villa Park, failing to score in all eight defeats. Their solitary win was by 2-0 on 2 January 2012.
This is only the 22nd meeting between the sides. Aston Villa have won 15, Swansea four and there have been two draws.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa have lost four successive league matches. They have not lost five games in a row since January 2001.
They have lost more than half of their last 47 Premier League matches at Villa Park, earning just 45 points in that period (W11, D12, L24).
Paul Lambert's side have not scored in five of their last six Premier League home games. Villa's tally of six goals at home is the lowest in the division and they are the only side yet to score in the first half in front of their own fans.
Villa have failed to score in half of their league matches this season, the joint-worst record in the division.
Swansea
Swansea are enduring a four-match winless streak (D2, L2), their worst run of the season.
They have only won two of their last 10 league matches.
The Swans have benefited from five own goals this season. Apart from when Manchester United had 10 in 2009-10, no team has had more than six in one season.
They are unbeaten after scoring first (W5, D2) but have only taken two points from 10 games after conceding the opening goal.
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Midfielder Ashley Westwood is available after serving a one-match ban.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is expected to freshen up his side, with the likes of Wilfried Bony, Pablo Hernandez and Jonathan de Guzman all in contention to start.
However, the quartet of Michu, Nathan Dyer, Michel Vorm and Garry Monk remain sidelined by injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
Given the recent fortunes of these two clubs you sense this fixture has taken on greater significance, with an opportunity to end the year on a high.
Villa have now lost four games in a row, while the excursions of the Europa League mean Swansea have taken just 10 points from the last 10 games.
Paul Lambert says it is his job to look upwards but the harsh reality of his team's situation is that they are very much looking over their shoulder.
They are just one point better off than this stage last season, when they endured a long winter before their positive end to the campaign.
The biggest concern will be their home form. They have lost six of their nine games at Villa Park this season but the problem is more deep rooted - the home supporters have seen only 11 victories in the last 47.
Villa haven't scored in five of their last six games at home and their total of only six goals is the worst in any of the four top divisions. It is little wonder the natives are restless.
There will be anxiety in the air and Swansea will look to capitalise on that. Michael Laudrup's team have won more games away than at the Liberty stadium.
Despite the fact they are without the injured Michu and are waiting for record signing Wilfried Bony to really start firing, only eight teams have scored more goals than them so far this season.
Whatever the outcome, the Welsh side will look back on 2013 with fond memories. A fifth straight defeat for Villa and they will certainly be glad to see it end.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Swansea have lost eight of their nine previous league trips to Villa Park, failing to score in all eight defeats. Their solitary win was by 2-0 on 2 January 2012.
This is only the 22nd meeting between the sides. Aston Villa have won 15, Swansea four and there have been two draws.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa have lost four successive league matches. They have not lost five games in a row since January 2001.
They have lost more than half of their last 47 Premier League matches at Villa Park, earning just 45 points in that period (W11, D12, L24).
Paul Lambert's side have not scored in five of their last six Premier League home games. Villa's tally of six goals at home is the lowest in the division and they are the only side yet to score in the first half in front of their own fans.
Villa have failed to score in half of their league matches this season, the joint-worst record in the division.
Swansea
Swansea are enduring a four-match winless streak (D2, L2), their worst run of the season.
They have only won two of their last 10 league matches.
The Swans have benefited from five own goals this season. Apart from when Manchester United had 10 in 2009-10, no team has had more than six in one season.
They are unbeaten after scoring first (W5, D2) but have only taken two points from 10 games after conceding the opening goal.
Watch West Ham V West Brom Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013
Watch West Ham V West Brom Live Stream Barclays Premier League Match 28 -December 2013.West Ham defender James Collins is unlikely to feature after being forced off with a calf injury in the Boxing Day defeat by Arsenal.Watch West Ham V West Brom Live, Watch West Ham V West Brom Live Stream, Watch West Ham V West Brom Free Live Stream, Watch West Ham V West Brom Online, Watch West Ham V West Brom Online Free, West Ham V West Brom Live, West Ham V West Brom live stream Online.
Ravel Morrison is also set to miss out again with a groin injury, while manager Sam Allardyce may recall goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.
West Brom's Shane Long faces a fitness test on the calf injury that caused him to miss the match with Tottenham.
Fellow striker Victor Anichebe is also a doubt with a groin problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Claiming that the injury to Andy Carroll has blighted West Ham's season is nothing new but the significance of his absence becomes greater with every defeat.
The year 2013 was supposed to be when the Hammers established themselves back at the highest level as they look forward to becoming tenants at the Olympic Stadium.
However, the grim reality is that they kick-off their final match of the year the wrong side of the relegation line and hoping a financial splurge in January might help them out of trouble. But, as recent history has shown, such a tactic doesn't always work.
Arsenal were there for the taking after West Ham took the lead on Boxing Day and for a fleeting 15 minutes or so Sam Allardyce's men seemed to have regained the flair and passion backed by a raucous crowd which has caused the big clubs so many problems in recent years. But the moment passed and they appear to be in big trouble.
In fairness, any club in the bottom half of the table may be nervously looking over their shoulders at the moment. West Brom have won at Manchester United and drawn with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham but didn't do well enough against the rest to keep Steve Clarke in a job.
Former Real Betis coach Pepe Mel is one of the names being linked with a post which has seen a high turnover of decent managers in recent years. Tony Mowbray and Gary Megson are the only men to have completed two full seasons at The Hawthorns since Ron Atkinson made his name there in the 1970s.
Both of these clubs might consider their squads to be too good to go down but that's a dangerous assumption to make this season.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Brom have only won one of the last nine Premier League meetings (W1, D4, L4).
West Ham and West Brom have had a different manager in charge for each of their five previous Premier League meetings at Upton Park. Sam Allardyce will be the first manager to break that run.
Four of the last five matches in the league have been drawn.
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last 11 league matches.
They have scored nine goals in nine home matches this season and just 15 in 18 league games.
Carlton Cole has scored three league goals, one more than in 27 games last season.
They kept six clean sheets in their opening 10 league matches of the season but have conceded three or more goals in five of their last eight games.
West Brom
West Brom are without a win in eight matches.
They have now gone eight Premier League games without a clean sheet, the longest current such run in the division, along with Tottenham.
The Baggies have won only one of their last 11 Premier League away games (D5, L5).
Ravel Morrison is also set to miss out again with a groin injury, while manager Sam Allardyce may recall goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.
West Brom's Shane Long faces a fitness test on the calf injury that caused him to miss the match with Tottenham.
Fellow striker Victor Anichebe is also a doubt with a groin problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Claiming that the injury to Andy Carroll has blighted West Ham's season is nothing new but the significance of his absence becomes greater with every defeat.
The year 2013 was supposed to be when the Hammers established themselves back at the highest level as they look forward to becoming tenants at the Olympic Stadium.
However, the grim reality is that they kick-off their final match of the year the wrong side of the relegation line and hoping a financial splurge in January might help them out of trouble. But, as recent history has shown, such a tactic doesn't always work.
Arsenal were there for the taking after West Ham took the lead on Boxing Day and for a fleeting 15 minutes or so Sam Allardyce's men seemed to have regained the flair and passion backed by a raucous crowd which has caused the big clubs so many problems in recent years. But the moment passed and they appear to be in big trouble.
In fairness, any club in the bottom half of the table may be nervously looking over their shoulders at the moment. West Brom have won at Manchester United and drawn with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham but didn't do well enough against the rest to keep Steve Clarke in a job.
Former Real Betis coach Pepe Mel is one of the names being linked with a post which has seen a high turnover of decent managers in recent years. Tony Mowbray and Gary Megson are the only men to have completed two full seasons at The Hawthorns since Ron Atkinson made his name there in the 1970s.
Both of these clubs might consider their squads to be too good to go down but that's a dangerous assumption to make this season.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Brom have only won one of the last nine Premier League meetings (W1, D4, L4).
West Ham and West Brom have had a different manager in charge for each of their five previous Premier League meetings at Upton Park. Sam Allardyce will be the first manager to break that run.
Four of the last five matches in the league have been drawn.
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last 11 league matches.
They have scored nine goals in nine home matches this season and just 15 in 18 league games.
Carlton Cole has scored three league goals, one more than in 27 games last season.
They kept six clean sheets in their opening 10 league matches of the season but have conceded three or more goals in five of their last eight games.
West Brom
West Brom are without a win in eight matches.
They have now gone eight Premier League games without a clean sheet, the longest current such run in the division, along with Tottenham.
The Baggies have won only one of their last 11 Premier League away games (D5, L5).
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