The pundits predicted this slip in form to come before Santa had scoffed all the cookies and sure enough Hull have slid gently down the table away from the dizzy heights alongside Liverpool, Chelsea and United. Phil Brown plans for tonight’s game against Aston Villa with fresh memories of his side’s 5-1 drubbing to Man City on Boxing Day.
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Leon Blanche previews this weekend’s football with Tony Gale and Chris Kamara.

Premiership Relegation Battle

A crazy week for Black Cats fans - where the sports pages have seemingly been filled more with talk of the ex-manager’s manner of departure, his beard and his pet dogs, than discussion on who should take over his role at the Stadium of Light. Most bizarrely of all was the news that the Black Cats were only minutes from taking a point away from the Old Trafford fortress. As it happened, Nemanja Vidic came to his team’s rescue in injury time and we were proved right in backing Manchester United for the win to nil. Read more

Leon Blanche previews this weekend’s Barclays Premier League action with former World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles and ex-professionals Tony Gale and Paul Miller.

My home double this week is Villa to beat Fulham and Wigan to take maximum points against poor West Brom.

Many people criticized Martin O’Neill last week for his tactics against United but I think he got them spot on. Villa’s home form had been inconsistent and any point against a top 4 team is welcome.

Fulham got a great point last weekend and will be in good spirits but I fancy Villa to nick the three points in front of an enthusiastic home support.

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Barclays Premier League weekend betting preview with Leon Blanche and Tony Gale.

The Black Cats were much improved last Saturday and reversed their Carling Cup defeat to Blackburn with a 2-1 win. Hopefully the result will dispel rumours that manager Roy Keane will be leaving and we can look forward to a strong run of results.

This weekend’s match is back at the Stadium of Light on Sunday with West Ham making the journey up from London. According to the stats, the Black Cats would appear to have the upper hand in this contest. Since the start of last season Sunderland have won 11, drawn three and lost five matches at home when playing against non-Big Four teams. They have also only lost one match in the same period when hosting sides from the lower half of the table. The Hammers however have lost the majority of their games against non Big-Four teams in 2008.

Check out the latest betting on Sunderland v West Ham here.

Leon Blanche previews this weekend’s Premier League fixtures with ex-Chelsea trio Scott Minto, Peter Bonetti, Ron Harris and former Blackburn man Tony Gale.

Arsenal have finally found some form after a shaky patch which saw them lose ground on the league leaders.
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Take a look at this weekend’s top sports fixtures in our Weekend Sporting Diary.
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