Premier League Injuries: It's a Krul blow for Newcastle

 

Christian Crowther combs through the Premier League's walking wounded to see how things might be affected at the weekend...

 

Jimmy Kebe - Reading v Wigan (Saturday, 15:00)

Successive defeats in league and cup have slightly dented the revival spirit at Reading after that fantastic run of five wins from their six previous games. Admittedly though, exiting the FA Cup to Manchester United is by no means an embarrassment and should actually serve to aid their survival cause in the long run. Right now, the Royals really need their best players fit for this titanic relegation tussle with Wigan and Mali winger Kebe certainly fits that bracket. The Mali-born winger has been in inspired form recently, especially at the Madejski where he's notched three in as many Premier League appearances. If he fails a late fitness test, then Reading's attacking flair will suffer.

Recommended Bet: Back the draw @ 3.5

 

Julio Cesar - QPR v Manchester United (Saturday, 15:00)

QPR's unenviable task of avoiding the drop could get even tougher this weekend if their Brazilian keeper fails to make the squad after picking up a knock. Despite not being at his best in the heavy loss at Swansea, Cesar had been busy earning plaudits for two standout performances prior to the R's trip to Wales. In keeping successive clean sheets in the Premier League, Cesar even earned himself a recall to the national team against England. With Manchester United in town, Rangers' defensive resolve was always likely to be fully tested, but with understudy Rob Green culpable on his last Premier League outing against West Brom, it could be a long afternoon.

Recommended Bet: Back Robin van Persie to score @ 1.89

 

Tim Krul - Newcastle v Southampton (Sunday, 13:30)

Newcastle's Europa League progression came at a cost on Thursday night as arguably their best performer, Tim Krul, left the stadium on crutches. The Magpies' stopper can take much of the credit for seeing off Metalist after pulling off three excellent saves during the match to stop the Ukrainians getting a foothold in the tie. With such a crucial relegation game against Southampton on Sunday, the timing couldn't be worse for Alan Pardew, who will have to call on veteran custodian Steve Harper or Rob Elliot to mind the Newcastle net. The Saints will be bristling with confidence after seeing off champions Manchester City 3-1 in their last league game, making it six goals in their last three.

Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ 1.68

 

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