It's that time of the week again when I attempt to make my predictions for this weekend's Premier League games. I didn't do too well last week yet again, but I'm still hopeful that I can turn things around. The leader in my prediction league is doing very well though, and he is now 290 points clear in that league, and in 534th place overall. I managed to get two results absolutely perfect last week, but I only managed one right outcome, and seven wrong ones. Here's a look at how the predictions league stands.
SATURDAY
Stoke v Sunderland
Stoke RFC were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool on Wednesday night, but they will be hoping to fare better at home to Sunderland. Their home record is pretty good, with six wins in 12 games, but it's not quite as impressive as previous seasons. They will play their usual high pressure and long ball game, and hope to get something from a Sunderland defence that has usually been good this season.
Sunderland had their excellent defensive record at home taken apart on Tuesday night, as Chelsea put four goals past them. Their away record isn't quite so impressive, with only three wins in twelve games, but they are not easy to beat. Phil Bardsley has been in fantastic form from a fantasy football perspective recently, and if he's not in your team he's well worth transferring in.
I don't think this will be a classic game, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it end scoreless, with a draw definitely the most likely outcome.
Prediction:1-1
Aston Villa v Fulham
Aston Villa's recent good run was ended on Tuesday night when they lost away to "Manure", but they wouldn't have expected to have got anything from the game anyway. This game is a different matter though, and they will be looking to new signing Darren Bent to add to his two goals in three games for them so far. If he can do that they should be favourites to win.
Despite the fact that they're on a good run at the moment Fulham have still only won once away from home this season. They draw a lot of games, and they're not an easy team to beat at home or away, but I think they will have their work cut out in this game. With players returning from injury almost every week I think they will have more than enough to rise up the table over the coming months.
I think Villa have finally managed to sort themselves out, and they will win a tight game.
Prediction: 2-1
Everton v Blackpool
Everton continue to perform well against the top teams, and struggle against the poorer teams in the league. With only three wins in 11 home games they are now only three points above the relegation zone, and they need to start winning games very soon. This is an ideal opportunity for them to give themselves some breathing space.
Blackpool's great start to the season seems to have come to an end, and despite the fact that they are still scoring goals, they are on a very bad run of results. Their have more points away from home than at home, but if they continue to concede goals at their current rate then relegation is a real threat for them. At the moment they are only four points above the relegation zone, and a defeat here would leave them perilously close to it.
If Everton are to make anything of this season they have to win this game, and I think that they will do, but it won't be easy as they just don't score enough goals.
Prediction: 2-1
Man City v West Brom
Man City are falling off the pace being set by both "Manure" and Arsenal, but they will see this game as an ideal chance to get back to winning ways. They have a very good squad, but finding the right combination of players isn't always easy, and it doesn't seem to be working at the moment. Their home form is good, but it could be better, and it should be after this game.
West Brom just about managed a point at home to Wigan on Tuesday night, but their slide down the table still goes on. They have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, and they will have to defend an awful lot in this game. I can see them slipping further down the table, as the teams below them all look more capable of getting points than they do.
This is a game that City just have to win with their next game away to "Manure", and I think they will win it easily enough.
Prediction: 3-0
Newcastle v Arsenal
Newcastle have sold their top scorer to Liverpool for a fee that is so far above his current valuation that it's ridiculous. Andy Carroll hadn't played in a while due to injury anyway, but his sale could have an adverse effect on the rest of the players. It's not easy to see where their goals will come from without Carroll in the team, but they are still not an easy team to beat.
Arsenal have the best away record in the Premier League, and they have scored more goals, and conceded less than any other team away from home as well. They are on a great run in the league at the moment, and three points in this game will set them up very nicely as "Manure" are set for a tough run of games. They have a few injury concerns, but as long as Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie stay fit they have the ability to beat any team. Arsene Wenger spoke of the rough treatment Cesc gets, and he can expect plenty more of it in this game with Joey Barton playing for Newcastle.
I think Arsenal can continue their good form with another away win.
Prediction: 0-2
Tottenham v Bolton
The Spuds had a very important win for themselves on Wednesday night away to Blackburn. It means that they are not quite out of the race for the Champions League places, with Man City being the most likely team that they can catch. Their home form is pretty good with only one defeat in 12 games, and once they can overcome their defensive injuries they should have more than enough to win this game.
Bolton got their first win in a long time on Wednesday night at home to Wolves, and halted a very poor recent run for them. They have a very poor away record, and they seem to have lost their ability to score goals recently, which will make this game very tough for them.
I think The Spuds will win this game without too much trouble.
Prediction: 2-0
Wigan v Blackburn
Wigan were very close to climbing out of the relegation zone on Tuesday night, but a last minute goal by West Brom prevented them. I still think that they will avoid relegation, but like so many other teams they need to stop drawing, and start winning games.
Blackburn have conceded more goals away from home than any other team in the league so far this season, but their ability to win games rather than draw them has them in the top half of the table. Only bottom club Wolves have lost more games than them, but the three points for their nine wins are keeping them in relative safety. They will see this as a game that they are capable of winning, but it won't be easy for them.
I think Wigan are due a win, and they might just get it in this game.
Prediction: 2-1
Wolves v Man Utd
Wolves seem to be the unluckiest team in the Premier League, as they rarely get the result that their performances merit. They have beaten both Chelsea and Man City at home, and if they play at their best they have a chance in this game in my opinion.They have managed five wins at home so far, and if they play like they did against Chelsea and City they will cause "Manure" problems.
"Manure" have a tough run after this game as they play Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool in three of their next five matches, and they will see this as an ideal opportunity to get three points before those games. Somehow or other a fairly average team by their own high standards is still unbeaten after 24 league games, despite only three away wins in 11 games so far. I don't think that they will lose their unbeaten record in this game, but if they play like they have in other away games it is possible.
I think Wolves might give "Manure" a fright, but more than likely a generous decision or two from the officials will see "Manure" win.
Prediction: 1-3
SUNDAY
West Ham v Birmingham
West Ham are only in the relegation zone on goal difference, with Birmingham directly above them. This is a real relegation six pointer, with the added spice from the recent Carling Cup semi final that Birmingham won. West Ham had a great win away to Blackpool on Wednesday night, and they look capable of beating the drop to me. Robbie Keane will be looking to add to his debut day goal as well, particularly against a team that claimed that his wage demands were too high.
Birmingham did very well to get a point from their home game against Man City on Wednesday night, and they never give up no matter who they are playing against, with the exception of their trip to "Manure". Their defence has been less solid this season, they have only managed one away win all season so far. They have a few new signing who will be looking to make a name for themselves in this game too.
I think this will be a really hard match for both teams, with a score draw as the most likely outcome.
Prediction: 1-1
Chelsea v Liverpool
Chelsea have returned to form over the last few games, and they won't have given up hope of retaining their league title just yet. They need to make up 10 points on leaders "Manure", and they have to play them twice yet too. They have no room for error though, and the £75 million they spent on transfer deadline day shows that Abramovich hasn't decided to pull the plug just yet. It's a huge game with Fernando Torres possibly playing against the team he left only last week, and if he starts it means that someone else will be left on the Chelsea bench.
Liverpool have now won three games in a row under Kenny Dalglish, but this is a really big test for them. There's the added spice of coming up against Torres so soon after he left, and also the prospect of closing to within six points of fourth place if they win, but it won't be easy for them.
 | 1 (1) |  |  | _Bradley08 | 1370 | +150 | 20 |  |
 | ||||||||
 | 2 (3) |  | | preetgreet | 1080 | +200 | 10 | |
| | ||||||||
 | 3 (2) |  | | essexgooner1965 | 1060 | +105 | 0 | |
| | ||||||||
| | 4 (5) | | | Nickmc1980 | 855 | +105 | 0 | |
| | ||||||||
| | 5 (4) | | | aranmichael | 845 | +65 | 0 | |
| | ||||||||
| | 6 (7) |  | | billygooner_29 | 795 | +135 | 0 | |
| | ||||||||
| | 7 (8) | | | oakhamgooner | 710 | +105 | 10 | |
| | ||||||||
| | 8 (6) | | | COSGOONER | 680 | -30 | 0 | |
| | ||||||||
| | 9 (10) |  | | Sinesladael | 665 | +180 | 5 | |
| | ||||||||
| | 10 (9) | | | Imjola | 655 | +100 | 10 | |
SATURDAY
 |
Stoke v Sunderland
Stoke RFC were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool on Wednesday night, but they will be hoping to fare better at home to Sunderland. Their home record is pretty good, with six wins in 12 games, but it's not quite as impressive as previous seasons. They will play their usual high pressure and long ball game, and hope to get something from a Sunderland defence that has usually been good this season.
Sunderland had their excellent defensive record at home taken apart on Tuesday night, as Chelsea put four goals past them. Their away record isn't quite so impressive, with only three wins in twelve games, but they are not easy to beat. Phil Bardsley has been in fantastic form from a fantasy football perspective recently, and if he's not in your team he's well worth transferring in.
I don't think this will be a classic game, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it end scoreless, with a draw definitely the most likely outcome.
Prediction:1-1
 |
Aston Villa's recent good run was ended on Tuesday night when they lost away to "Manure", but they wouldn't have expected to have got anything from the game anyway. This game is a different matter though, and they will be looking to new signing Darren Bent to add to his two goals in three games for them so far. If he can do that they should be favourites to win.
Despite the fact that they're on a good run at the moment Fulham have still only won once away from home this season. They draw a lot of games, and they're not an easy team to beat at home or away, but I think they will have their work cut out in this game. With players returning from injury almost every week I think they will have more than enough to rise up the table over the coming months.
I think Villa have finally managed to sort themselves out, and they will win a tight game.
Prediction: 2-1
 |
Everton continue to perform well against the top teams, and struggle against the poorer teams in the league. With only three wins in 11 home games they are now only three points above the relegation zone, and they need to start winning games very soon. This is an ideal opportunity for them to give themselves some breathing space.
Blackpool's great start to the season seems to have come to an end, and despite the fact that they are still scoring goals, they are on a very bad run of results. Their have more points away from home than at home, but if they continue to concede goals at their current rate then relegation is a real threat for them. At the moment they are only four points above the relegation zone, and a defeat here would leave them perilously close to it.
If Everton are to make anything of this season they have to win this game, and I think that they will do, but it won't be easy as they just don't score enough goals.
Prediction: 2-1
 |
Man City are falling off the pace being set by both "Manure" and Arsenal, but they will see this game as an ideal chance to get back to winning ways. They have a very good squad, but finding the right combination of players isn't always easy, and it doesn't seem to be working at the moment. Their home form is good, but it could be better, and it should be after this game.
West Brom just about managed a point at home to Wigan on Tuesday night, but their slide down the table still goes on. They have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, and they will have to defend an awful lot in this game. I can see them slipping further down the table, as the teams below them all look more capable of getting points than they do.
This is a game that City just have to win with their next game away to "Manure", and I think they will win it easily enough.
Prediction: 3-0
 |
Newcastle have sold their top scorer to Liverpool for a fee that is so far above his current valuation that it's ridiculous. Andy Carroll hadn't played in a while due to injury anyway, but his sale could have an adverse effect on the rest of the players. It's not easy to see where their goals will come from without Carroll in the team, but they are still not an easy team to beat.
Arsenal have the best away record in the Premier League, and they have scored more goals, and conceded less than any other team away from home as well. They are on a great run in the league at the moment, and three points in this game will set them up very nicely as "Manure" are set for a tough run of games. They have a few injury concerns, but as long as Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie stay fit they have the ability to beat any team. Arsene Wenger spoke of the rough treatment Cesc gets, and he can expect plenty more of it in this game with Joey Barton playing for Newcastle.
I think Arsenal can continue their good form with another away win.
Prediction: 0-2
 |
The Spuds had a very important win for themselves on Wednesday night away to Blackburn. It means that they are not quite out of the race for the Champions League places, with Man City being the most likely team that they can catch. Their home form is pretty good with only one defeat in 12 games, and once they can overcome their defensive injuries they should have more than enough to win this game.
Bolton got their first win in a long time on Wednesday night at home to Wolves, and halted a very poor recent run for them. They have a very poor away record, and they seem to have lost their ability to score goals recently, which will make this game very tough for them.
I think The Spuds will win this game without too much trouble.
Prediction: 2-0
 |
Wigan were very close to climbing out of the relegation zone on Tuesday night, but a last minute goal by West Brom prevented them. I still think that they will avoid relegation, but like so many other teams they need to stop drawing, and start winning games.
Blackburn have conceded more goals away from home than any other team in the league so far this season, but their ability to win games rather than draw them has them in the top half of the table. Only bottom club Wolves have lost more games than them, but the three points for their nine wins are keeping them in relative safety. They will see this as a game that they are capable of winning, but it won't be easy for them.
I think Wigan are due a win, and they might just get it in this game.
Prediction: 2-1
 |
Wolves seem to be the unluckiest team in the Premier League, as they rarely get the result that their performances merit. They have beaten both Chelsea and Man City at home, and if they play at their best they have a chance in this game in my opinion.They have managed five wins at home so far, and if they play like they did against Chelsea and City they will cause "Manure" problems.
"Manure" have a tough run after this game as they play Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool in three of their next five matches, and they will see this as an ideal opportunity to get three points before those games. Somehow or other a fairly average team by their own high standards is still unbeaten after 24 league games, despite only three away wins in 11 games so far. I don't think that they will lose their unbeaten record in this game, but if they play like they have in other away games it is possible.
I think Wolves might give "Manure" a fright, but more than likely a generous decision or two from the officials will see "Manure" win.
Prediction: 1-3
SUNDAY
 |
West Ham are only in the relegation zone on goal difference, with Birmingham directly above them. This is a real relegation six pointer, with the added spice from the recent Carling Cup semi final that Birmingham won. West Ham had a great win away to Blackpool on Wednesday night, and they look capable of beating the drop to me. Robbie Keane will be looking to add to his debut day goal as well, particularly against a team that claimed that his wage demands were too high.
Birmingham did very well to get a point from their home game against Man City on Wednesday night, and they never give up no matter who they are playing against, with the exception of their trip to "Manure". Their defence has been less solid this season, they have only managed one away win all season so far. They have a few new signing who will be looking to make a name for themselves in this game too.
I think this will be a really hard match for both teams, with a score draw as the most likely outcome.
Prediction: 1-1
Chelsea v Liverpool
Chelsea have returned to form over the last few games, and they won't have given up hope of retaining their league title just yet. They need to make up 10 points on leaders "Manure", and they have to play them twice yet too. They have no room for error though, and the £75 million they spent on transfer deadline day shows that Abramovich hasn't decided to pull the plug just yet. It's a huge game with Fernando Torres possibly playing against the team he left only last week, and if he starts it means that someone else will be left on the Chelsea bench.
Liverpool have now won three games in a row under Kenny Dalglish, but this is a really big test for them. There's the added spice of coming up against Torres so soon after he left, and also the prospect of closing to within six points of fourth place if they win, but it won't be easy for them.
Chelsea have a great home record, and have conceded less goals at home than any other team in the league, which should be enough to see them get a win.
Prediction: 2-1
That's it for today, but I'll be back tomorrow with my preview of Arsenal's trip to Newcastle.
See You Tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment