It's that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League games. I did quite well last week with one perfect scoreline, five correct outcomes and four incorrect outcomes. It gave me a total of 60 points for the week, and I dropped one place to seventh in my predictions league.
On the good news front the league leaders have had their lead cut, and I'm now only 140 points off the top. It's a lead that can be very easily clawed back, and I think I have a chance of winning my own league at last. Here's a look at how my league stands.
Arsenal Vs. Everton:
Liverpool Vs. Queens Park Rangers:
On the good news front the league leaders have had their lead cut, and I'm now only 140 points off the top. It's a lead that can be very easily clawed back, and I think I have a chance of winning my own league at last. Here's a look at how my league stands.
| Pos | Player | Week | Total |
| 1 | ahujag | 50 | 875 |
| 2 | b_red_devils | -25 | 875 |
| 3 | GGooner | 115 | 855 |
| 4 | nitin004 | 125 | 825 |
| 5 | Smashit_Tuckit | 40 | 770 |
| 6 | gooner2194 | 110 | 755 |
| 7 | JamrockRover | 60 | 735 |
| 8 | lubu722 | 60 | 695 |
| 9 | Rutland Gooner | 10 | 640 |
| 10 | Bradley08 | 5 | 590 |
Arsenal Vs. Everton:
Saturday December 10, 3p.m., BST
Arsenal will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the club at this game, and their fans will be looking for a victory to go with it. They have taken 19 points from their last seven Premier League games, and only two teams have conceded less goals than them at home. They have the opportunity to move into the top four for the first time this season, and they simply have to take it.
Any fantasy manager without Robin van Persie as captain is losing out at the moment, and Thomas Vermaelen looks like another certainty to be included.
Everton had managed a couple of wins in a row until they came unstuck at home to Stoke last week. They have won three and lost three of their six away games so far, but only four teams have scored less goals than them. Their biggest problem is their inability to score, and they have failed to register a goal in five of their thirteen games already this season.
Everton players performing well for fantasy managers are still very thin on the ground, but in the long term their defenders are probably the best bet.
I think Arsenal will have too much attacking flair for Everton, and will take all three points even if they have four central defenders in their team.
Prediction 3-1
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Bolton Wanderers Vs. Aston Villa:
Arsenal will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the club at this game, and their fans will be looking for a victory to go with it. They have taken 19 points from their last seven Premier League games, and only two teams have conceded less goals than them at home. They have the opportunity to move into the top four for the first time this season, and they simply have to take it.
Any fantasy manager without Robin van Persie as captain is losing out at the moment, and Thomas Vermaelen looks like another certainty to be included.
Everton had managed a couple of wins in a row until they came unstuck at home to Stoke last week. They have won three and lost three of their six away games so far, but only four teams have scored less goals than them. Their biggest problem is their inability to score, and they have failed to register a goal in five of their thirteen games already this season.
Everton players performing well for fantasy managers are still very thin on the ground, but in the long term their defenders are probably the best bet.
I think Arsenal will have too much attacking flair for Everton, and will take all three points even if they have four central defenders in their team.
Prediction 3-1
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Bolton Wanderers Vs. Aston Villa:
Saturday December 10, 3p.m., BST
Bolton have lost 11 of their 14 Premier League games so far this season, and six out of seven of them have been at home. They are conceding an awful lot of goals, and two successive red cards for their defenders hasn't helped their cause. They are managing to score a few goals though, and if they can sort out their defensive issues they will probably move out of the relegation zone.
Ivan Klasnic and Chris Eagles are both performing well for Bolton in the fantasy stakes, but stay away from their defenders at all costs.
Aston Villa are still in the top half of the table, but they haven't managed an away win yet this season. Their have drawn five of their seven away games though, and they aren't easy to beat at the moment. They aren't very good forward though, as Alec McLeish seems to have taken any flair they had out of the team.
It's hard to see any Villa player other than Gabriel Agbonlahor being worth buying for fantasy managers, and his goalscoring feats have dropped off recently too.
I watched Villa last week and I thought they were awful. I think Bolton might just be able to beat them.
Prediction 2-1
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Bolton have lost 11 of their 14 Premier League games so far this season, and six out of seven of them have been at home. They are conceding an awful lot of goals, and two successive red cards for their defenders hasn't helped their cause. They are managing to score a few goals though, and if they can sort out their defensive issues they will probably move out of the relegation zone.
Ivan Klasnic and Chris Eagles are both performing well for Bolton in the fantasy stakes, but stay away from their defenders at all costs.
Aston Villa are still in the top half of the table, but they haven't managed an away win yet this season. Their have drawn five of their seven away games though, and they aren't easy to beat at the moment. They aren't very good forward though, as Alec McLeish seems to have taken any flair they had out of the team.
It's hard to see any Villa player other than Gabriel Agbonlahor being worth buying for fantasy managers, and his goalscoring feats have dropped off recently too.
I watched Villa last week and I thought they were awful. I think Bolton might just be able to beat them.
Prediction 2-1
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Liverpool Vs. Queens Park Rangers:
Saturday December 10, 3p.m., BST
Liverpool were a little unlucky to lose to Fulham on Monday night, but their lack of goals is really hampering them at the moment. They have only scored 17 goals in 14 Premier League games so far, and they have drawn five of their seven home games. They need to sort out their home form if they are going to have any chance of a top four finish.
Jose Enrique and Charlie Adam would seem to be the current best fantasy buys at Liverpool, but Luis Suarez hasn't scored in his last seven Premier League games.
QPR have done well since their promotion, and they are not an easy team to beat. They have already won three games away from home, and they will fancy their chances of getting something from this game.
Luke Young, Joey Barton and Heidar Helguson are all performing quite well in the fantasy stakes for QPR.
Liverpool were a little unlucky to lose to Fulham on Monday night, but their lack of goals is really hampering them at the moment. They have only scored 17 goals in 14 Premier League games so far, and they have drawn five of their seven home games. They need to sort out their home form if they are going to have any chance of a top four finish.
Jose Enrique and Charlie Adam would seem to be the current best fantasy buys at Liverpool, but Luis Suarez hasn't scored in his last seven Premier League games.
QPR have done well since their promotion, and they are not an easy team to beat. They have already won three games away from home, and they will fancy their chances of getting something from this game.
Luke Young, Joey Barton and Heidar Helguson are all performing quite well in the fantasy stakes for QPR.
I think QPR will give Liverpool a tough game, but Liverpool will get their third win in eight Premier League games.
Prediction 2-1
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Manchester United Vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers:
Prediction 2-1
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Manchester United Vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers:
Saturday December 10, 3p.m., BST
United were unexpectedly knocked out of the Champions League by Swiss club Basel on Wednesday night. They are on their worst scoring run since the inception of the Premier League, and yet they are still second in the table. They have won four of their last five matches with 1-0 scorelines, and they have become incredibly dull to watch.
Wayne Rooney and Nani are United's top scoring fantasy players, but neither of them have scored in their last eight Premier League games. Phil Jones might be a much better buy at the moment.
Wolves have managed to win two of their last four games to halt their alarming slide. They have lost five of their seven away games so far, and only scored five goals away from home. They will have to do an awful lot better to get anything out of this game.
Wayne Hennessey is picking up quite a few fantasy points, and he looks like their best fantasy player at the moment, but maybe not in this match.
United will be delighted to have such a relatively easy game after their midweek shambles, and I expect them to win easily.
Prediction 3-0
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Norwich City Vs. Newcastle United:
United were unexpectedly knocked out of the Champions League by Swiss club Basel on Wednesday night. They are on their worst scoring run since the inception of the Premier League, and yet they are still second in the table. They have won four of their last five matches with 1-0 scorelines, and they have become incredibly dull to watch.
Wayne Rooney and Nani are United's top scoring fantasy players, but neither of them have scored in their last eight Premier League games. Phil Jones might be a much better buy at the moment.
Wolves have managed to win two of their last four games to halt their alarming slide. They have lost five of their seven away games so far, and only scored five goals away from home. They will have to do an awful lot better to get anything out of this game.
Wayne Hennessey is picking up quite a few fantasy points, and he looks like their best fantasy player at the moment, but maybe not in this match.
United will be delighted to have such a relatively easy game after their midweek shambles, and I expect them to win easily.
Prediction 3-0
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Norwich City Vs. Newcastle United:
Saturday December 10, 3p.m., BST
Norwich have been impressive since their promotion, and they have only failed to score on one occasion so far. Unfortunately they have also conceded goals in every single game they have played so far, and they always look vulnerable.
Anthony Pilkinton and Steve Morison are their best performing fantasy players so far, and they're both available for a good price too.
Newcastle have had a tough run of games recently, and they have only taken one point in three games. They have slipped out of the top four too, but if they can maintain their early season form they have a real chance in this game. They had a couple of injuries to defenders last week, and it could see their resources stretched just a little.
Tim Krul is still performing very well for Newcastle, and both Ryan Taylor and Demba Ba have been impressive too.
I have a feeling this game will end up with the spoils shared.
Prediction 2-2
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Swansea City Vs. Fulham:
Norwich have been impressive since their promotion, and they have only failed to score on one occasion so far. Unfortunately they have also conceded goals in every single game they have played so far, and they always look vulnerable.
Anthony Pilkinton and Steve Morison are their best performing fantasy players so far, and they're both available for a good price too.
Newcastle have had a tough run of games recently, and they have only taken one point in three games. They have slipped out of the top four too, but if they can maintain their early season form they have a real chance in this game. They had a couple of injuries to defenders last week, and it could see their resources stretched just a little.
Tim Krul is still performing very well for Newcastle, and both Ryan Taylor and Demba Ba have been impressive too.
I have a feeling this game will end up with the spoils shared.
Prediction 2-2
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Swansea City Vs. Fulham:
Saturday December 10, 3p.m., BST
Swansea have the best home defensive record in the Premier League, with only two goals conceded in seven games. Their away form has seen them slide down the table though, and they need to keep getting results at home. They will see this game as an opportunity to put a little bit of space between them and the relegation zone.
Michel Vorm is performing really well in goal for Swansea, and Scott Sinclair isn't doing too badly in midfield either.
Fulham had a great late win at home over Liverpool on Monday night, and it gave them some breathing space at the wrong end of the table. They have done well to take six points on their travels so far with only four goals to their name in seven games. They are keeping things tight at the back, but they have found it hard to score except for their 6-0 win over QPR.
Mark Schwarzer and Clint Dempsey are the best performing fantasy players for Fulham so far, and they're both worth considering.
I think Fulham will have enough to get a point from this game, and they might even score too.
Prediction 1-1
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West Bromwich Albion Vs. Wigan Athletic:
Swansea have the best home defensive record in the Premier League, with only two goals conceded in seven games. Their away form has seen them slide down the table though, and they need to keep getting results at home. They will see this game as an opportunity to put a little bit of space between them and the relegation zone.
Michel Vorm is performing really well in goal for Swansea, and Scott Sinclair isn't doing too badly in midfield either.
Fulham had a great late win at home over Liverpool on Monday night, and it gave them some breathing space at the wrong end of the table. They have done well to take six points on their travels so far with only four goals to their name in seven games. They are keeping things tight at the back, but they have found it hard to score except for their 6-0 win over QPR.
Mark Schwarzer and Clint Dempsey are the best performing fantasy players for Fulham so far, and they're both worth considering.
I think Fulham will have enough to get a point from this game, and they might even score too.
Prediction 1-1
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West Bromwich Albion Vs. Wigan Athletic:
Saturday December 10, 3p.m., BST
West Brom are finding it hard to score this season, and only Wigan have scored less than them so far. They are playing quite well, but they will continue to languish close to the relegation zone until they sort out their lack of goals.
Shane Long and Chris Brunt are West Brom's best performing players so far, but they aren't exactly setting the world alight.
Wigan were well beaten at home by Arsenal last week, and it sent them to the bottom of the table yet again. They have scored less goals than any other team so far, and only Bolton and Blackburn have conceded more than them. It's not a good mix, and I can see it putting an end to their stay in the Premier League.
Ali Al-Habsi is still getting plenty of fantasy points in goal for Wigan despite some bad mistakes recently.
I think West Brom will just about manage to score enough goals to win this game.
Prediction 2-1
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Sunderland Vs. Blackburn Rovers:
West Brom are finding it hard to score this season, and only Wigan have scored less than them so far. They are playing quite well, but they will continue to languish close to the relegation zone until they sort out their lack of goals.
Shane Long and Chris Brunt are West Brom's best performing players so far, but they aren't exactly setting the world alight.
Wigan were well beaten at home by Arsenal last week, and it sent them to the bottom of the table yet again. They have scored less goals than any other team so far, and only Bolton and Blackburn have conceded more than them. It's not a good mix, and I can see it putting an end to their stay in the Premier League.
Ali Al-Habsi is still getting plenty of fantasy points in goal for Wigan despite some bad mistakes recently.
I think West Brom will just about manage to score enough goals to win this game.
Prediction 2-1
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Sunderland Vs. Blackburn Rovers:
Sunday December 11, 1.30p.m., BST
Sunderland have a new manager for this game, but they are now only one point above the relegation zone. They were leading 1-0 away to Wolves last week when Seb Larsson missed a penalty, and they eventually lost the game. Their defence has actually been quite tight, but their lack of goals has meant they have lost too many close games.
Seb Larsson and Stephane Sessegnon are getting plenty of fantasy points for Sunderland so far.
Blackburn have had no problem scoring goals this season, and they have scored in each of their away games so far. Only the top five clubs have scored more than them, but only Bolton have conceded more goals than them. They have had problems with injuries to their defenders, but they can climb the table if they can get their strongest defence playing together.
It's very hard to argue with Yakubu's nine goals from nine starts for Blackburn since he joined them, and Junior Hoilett isn't doing too badly either.
I think Blackburn will continue to score and concede goals, and end up drawing the game.
Prediction 2-2
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Stoke City Vs. Tottenham Hotspur:
Sunderland have a new manager for this game, but they are now only one point above the relegation zone. They were leading 1-0 away to Wolves last week when Seb Larsson missed a penalty, and they eventually lost the game. Their defence has actually been quite tight, but their lack of goals has meant they have lost too many close games.
Seb Larsson and Stephane Sessegnon are getting plenty of fantasy points for Sunderland so far.
Blackburn have had no problem scoring goals this season, and they have scored in each of their away games so far. Only the top five clubs have scored more than them, but only Bolton have conceded more goals than them. They have had problems with injuries to their defenders, but they can climb the table if they can get their strongest defence playing together.
It's very hard to argue with Yakubu's nine goals from nine starts for Blackburn since he joined them, and Junior Hoilett isn't doing too badly either.
I think Blackburn will continue to score and concede goals, and end up drawing the game.
Prediction 2-2
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Stoke City Vs. Tottenham Hotspur:
Sunday December 11, 4p.m., BST
Stoke halted their run of four Premier League defeats in a row recently, and they have now won two in a row themselves. They looked like the Stoke of the last few seasons when they beat Everton 1-0 away from home last week. They will be looking to make things very difficult for Spurs in this game, and it could just get them a result.
Jonathan Walters continues to be the best fantasy buy of all the Stoke players.
Spurs are on a magnificent run at the moment with 31 points from their last 11 games in the Premier League. In previous seasons they have struggled on their travels, but they have won five of their seven away games so far. The real big test for them will come when they start dropping points, and that is bound to happen at some stage.
Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor are all racking up the fantasy points for Spurs at the moment, but Brad Friedel and Jermaine Defoe are looking pretty good at the moment too.
I have a feeling that Stoke's high pressure game might just put an end to Spurs great run.
Prediction 2-1
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Chelsea Vs. Manchester City:
Stoke halted their run of four Premier League defeats in a row recently, and they have now won two in a row themselves. They looked like the Stoke of the last few seasons when they beat Everton 1-0 away from home last week. They will be looking to make things very difficult for Spurs in this game, and it could just get them a result.
Jonathan Walters continues to be the best fantasy buy of all the Stoke players.
Spurs are on a magnificent run at the moment with 31 points from their last 11 games in the Premier League. In previous seasons they have struggled on their travels, but they have won five of their seven away games so far. The real big test for them will come when they start dropping points, and that is bound to happen at some stage.
Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor are all racking up the fantasy points for Spurs at the moment, but Brad Friedel and Jermaine Defoe are looking pretty good at the moment too.
I have a feeling that Stoke's high pressure game might just put an end to Spurs great run.
Prediction 2-1
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Chelsea Vs. Manchester City:
Monday December 12, 8p.m., BST
Chelsea have had back-to-back 3-0 wins in the Premier League, and they won their Champions League group on Tuesday night too. They may have been a little lucky in beating Newcastle last week, but it can't have done their confidence any harm. They have already lost at home to Arsenal and Liverpool, and they won't want to add City to that list of conquerers at the Bridge.
Chelsea have had back-to-back 3-0 wins in the Premier League, and they won their Champions League group on Tuesday night too. They may have been a little lucky in beating Newcastle last week, but it can't have done their confidence any harm. They have already lost at home to Arsenal and Liverpool, and they won't want to add City to that list of conquerers at the Bridge.
John Terry is yet again racking up the fantasy points, and Juan Mata is quickly making name for himself too. Frank Lampard is scoring very well too, but he no longer looks certain to play.
Manchester City are five points clear at the top of the Premier League, and scoring goals for fun too. They were eliminated from the Champions League on Wednesday night, and it remains to be seen how their players react to that disappointment. They are still unbeaten in the league though, and that's a record they won't want to give up easily.
If I had to choose the best performing City players they would have to be David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Micah Richards and Vincent Kompany. However, City are doing so well that almost any player is doing well for fantasy managers.
I think Chelsea will try to keep things a little tight at the back, and they might just get a draw.
Prediction 1-1
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That's it for today, but as always feel free to tell me where I might have gone right or wrong as the case might be.
It's not too late to join the over 1,000 other teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow
Manchester City are five points clear at the top of the Premier League, and scoring goals for fun too. They were eliminated from the Champions League on Wednesday night, and it remains to be seen how their players react to that disappointment. They are still unbeaten in the league though, and that's a record they won't want to give up easily.
If I had to choose the best performing City players they would have to be David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Micah Richards and Vincent Kompany. However, City are doing so well that almost any player is doing well for fantasy managers.
I think Chelsea will try to keep things a little tight at the back, and they might just get a draw.
Prediction 1-1
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That's it for today, but as always feel free to tell me where I might have gone right or wrong as the case might be.
It's not too late to join the over 1,000 other teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow
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