Premier League Predictions

A look ahead to this week's Premier League fixtures

Saturday, 11 September 2010

Everton v Man Utd, 12:45
This should all be about Wayne Rooney but to many it will be a test of how far Everton have come - or likely will go. Quite frankly who cares about Rooney's private life. Apart from Littlewoods shoppers whose sympathies will lie firmly on one side. If Rooney plays the pantomime will begin and be drowned out as tackles fly. Everton have the better midfield but can't score. Rio Ferdinand is back so back - Tim Cahill should score from a corner. Prediction: 1-0

Arsenal v Bolton, 15:00
Arsenal are without Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie. Bolton have shown some character this season and Arsenal will find them tough to break down .... too tough. Prediction: 0-0

Fulham v Wolverhampton, 15:00
Two awkward teams making life awkward for each other. Fulham are potentially the better of these two, but if Mick McCarthy's boys can get away with kicking lumps out of the opposition then they may sneak a point.
Prediction 1-1

Man City v Blackburn, 15:00
It would seem a home banker for the Sky Blues. Blackburn take their poor away form to Man City who, despite having blown another chunk of their hard-earned petro-dollars in order to ruin David Silva's career, have found a gem at the top level in Adam Johnson.
Prediction: 2-0

Newcastle v Blackpool, 15:00
Two promoted teams with two similar aims - to stay up. The Magpies are making that task look a very simple one. All that could change with one result and this may just be that. This is a coupon buster alright. Blackpool will expect nothing - Newcastle will feel this one is a banker.
Prediction 2-2

West Brom v Tottenham, 15:00
You cannot help but feel that it has got as good as it is going to get for Spurs. Champions League and Dutch superstars! Like Playstation 3 intended it. Defoe out and Redknapp eyeing England - there just never seems a chance to consolidate. Giddy heights at The Hawthorns are usually confined to altitude alone. The Baggies will make it an awkward start to a big week for Spurs.
Prediction: 1-0

West Ham v Chelsea, 15:00
Bubbles and troubles and Avram Grant. It is depressing as it sounds. Scott Parker never considered leaving the club, a loyal lad young Scotty - you don't get contracts like that unless you are loyal. Chelsea will win and Frank Lampard will score, because that is where loyalty gets you in football. Or maybe it is just being as good as they say you are.
Prediction: 1-3

Wigan v Sunderland, 15:00
The battle of the miners. The Black Cats and the Stadium of Light - all very coal related. Nobody does mining like Wigan though. They have the rough diamond in Roberto Martinez and are coming off a great result at The Lane. Dave Whelan was critical of Steve Bruce's transfer policy earlier in the year. Bruce responded by signing a World Cup star - or a star of the World Cup. Now there is the difference.
Prediction 2-0


Sunday, 12 September 2010

Birmingham v Liverpool, 16:00
The Blues are hard to predict. Resolute to the last - unless against a ten-man Bolton. It was hard to take for a neutral - a complete collapse of all we thought was true. Alex McLeish has made a few shrewd moves in the transfer market. Roy Hodgson bought Paul Konchesky. He will most likely score the winner - a 30-yard cross-shot - or just plain cross - like the one in the 'Gerrard-final'. Gerrard will get the other just to complete the synchronisation of events.
Prediction: 1-2

Monday, 13 September 2010

Stoke v Aston Villa, 20:00
Randy Lerner has built a reputation with the Cleveland Browns of wasting money, draft picks and having a playing staff that is experienced but made their name in a previous era. And here was me thinking Martin O'Neill was to blame. Houllier - the name conjures up an image of a thoughtful and deliberate coach. A safe pair of hands who will let you know what just happened in the game you have spent 90 minutes misunderstanding. To be fair - most would prefer to tune into the interview rather than the match. The air will see plenty of the ball.
Prediction: 0-0