Its the Last weekend of the year, a great year of Football it has been, but only the half way stage for the Premier League season. And there's plenty more in store. The title race is wide open with arguably 5 or 3 teams in it.
Liverpool v Newcastle: 3-1 was the final score in this one, Gerrard marking his long awaited return by scoring the winner. Newcastle took the lead with their goal eventually given as an Agger own goal. But goals from Bellamy either side of half-time gave Liverpool a deserving win. Additionally Martin Skrtel's brilliant goal-line clearance from Demba Ba's effort was key in moving Liverpool level on points with Chelsea in 4th.
Man Utd v Blackburn: A draw for birthday boy Sir Alex's side will see Man United sit top of the league through another year. A draw would be a bit of a party spoiler though, United will have to beat the leagues struggling sides to win the league - Fergie would be the first one to tell you. My Prediction: United win! They have got problems at the back but that didn't matter against Wigan and I think they'll be just as ruthless against Blackburn.
Arsenal v QPR: Thierry Henry isn't available for this match but I'm sure the Arsenal fans will be singing his name. They need to bounce back from their draw to Wolves to keep the pressure up on Chelsea and Liverpool in that fight for the Champions League places. QPR need anything to turn their season back around, they are on a free fall to the relegation zone. Prediction: Arsenal win! And RVP to brake Shearers record with a hat-trick.
Bolton v Wolves: Both sides find themselves in the bottom four and consequently will know they have to beat the sides around them to stay in this division. Prediction: Draw! I can't split these two, both have dodgy defences, both struggle to score goals.
Chelsea v Aston Villa: If its anything like last year it should be a classic! Chelsea will hope not to concede 3 again this year. They seem to have assured their defensive options with the imminent signing of Villa product Gary Cahill, the deal isn't completed and Cahill will play his last game for Bolton today. Prediction: Chelsea win! Three draws on the bounce for the Blues may come to an end today!
Norwich v Fulham: Two mid table sides come face to face, the more direct Norwich versus the mini Spurs, Fulham who attempt to play attractive football but ultimately aren't as good as Spurs. Fulham ought to be safe but Norwich will till have doubts; Blackpool were 4 points ahead of them at the same stage last year with 25 points and still got relegated. Prediction: Fulham. Ruiz and Dempsey are top draw and could be the undoing of Paul Lambert's side.
Stoke v Wigan: Wigan have yet again shocked teams all round the country and will want to do the same to the quality Stoke side that could potentially earn another year in Europe through their league position rather than a cup run. Prediction: Draw! Vital points for Martinez and his men, points in games such as these will surely see them stay up.
Swansea v Spurs: Brendan Rodgers described Bale and Modric as "perfect players" but could they come back to haunt him. A win for Swansea could take them as high as 9th and only 18 points away from the 40 point safety mark. Spurs on the other hand will be up to 41 points and 49 points from 20 games from there on in will take them to Mancini's 90 point mark. Prediction: Spurs! Can't think of many who will be able to stop Spurs and unfortunately Spurs will keep the ball better than Swansea.
West Brom v Everton: These sides kick off the year of Premier League football. They are two of the leagues steady sides come face to face at the Hawthorns. Both should be safe, both mid-table. Prediction: Everton! Sooner or later they will start making that 7th placed push!
Sunderland v Man City: Man City will probably be in second place by the time this match comes along so a three points is imperative to keep themselves in pole position going in to the New Year and the second half of the season. A win for Sunderland and they will be back to mid-table where they belong with the quality they have in their squad. Prediction: Man City win! Need to rack up points against these lower clubs in order to win the league.
Happy New Year everyone! Keep following...
Showing posts with label Bolton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bolton. Show all posts
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Monday, 26 December 2011
Boxing Day Preview 26/12/2011
First and foremost, Merry Christmas! But, just cause it's Christmas doesn't mean i'm going to stop blogging. After all these matches are just as, if not more, important that another group of premier league matches. As any manager will tell you that the festive season in late December is crucial to determining their final standing in the league come May. The Boxing Day match especially has thrown up many a surprise over the years and expect some today
Chelsea v Fulham: After beating top of the league, Man City, Chelsea seemed to be back in the title race: two games and two draws later and they are considered big outsiders in the title race. Hence why picking up maximum points in the next 3 games is imperative to maintaining their Premier League challenge. On current form Fulham ought to be an easy game for Chelsea. Prediction: Chelsea! Not by much though. Despite the Cottagers leaking 5 at home to United on Wednesday the game against Chelsea will be a closer match; derby games are never easy.
Bolton v Newcastle: Bolton will be encouraged by their victory over Blackburn which gives them a huge boost in the fight for survival! Newcastle however have suffered some poor results of late - coinciding with a few injuries in key places. Prediction: Draw! Will be a good result for both sides who will look to push on for the second half of the season!
Liverpool v Blackburn: Both sides have struggled recently, especially Blackburn, who seem to heading for the drop following defeat to Bolton. Liverpool need a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive after dropping points to Wigan last Wednesday. Prediction: Liverpool! Not the end of the world for Rovers but they need to start picking points up soon. P.S. Steve Kean does not deserve the abuse he is receiving...
Man United v Wigan: 2 points from 2 games against 2 of the top teams in the Prem. Another point here and Wigan could seriously look towards another year staving off probable relegation. United have, as expected, bounced back strong from their Champions League disappointments! Prediction: Man U! Undoubtedly favourites for this match and ought not to disappoint, and for me United are still favourites for the title! 2 points is nothing...
Sunderland v Everton: Sunderland, like I've said previously, have the quality to score goals but have lacked a player to score the majority of those goals i.e. Darren Bent/Asamoah Gyan. Similar can be said for Everton, the only striker scoring for them is the player they loaned to Blackburn this season; the Yak. Prediction: Sunderland! Not going to be a thriller by any means, O'Neil's men may just knick it.
West Brom v Man City: Mancini has publicly expressed the need to "remain top of the tree" over the Christmas period. Considering in three games time he loses the Toure duo to the African Cup of Nations, they must take advantage of their full strength squad. West Brom have won their last two and Odemwingie is back to form - he's the sort of player who could hurt City. Prediction: Man City! Would stay 2 points clear but lots of games to come!
Stoke v Aston Villa: Stoke have won 4 of their last 5 games but were played off the park by City before Christmas! Marc Albrighton was the 20,000th Premier League goalscorer but Villa couldn't prevent a 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Nevertheless they dominated the game, possession and shots statistics favoured Villa, who will be encouraged going to the Britannia. Prediction: Villa! Stoke away is one of the hardest games possible, yet Villa are overdue a win and one here would be a huge result.
The Premier League is renowned for its end to end football and consistently brilliant matches throwing up shocks left, right and centre! The festive period itself is renowned for all the same characteristics. So my advice to you neutrals is: sit back and enjoy. My advice to you fans: well there isn't much... just hope it goes your way!
Chelsea v Fulham: After beating top of the league, Man City, Chelsea seemed to be back in the title race: two games and two draws later and they are considered big outsiders in the title race. Hence why picking up maximum points in the next 3 games is imperative to maintaining their Premier League challenge. On current form Fulham ought to be an easy game for Chelsea. Prediction: Chelsea! Not by much though. Despite the Cottagers leaking 5 at home to United on Wednesday the game against Chelsea will be a closer match; derby games are never easy.
Bolton v Newcastle: Bolton will be encouraged by their victory over Blackburn which gives them a huge boost in the fight for survival! Newcastle however have suffered some poor results of late - coinciding with a few injuries in key places. Prediction: Draw! Will be a good result for both sides who will look to push on for the second half of the season!
Liverpool v Blackburn: Both sides have struggled recently, especially Blackburn, who seem to heading for the drop following defeat to Bolton. Liverpool need a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive after dropping points to Wigan last Wednesday. Prediction: Liverpool! Not the end of the world for Rovers but they need to start picking points up soon. P.S. Steve Kean does not deserve the abuse he is receiving...
Man United v Wigan: 2 points from 2 games against 2 of the top teams in the Prem. Another point here and Wigan could seriously look towards another year staving off probable relegation. United have, as expected, bounced back strong from their Champions League disappointments! Prediction: Man U! Undoubtedly favourites for this match and ought not to disappoint, and for me United are still favourites for the title! 2 points is nothing...
Sunderland v Everton: Sunderland, like I've said previously, have the quality to score goals but have lacked a player to score the majority of those goals i.e. Darren Bent/Asamoah Gyan. Similar can be said for Everton, the only striker scoring for them is the player they loaned to Blackburn this season; the Yak. Prediction: Sunderland! Not going to be a thriller by any means, O'Neil's men may just knick it.
West Brom v Man City: Mancini has publicly expressed the need to "remain top of the tree" over the Christmas period. Considering in three games time he loses the Toure duo to the African Cup of Nations, they must take advantage of their full strength squad. West Brom have won their last two and Odemwingie is back to form - he's the sort of player who could hurt City. Prediction: Man City! Would stay 2 points clear but lots of games to come!
Stoke v Aston Villa: Stoke have won 4 of their last 5 games but were played off the park by City before Christmas! Marc Albrighton was the 20,000th Premier League goalscorer but Villa couldn't prevent a 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Nevertheless they dominated the game, possession and shots statistics favoured Villa, who will be encouraged going to the Britannia. Prediction: Villa! Stoke away is one of the hardest games possible, yet Villa are overdue a win and one here would be a huge result.
The Premier League is renowned for its end to end football and consistently brilliant matches throwing up shocks left, right and centre! The festive period itself is renowned for all the same characteristics. So my advice to you neutrals is: sit back and enjoy. My advice to you fans: well there isn't much... just hope it goes your way!
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Premier League preview 20/12/11
What happens at Christmas stays at Christmas is the general trend for Premier League positions, especially regarding the bottom of the table. Only West Brom have been bottom at Christmas and survived so Coyle and Kean know how important their upcoming 'six pointer' is. Similar can be said for the top and fights for the Title and the Champions League places may well be decided in the coming games. The festive period is crucial in every season; four games in the space of 17 days can make or break a season. The first of those games as important as the last, like in a major tournament, it is imperative not to lose your first game.
Wolves v Norwich:
Mick McCarthy's side sit one point and one place above the relegation zone and take on a Norwich side where a win will put them closer to the Champions League places than the bottom three. Norwich find themselves in a similar position to Blackpool did last year but look like a ready made Premier League side. Prediction: Wolves win! But only providing they keep Holt and Morrison quiet - defence will be key to Wolves' success.
Blackburn v Bolton:
The game Owen Coyle described "the whole world will be watching" is one which, as I alluded to earlier, may determine the fate of one of these two clubs. Prediction: Draw! Won't particularly help either club but will mean, as history suggests, Bolton will be relegated and Blackburn could follow suit. Although admittedly a cold Tuesday night in Blackburn doesn't sound great this match, as Sky are describing, has all the ingredients to be somewhat of a 'Christmas Cracker.'
Aston Villa v Arsenal:
Following Super Sunday defeats for both sides the importance of this match immediately increases. Villa Park is an extremely tough place to go, especially for the top clubs, as the fans love the chance of an upset. McLeish will always be under pressure as Villa boss; the fans see him as a "blue nose" when they lose but a hero when they win. He'll be hoping he is seen as a hero over Christmas. Prediction: Draw! Villa are always one to take points off the top teams and expect that trend to continue for years to come.
Man City v Stoke:
Two of the in form sides come face to face at the Etihad on Wednesday, yet use completely contrasting playing styles; the fluent and dominant City versus the long direct Stoke. What they do have in common is their physical presence on the pitch; Huth, Walters and Crouch against Kompany, Yaya Toure and Balotelli should prove to be one of City's biggest threats this season. Prediction: Man City! Just... should be a tight game!
Newcastle v West Brom:
Newcastle have suffered a slight blip of late, and will want to get back to their form from the start of the season. Whereas West Brom will want to keep up the form that has taken them within the top half of the table. Prediction: Newcastle! Coloccini is back from injury and should help Newcastle get back to form.
Swansea v Everton:
Swansea have been passing established Premier League sides off the park since their introduction to the top flight (just ask Wolves) and will look to do similar to one of the most established clubs around! Prediction: Everton! If they do win they will jump above Swansea in the table and look to consolidating a top half finish.
Fulham v Man United:
United travel to West London for the second time in four days, and will want to pick up their second win keeping up the pressure on Man City. Fulham, however, will also hope for a second win on the bounce, and that Bryan Ruiz can continue his good form and score another high quality 'lob.' Ruiz looks a real talent and if the flair continues expect a big club like Man United to be in for him. Prediction: Draw! And maybe even a Ruiz special?
QPR v Sunderland:
Martin O'Neil's Sunderland are still struggling for goals and are still making a lot of chances. Even with a managerial change you can't create a proven goalscorer without the transfer window - Pavlyuchenko, the man who consigned them to defeat on Sunday, would be an unbelievable yet realistic signing. Thankfully for O'Neil the window is not far away, and nor, if reports are to be believed, is Gyan from returning from loan. QPR will too be delving in to the transfer market but will hope some good results over the festive period will help attract some big names. Prediction: Sunderland win! They have looked good all season but maybe someone can step up and score for the Black Cats
Wigan v Liverpool:
Wigan have had some surprising results in recent weeks and despite having a squad which would struggle to make the top half in the Championship, Roberto Martinez has continued to keep Wigan alive and kicking in the Premier League this season. Liverpool have hit the woodwork the most times this season and will hope it doesn't prove to be their undoing in what may be an uncomfortable night in the North West. Prediction: Liverpool! Grit and determination needed, ought to be installed in the players with a Scot in charge.
Spurs v Chelsea:
A crunch game to say the least, people forget that this is a derby, after Arsenal v Spurs, the biggest London derby possible. Like most derbies, Religion has its role to play but it will be even bigger if both these teams continue to succeed... I barely need to tell you what a win can do for these two - 'Title' springs to mind. Prediction: Chelsea! I went draw when they played City, and was wrong so I've got to back the blues this time - big game players may be the difference
We will know who is almost certain to go down after this week of games but also we will know who is to join the list of Brian Deane, Chris Sutton, Les Ferdinand and Moritz Volz. These names make up the list of 1st, 5,000th, 10,000th and 15,000th goal scorer respectively in the Premier League. And soon we will know who is to join the list by scoring the 20,000th Premier League goal!
Wolves v Norwich:
Mick McCarthy's side sit one point and one place above the relegation zone and take on a Norwich side where a win will put them closer to the Champions League places than the bottom three. Norwich find themselves in a similar position to Blackpool did last year but look like a ready made Premier League side. Prediction: Wolves win! But only providing they keep Holt and Morrison quiet - defence will be key to Wolves' success.
Blackburn v Bolton:
The game Owen Coyle described "the whole world will be watching" is one which, as I alluded to earlier, may determine the fate of one of these two clubs. Prediction: Draw! Won't particularly help either club but will mean, as history suggests, Bolton will be relegated and Blackburn could follow suit. Although admittedly a cold Tuesday night in Blackburn doesn't sound great this match, as Sky are describing, has all the ingredients to be somewhat of a 'Christmas Cracker.'
Aston Villa v Arsenal:
Following Super Sunday defeats for both sides the importance of this match immediately increases. Villa Park is an extremely tough place to go, especially for the top clubs, as the fans love the chance of an upset. McLeish will always be under pressure as Villa boss; the fans see him as a "blue nose" when they lose but a hero when they win. He'll be hoping he is seen as a hero over Christmas. Prediction: Draw! Villa are always one to take points off the top teams and expect that trend to continue for years to come.
Man City v Stoke:
Two of the in form sides come face to face at the Etihad on Wednesday, yet use completely contrasting playing styles; the fluent and dominant City versus the long direct Stoke. What they do have in common is their physical presence on the pitch; Huth, Walters and Crouch against Kompany, Yaya Toure and Balotelli should prove to be one of City's biggest threats this season. Prediction: Man City! Just... should be a tight game!
Newcastle v West Brom:
Newcastle have suffered a slight blip of late, and will want to get back to their form from the start of the season. Whereas West Brom will want to keep up the form that has taken them within the top half of the table. Prediction: Newcastle! Coloccini is back from injury and should help Newcastle get back to form.
Swansea v Everton:
Swansea have been passing established Premier League sides off the park since their introduction to the top flight (just ask Wolves) and will look to do similar to one of the most established clubs around! Prediction: Everton! If they do win they will jump above Swansea in the table and look to consolidating a top half finish.
Fulham v Man United:
United travel to West London for the second time in four days, and will want to pick up their second win keeping up the pressure on Man City. Fulham, however, will also hope for a second win on the bounce, and that Bryan Ruiz can continue his good form and score another high quality 'lob.' Ruiz looks a real talent and if the flair continues expect a big club like Man United to be in for him. Prediction: Draw! And maybe even a Ruiz special?
QPR v Sunderland:
Martin O'Neil's Sunderland are still struggling for goals and are still making a lot of chances. Even with a managerial change you can't create a proven goalscorer without the transfer window - Pavlyuchenko, the man who consigned them to defeat on Sunday, would be an unbelievable yet realistic signing. Thankfully for O'Neil the window is not far away, and nor, if reports are to be believed, is Gyan from returning from loan. QPR will too be delving in to the transfer market but will hope some good results over the festive period will help attract some big names. Prediction: Sunderland win! They have looked good all season but maybe someone can step up and score for the Black Cats
Wigan v Liverpool:
Wigan have had some surprising results in recent weeks and despite having a squad which would struggle to make the top half in the Championship, Roberto Martinez has continued to keep Wigan alive and kicking in the Premier League this season. Liverpool have hit the woodwork the most times this season and will hope it doesn't prove to be their undoing in what may be an uncomfortable night in the North West. Prediction: Liverpool! Grit and determination needed, ought to be installed in the players with a Scot in charge.
Spurs v Chelsea:
A crunch game to say the least, people forget that this is a derby, after Arsenal v Spurs, the biggest London derby possible. Like most derbies, Religion has its role to play but it will be even bigger if both these teams continue to succeed... I barely need to tell you what a win can do for these two - 'Title' springs to mind. Prediction: Chelsea! I went draw when they played City, and was wrong so I've got to back the blues this time - big game players may be the difference
We will know who is almost certain to go down after this week of games but also we will know who is to join the list of Brian Deane, Chris Sutton, Les Ferdinand and Moritz Volz. These names make up the list of 1st, 5,000th, 10,000th and 15,000th goal scorer respectively in the Premier League. And soon we will know who is to join the list by scoring the 20,000th Premier League goal!
Friday, 23 September 2011
The Weekend Preview (24/9/11)
Another mouth watering Premier League matchday - well if its anywhere as eventful as last week then we are in for another exciting weekend! Last week just had everything; goals, saves, cards, and of course misses! Will be interesting to see how much a week can change things...
Man City v Everton: The early kick off of the day sees a strong Man City side with no European hangover take on an Everton side who, as pressure mounts, seem stronger every week! Despite Everton winning 7 of their last 8 versus Man City, I still feel, with Aguero on top form, they ought not to drop points in consecutive weeks! My Prediction Man City win!
Arsenal v Bolton: An Arsenal side on the rocks and a Bolton side who haven't had the easiest of starts come head to head at the Emirates. Both teams will be desperate for a win - not only for 3 points but to give them an attempted kick start for their Premier League campaign. At times Arsenal looked awesome last week but as soon as they lost the ball they reminded me of the "typical League 2" joke often used on Soccer AM - just feel at home they may sneak the win. My prediction Arsenal Win!
Chelsea v Swansea: I think following last weekends performance many Chelsea fans will be quietly confident about the season ahead! Despite the scoreline, Chelsea fan's were singing "We're gunna win the League, you're never gunna believe us" last week towards the end of the game! Also I am sure they'll be right behind Torres just hoping he can turn it all round in a week! As for Swansea, Sinclair returns to his former club and will be looking to make a similar impact as to the one in the 3-0 victory last weekend! My Prediction Chelsea win!
Liverpool v Wolves: Liverpool and Wolves have both recently encountered heavy defeats and will look to bounce back immediately! Nevertheless despite Liverpool's supposed "title challenging side" and Wolves' relegation destined team I don't see much in the game! My prediction Draw!
Newcastle v Blackburn: Two promising performances last week for these two! Blackburn with a fabulous win at home to Arsenal and Newcastle with a good point away at Villa! But the defensive frailties of Blackburn would worry me more than their offensive potential shown on Saturday! For Newcastle Yohann Cabaye impressed me immensly last weekend. In mid February, when I last saw him, he was powerful and controlling and scoring a screamer for Lille (despite Given and his change of club - very similar to last week!) My Prediction Newcastle win!
West Brom v Fulham: Both these two squads seem strong enough to stay in the top flight of English football, but for some reason I have an inclination one of the two may go down and will at least struggle! Which one? I'm not too sure yet but the outcome of this game may help me decide. I can't split the two teams! My prediction Draw!
Wigan v Spurs: In recent history between these two sides the game had been extremely unpredictable - dare I predict a similar match! Going by Sod's law I predict a predictable outcome. Although looking at the form of both sides I am unsure of the outcome! Wigan and Spurs seem so prolific! Therefore a goal-fest is assumed - the away side may just knick it on prolificness! My Prediction Tottenham Win!
Stoke City v Man United: The same match last year was remembered for the awesome arrival of Javier Hernandez and his audacious header, using the back of his 'Chicaritto' Will the Little Pea be at it again? I have a feeling, similar to last year it will be an extremely tough game for United! And as Villas-Boas said after picking a point up at the Brittania - "everyone else still has to go there" or something along those lines! He may be proven right here! My Prediction Draw!
QPR v Aston Villa: Villa were booed off in midweek at Home to Bolton - and I can't see that having a positive effect on the side! Especially considering they travel to a QPR side no where short of confidence, let alone Premier League experience! The pace of SWP and the prowess of Joey Barton will prove too much for a Villa side in reconstruction. My Prediction QPR win!
Norwich v Sunderland: The Monday night football returns to Carrow Road - infamous in those parts for Delia Smith's enthusiastic outburst! Nevertheless they will be pleased to see it return, but face a strong Sunderland side who without their £14million Striker still scored 4 last Sunday! My prediction Draw!
Man City v Everton: The early kick off of the day sees a strong Man City side with no European hangover take on an Everton side who, as pressure mounts, seem stronger every week! Despite Everton winning 7 of their last 8 versus Man City, I still feel, with Aguero on top form, they ought not to drop points in consecutive weeks! My Prediction Man City win!
Arsenal v Bolton: An Arsenal side on the rocks and a Bolton side who haven't had the easiest of starts come head to head at the Emirates. Both teams will be desperate for a win - not only for 3 points but to give them an attempted kick start for their Premier League campaign. At times Arsenal looked awesome last week but as soon as they lost the ball they reminded me of the "typical League 2" joke often used on Soccer AM - just feel at home they may sneak the win. My prediction Arsenal Win!
Chelsea v Swansea: I think following last weekends performance many Chelsea fans will be quietly confident about the season ahead! Despite the scoreline, Chelsea fan's were singing "We're gunna win the League, you're never gunna believe us" last week towards the end of the game! Also I am sure they'll be right behind Torres just hoping he can turn it all round in a week! As for Swansea, Sinclair returns to his former club and will be looking to make a similar impact as to the one in the 3-0 victory last weekend! My Prediction Chelsea win!
Liverpool v Wolves: Liverpool and Wolves have both recently encountered heavy defeats and will look to bounce back immediately! Nevertheless despite Liverpool's supposed "title challenging side" and Wolves' relegation destined team I don't see much in the game! My prediction Draw!
Newcastle v Blackburn: Two promising performances last week for these two! Blackburn with a fabulous win at home to Arsenal and Newcastle with a good point away at Villa! But the defensive frailties of Blackburn would worry me more than their offensive potential shown on Saturday! For Newcastle Yohann Cabaye impressed me immensly last weekend. In mid February, when I last saw him, he was powerful and controlling and scoring a screamer for Lille (despite Given and his change of club - very similar to last week!) My Prediction Newcastle win!
West Brom v Fulham: Both these two squads seem strong enough to stay in the top flight of English football, but for some reason I have an inclination one of the two may go down and will at least struggle! Which one? I'm not too sure yet but the outcome of this game may help me decide. I can't split the two teams! My prediction Draw!
Wigan v Spurs: In recent history between these two sides the game had been extremely unpredictable - dare I predict a similar match! Going by Sod's law I predict a predictable outcome. Although looking at the form of both sides I am unsure of the outcome! Wigan and Spurs seem so prolific! Therefore a goal-fest is assumed - the away side may just knick it on prolificness! My Prediction Tottenham Win!
Stoke City v Man United: The same match last year was remembered for the awesome arrival of Javier Hernandez and his audacious header, using the back of his 'Chicaritto' Will the Little Pea be at it again? I have a feeling, similar to last year it will be an extremely tough game for United! And as Villas-Boas said after picking a point up at the Brittania - "everyone else still has to go there" or something along those lines! He may be proven right here! My Prediction Draw!
QPR v Aston Villa: Villa were booed off in midweek at Home to Bolton - and I can't see that having a positive effect on the side! Especially considering they travel to a QPR side no where short of confidence, let alone Premier League experience! The pace of SWP and the prowess of Joey Barton will prove too much for a Villa side in reconstruction. My Prediction QPR win!
Norwich v Sunderland: The Monday night football returns to Carrow Road - infamous in those parts for Delia Smith's enthusiastic outburst! Nevertheless they will be pleased to see it return, but face a strong Sunderland side who without their £14million Striker still scored 4 last Sunday! My prediction Draw!
Saturday, 17 September 2011
The Saturday Preview!
A huge week in the Premier League this week with some crucial matches and following the first European Matchday it will be interesting to see which teams (all 7) cope the best but only Arsenal play on Saturday so first we look at the other PL teams all playing on Saturday.
Blackburn v Arsenal: is the early kick off and following their two recent results they will take great confidence in to this match, although their draw at Dortmund will disappoint them slightly after lasting 88 minutes. Blackburn need a result and will feel its the best time to play Arsenal! My Prediction is an Arsenal win!
Aston Villa v Newcastle: Bent hasn't quite shown his £24m worth this season but I'm sure that is about to change. Newcastle themselves held off a very impressive QPR on Monday and will be looking to build on that. My Prediction is an Aston Villa win!
Bolton v Norwich: Bolton, after a tough run of games will be desperate to get a win versus a penalty-giving-diseased Norwich side. Norwich, will also look to get something out of this game as they have looked very impressive in previous games. My Prediction is a draw!
Everton v Wigan: After losing Arteta and gaining Drenthe and Stracquilasi (hope that's right) on deadline day Everton look a stronger squad and capable of another good season! Wigan also look stronger and that might slip out of the relegation zone come May. My Prediction is an Everton Win!
Swansea v West Brom: Swansea looking for their first goal to arrive with their first win in the Premier League and today might just be the day! WBA will look to continue after a hard-fought victory versus Norwich. My Prediction: Swansea win!
Wolves v QPR: Wolves have had a great start to the season and their fans will be hoping for better against new boys QPR! QPR, on the other hand, will be hoping for another away win after an impressive performance on Monday at home to Newcastle. My Prediction QPR win!
That rounds off all the Saturday matches! Check back later for my Sunday Preview - involving some mouth watering games such as Man U v Chelsea and Spurs v Liverpool.
Rob Baney
Blackburn v Arsenal: is the early kick off and following their two recent results they will take great confidence in to this match, although their draw at Dortmund will disappoint them slightly after lasting 88 minutes. Blackburn need a result and will feel its the best time to play Arsenal! My Prediction is an Arsenal win!
Aston Villa v Newcastle: Bent hasn't quite shown his £24m worth this season but I'm sure that is about to change. Newcastle themselves held off a very impressive QPR on Monday and will be looking to build on that. My Prediction is an Aston Villa win!
Bolton v Norwich: Bolton, after a tough run of games will be desperate to get a win versus a penalty-giving-diseased Norwich side. Norwich, will also look to get something out of this game as they have looked very impressive in previous games. My Prediction is a draw!
Everton v Wigan: After losing Arteta and gaining Drenthe and Stracquilasi (hope that's right) on deadline day Everton look a stronger squad and capable of another good season! Wigan also look stronger and that might slip out of the relegation zone come May. My Prediction is an Everton Win!
Swansea v West Brom: Swansea looking for their first goal to arrive with their first win in the Premier League and today might just be the day! WBA will look to continue after a hard-fought victory versus Norwich. My Prediction: Swansea win!
Wolves v QPR: Wolves have had a great start to the season and their fans will be hoping for better against new boys QPR! QPR, on the other hand, will be hoping for another away win after an impressive performance on Monday at home to Newcastle. My Prediction QPR win!
That rounds off all the Saturday matches! Check back later for my Sunday Preview - involving some mouth watering games such as Man U v Chelsea and Spurs v Liverpool.
Rob Baney
Saturday, 17 April 2010
A crucial week awaits after a disappointing defeat for Chelsea
Chelsea let lead slip to just one point after 2-1 defeat away at Spurs, earlier in the day, Manchester United moved to within one point of leaders Chelsea after beating rivals Manchester City who gave Spurs the chance to move into 4th. That chance they took. At the start of the day the door for the final Champions League spot looked wide open, whilst the door for the Premiership was almost shut: by the end of the day the hinges had swung, the title race was now wide open whereas the door for 4th spot had swung in the opposite direction needing one last push. That final push is to come on Saturday, a pivotal day for both Manchester City who lie in fifth and Spurs 2 points above them in 4th. Spurs head to Old Trafford to play United in the days early kick off and in the evening kick off Manchester City travel to the Emirates Stadium facing Arsenal, who to have hopes of the Premiership themselves. If Spurs can beat United they will have beaten the top 3 clubs consecutively, if they manage this incredible feat this could prove the end of United's title challenge, and with the form Spurs are in who is going to bet against them. Chelsea play in the 4pm kick off on Sunday at home to Stoke, in which many would expect a Chelsea victory, especially after Stoke had a rare defeat at home to Bolton today. The only thing that's for definite is that it shall undoubtedly be a thrilling end to the Season
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