It’s weekend predictions time again and, to be honest, following last weeks many incorrect guesses I’m a bit worried I could end up as the next Mark Lawrenson.
Here we go then.
Can Blackpool repeat their first week magic? No.
Saturday 21st August
Arsenal v Blackpool
After last weeks shock 4-0 victory over Wigan, Blackpool will be full of confidence, but with an Arsenal team coming back to full strength (Van Persie could start and Fabregas is in the squad) I don’t Blackpool stand a chance. A strong win for the gunners. Arsenal to win (5-1 score guess)
Birmingham vs Blackburn
Blackburn were another team to surprise last week as they beat Everton 1-0, albeit courtesy of a Tim Howard howler. Birmingham did well to draw away at Sunderland. Last season St Andrews was a very hard place to go and I can’t see Blackburn getting anything here. Birmingham to win (2-0 score guess)
Everton vs Wolves
There will no doubt be major determination in the Everton camp to put last weeks defeat behind them and ensure they can avoid repeating last seasons poor start. Wolves will be a tougher proposition this year I feel, having streangthened in the summer, but not enough to deny Everton. Everton to win (2-1 score guess)
Stoke vs Tottenham
Spurs will nearly undone mid-week by Swiss side FC Young Boys in their Champions League qualifier. The defence looked leaky, however with King back alongside Dawson they should be more solid. Stoke can be a tough team to beat at The Brittania stadium and whilst I don’t think they will be very strong this year, Tottenham may have to settle for a draw. Draw (2-2 score guess)
West Brom vs Sunderland
A 6-0 humping on the opening day is no way to kick off your return to the Premier League and West Brom fans are probably no relishing the idea of facing a strong looking Sunderland side at the Hawthorn Stadium on Saturday. Sunderland didn’t look brilliant last week and I expect West Brom to really dig in and defend a lot better this time around. Sunderland (1-2 score guess – draw wouldn’t be that surprising)
West Ham vs Bolton
A tough call this one. On paper The Hammers should come out on top here, however Owen Coyle’s Bolton are going to be difficult opposition for most teams this season. Avram Grant is still trying to get his side to gel. I think Bolton could come out on top here, and I’m going to stick my neck out for an away win. Bolton to win (1-2 score guess)
Wigan vs Chelsea
Last season Chelsea were forced to eat humble pie at the DW Stadium but it looks unlikely to happen again. The two teams couldn’t have been further apart on opening day, with Chelsea battering WBA 6-0 and Wigan being embarrassed by Blackpool, losing 4-0. I imagine it’s unlikely we’ll see Wigan perform so badly again this season, but a game against title holders Chelsea is hardly the ideal game to get the confidence back. Chelsea to win (1-3 score guess)
Sunday 22nd August
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
This is a tough one to call. Villa should have been in disarray last week with the departure of Martin O’Neill but it seemed to have absolutely sod all impact on the teams performance, with them running out comfortable winners against West Ham. Newcastle away is likely to be a tougher game. Having watched the Man Utd vs Newcastle game on Monday I think the Magpies can give Villa a good game but that their squad ultimately lacks the ability to beat the top sides in the division. A strong home support will give them a boost and this’ll be a close one. Aston Villa win (2-3 score guess)
Fulham vs Man Utd
Former Utd player, and former Man City manager, has done well so far in his two games in charge of Fulham. A convincing pre-season win was followed by a well earned point against Bolton. That point was earned despite the absence of first choice keeper Mark Schwarzer whose future remains uncertain. Hughes has this week accused Arsenal of unsettling the player, despite the fact that Arsene Wenger has refused to be drawn on the issue and it only seems to be Hughes talking about the possibly transfer. Hughes’ public complaints could, ironically, annoy the player who is keen to move and has handed in a transfer request. That aside, Mark will know how to approach this game whilst Man Utd have failed to score in their last 2 games at Craven Cottage, beaten both times in the process. I think they’ll score on Sunday but I believe Fulham will be strong enough to deny Utd at least 2 points. Draw (2-2 score geuss)
Monday 23rd August
Milner may feature for Man City this week.
Man City vs Liverpool
New Man City signings Balotelli and James Milner are likely to feature in this important fixture on Monday. Balotelli got his Man City career off to a good start by scoring on his debut in the Europa League on Thursday. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without summer signing Joe Cole due to suspension and the future of last summers signing, Aquilani, seems to be away from Anfield after Roy Hodgson confirmed they are hoping to loan him out. This will leave Liverpool somewhat short of creativity, a complaint Liverpool fans made all last season, in a game in which they can ill afford to lack a clinical touch. Compared player by player City have the much stronger squad, and with home advantage too I think Liverpool are going to be defeated here. Man City to win (3-1 score guess)
As with last week we’ve put a £1 accumulator on. I’ve done a cut down one this week and only gone for the games I’m more confident on. The slip looks as follows:
Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Everton, Birmingham & Sunderland (draw no bet) for which we’re getting 18/1 on skybet.
