EPL Matchday 9 Predictions

Let's start off this weekend's predictions with an apology to Norwich City.  Although I still think they will end up being relegated, the constant bashing delivered by me must have been the motivation they needed to take down a woeful Arsenal club last Saturday at Carrow Road.  Okay, that's done for.  On to this week's predictions that can't possibly be worse than last week...right?

Saturday

Aston Villa v. Norwich City, 7:45 AM: Believe it or not, this matchup of EPL bottom feeders does have an interesting storyline.  Villa manager Paul Lambert faces his former club for the first time and with the results both teams have so far this season, he seems to have made a lateral move.  Norwich is on the rise after their scalp of Arsenal last Saturday, but that was at home.  The Canaries have been on a different level of poor away from home.  Lambert gets the win against his old club.  Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1

Arsenal v. Queens Park Rangers, 10:00 AM: The Gunners and their fans hope this is rock bottom.  A loss to Norwich City and a midweek loss to Schalke 04 in the Champions League have left Arsene Wenger's squad looking for answers.  The answer could come in the form of a returning superstar.  Jack Wilshere.  Arsenal's new #10 is expected to feature at some point tomorrow after playing a few matches with the under-21 team.  With their current form, the Gunners will tread water through the first half against a weaker QPR side.  Wilshere's appearance in the second half will spur Arsenal to the victory.  Wait did I really just say "spur Arsenal"?  Prediction: Arsenal 2-1

Reading v. Fulham, 10:00 AM: Reading has as many wins in the EPL this year as they did last year.  It's a poor joke yes but it had to be said.  It's hard to pinpoint their exact problems when one week they score two goals and draw and the next week they are held scoreless in a 1-0 loss.  Fulham currently sit eighth in the table but have only secured one win away from Craven Cottage.  Reading will play well in front of their home crowd and take a point from Fulham.  Prediction: Draw 1-1

Stoke City v. Sunderland, 10:00 AM: Two teams that had puzzling performances last weekend.  Even though it was against Manchester United, I can't remember the last time a Stoke team gave up four goals.  Sunderland put together a very poor performance in the Tyne-Wear derby and were lucky to salvage a point thanks to a Demba Ba own goal.  The well seems to have run dry for the Black Cat offense as they've managed just two goals in their last three fixtures.  Not a good sign when you have to face Stoke at home.  The good news for Sunderland is that it's Stoke City, and they can't score.  Prediction: Draw 0-0

Wigan v. West Ham, 10:00 AM: It's been over two months since Wigan earned their lone win in the EPL.  Two months!  Roberto Martinez's squad is all out of sorts and need to start taking points at home to avoid relegation chatter.  That could be hard to with a strong West Ham side coming in.  The Hammers haven't needed Andy Carroll to find the back of the net this season with the strong form of Kevin Nolan.  Nolan has fired in four goals this season to lead the club and provides excellent movement up front for West Ham.  Last time I checked, it still isn't "Wigan Season".  West Ham takes all three points.  Prediction: West Ham 2-0

Manchester City v. Swansea City, 12:30 PM: Could this be the end for Roberto Mancini?  The Sky Blues are facing another early exit in the Champions League and now his own players are questioning his formations and tactics.  Luckily for City, their European woes haven't affected their domestic play too much. They rarely drop points at the Etihad and this week shouldn't be any different.  But in their current form, if this game was played on the road, City would stumble.  Prediction: Manchester City 2-0

Sunday

Everton v. Liverpool, 9:30 AM: One of the greatest derbies in England (if not the best) takes place Sunday at Goodison Park.  Everton could receive an important boost as Marouane Fellaini could return from injury.  Against the center pairing of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, Fellaini's aerial prowess will be very important.  Up front for Liverpool, it's the Luis Suarez show.  The dynamic Uruguayan is electric on the ball but his final touch rivals that of Gervinho, which is never good.  He will have to take advantage of his opportunities and involve the Reds wingers to earn a result on the road.  Everton will take an early lead, but Liverpool will manage a late equalizer to give each team a point.  Prediction: Draw 1-1

Newcastle v. West Brom, 11:00 AM: Both teams had missed opportunities last week.  Newcastle dominated Sunderland but only managed a draw while West Brom blew a one-goal lead to ten-man Manchester City and lost in stoppage time.  While Newcastle's loss is frustrating, the lasting effect shouldn't be as damaging as West Brom's.  I don't see the Baggies bouncing back from that loss so easily.  Newcastle in a rout.  Prediction: Newcastle 3-0

Southampton v. Tottenham, 11:00 AM: The Saints are allowing an eye-popping three goals a game through their first eight matches.  You don't need any further evidence to figure out why they sit 18th in the table.  Hard to see that average improve with Tottenham coming to St. Mary's Stadium.  Gareth Bale should be back after missing last week's match due to the birth of his son and should cause problems for the right side of the Southampton defense.  Spurs get back on track with an easy win.  Prediction: Tottenham 3-1

Chelsea v. Manchester United, 12:00 PM: #1 v. #2 in the Premier League.  Chelsea hosting Manchester United.  The last time these to played at Stamford Bridge, United staged a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down to snatch a draw.  Hopefully this match will be as exciting as that one.  You can surely expect to see some goals with the way both teams are playing offensively.  Manchester United leads the EPL in goals with 21 goals while Chelsea are second with 19.  Wayne Rooney will likely play as an attacking midfielder behind Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck because of Shinji Kagawa's injury.  Chelsea will rely on the midfield trio of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, and Oscar for their production against a questionable United backline.  There will be quality, there will be goals, and there will be a repeat of last year's fixture.  Prediction: Draw 3-3.

EPL Matchday 8 Predictions

It's back! It's been almost a fortnight since the last Premier League action but it is back with a vengeance this week.  So let's not waste anymore time.  Here are my predictions for EPL Matchday 8.

Saturday

Tottenham v. Chelsea, 7:45 AM: Boy are there some storylines in this London derby.  Chelsea's Champions League triumph last season left Spurs out in the cold for this year's Champions League despite finishing fourth.  So to say that Tottenham has revenge on their mind is an understatement.  If that wasn't enough, Andre Villas-Boas faces off against the club that fired him last season.  Chelsea is still unbeaten and atop the table while Tottenham has won four matches in a row.  It should be higher scoring than the scoreless and 1-1 draws these teams played to last year, but Chelsea and Tottenham will share the spoils yet again tomorrow.  Prediction: Draw 2-2

Fulham v. Aston Villa, 10:00 AM: Fulham wins the weekly third place lottery by getting to face Aston Villa at home this weekend.  Villa is not only struggling, but Paul Lambert is at odds with Darren Bent and it's creating unease around the entire club.  Fulham has been great this season at home outside of a late loss against Manchester City.  They'll take down Aston Villa with ease.  Prediction: Fulham 3-1

Liverpool v. Reading, 10:00 AM: Yet another chance for Liverpool for notch their first win at Anfield in the Premier League.  The Reds were hit by the injury bug during the international break as Fabio Borini fractured his foot and will be out for three months.  That puts even more pressure on Luis Suarez to produce up front.  The controversial striker needs to put the team on his back these next few weeks to try and get Liverpool within striking distance of the top four.  Liverpool will take a step in that direction tomorrow.  Prediction: Liverpool 3-0

Manchester United v. Stoke City, 10:00 AM: The unstoppable force that is the Manchester United offense meets the immovable object, the Stoke City defense.  It will be interesting to see the lineup SAF puts out against the technically sound Stoke City.  If it was me, this would be a match I'd start the vets like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.  Players that have experience and the know-how to dissect Stoke's stingy defense.  This game just smells of a Manchester United win via a penalty kick.  Let's just hope it's not a controversial one.  Prediction: Manchester United 1-0

Swansea City v. Wigan, 10:00 AM: Swansea and Wigan are coming off of draws and are sitting in the bottom half of the table.   Neither team seem capable of playing much defense right now so it should be another exciting, high-scoring match involving the Swans.  I'll go with the weekly goal for Michu and one from Dyer for Swansea and one from Di Santo and Maloney for the Latics. Prediction: Draw 2-2

West Brom v. Manchester City, 10:00 AM: Statement game at the Hawthorns for West Brom.  The Baggies have a chance to prove their strong start isn't a fluke against the defending champions.  City comes into this match banged up in the midfield with David Silva, Javi Garcia, and Jack Rodwell all unavailable.  That will cost City some possession and definitely some flare with the loss of Silva.  Yaya Toure might be forced to play a deeper lying role as well, which will hurt City's attacking prowess.  West Brom will be highly motivated with the champs in town and with City's injury problems, will earn a point at home.  Prediction: Draw 1-1

West Ham v. Southampton, 10:00 AM: Two of the three promoted sides face off at Upton Park.  Some of the shine has disappeared for the Hammers after their 3-1 loss to Arsenal and they also lost Vaz Te for up to three months.  Southampton meanwhile lost their newest and most expensive signing, Gaston Ramirez, for up to six weeks.  The Saints still have enough firepower to score goals with Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana though and will cause plenty of problems for the West Ham backline.  The Hammers have already notched some key wins this season.  It's about time Southampton did the same.  Minor upset in West London.  Prediction: Southampton 2-1

Norwich City v. Arsenal, 12:30 PM: This week's lottery winners and opponent of Norwich City...Arsenal! Although this fixture may not be as easy as it sounds.  The Gunners will be without Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, and Theo Walcott so Arsene Wenger's side will look a little different.  The good news, they still have Santi Cazorla.  The miniature Spaniard has been best player in the league this season and has created more chances in the attacking half than anyone else.  Olivier Giroud is rounding into form and he will receive enough service to score some goals.  Prediction: Arsenal 4-1

Sunday

Sunderland v. Newcastle, 8:30 AM: One of the more underrated derbies in England takes the stage on Sunday.  Sunderland and Newcastle will play for the 144th time in the Tyne-Wear derby and both clubs are coming off a loss.  Newcastle hasn't duplicated their success from last season so far this year while Sunderland have notched only one win.  With neither team playing their best football, best bet is to go with the home team in a derby matchup.  Steven Fletcher will add another goal to his tally sheet.  Prediction: Sunderland 2-1

Queens Park Rangers v. Everton, 11:00 AM: Everton wins the second place lotto prize this week with QPR on the schedule.  However, they'll have to play this match and possibly a few more without the presence of Marouane Fellaini.  Losing Fellaini isn't backbreaking, but the Toffees lose their most dangerous player on set pieces.  David Moyes will rely on Kevin Mirallas and Nikica Jelavic up front instead against a very weak QPR defense.  Everton was denied three points on their last road trip to Wigan.  They won't be this time around.  Prediction: Everton 2-0

World Cup Qualifying Predictions: 10/15

While Friday's matches were more of an appetizer, today's matchups are the main course, dessert, and meals for the next couple days.  Eight of the sixteen teams involved in Euro 2012 are facing off against each other and that doesn't even tell the whole story.  Friday's predictions were so-so with two correct wins.  Although the other three weren't correct, at least a loss did not occur when a win was predicted.  But I pride myself in having a better win percentage.  So expect more winners from these picks below.

UEFA

Italy v. Denmark, Group B, 2:45 PM: They aren't necessarily in desperation mode yet, but Denmark suffered a disappointing draw against ten-man Bulgaria on Friday and sit in fifth place in Group B.  The road doesn't get any easier as the Danes travel to the San Siro to take on the Azzurri.  Despite sitting on top of the group, Italy hasn't been tested so far with their toughest match, away to Bulgaria, resulting in just a draw.  Denmark will easily provide the Italians toughest test to date in Group B and because it is at home, Italy will pass.  Prediction: Italy 2-0

Germany v. Sweden, Group C, 2:45 PM: Germany showed on Friday in their 6-1 demolition of Ireland that they are as good as any team in the world at their top form.  Now they take on the other undefeated team left in Group C in the Swedes.  Sweden avoided embarrassment erasing a one-goal deficit to beat lowly Faroe Islands 2-1 and keep pace with the Germans.  Germany will be without Mats Hummels for the second straight qualifier so Holger Badstuber and Per Mertesacker will be in charge of neutralizing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.  Ibra might find the back of the net, but Sweden's back line won't be able to stop the German offensive attack.  Prediction: Germany 3-1

Romania v. Netherlands, Group D, 2:00 PM: Not many people would have thought this fixture would be for first place when the groups were announced.  Romania have won their first three matches in Group D including a 1-0 win at Turkey on Friday and will look to make make another splash with a scalp of the Dutch.  No easy task however.  The Netherlands rested many of their starters on Friday including Robin van Persie for this match and are reasonably healthy outside of Arjen Robben.  That should be enough for them to survive their trip to Transylvania.  Prediction: Netherlands 3-0

Poland v. England, Group H, 3:00 PM: Roy Hodgson has said he will make six change to his starting XI from the team that beat San Marino. Six!  Looks like Ashley Cole will return to the fray but your guess is as good as mine for who the other five will be.  Poland will be without one of their best players in winger Jakub "Kuba" Blaszczykowski, who will hence forth be referred to as Kuba so I don't have to type that ever again. That's a major loss for a Polish squad that already lacks depth.  England never makes it easy on themselves but they'll win an ugly one to stay on top of the group.  Prediction: England 2-0

Spain v. France, Group I, 3:00 PM: Does this have a knockout stage ring to it or what? Maybe it's because Spain and France faced off in the quarterfinals of Euro 2012 and the Round of 16 in World Cup 2006.  The defending champs are clearly the better team but are facing a bit of the crisis on their backline with both Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol out with injuries.  Sergio Ramos might not be available either leaving Vicente Del Bosque with limited options at the back.  France has their own problems but the main one is their current form.  Les Bleus dropped a home friendly to Japan on Friday and although that's far from a bad loss, it's not what you want leading into such an important match.  Didier Deschamps still hasn't found the right formula for this France team and whether he wants to play physical or free flowing.  Couple that the fixture being in Madrid and Spain will get a leg up in Group I.  Prediction: Spain 3-1

World Cup Qualifying Predictions: 10/12

A week's break from club football brings everyone important qualifying matchups all around the globe starting tomorrow.  For now, we'll focus on the best matches tomorrow and delve into the rest next week.  And away we go.

UEFA

Serbia v. Belgium, Group A, 2:30 PM: Two of the three teams sitting at the top of Group A square off in Belgrade.  Serbia has always been a defensive oriented team and usually find themselves in low-scoring affairs.  Belgium on the other hand has talent all over the pitch but have yet to develop the chemistry to make them one of the better teams in Europe.  It's a work in progress for the Belgians but they'll manage a solid draw on the road.  Prediction: Draw 1-1

Ireland v. Germany, Group C, 2:45 PM: An important one for Ireland as they try and keep pace in Group C.  They aren't going to catch Germany for the top spot in the group, but a point could be worth its weight in gold towards keeping them ahead of Sweden for second place.  Both teams have some minor injuries as James McClean and Robbie Keane for Ireland and Mats Hummels for Germany won't be available.  It may take a half for Germany to get going, but they'll leave Aviva Stadium with a win.  Prediction: Germany 3-0

Russia v. Portugal, Group F, 11:00 AM: This match will go a long way in deciding who earns the automatic berth in Brazil in 2014.  Fabio Capello shouldn't have any trouble getting his team motivated to face Portugal.  Russia has had the tendency to play to their opponents and with Portugal in town, you can expect their best match.  On the flipside, Portugal have the one-man wrecking crew that is Cristiano Ronaldo and a solid backline as well.  It won't be a win for Portugal, but it will feel like a win leaving Russia with a draw.  Prediction: Draw 1-1

Greece v. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Group G, 2:45 PM: Not attractive on paper, but an important one in Group G.  The Bosnians have lost in the playoff round of the last two international tournaments and Brazil '14 might finally be their breakthrough.  But Greece has a knack for taking teams out of their element by slowing the match down and bogging it down in the midfield.  Bosnia has lit up the scoresheet so far in qualifying but they haven't faced a team of true quality yet.  Greece ends the hot start for Bosnia.  Prediction: 1-0 Greece

CONMEBOL

Argentina v. Uruguay, 8:00 PM: Easily the best matchup to look forward to tomorrow as it pits the #4 and #7 ranked teams in the world (according to FIFA...that's another argument for another time).  Argentina leads the qualifying race in South America by a point over Ecuador and Colombia while Uruguay and Chile each sit two points back.  Everyone knows that Argentina is led by the best player in the world in Lionel Messi.  But it's been a different Messi and a different Argentina since Alejandro Sabella took over as manager.  The Albiceleste have defended much better and have used Messi in the attacking area right behind the striker.  For Uruguay, it's been a struggle as of late taking only one point of a possible six in their last two qualifying matches.  They have had great success against Argentina in recent past including a win in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Copa America in Argentina.  They are the team more than any other in South American qualifying who can go into Argentina and secure a win.  The problem is their poor form as of late.  Their high-powered offense has managed only two goals in their past three matches.  Not a recipe for success against Messi, Augero and Co. Prediction: Argentina 3-1

EPL Power Rankings: 10/8

For all of you out there that get depressed during the international break (not sure why that is), hopefully these rankings will help snap you out of that funk.  But we have some business to take care of before we get to the rankings thanks to two individuals who committed serious diving offenses.

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Name: Luis Suarez
Club: Liverpool
Game: 10/7 v. Stoke
Offense: Possibly the worst diving attempt to draw a penalty in the box that the world has ever seen.  This is bad even for a guy like Suarez who spends half his time on the ground.  And he wonders why he doesn't draw fouls from referees.

Sergio Busquets Scale: ★★★★★★ (Let it be known this scale is out of 5)

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Name: Gareth Bale
Club: Tottenham
Game: 10/7 v. Aston Villa
Offense: Going down without even being touched by Villa keeper Brad Guzan.  As great of a player that Bale is, incidents like this sure aren't helping his case for saying he isn't a diver.

Sergio Busquets Scale: ★★★★★ 

Antonio Valencia...your dive against Liverpool is all but forgotten after these two offenses.  On to the rankings.  Each team's previous ranking will be in parentheses.

1. Chelsea (1): Four points clear of the two Manchester clubs after the dismantling of Norwich City on Saturday.  Even Frank Lampard found the back of the net from a place other than the penalty spot.  The midfield trio of Mata, Oscar and Hazard are terrorizing opponents right now.

2. Manchester United (3): What a performance yesterday by the Red Devils.  United finally woke up from their six-week slumber to thrash Newcastle 3-0 on the road.  Nothing like a couple of goals from your backline to forget how poor it has been.  Oh and I don't care what he says.  There is no way Cleverley was going for goal on that "golazo".

3. Tottenham (8): Spurs kept their momentum rolling with a strong second half to dispose of Aston Villa on Sunday.  Good for Aaron Lennon for not only getting on the scoresheet, but getting recalled to the England National Team.  

4. Arsenal (4): Has there been a better player this season than Santi Cazorla?  His goal against West Ham was pure class.  The Gunners bounced back nicely after their loss to Chelsea and could have Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna and Abou Diaby back after the international break.

5. Manchester City (5): They looked better against Sunderland, but City still hasn't reached the level they were at last season.  Although having a healthy Sergio Aguero back will sure help that cause.  Still not sure what Mancini is going to do with Balotelli.  He storms off after being subbed off and apparently flies to Italy a few hours after.  Might be best served to keep the Italian riding the bench.

6. Everton (2): A draw at Wigan drops Everton a few spots in the rankings.  They showed excellent resilience though to fight back and earn a draw.  Leighton Banes is one of the most exciting players to watch in the league.  That says a lot since he plays at left back.

7. West Brom (6): The strong start continues for West Brom with a home win against lowly QPR.  West Brom has taken all twelve points from their first four home matches.  Their biggest test of the season will be after the international break when Manchester City visits the Hawthorns.

8. West Ham (10): Tough loss for the Hammers after scoring the first goal against Arsenal on Saturday.  With the roster they have though a top half finish in the table is definitely possible.  Even after Vaz Te's dislocated shoulder.

9. Fulham (9): What a wild finish Fulham had with Southampton on Sunday with both teams scoring in the final two minutes.  Both teams deserved a point so it was fitting that it ended in a draw.  Martin Jol better hope the rumors about Manchester United going after Brede Hangeland in January end up just being rumors.

10. Newcastle (7): As great as United looked yesterday, Newcastle looked just as poor.  I'll give them a bit of a pass since Krul, Taylor and Coloccini missed the match due to injury, but no one should be that poor at marking cornerkicks.

11. Sunderland (11): I'm sticking with Sunderland at 11 despite their 3-0 defeat at Manchester City.  After all, it was their first loss of the campaign.  They need to start taking three points from matches instead of one to move up higher.  

12. Stoke City (13): It's never pretty but it's somewhat effective.  Stoke earned you guessed it, a scoreless draw at Anfield yesterday for another hard-earned point.  Their inability to score consistently keeps them from the top half, but their stingy defense keeps them away from relegation.

13. Liverpool (15): Are they ever going to win at home? No seriously, are they?  If Liverpool have any ambition of challenging for a place in the top four they have to start winning at Anfield.  Oh and Luis Suarez needs to score against opponents other than Norwich City.

14. Wigan (16): Solid draw against Everton on Saturday although I'm sure Roberto Martinez is a bit bummed after yielding such a late equalizer.  With the way some of the teams are playing so far in the EPL, Wigan should feel good about their chances at staying in the top flight.

15. Southampton (12): The anti-Stoke.  A team that can score but can't stop their opponent from doing the same.  Jose Fonte's stoppage time leveler against Fulham may prove to be monumental come April and May.

16. Swansea City (14): Boy did Swansea avoid a total meltdown by erasing a two-goal deficit at home to Reading.  It feels like months ago that they won their first two matches of the season.  It's very surprising that they are still 11th in the table.

17. Reading (17): Now to the team on the other side of the 2-2 draw with Swansea.  Reading missed out on a golden opportunity to win their first match since being promoted.  Keeper Adam Fedirici is playing much better than he did at the start of the campaign when he let in a couple howlers.

18. Aston Villa (18): Not sure why Paul Lambert doesn't start Darren Bent.  He leads the team with two goals but Lambert insists on keeping him as a substitute.  If it was me and my team was in a relegation battle, I'd probably play my best goalscorer.

19. Queens Park Rangers (19): Based on the talent that's on their roster, they avoid the bottom spot yet again.  Can't quite understand why Mark Hughes has the job security he seems to have though.  A managerial move might be just the thing to spark this lifeless squad.

20. Norwich City (20): Hey they scored first against Chelsea!  Too bad that lead lasted about three minutes.  Then the real Norwich City showed up as they surrendered four goals in a 4-1 loss.  Doesn't get any easier as they host Arsenal after the international break.

EPL Matchday 7 Predictions

Last week had some predictions to be proud of and others to be a bit ashamed.  Even though I only had them earning a draw at Old Trafford, I'll take some credit in Tottenham's first win in 23 years at United.  We'll just forget about the predicted Arsenal and QPR victories.  On to this week's predictions!

Saturday

Manchester City v. Sunderland, 7:45 AM: Man Joe Hart is good.  Okay I know he doesn't have any cleansheets this season but that is far from his fault.  His performance Wednesday against Borussia Dortmund was remarkable and kept his sinking ship of a team alive in Europe's great club tournament.  But back to the EPL.  City takes on a Sunderland club that still hasn't lost and took four points from them last season.  Mancini will realize this though and make sure his team doesn't tread through water like they have most of this year.  As long their passing is crisper than Jack Rodwell's against Dortmund, City will pull out yet another win at the Etihad.  Prediction: Manchester City 2-1

Chelsea v. Norwich City, 10:00 AM: Chelsea established themselves as the top team in the Premier League last week with their 2-1 win at Arsenal.  Now they get to take a step down in competition to face Norwich City.  It may seem that I don't give Norwich much respect on this blog.  Well, you're right.  They are not very good.  They gave up five goals at home against Liverpool last weekend.  Now they have to play at Stamford Bridge.  Expect at least five. Prediction: Chelsea 6-0

Swansea City v. Reading, 10:00 AM: Swansea's is in free fall while Reading gained a bit of momentum earning a draw at home against Newcastle.  The Swans defense has been in tatters without Neil Taylor and that could continue against a plucky Reading squad.  Until Michael Laudrup's club shows signs of patching up their defense, Swansea is going to continue to struggle. Prediction: Reading 2-1

West Bromwich Albion v.  Queens Park Rangers, 10:00 AM: Queens Park Rangers is getting close to reaching the Norwich level.  Another loss at home and fans at Loftus Road are starting to call for Mark Hughes' head.  His sacking could come as soon this weekend if West Brom picks up a win this weekend.  Two predictions for the price of one.  West Brom wins, but Hughes lives to see another week...and maybe just the one.  Prediction: West Brom 2-0

Wigan v. Everton, 10:00 AM: Time to put Everton on upset alert.  Yes, Wigan has been poor to start the year.  Yes, it's not "Wigan Season" yet (the second half for those who didn't read last week's predictions).  But Everton are not used to their current situation being near the top of the table and could be prime for an upset.  The Toffees won't completely fall off the ladder, but they'll slip down a few rungs and draw Wigan. Prediction: Draw 1-1

West Ham v. Arsenal, 12:30 PM: With such a strong start to the Premier League campaign, West Ham has made this matchup a very intriguing London derby.  Matthew Jarvis has been an excellent signing so far for Sam Allardyce and keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has been a pleasant surprise in net.  For Arsenal, they need to focus on getting more shots on target.  The Gunners have blown too many chances in the box and it's not just the misfiring Olivier Giroud.  It will be a short turnaround for Arsenal after a Champions League win on Wednesday, but Wenger has enough depth in the midfield to orchestrate chances.  Look for Theo Walcott to shine.  Prediction: Arsenal 2-1

Sunday

Southampton v. Fulham, 8:30 AM: Two teams coming off a loss last week looking to get back on the right track.  Southampton is involved so you know there will be GOALS.  They allowed another three against Everton last weekend and must stop relying on outscoring other teams.  Southampton won their last match at home against Aston Villa and behind their raucous crowd, will make it two in a row.  Prediction: Southampton 3-1

Liverpool v. Stoke City, 10:00 AM: Just when you think Liverpool figured it out, they go and lose midweek to Udinese in the Europa League.  Still hard to put a finger on Liverpool this season due to their inconsistency.  Sunday is a chance to finally get their first win at Anfield against a Stoke team that has had their number in recent past.  The Reds shake off their Europa woes and make it two wins in a row in the EPL. Prediction: Liverpool 2-0

Tottenham v. Aston Villa, 10:00 AM: They did it! They did it! Spurs finally won at Old Trafford for the first time in 23 years last weekend and are really starting to gel under Andre Villas-Boas.  The Fulham tandem of Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey are in fine form and fellow newcomer Jan Vertonghen has been total class on the backline.  Tottenham routs Villa to continue their strong domestic play.  Prediction: Tottenham 3-0

Newcastle v. Manchester United, 12:30 PM: Well, at least United looked scary when van Persie and Rooney were on the pitch at the same time.  Bad news, it wasn't enough to spur a comeback last weekend (pun intended).  Now SAF faces a tough road test at Newcastle, a place where they suffered a 3-0 defeat last season.  United still haven't found the perfect lineup up front and the tandem of Ferdinand and Evans has been woeful at the back.  Can Robin van Persie carry a depleted United club to another victory?  It won't be easy, but the answer is yes.  Prediction: Manchester United 2-1

EPL Matchday 6 Predictions

What a slate of games the Premier League has for us this weekend.  Tomorrow should be an exciting day of football.  So without further ado, here's how I see this weekend's slate of games going down.

Saturday

Arsenal v. Chelsea, 7:45 AM

A London derby clash with title implications at the Emirates tomorrow morning.  Chelsea sits at the top of the table but haven't had the toughest schedule to date.  Meanwhile, Arsenal is rolling along after snatching a late draw at the Etihad to stay unbeaten on the season.  There will be plenty of storylines going on in this match with none bigger than John Terry.  The centre back was suspended four games by the FA for racial abuse but due to the appeal process, will most likely feature in Chelsea's starting XI.  The Gunners have already dealt with tough tests winning at Liverpool and drawing at Manchester City and their defense has been fantastic.  Couple that with the John Terry rain cloud hanging over the Blues and it will equal an Arsenal victory.  Prediction: Arsenal 2-1

Everton v. Southampton, 10:00 AM

There will be some goals scored in this match.  So far this season, Southampton has been involved in 3-2, 3-2, 6-1, and 4-1 scores already and tomorrow might not be any different.  Everton sit third in the table and have a favorable schedule ahead to continue their strong start.  Southampton haven't shown the ability to stop opponents from scoring and even if they put a couple past Tim Howard, it still won't be enough.  Prediction: Everton 3-1

Fulham v. Manchester City, 10:00 AM

Manchester City needs something positive.  There's no getting around it.  Within the last two weeks they've suffered a heartbreaking Champions League loss to Real Madrid and lost a late lead to Arsenal.  Pressure is starting to build on Bobby Manc and he put more on himself after declaring that City will win the league.  Fulham caught a bad break today with the news that striker Dimitar Berbatov will miss two weeks leaving Martin Jol lacking a bit up front.  What the Cottagers do have is a defense and with City struggling to find a set XI and David Silva still in a funk, look for Fulham to earn a point.  Prediction: Draw 1-1

Norwich City v. Liverpool, 10:00 AM

Boy you thought City needed something positive.  Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool need a win.  Norwich has been poor but they are a different team at Carrow Road.  Look for this game to be tight midway through the second half.  Then Liverpool will find a late hero to net them a winner.  My money is on Joe Allen.  The Reds notch Rodgers' first win in the Premier League.  Prediction: Liverpool 2-1

Reading v. Newcastle United, 10:00 AM

Reading has nowhere to go but up!  They sit last in the table but have played better than their record would suggest.  Newcastle are plugging along sitting tenth in the table and just handed manager Alan Pardew an eight year extension. Yes, an EIGHT year extension.  Toon is the better side, but Reading will use their home crowd to spark the upset.  Prediction: Reading 1-0

Stoke City v. Swansea City, 10:00 AM

Like every match involving Stoke, whichever team can influence their style of play is more likely to emerge victorious.  Swansea is in a tailspin after such a strong start and the loss of Neil Taylor has left a gaping hole in their defense.  Stoke is playing at the Britannia and will inflict their physical style en route to an ugly victory...the only way Stoke knows how to win.  Prediction: Stoke 1-0

Sunderland v. Wigan Athletic, 10:00 AM

Sunderland have drawn their first four matches and have a good chance to get their first win tomorrow.  Wigan have taken just one of a possible nine points in their last three matches and Roberto Martinez showed some emotion after a loss to Manchester United and was charged by the FA.  Steven Fletcher has been on fire since joining Sunderland with four goals and he'll net another in a convincing Black Cat victory.  Prediction: Sunderland 3-1

Manchester United v. Tottenham, 12:30 PM

It's been 23 years since Tottenham has won at Old Trafford.  I'll give you a minute to let that sink in.  To put that in perspective, Blackburn and Wigan BOTH won at Old Trafford last season.  Spurs have won two matches in a row and may have figured it out under AVB.  Manchester United welcome back Wayne Rooney to the lineup which leaves Sir Alex Ferguson some interesting decisions about who to play.  Does he play Rooney with the white hot Robin van Persie?  If so, is it Kagawa who starts in attacking mid? Cleverley?  With all these options, Ferguson needs to find a lineup that works and develop chemistry.  That can take time.  United have been flirting with fire on many occasions this season and their defense has taken a hit with Nemanja Vidic out for two months.  Spurs won't snap the 23 year drought, but they will leave Manchester with a point.  Prediction: Draw 1-1

Sunday

Aston Villa v. West Bromwich Albion, 11:00 AM

Another chance for West Brom to gather three points and continue their strong start in the Premiership.  On paper at least.  Villa is riding the momentum from a Capital One Cup win over Manchester City during midweek and will look to ride that wave at home this weekend.  I believe they will behind Gabby Agbonlahor.  Prediction: Aston Villa 2-0

Monday

Queens Park Rangers v. West Ham United, 3:00 PM

Not quite sure what the schedule makers were thinking playing this match on Monday.  But I digress.  West Ham have been poor away from home while QPR have been just as poor at home.  Something's gotta give here.  I'll go with QPR because they need the win more sitting 19th in the table.  Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 2-1