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
No comments:
Post a Comment