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
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