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.
No comments:
Post a Comment