Premier League predictions

As you may have noticed, I have played around with the old site design and I have to say: what an excellent way to spend your time that is. I hope it improves the overall experience, the sidebar to the left should makes things more straightforward anyway. Enough about that, to matters at hand…

My biggest tip for this weekend’s Premier League action is to keep an eye out for Arsenal. They were brilliant against Everton in midweek – the character and efficiency showed will seep out in the form of confidence now they’ve earned respect.

The Gunners’ opponents Aston Villa may be well-rested and coming off the back of a victory, but form is temporary and well, Villa are hopeless so I expect a hammering.

Aside from that game, well Tevez obviously. City’s late kick-off with Stoke will be a real test of the side in general, as well as the Argentinian’s own potential value to the team.

It’s hardly sticking my neck on the line I know, but you wouldn’t be surprised if he nicked the winner, would you?

Liverpool (I’m still laughing) will hope to get the hilarious QPR defeat out of their system and should view Wigan as ideal fodder for a pummeling of their own. Remember: one point for a correct result, two for a correct score.

Last week’s score: 5 (Must do better)
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Saturday March 24, 2012

Chelsea 2- 2 Tottenham (12:45)

In spite of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final with Benfica, Chelsea ought to have restored enough pride by now to compete in this London derby. Spurs were unlucky against Stoke, and against Everton, against everyone they don’t beat basically, but you cannot deny a clear lack of killer instinct in recent weeks.

Gareth Bale has however played a lot more like his best during Wednesday’s draw and he should carry that on in this game. So too should Luka Modric who could so foolishly have left for Stamford Bridge last summer. Chelsea’s big performers should be up for another hard shift but I think they will be fortunate to escape with a point.

Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa  (15:00)

Arsenal’s defence stood impressively firm against Everton on Wednesday night and the whole side played with the sort of solidity and togetherness that is a natural by-product of winning games.

The possibility of robbing Spurs of third place could have had an all-too predictably detrimental effect on confidence. Take it from me as an Evertonian, it had a visibly positive effect on them – they were outstanding.

Updating that comment slightly, if Chelsea beat Spurs in Saturday’s early kick-off, Wenger’s men will prepare themselves for the trip of a poor  completely rubbish Aston Villa side knowing victory will open up a four-point gap over their rivals. No contest.

Villa are lucky they have the points on the board. Wasn’t it only last season people were saying about an Alex McLeish side ‘yeah they’re bad but surely they won’t get sucked into a relegation battle’? I expect them to get battered and Arsenal to be back to their fluent best.

Bolton 1-2 Blackburn Rovers (15:00)

Obviously attention will be drawn to the Fabrice Muamba situation but that could really go one of two ways so it’s best not to speculate – I’ll just stick with form.  Blackburn have been excellent in the last two games and have steered clear of relegation as far as I’m concerned.

If I’m right, expect to see Rovers play with even greater freedom and confidence which can only mean good things for a team that boasts one of the best strikeforces in the league at the minute. Saturday’s game with Bolton could mark a real change in momentum and fortunes at Ewood Park.

December’s home defeat to Wanderers left Blackburn bottom of the league with 10 points from 17 games. Victory at the Reebok would mean Rovers have accumulated 21 points from the next 13 leaving them as close to Swansea in eighth as relegation would be to them in 16th. Regained confidence will allow superior quality to prevail – Blackburn for me.

Liverpool 3-0 Wigan (15:00)

Liverpool were really complacent in midweek, missing far too many ch – oh I can’t do it! That was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in ages! How they lost that game I’ll never know.

But seriously, the defeat ought to jolt a pretty average but capable Liverpool side into life and Wigan make perfect opponents for that task. On a side note regarding Sebastian Coates’ contribution – goal of the season so far.

The Latics failure to win either of the last two against Norwich and West Brom sends out the worst possible message. If effectively says ‘look, we’re not going to beat you so you may as well have a go’.

Liverpool are way off top four standard but have been incredibly unlucky on many occasions – naturally that luck, particularly their home form has to change some time.

Luis Suarez has done everything but score recently including staying on his feet once or twice, and he is only ever one goal away from top form. My tip: Suarez to score two.

Norwich 2-1 Wolves (15:00)

Wolves’ performance against Manchester United was the sort of woeful, clueless display that only makes you sympathise with supporters. Everyone has been there at one time or another and unfortunately for Terry Connor’s men, now, at the most crucial time, all the positive factors of their play have been drained in place of rapidly-transmittable fear.

I had accused Norwich of being a bit off the boil over the past few games, and though defeat to Newcastle bore several of the same traits, there was a lot in that performance for Lambert’s men to be proud of. Finishing was to blame for not claiming at least a point – expect that to be put right against a Wolves’ side gifting plenty of chances.

One of my favourite parts of Match of the Day each week is the anticipation that accompanies Grant Holt rising to meet a header in the box. Surely he can outwit such a  fragile defence to set up a victory for his side.

Sunderland 3-1 QPR (15:00)

Both sides were fairly poor in midweek, each conceding two goals (though only one side won 3-2 – sorry lads, had to) but that’s about the only thing that puts this Sunderland side in a bracket with Mark Hughes’ QPR.

Defensively, they are solid and they boast the natural attacking enthusiasm that defines Martin O’Neill’s teams.

Sunderland looked out on their feet in parts against Blackburn but the return of Stephane Sessegnon from suspension will be a huge boost. He is the Mackem’s best player by a long stretch, though Fraizer Campbell, James McClean and John O’Shea have all played their part of late. Sunderland to win comfortably.

Swansea 1-2 Everton (15:00)

This is a really interesting game. Everton were just beaten by the most Swansea-esque side in the league, Arsenal, and so you would expect more of the same. Truth is Everton really competed with Arsenal who strike me as the best team in the league at the moment, and the only thing that stood between Nikica Jelavic and one or two goals was a brilliant defensive performance from start to finish.

Swansea’s midfield operates almost exactly like the Gunners’ though they are inferior both up front and at the back. They will create less chances and give more away than Arsenal did on Wednesday, and after two shambolic referee performances in a row, Everton are overdue a turn of luck.

I expect David Moyes to once again shuffle his team in preparation for the FA Cup quarter-final replay with Sunderland on Tuesday but those who come in can be just as adequate on their day.  Close game, but a spirit-raising victory for Everton in the end.

Stoke City 1-2 Manchester City (17:30)

I was all set to go for a draw here knowing how much of a performance the Stoke crowd can get out of their side during a night match at home, but then I was put in mind of that headline-grabbing fallen hero Tevez. Without meaning to come across too Ray Winstone here, you’d have to say it’s worth a punt.

Victory over Chelsea was essential and the manner of it potentially crucial. Strikers are fickle folk and the formula really is very simple: player + goals = everything’s alright. Though Tevez did not score, he did the next best thing and will reap the benefit in confidence.

I respect Stoke enough to think that they will be able to rouse themselves for a second tough fixture in a matter of days.

However, the potential combination between Tevez who will be desperate to score, and such unselfish, genius footballers as David Silva and Sergio Aguero must mean a goal is not too far away. City to nick it. Just.
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Sunday March 25, 2012

West Brom 2-2 Newcastle (16:00)

Roy Hodgson’s men have been poor of late and were fortunate not to be beaten by Wigan. They are the sort of outfit who buck up their ideas pretty quickly however so this has all the makings of a great game.

Historically, Newcastle fans have a thing for strikers. They mustn’t be able to believe their luck because now they have two of the best in the league. Both players are near faultless performers and back up clinical technical skills with hard work for the team.

If Pardew’s men defend in the same manner as their victory over Norwich, then a competent West Brom side can always take advantage. Long, Odemwingie, Ba, Cisse, Ben Arfa – there’s got to be goals. 2-2.
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Monday March 26, 2012

Manchester United 2-0 Fulham (20:00)

The key to Manchester United’s recent league success has been quite simply Wayne Rooney – he has played with the sort of ruthlessness that defines not only elite players but champions.

Last May’s Champions League final against Barcelona highlighted his evident superiority over the rest of his teammates, and his wonder goal during United’s latest Spanish humiliation at the hands of Bilbao showed that not much has changed.

The Red Devils have so much talent that all they need is a playmaker and Rooney, despite his impressive goal scoring return this year, has taken up the responsibility of that role.

Without him, the leaders would be snookered but with him, I’ll back them all the way. If City return from a tough trip to the Britannia with anything less than three points, United would be handed the perfect chance to crank up the pressure at the top. Surely Fulham despite their abundant talent will not be able to stop them.
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By Chris Smith

Premier League predictions

In this week’s set of predictions, I have gone for some bold/ stupid ones. This comes in spite of the fact my top score is something like six. Included in there are two 2-3 predictions which are deemed to serve an interesting purpose. If I am in any way correct, you, the reader, are bound to think ‘ah this chap must know a thing or two’, you come back again, I’m happy, you’re happy, everyone’s happy (to an extent). And if I am wrong, well, who gives a shit?

Last week’s score: 5

Saturday February 25, 2012

Chelsea 2 – 1 Bolton Wanderers 15:00
A lot has been written about Villas-Boas this week and rightly so. The players are either under-performing or past it but without meaning to get too personal Andre, it is precisely your personality that is the problem for me. Dropping Ashley Cole for Jose Bosingwa? He deserves what he gets for that. In terms of Bolton, I was delighted to see Ryo Miyaichi start and score against Millwall. Hopefully, he replaces the rubbish Martin Petrov in the starting line-up. If so, Bolton could have another Jack Wilshere situation on their hands. Whether or not that happens, I am going make a bold prediction here, Torres to score in a Chelsea win.

Newcastle 2-1 Wolves 15:00
Wolves’ search for a new manager has rapidly become a farce but good luck to Terry Connor. It would be easy to condemn Steve Morgan and the rest of the board, but to be honest, Wolves have been average at best for far too long and the embarrassment at home to West Brom was about ten final straws at once. I expect a spirited performance from them but Newcastle are a really strong side at home. The more Cisse and Ba play together, the more goals, the more confidence, more goals etc etc, so a Newcastle win for me.

QPR 3-2 Fulham 15:00
This seems like a bit of a wild prediction but there is method in my madness. There are lots of interesting details to stoke up the intensity of the game. Mark Hughes walked out on Fulham last year, Bobby Zamora in January, and of course the fact it is a very local derby. QPR desperately need the points given their predicament and although 3-2 is a bit of a risky prediction, these games have to happen some time don’t they?

West Brom 1-2 Sunderland 15:00
I expected Sunderland to ease past Arsenal in the FA Cup and they did. Consequently, I expect that momentum to spur them on at the Hawthorns where a thoroughly capable West Brom side strangely continue to struggle. It has all been said about Martin O’Neill so I think it best to concentrate on James McClean who looks a fantastic player. I think Sunderland are playing well enough to control the game which will frustrate West Brom and their supporters. I expect Sunderland’s efficient attacking to secure a late win.

Wigan 1- 2 Aston Villa 15:00
To be blunt, I think this will be a fairly dire game from two boring sides but for me, Villa’s attacking potency coupled with Wigan’s defensive inadequacies will be the difference. Villa have some really good players, and to a lesser extent so do Wigan, but both sides lack the consistency required to climb the table. Poor game, Keane or Bent to win it.

Manchester City 3-0 Blackburn 17:30
My first thought was ‘easy win for City’, my second ‘ah but Blackburn did win at Old Trafford’, my third ‘no you were right, easy win for City’. So easy win for City then. I could explain my reasons but is there any point?

Arsena 2-3 Tottenham 13:30 
Historically, I love Arsenal. Furthermore, I have grown accustomed to hating various Spurs teams over the years. Though I wouldn’t claim my Arsenal sympathies have gone full circle, my Spurs dissent certainly has. Though Man City play the slightly better football, Spurs do it more often and for longer periods. If you take this team as a reference for Redknapp’s England manager’s application then I cannot wait. Arsenal on the other hand are back to the same old sorry mixture of woeful defending, unfortunate injuries and an all-too evident crisis of confidence. They will fight here but Spurs will fight back stronger.

Norwich 0-2 Manchester United 13:30
To allow my Spurs praise to spill over for a second, I rate them on a similarly plane to Manchester United these days which is why I have gone for 2-0, the scoreline when Spurs visited Carrow Road. Rio Ferdinand’s return will be welcome for a defence that looked awful against Ajax. Norwich may just catch United napping by coming out of the traps but I would expect Ferguson’s men to be prepared for that despite playing on Thursday. Enough quality in United’s attack to secure a good win.

Stoke City 2-0 Swansea 15:00
A lot was made of Tony Pulis’ selection in mid-week but one thing that is for sure, whoever plays will come out fighting in a winnable home game. Swansea’s win at West Brom was courageous but unrepresentative of a much more abject away form. On their day, they can match anyone but it seems their day comes all too seldom away from home. Stoke are a great side at times and surely Pulis has prepared things perfectly for a great home performance.

Carling Cup Final

Cardiff City 1-2 Liverpool 16:00
It is difficult to tip Liverpool to win a final as an Evertonian, especially as I really rate Cardiff, but I imagine Craig Bellamy will start, and an attack that boasts him, Luis Suarez, and Steven Gerrard is hard to ignore. All three have tremendous talent but far more importantly on the day, the sort of clinical efficiency which is crucial in converting chances into cup-winning goals. Cardiff will create and the dead ball ability of Peter Whittingham will give them chances in any game but Liverpool will have the quality and the nerve to triumph. (Bastards)
 

FA Cup Predictions

Having been away for a bit, I haven’t posted anything for a few days. What better way to get back in than the bloody FA Cup eh? Feel free to comment on any of the predictions I make, or offer predictions of your own, and look-out for an article on my visit to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin coming soon.

Last week’s score: 6

FA Cup fifth-round

Saturday February 18, 2012

Chelsea 2 – 0 Birmingham City (12:30)
Chelsea have been absolutely atrocious this season and their fans have every reason to be worried. Birmingham however have had a great year as Chris Hughton has further enhanced his good reputation. Priority may be important in this tie. Although they are still in the Champions League, the FA Cup is Chelsea’s only realistic chance of silverware for me and so I expect a decent showing. Birmingham however find themselves just two points off third place in the Championship with a game in hand, so are unlikely to favour another cup run after their own European adventure. Poor quality game I imagine, Chelsea to do enough.

Everton 2 – 0 Blackpool (15:00)
Everton have been fantastic in recent weeks and that is mainly down to the return of Steven Pienaar and Landon Donovan. The American plays his last game before heading back to the USA and so I expect another great performance. Cup-tied Pienaar’s absence will be a loss, but I expect Everton to perform well regardless. Blackpool have been great recently, and as an admirer of their side, particularly of Matt Phillips, I am glad to see them back up there. They will give a good account of themselves but a Johnny Heitinga-spearheaded Everton defence will keep them at bay.

Millwall 2 – 1 Bolton Wanderers (15:00)
I do not rate either of these sides at the moment and I expect a particularly dull game. Two consecutive defeats has somewhat derailed Bolton’s recent revival and an awkward trip to The Den is not exactly ideal for getting back on track. Millwall have been poor of late but despite that I anticipate a typically committed performance from them. They will just about deserve the win and I fancy them to nick it with a late goal.

Norwich City 3-0 Leicester City (15:00)
This game will be a real indication of how far Norwich have come. I expect them to hammer Leicester from start to finish and they will not be  flattered by this scoreline at all. Leicester have been inconsistently impressive but more consistently abject and they look devoid of the sort of spirit which is the lifeblood of Paul Lambert’s side. Norwich play some great football, their players are tremendously committed, and the Carrow Road crowd is one of the best in the league. An easy 3-0.

Sunderland 2- 1 Arsenal (17:15)
Sunderland get an immediate chance to avenge Thierry Henry’s late winner at the Stadium of Light last week, but this time they face an Arsenal side sapped of all confidence having been crushed 4-0 on Wednesday by AC Milan. Arsenal’s performance was an embarrassment that night and given Martin O’Neill’s well-reported man-management skills, I see Sunderland taking full advantage of that. If Sunderland get an early goal, there will be only one winner for me.

Sunday February 18, 2012

Crawley 1 – 2 Stoke City (12:00)
Despite Stoke’s mid-week defeat to Valencia, I anticipate Tony Pulis’ men being up for this one – not least because it was a home tie. Crawley will naturally will have a spring in their step, not just because the quarter-finals beckon but also because they are a buoyant, confident side these days. They will challenge Stoke all over the park, but Pulis will have prepared his team for this. Stoke can match anyone for work-rate on their day and will have sufficient quality in the final third to claim the victory.

Stevenage 0 – 3 Tottenham (14:00)
Tottenham are the best team to watch in the Premier League. Most people say Manchester City, but I have watched too many boring games of theirs to agree. Harry Redknnapp’s teams have always been great viewing and with the endless stream of talent at White Hart Lane, Tottenham have done their manager’s talent justice. Aside from ability, Spurs’ attitude is first-rate, they take no game lightly. Stevenage had a great win in mid-week away at Sheffield Wednesday and will prepare for the game confidently. Unfortunately for them, Spurs are just too good, simple as that.

Liverpool 3 – 1 Brighton (16:30)
After a week in which Liverpool and its staff have rightly been ridiculed, Kenny Dalglish and star striker Luis Suarez will be glad to get away from the media furore their mutually moronic behaviour caused. All that being said, Suarez is a great player and will undoubtedly score in this game. The apologies may serve to clear the air for Liverpool which could lead to the team playing with less pressure at home. If so, expect Liverpool to dominate the game over a thoroughly decent Brighton side who defeated Newcastle in the last round.

Premier League Predictions

Here is the latest round of Premier League predictions. I’ve made one key change and that is to add a line or two of explanation to each game. Naturally, this is to make the blog ‘more interesting’ for any readers, and beyond that, to be even more self-indulgent.

Last week’s score: 6

Saturday February 3, 2011

Arsenal 2 – 0 Blackburn Rovers 13:00
This game will be tight and I even considered going for a score draw until I found out that Yakubu is still suspended for Blackburn. There  will be chances for both sides as Arsenal’s defence is still far from steady, but the Gunners’ ability to convert will be the difference between them and a goal-shy Rovers.

Norwich City 2 – 1 Bolton Wanderers 15:00
This is what you might call a ‘six-pointer’: if Norwich lose, there will be only six points them and Bolton, if they win, they will be 12 ahead. I would suggest that the proximity of Bolton to the relegation zone (17th) would therefore render Norwich’s safety a mere formality as the Canaries would be just three wins short of 40 points. I expect Bolton to give a good account of themselves and to play well in parts, but ultimately the fantastic support from the Carrow Road crowd will buoy Paul Lambert’s men enough to gain a vital three points.

QPR 2 – 1 Wolves 15:00
This game interests me for a number of reasons. Firstly, I am very keen to see what the new Zamora/ Cisse strikeforce looks like for QPR, potentially it could keep them up. Secondly, the 3-0 hammering to Liverpool was as bad as Wolves have been since another humiliating 3-0 home defeat – against QPR in September. Mark Hughes will have been impressed by a lot of his side’s performance against Aston Villa.  I expect a good game and I believe the decisive factor will be one or both of QPR’s new strikers.

Stoke City 2 – 2 Sunderland 15:00
Tony Pulis used a post-match interview this week to highlight the fact his side have played nine of the last 11 games away. That’s absolutely incredible! I make it eight of the last 11 but even so… Surely then Stoke will be delighted to get back to the Britannia where they are a formidable outfit. On the other hand however, the confidence Martin O’Neill is transmitting to his players is there for everyone to see and never more so than the 3-0 victory over Norwich. Both sides are capable of goals, I expect a score draw.

West Brom 2-1 Swansea 15:00
West Brom’s home form has been abysmal – eight points from 11 games – whereas Swansea’s away form is somehow worse – only six points collected. For me West Brom have been losing points because of individual errors, the team as a whole appears to be functioning well. I expect their form at the Hawthorns to improve sooner rather than later and Saturday’s game seems like a great chance.

Wigan 0 – 1 Everton  15:00
Wigan have been unlucky in some games and terrible in others. For me, they look doomed and none of the transfer activity during the window changed my mind. Everton inversely will hope to boost new signings Nikica Jelavic and Steven Pienaar and come into the game off the back of their best result in a long time. The performance against Manchester City was a real morale boost and I expect a narrow win for the Toffees here.

Manchester City 3 – 0 Fulham 17:30
If Roberto Mancini’s men do not bounce back after Tuesday’s defeat to Everton, I will be extremely surprised. Many have interpreted the Italian’s decision to shoulder the blame as a sign of strength. My take is that he is removing pressure from his players – noble, but a clear acceptance they are feeling the strain. Level on points now with rivals Manchester United, City will need a positive performance to reassure fans.

Sunday February 4, 2011

Newcastle United 2 – 0 Aston Villa 13:30
If, as expected, Newcastle partner new Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse with countryman Demba Ba, Newcastle ought to be back to their confident best. Though Villa have improved of late, Alan Pardew’s side are a real prospect when their strikers are firing on all cylinders and if Cisse is half as good as Ba, they have two cracking players up top. Newcastle to win comfortably.

Chelsea 1 – 3 Manchester United 16:00
This game could well boil down to one side losing key players at the wrong time and one gaining them at the right. Chelsea will be without Terry, Lampard and Cole though will most likely give a debut to Cahill whereas Rooney, Young, Nani and Cleverley are all back for United. Victory away at Arsenal was a real sign Ferguson’s men are beginning to reach the levels of efficiency and consistency required for champions. Chelsea have not impressed me all season and if, before I even start any tactical discussion, Jose Bosingwa plays, there will be plenty of goals for an in-form United.

Monday February 5, 2011

Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham 20:00
I was all ready to go for a draw believing that whilst Liverpool have been at their best against the top sides this season, and on as good a run of form as they are, I expect their luck to run out eventually. In that case, Luis Suarez could not be returning at a better time. Undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the Premiership, I expect the Uruguayan to channel the frustration of his eight-game ban positively and lead Liverpool to a fairly comfortable victory.

 

By Chris Smith