Saturday 5th February
Aston Villa v Fulham
A game between two teams who looked as though they might be in trouble but now seem to have turned a corner. They are both picking up points and climbing up the table.
Although these two teams are very evenly matched and I wouldn’t be able to pick between them if Fulham were at home, it becomes easier today because Fulham are still so much better at home than they are away.
Soccernews prediction: 2-0
Everton v Blackpool
Before the season started Blackpool were odds on to get relegated and Everton were not even in the betting. After a few games, Everton looked favourites to go down and Blackpool looked to be more than safe. Then Everton picked up a little and both teams looked set for a season in mid-table.
Now, both teams are struggling and they will both be anxiously looking below them in the table. Three points for either side in this one will give them a welcome comfort zone. I think Everton will be celebrating and the pre-season betting will start to look good again.
Soccernews prediction: 2-1
Manchester City v West Brom
This is a game between two teams who flatter to deceive. West Brom are universally accepted to play some great football. We all thought they would do well after great performances in games at Manchester United and Arsenal. As it is, they are only just above the drop zone and looked pretty average in their draw against Wigan a few days ago.
Manchester City are a team on the up and a club on a mission. Unfortunately, neither of those things have been obvious when they lost at Villa and drew with Notts County and Birmingham in their last three games. They’ll get back to winning ways here.
Soccernews prediction: 3-1
Newcastle v Arsenal
It was quite sad watching Newcastle in their defeat at Fulham on Wednesday evening. They play some nice football but if they were still playing that game now, they still wouldn’t have scored!
Arsenal’s back four is not the best and when they come up against Drogba and Torres or Berbatov and Rooney, it is not clear that they will be able to cope. However, Nile Ranger and Leon Best? I think they’ll be alright.
Soccernews prediction: 0-2
Stoke v Sunderland
Stoke are up and down in form this season but will be pleased to be back at home after three away games in a row. They are much more comfortable in front of their own passionate and ferocious fans.
Sunderland are still sixth in the table and proving that Steve Bruce is a top manager and they are a good team. However, they’ll have their work cut out to get anything today.
Soccernews prediction: 1-0
Tottenham v Bolton
Tottenham ended a slightly poor run with a win at Blackburn in the week and Bolton did the same with a win over Wolves. Both teams will have been mightily relieved to pick up three points.
Today’s game will simply come down to who is the better side. However well Owen Coyle has done with Bolton, that is Tottenham.
Soccernews prediction: 2-0
Wigan v Blackburn
This game will be the one that only gets twenty seconds of highlights right at the end of ‘Match of the day’. Neither team are likely to do very much that would excite their own fans, let alone the neutrals.
I may be being a little harsh, but I think I might go to bed before this game comes on.
Soccernews prediction: 0-0
Wolves v Manchester United
Mick McCarthy’s men are rock bottom as teams around them have started to pick up points. They are desperate for a win and their opposition just happen to be the unbeaten league leaders who seem to have found some form. There can only be one result.
Soccernews prediction: 0-2
Sunday 6th February
Chelsea v Liverpool
This would be a huge game at any time, but with the Torres transfer it has become even bigger.
Put that transfer to one side and you still have a game between the two clubs who spent big in the transfer window and have some exciting new players. It should be a classic and I’m prepared to bet that it will be a better game than the one between Wigan and Blackburn!!
Soccernews prediction: 2-1
West Ham v Birmingham
These two teams are fighting it out for the third relegation spot. They are level on points but Birmingham have a better goal difference.
Potentially this is the biggest and most important game in the Premier League this weekend. A win for either side will open a gap on the other and edge them towards safety. Defeat to either side would be a savage blow.
