Wow that was too close for comfort last week. “They” nearly fluked an undeserved win at the Mecca. It was nearly all too much for me, my legs nearly gave way. I know that Rafa was really shaken up by it all and nearly crashed his car on the way back from Anfield.

 

 Fortunately Stevie G was there to pull me off ………………..the edge of the cliff with a fantastic late winner and all was well with the world again. On the garden front I have finally started on the front. What it is going to be ?? Well that will wait for another week. But I can assure you it will be worth waiting for ….. Hmmmmmm. The ground work is underway and I will update you with it’s progress.

Well it’s week three and the last games before an international break, so here are the predictions ….

Bolton Wanderers v West Bromwich Albion

Bolton have been blessed with their first 2 home games being against promoted teams - an ideal opportunity to get some points on the board it what could be a difficult season for them.

The baggies have had a tough start facing 2 of the top 5 last time around, and will feel they have a chance to register their first points of the new campaign. Hopever I see the home team taking full advantage of their advantage and leaving Mowbray’s men pointless.

Prediction : 2-1

Everton v Portsmouth

Everton recovered from their opening day shock to register their first win last weekend and will look to build on that to register their first home win.

Portsmouth have had a shocking start after games against the top two, and life gets no easier with this game. At least Harry will have a couple of weeks for his team to lick their wounds and begin a climb up the table

Prediction : 1-0

Hull City v Wigan Athletic

Hull have had a dream start to their first season of top flight football, and it is the performances that will please Phil Brown more - especially last week and will be looking for more of the same from his team.

Wigan on the other hand have not fared so well and it was only Pompey’s battering on the opening day that is keeping them off the bottom. Home win here.

Prediction : 2-1

Middlesbrough v Stoke City

Well “they” nearly got something at the Mecca last week, totally undeserved as they were battered all game. With a newly promoted team to play “they” will fancy their chances of getting something.

Stoke had a brilliant surprise win last week against Villa, a real shocker for those who thought Stoke would be the real whipping boys of the league. I fancy them to build on that and repeat the result with a little less surprising away win here.

Prediction : 1-2

West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers

The hammers are funny rather than happy team these days. They were well beaten by City last week after a good opening win. I can see them spending most of the season in 10th place.

Blackburn have made a good start under Paul Ince and will be disappointed not to have maximum points so far. I see both these teams settling into mid table and this will be a draw

Prediction : 1-1

Arsenal v Newcastle United (KO 17:30)

Arsenal were unconvincing on the opening day and woeful at Fulham last week. Despite their impressive record at the Emarites I believe that with Adebayor out of sync the Arse is there for the taking … hmmmm

Newcastle have had a great start to the new campaign and untypical of Newcastle are doing it without scoring lots of goals as they look so much better in defence (STILL no thank you card Kevin ….). I see this being a close run thing and Arsenal getting a point but only just.

Prediction : 1-1

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur (Sunday, KO 13:30)

Chelsea have had the perfect start to the season and followed on from their opening day thrashing with a more workmanlike performance at Wigan and confidence will be high going into the this match.

Spurs have had a nightmare start and even at this stage the slow start could cost them dear. With the Berbatov situation still not resolved and Chelsea’s current form I cannot see them breaking their duck here.

Prediction : 2-0

Sunderland v Manchester City (Sunday, KO 15:00)

Sunderland have started well this season and will be looking to build on this and register their first home win of the new season. I think they will win here as “second season syndrome” is the last thing on Roy Keane’s mind

City looked so disjointed at Villa on the opening day but were excellent last week against West Ham. It is because of this inconsistency that I cannot tip them to win here as you really don’t know which City will turn up. And if Jug ears says “Manchester” when he reads this I’ll slap him.

Prediction : 2-1

Aston Villa v Liverpool (Sunday, KO 16:00)

Villa are yet another Jekyll and Hyde team who have impressed one week and been average at best the next. Although going to a newly promoted team for their home game is never easy. They will regret it and the pressure will be on after defeat today.

Well the might reds have had a scintillating start to the season and only Chelsea are preventing them from taking their rightful place at the top of the table. Villa will join the list of sides that will learn not mess with Rafa’s men.

Prediction : 0-2