Well another win for the mighty reds and I have been jumping around like a lamb in the spring at the prospect of this weeks huge game. The one where we will finally put daylight between us and the rest of the league.We have organised a neighbourhood watch meeting for this week, after last weeks theft it seemed sensible. And you will be glad to know I had a go at Jug Ears and told him about my all night uphill gardening session because of his antics. He never batted an eyelid. It’s like he’s used to receiving it. Still I sort of got revenge, I told him about the new thongs I had got, and asked him to suggest which thong for the day, he fair charged up the stairs to look in the wardrobe. He stuck his head in, and one good shove and I shut the doors closed on him. I shoved a chair against the door and hey ho he was stuck in there. Oh how I laughed. I eventually opened the door for him after a couple of hours - I just hope he realises how difficult it is coming out of the closet at mine now ……..
Anyway, on with your predictions ….
Everton v Manchester United (KO 12:00)
Everton have had a sticky start to the season and after a battering up the Arse last time out the last opponents they would want to come facs to face with are the reigning champions. However the computer has paired the 2 together and the Blue half of Merseyside will just have to hope for an upturn in fortunes.
United are now in a rich vein of form after a testng start to the season and with the top 2 playing each other this week they will see it as an ideal opportunity to make up ground on at least one of them and I expect them to win this one easily.
Prediction : 1-3
Sunderland v Newcastle United (KO 12:45)
The Wear-Tyne Derby. The stadium of light will be full and the noise levels high. Sunderland were unlucky not to pick up all 3 points last week at Fulham and their home form has traditionally been strong. They will be looking to add another win against a club from the North East after their win against “them”
I was impressed by Newcastle last week, especially the way they battled back after going down to 10 men. I think Kinnear realises they need to scrap to get out of this and they are starting to remind me of Winbledon. I think they will snatch a draw here.
Prediction : 1-1
West Bromwich Albion v Hull City
The only 3pm game this Saturday is between 2 of the promoted teams both of whom will be pleased with their efforts to date. The Baggies were soundly beaten at Old Trafford last week which brought a fairly steady run to an end. However, Tony Mowbray will be happy with the overall progress this season.
Hull have made a dream start and will go into this game full of confidence. They have been able to raise their game for the big teams so it will be interesting to see if they can maintain the momentum against one of the “lesser” teams in the league. I think they might relax a little too much here and I can see a draw.
Prediction : 1-1
Blackburn Rovers v Middlesbrough (KO 17:30)
Rovers returned from the Reebok with a hard fought point last week, and despite a couple of bad results at home against the top 4 they are settling down in the top 8 and looking good to kick on from there.
“They” were totally battered last week. My prayers look like they have been answered. With confidence low in the camp and running short on players it looks like “they” are in for a long hard season. What a shame he he he. Home win.
Prediction : 3-0
Chelsea v Liverpool (Sunday, KO 13:30)
The clash of the titans, the top 2. Chelsea’s win last week can be neglected - it was only against “them” and their injury problems may have gone on for just one game too many.
Liverpool battered Wigan at the Mecca last week but somehow the game was close. No such mistakes from Rafa’s men here. A classy away win to open up a gap at the top. Better call the engravers now … I wonder if I can design my own thong for this trimph ???
Prediction : 0-2
Manchester City v Stoke City (Sunday, KO 15:00)
City were poor against 10 men last week and Sparky must wish it was January already to strengthen the squad further. However they will look to build on almost beating Liverpool at home a couple of weeks ago.
Stoke got a great win last week against beleaguered Spurs. However they missed far too many chances for my liking. Against better teams this will cost them dear. They battle well but seem to be just getting edges out in a lot of games and I see it being the same story here.
Prediction : 2-0
Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa (Sunday, KO 15:00)
Wigan did ever so well last week to get so close to the champions-elect. The flukey loss to “them” apart they have had a solid start to the season and will be disappointed not to have more points. Home advantage is the key for them here.
Villa were poor by their standards last week and will be looking to up their game as a good run could see them in with a shout of the Champions League places. I can not see them winning here but I think they will take something from the game.
Prediction : 1-1
Tottenham Hotspur v Bolton Wanderers (Sunday, KO 15:00)
Something has to go right for Spurs soon - it it doesn’t they could find themselves in real trouble. It will be interesting to see if the UEFA Cup is a help or a hindrance this year as a defeat could further dent confidence.
Bolton are only just above the drop zone and their results have been the least predictable so far this season. It is hard to see either side winning at the moment as both teams need to have the same survival mentality.
Prediction : 1-1
West Ham United v Arsenal (Sunday, KO 16:00)
The hammers slipped to defeat to Hull last week, not the first London side to do so but will be comfortable in the knowledge that their point total could be higher.
Arsenal, surprisingly for them, are quite inconsistent at the moment. They can be beaten but on their day will create chances galore and can be quite devastating. They could be as low as 6th at the end of this and I think that thought will be enough to spur them to victory.
Prediction : 0-2
Portsmouth v Fulham (Sunday, KO 17:00)
Pompey picked up a good point at Villa last week and the table it taking a familiar shape to last season. They will fancy building on their position then and are in a good run after recovering from their initial batch of hard fixtures.
Fulham are also replicating their form of last season and were lucky to get a point from a home game last week. Things do not look good for them and another season of struggle looks on the cards. Home win.
Prediction : 2-0
