Wow it’s been a busy old week with these midweek games. The reds are still top of the league. If they continue unbeaten much longer I’ll have arms like Schwarzenegger.We had the neighbourhood watch meeting, which was interesting to say the least. I took Jug Ears on for a public dressing down over him leaving my place insecure. I went in and everyone was really enthusiastic when I walked in and asked if everyone wanted some pork, they seemed disappointed when I produced a lovely tender loin I’d been cooking all day, but soon perked up when I removed the chains and locks from my bag. Mrs Perkins from the other end of the estate provided the biscuits but owing to an incident in her kitchen had to apologise for the digestives being a little wet. Didn’t seem to bother Jug Ears, seems he has got used to soggy biscuits.
Needless to say we have an action plan going forward, and all these actions will become evident in time, but Jug Ears is worrying me. Since the wardrobe incident he has been quieter than usual. I hope he wasn’t rummaging around too much and found things in there he shouldn’t know about - I think I need to have a word with him …..
Well, here are your weekend predictions ………
Everton v Fulham (KO 12:45)
Everton have had a good week with a battling point against United and a last minute winner at Bolton. It was important that they built up some momentum and will know a win (which I think they will get) will see them storming up the table.
Fulham got a good win midweek to ease a poor run of form and know they will move up the table into a better position should they win here, but I see the points staying on Merseyside as I believe Everton have turned the corner.
Prediction : 2-0
Chelsea v Sunderland
Chelsea returned to form midweek and kept their noses ahead in the chase for the runners up spot. They will be keen to start another long unbeaten run at the Bridge, and will see the fact they are sharing the goals about as a good sign for the winter ahead.
Sunderland had a mixed week - a great win over their local rivals followed by a poor performance and defeat at Stoke. Roy will be βKeane’ to put that right as soon as possible but they will be soundly beaten here.
Prediction : 3-0
Manchester United v Hull City
Manchester United are still very up and down at the moment and that has been shown in the past week. They were average at best at Everton but were very good against West Ham with Berbatov and Ronaldo finally showing signs that they are clicking.
Hull got a reminder in midweek that the Premiership is not quite that easy, but it is important they stick to the basics they have shown all season and don’t try to change because of one defeat. However I think they will have to wait another week to try to get back to winning ways.
Prediction : 3-0
Middlesbrough v West Ham United
“They” managed to get a win somehow in midweek. The only blot on an otherwise perfect season. Still I can only keep praying and doing the voodoo and watch for their fall from the Premiership.
The hammers were poor during the week and deservedly lost. They will see this as the perfect opportunity to start winning again and then look to build from there.
Prediction : 0-2
Portsmouth v Wigan
Portsmouth were deservedly beaten at the Mecca but will be encouraged they managed to hold Liverpool to one goal . The may have lost Harry but there are enough signs to show they can still push for a UEFA place.
Wigan are struggling. They are not playing that badly but just cannot buy a win at the moment and will see it concerning that they lost at fellow strugglers Fulham. I think they will lose here as well and it may cause a few alarm bells to start ringing.
Prediction : 2-0
Stoke City v Arsenal
Stoke got a vital win during the week and it is their home form that will be the key to them staying up. They are proving difficult to beat and any team that visits the Potteries will know they have been in a battle.
Arsenal will be seething after the 2 late goals in midweek which cost them 2 points and will be looking to get back to winning ways. It will be difficult here but I cannot see beyond an away win here.
Prediction : 1-2
West Bromwich Albion v Blackburn Rovers
The baggies were unlucky in midweek to lost to Newcastle and successive defeats have pulled them down towards the drop zone. Like Stoke their home form is the key but they are struggling at the Hawthorns
Rovers were unlucky against a strong Villa team in midweek and they are a very difficult side to predict at the moment. For that reason I am going to go for a draw.
Prediction : 1-1
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool (KO 17:30)
Spurs will be on a high after somehow getting a point in the North London derby. 4 points in a week has at least brought them back in touch with the rest of the league, and I am confident, this game apart, that Harry will get them out of trouble.
The reds are still on fire and a pleasure to watch. Another demolition job at the Mecca has kept the lead at three points and Spurs will still be bottom on Sunday as the reds march on.
Prediction : 0-2
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester City (Sunday, KO 16:00)
Bolton are struggling badly now. 2 defeats in 4 days have sunk them into the bottom three and they need to battle to get themselves out of trouble. They are another team that need their home form to get themselves out of it.
City managed to lose to “them”, how can anyone lose to “them” ??? City seem to be struggling away from home at the moment. For these reasons I am going to go for a home win to ease the pressure on Megson.
Prediction : 1-0
Newcastle United v Aston Villa (Monday, KO 20:00)
Newcastle got a much needed win during the week. Unfortunately most of the teams around them did too. They did not look that convincing and were very nervous after West Brom scored.
Villa are in a rich vein of form at the moment and have managed to break into the top 4. They are quick and very difficult to break down. They will leave the North East with all three points.
Prediction : 1-2