Another storming win for the boys last week. This really is turning into a season to remember. Pity home life cannot be this easy. I was talking to Scotty about the Christmas party and mentioned wearing plastic. He said there was no way he was dressing as a credit card. I said no, PVC and he mentioned he already had double glazing. Thick jock numpty. I’ll get Jug Ears to help with him with his outfit as he is more used to the intricacies of rubber dress.The neighborhood watch meeting was cancelled this week. Herr Muller was supposed to be hosting it but had to postpone at the last minute, something about “der soundproofink not arriving” so you could still hear shouts of Help. I didn’t know he was planning a Beatles tribute disco. What a thoughtful man. We will try and fit another meeting in before the New Year. These dark nights are a haven for the criminals. Mrs Slocombe from number 43 (have I mentioned her? Lovely woman, apart from her pussy troubles, wretched cat) was at the last neighbourhood watch meeting said she was chatting with the positie and Herr Mullers real name was Shicklegrubber. The postie had noticed the name when he delivered a postcard from Argentina. How strange.
The credit crunch is also starting to bite. Some horrible little oik stole my Harrods bag from the gents. Which reminded me of who we were playing this week, I always like a bit of Cottage based action. And that I had predictions to do ………..
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Chelsea are doing well to keep pace with the champions elect . Another routine win last week and confidence will be high in the camp. It is difficult to see anything other than a home win here.
Newcastle just can’t seem to get any momentum, and being denied a win by a last minute equaliser last week will not have helped confidence. Newcastle are naturally poor travellers and will be returning to the North East with nothing here.
Prediction : 3-0
Liverpool v Fulham
The Reds were once again in imperious form last week sweeping aside Bolton with ease. They have a full head of steam and are charging full speed towards the title. It is difficult to anyone stopping them at the moment.
Fulham are actually in a nice little run with back to back wins and their general play has picked up. However with the league being so tight they know a couple of defeats can suck them back into relegation trouble, and I see them being swept aside at the Mecca.
Prediction : 3-0
Manchester City v Arsenal
City got a much needed point last week after being in virtual freefall towards the relegation zone. Their general play and fight was much better and they will be glad to get a home game as they have looked very strong so far at home.
I think the game is up for Arsenal and they are looking to hold their place in the top 4. The defeat to Villa has even at this early stage of the season left them with too much to do for the title and with Walcott injured I can see them slipping to another defeat here.
Prediction : 2-1
Middlesbrough v Bolton Wanderers
“They” managed to fluke another point last week. I really am looking forward to their post Christmas slump and am praying “they” will pick up as few points as possible between now and the festive period.
Bolton were comprehensively outplayed last week, but can be forgiven as it was against my wonderful reds. They know the importance of a win in this tight league as defeat could put them back in the drop zone. Easy one this - away win.
Prediction : 0-2
Portsmouth v Hull City
Portsmouth picked up another useful away point in a quite dire game at Upton Park last week and Tony Adams has made quit an encouraging start to his reign. However they need to tighten up at home if they are to push towards the UEFA places.
Hull will be glad to pick up a point last week after 3 successive defeats. They will find it difficult here but will go there determined to get a result. I can see them returning back north with something, and I will hedge my bets and say it is a point.
Prediction : 1-1
Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion
Stoke were given a footballing lesson last week, although to be fair it was the first time this season they have been outclassed like that. They will be glad that this weeks game is at home where they have been strong and against a promoted side rather than a top side to give them chance to repair their dented confidence.
Albion are currently propping the league up and also had a tough game last week at home to Chelsea. The thing that will keep them going is a win would put them level on points with their hosts and looking towards mid table. However I think despite that the points will stay in the Potteries.
Prediction : 2-1
Aston Villa v Manchester United (KO 17:30)
This will be a fascinating game and Villa know they will be in the top 4 if they win. A fantastic win at the Emarites last week made up for the disappointment of the previous 2 games and they will be hoping for more of the same.
United battered Stoke last week and will be arriving at Villa Park confident. However they will also be under pressure as they know they have to keep winning to keep the top 2 in sight. I think this will be a great game to watch and will end honours even.
Prediction : 1-1
Tottenham Hotspur v Blackburn Rovers (Sunday, KO 13:30)
Spurs, surprisingly to some, lost at Fulham last week and found themselves back in the drop zone. Their main problem is the goalkeeper and that is a worry for Harry. They will be expected win at home though.
Rovers have slipped quietly into the bottom three. It was only a few weeks ago they were looking at top 6, but such is the way the league is this season they are in the middle of an awful run at the moment. I can see Spurs winning this - just.
Prediction : 2-1
Sunderland v West Ham United (Sunday, KO 16:00)
Sunderland got a great away win last week that catapulted them up the table into a position that now looks relatively safe. However such is the nature of the league they could find themselves back struggling if they lose this one and other results go against them.
The hammers are anything but happy. They are in a poor run of form despite their point last week and will not relish a trip to the North East in December. This one has home win written all over it.
Prediction : 2-0
Wigan Athletic v Everton (Monday, KO 20:00)
Wigan picked up an excellent away point last week although they will feel it should have been more as the were much the better side when it was 11 v 11. Their position will be a worry to them but they too know a couple of wins put a totally different complexion on their season.
Everton somehow failed to beat “them” last week. (I am getting a little concerned how many times I am saying that this season). But they totally dominated the game and are unbeaten in 5 games. They will see no reason why they cannot extend this. Away win.
Prediction : 1-2