Well a nice quiet week after last week’s shenanigans. I have been left with a rather large bill though as some of the stains just would not come out of PVC so we have had to bin some of the outfits. I’d love to know what happened to them between leaving the party and returning them to me. Who the hell had the peanut butter, oh god I hope it’s peanut butter…………
The whole estate has been gearing itself up for Christmas and I myself am looking forward to Santa emptying his sack at mine again. Don seems the have been pretty helpful too - I have seen him in a number of the neighbours houses giving them a leg up so they can put decorations on their ceiling and seems to be collecting a nice amount for charity. I’ll have to ask him what charity it is for as he’s not asked me or Mrs Slocombe.

Random fact, I found out that leading ladies tennis player Karolina Sprem is a gooner. I was speaking to her in the studio and it turns out she has never been to the Emarites. I have a spare ticket for the game so offered it to her. She seems really excited and it looks like it will be a real pleasure taking Sprem up the Arse.

Here’s your predictions ….

Blackburn Rovers v Stoke City

Rovers sacked Ince this week after a poor loss last week and moved immediately for Sam Allardyce. A sensible choice I think and although he has his work cut out I think he will get Rovers out of trouble starting here.

Stoke will be satisfied with their performance so far but know how tight it is at the bottom and maybe 40 points might not be enough this season. They are coming up against a team who will battle against them and I think they may come unstuck.

Prediction : 2-1

Bolton Wanderers v Portsmouth

Despite a promising start Bolton were well beaten at Villa last week and know despite being mid table they are only a couple of points off the drop zone. They will be looking to consolidate at home to pick up much needed points.

Portsmouth were, surprisingly, soundly beaten at home last week and will be aware their opponents are only 3 points behind them. They will be keen to avoid defeat here and being dragged into the scrap at the bottom and I think they will get a point here.

Prediction : 1-1

Fulham v Middlesbrough

Fulham picked up a point away from home last week. With the run they are in they may well see that as 2 points dropped and a missed opportunity to break the run of draws. Luckily they have a nice easy game to ease them into Christmas and finally break that run.

“They” fluked another point last week. Still the bottom three are catching up to them and that can only be good for me in the long run with their post Christmas slump yet to come. Take the missus rather than watch this as it is a nailed on home win.

Prediction : 3-0

Hull City v Sunderland

Hull escaped from the Mecca with a point last week - somehow. They are nicely clear of the dogfight at the bottom but Phil Brown will keep their feet on the ground so they stay level headed and don’t get ahead of themselves.

Sunderland got a wonderful win last week and their caretaker manager will give Niall Quinn some breathing space in finding the right replacement for Roy Keane. I can see them returning back to the North East with a point here.

Prediction : 1-1

West Ham United v Aston Villa (KO 17:30)

The hammers took advantage of Chelsea’s homesickness and took a much needed point. The problem is that wins really make a difference now and the Hammers will need to step it up at home soon.

Villa continued their fine season with another win last week and are back in the top 4. They need to avoid what happened last time they went 4th, a poor performance and a defeat. For some reason I cannot see them winning here but an entertaining draw.

Prediction : 2-2

West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City (Sunday, KO 13:30)

The baggies were smashed at Sunderland last week. Confidence will be low now and they are in real danger of being cut totally adrift and facing a reall hard survival fight. A barren Christmas could almost see them relegated.

City fell to a late, late goal last week and maybe didn’t deserve it. They will be well aware of their position in the league and of how many places they could move up with with a win. This is a must win for them as they will want to be in a good position for the January window.

Prediction : 1-2

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur (Sunday, KO 15:00)

Joe Kinnear will be really pleased with the performance and result last week and will hope that this is not another false dawn and they can finally make some progress up the table. With the closeness of the table any team from the bottom 8 who puts a run together can still make Europe.

Spurs picked up a good point last week and have improved greatly under Harry. They too will still feel Europe is not out of the question and because of that this is a must win game. I can see this ending as a draw helping neither team.

Prediction : 1-1

Arsenal v Liverpool (Sunday, KO 16:00)

Arsenal never lost ground last week but not being able to beat “them” is not the best way to show your title credentials. They have slipped out of the top 4 and it could get worse for them. It is amazing to say but Arsenal are not guaranteed to make Europe this season.

The reds failed to win again at the Mecca despite dominating. Maybe I need to do one of my “special rituals” at the ground to turn these draws into wins. Or maybe they are toying with us, keeping it close as they should be Champions already. Away win

Prediction : 0-3

Everton v Chelsea (Monday, KO 20:00)

Everton picked up a late, late winner last week and that will really help the confidence. They will feel like the top 4 is not a million miles away for themselves. However, like their visitors today, they know they have to sort out their home form.

Chelsea dropped more points at home last week and will be keen to get back to winning ways. With the top 4 all dropping points last week they know they dodged a bullet and still look well set for 2nd place. This is a hard one to predict so I will go for a draw.

Prediction : 1-1