Happy New Year to you all. I am sure you missed me. I was planning on being here but events took an unfortunate twist over the holidays. As you all know I went to the Arsenal and Liverpool match, unfortunately my tennis playing guest has a little too much of the free booze and soon Sprem was all over me β not a totally unpleasant feeling and not enough to spoil a good day out.
However when I got back I found Jug Ears slumped in a corner whimpering with soiled pants on the floor and a bottle of cheap knock off after shave inserted in his rear end. Damn I thought, there goes my fun over Xmas β I mean how can the poor blighter play musical chairs now.
Jug Ears got home from hospital in time for the big day anyway and my present of a few dozen scatter cushions went down better than I could have expected. Anyway I think Don had something to do with it as every time I mention his name Jug Ears soils himself again. Don has gone missing, I think I need to have a word with him when gets back. In he mean time I asked some of the Liverpool lads to have a look for him and ‘have a word’. Stevie G went to Southport looking for him, I do hope I didn’t get him into trouble …….
Thought I had better lie low for a while but I have done the first predictions of 2009 …….
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion (KO 12:45)
Villa are flying high and have managed to sustain their top 4 place. They will be confident heading into 2009 of bigger and better things and will be looking to start the new year with a convincing home win.
The baggies are rock bottom but a critical win at home to Spurs has at least meant they are back in touch with the rest of the strugglers and maybe staying up is not beyond them. A win today however is as Villa will cement their top 4 place.
Prediction : 3-1
Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers
Arsenal are still hanging in there with hopes of 4th place but the damage may already have been done in the first half of the season with some inconsistent performances. They know they cannot afford to drop many more points in their remaining games
Bolton lost at home last time out and know they are still very much in the mix for relegation such is the closeness of the table. They will not relish one of their hardest remaining games as their first of 2009 but know they will have chance to catch up after defeat here.
Prediction : 2-0
Everton v Hull City
Everton are on a roll and after an uncertain start to the season now have 5th place firmly in their sites. Their performances and results without a striker will have pleased their manager greatly and any strengthening in that area will help their push for honours
Hull were unlucky to lose so late against Villa and will be concerned they have been caught by the chasing pack. Despite their earlier form they are only 9 points off the bottom so will technically be still in the relegation fight after defeat here.
Prediction : 2-1
Fulham v Blackburn Rovers
Fulham are in the middle of a nice little run including taking points off Chelsea last time. However there is no such thing as mid table security at the moment and know they have to keep it going
Blackburn will be deflated after surrendering a 2 goal load so late at home in their last game and are well aware that every point is critical. I see a hard fought draw here.
Prediction : 1-1
Middlesbrough v Sunderland
βTheyβ are sliding towards the drop zone and are almost there. At least Santa delivered my present of a losing run for them. They are losing all their best players and look doomed. Wonderful, I won’t have to predict their games next season.
Sunderland suffered a comprehensive defeat in their last league outing but their form has been generally good under their new manager and will fancy their chances of getting back on track against a team in freefall.
Prediction : 0-3
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Newcastle were battered in their last game by the might reds. No shame there but the Geordie faithful will be hoping that 2009 will see a turnaround in their fortunes. They have an ideal opportunity to start the new year in the right way.
The hammers had a good Christmas which say them shoot up from the drop zone to mid table, but are well aware that some didgy results can see the opposite happen. Tough one to call this but I’m going for a home win β just.
Prediction : 2-1
Portsmouth v Manchester City
Portsmouth had a terrible Christmas and now find themselves just 3 points above the relegation places. They were well beaten in their last home game and with Diarra and Defoe gone their fans must be nervous
City on the other hand have billions to spend and will despite rescuing a point at Blackburn will be trying to make up for their shock FA Cup exit. I think they will respond the right way here and snatch the points.
Prediction : 1-2
Stoke City v Liverpool (KO 17:30)
Stoke find themselves in the drop zone after a barren Christmas. They will take heart with their 2 performances but will be well aware of how much work is needed to avoid the drop.
The reds were on fire at Newcastle and have finally put daylight between themselves and the rest of the league. Truth be told they should already have the title sewn up. Should I get a new thong in honour of the title win ??? Away win and 17 steps from heaven.
Prediction : 0-3
Wigan Athletic v Tottenham Hotspur (Sunday, KO 13:30)
Wigan are in the middle of a good run and will see themselves as outside contenders for a European place. A few more wins should see them safe and who knows where they can go from there
Spurs are still in the mix for relegation and although they should not go down you never know in this league. At least the pressure is off Europe wise as they have 1 foot in the Carling Cup final. I am going for a Wigan win here.
Prediction : 2-0
Manchester United v Chelsea (Sunday, KO 16:00)
United just about beat βthemβ but know that the 2 games in hand they have would put them in with a great chance of finishing 2nd. They haven’t really caught fire this season and Fergie will be hoping they can show that in the 2nd half of the season.
Chelsea dropped more points last time and were held in the cup and Scolari will be concerned at how regularly they are drawing games at the moment. I think this is another draw to add to their list as the reds move further clear at the top.
Prediction : 1-1