1st / 2nd February : Premier League (Part 2)

Fulham vs. Manchester United
Craven Cottage
Sat 1st March, 15:00

After two losses on the bounce, Hodgson’s men need to find a gear and fast (if they’re going to have any chance of survival). A painful home loss against West Ham last week was a real low-blow to Fulham, who’s season is going from bad to worse.
I can pull out all the stats about top scorers and all the praise for wonderkids, but none of it can do justice to United’s champagne performance last week. Sure, Newcastle are struggling, but United were in desperate need of a win after stumbling off the frantic pace set by Wenger’s Arsenal. The Champions are still without Skipper, Gary Neville, but that hasn’t stopped them this season. Wes Brown has been doing a fine job, and now must play to earn his pay rise from Sir Alex.
Fulham are without hot prospect Andreasan through a one match ban, in addition to missing Simon Ellitot and Bouazza through injuries.
Both teams are pretty strong, and you could expect Fulham to “park the bus” in front of goal, but I fear for Fulham that the floodgates may just open up if SuperNani and Ronaldo get stuck in. I’d warn the Fulham fans not to get their hopes up ahead of this one.

Prediction

Fulham 0 : 6 Manchester United

West Ham United vs. Chelsea
Upton Park
Sat 1st March, 15:00

Just what Chelsea need, another London Derby. West Ham won a tough one last week as well. There can be no doubt that West Ham would have enjoyed nicking a victory at the fortress that is Craven Cottage, and having seen events unfold at Wembley West Ham fans have a right to be optimistic. West Ham are unbeaten in 5 at home, registering 11 points from a possible 15. Furthermore, both Liverpool and Manchester United have already been humbled by the Hammers. This being said, West Ham haven’t scored freely, netting just 7 times in their last 5 home games. This would suggest that if Chelsea took a lead, West Ham would struggle to win the game (but, as the Champions know, that’s not always the case).
Obviously hurt by the losers medal around their necks, Chelsea will look to set things right in a trophy that is becoming ever more important for Avram Grant’s future. Chelsea tend to do well on their travels, but haven’t played an away game since their 1-1 draw with Pompey on the 2nd February. Furthermore, players may be tired, and Grant must solve the conundrum of Anelka and Drogba. A shocking decision to leave Joe Cole out of his starting line-up proved costly at Wembley, and Chelsea fans will be hoping their manager has learnt from his mistakes.
West Ham are without suspended Lee Bowyer and injured players ; Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker. This clearly leaves a hole in the midfield area where Chelsea are so dominant.
Chelsea can boast a rare, clean bill of health, and no suspensions. With an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, the pressure is firmly on Grant to amend his Carling Cup tactical faux-pas.
If the Hammers are going to win this, it has to be a counter attack job. Chelsea will hold the ball in midfield, and may look at using pace down the wings from Wright-Philips and Joe Cole. For me, it’s a question of “will Chelsea take their chances?”. I think, yes.

Prediction

West Ham 1 : 3 Chelsea

Manchester City vs. Wigan
City of Manchester Stadium
Sat 1st March, 17.15

The home side go into this one without a win in their last 5 home games. Sven’s men have some work on to turn the tide, but a recent derby day victory was tainted by a convincing home loss to fellow Euro hopefuls, Everton. The acquisition of Benjani looks a good one, but the loss of Micah Richards leaves a gaping hole in the defence.
Wigan have picked up just 5 points from their last 6 away games. Recent form has left a lost to be desired and Wigan are precariously place, just 4 points from the dreaded drop zone.
Wigan are without Ryan Taylor through injury and Lee McCulloch through suspension. City are without superstar Micah Richards and Wing Man Martin Petrov.
Both teams desperately need the win, and I have to believe that the cream will eventually rise to the top. Expect City to get their season back on the rails.

Prediction

Manchester City 1 : 0 Wigan

Bolton Wanderers vs. Liverpool
Reebok Stadium
Sun 2nd March, 13.30

Gerrard has made no secret of the fact that he and team want wins in the League as well as in Europe but, as ever with Liverpool, news off the pitch may have its impact on team morale. Benitez has much to prove despite a comfortable win over the mighty Inter, and 3 goals against Boro. The defence has looked shaky in recent times, and Rafa’s team are never sure whether or not they’ll be picked to play. Liverpool are without a win in four away from home, despite being unbeaten in 3 in the League overall.
Bolton are a side with European aspirations, and this game represents a great chance to stamp their intentions all over the Premier League. A shocking season leaves Bolton 3 points above the relegation zone, and in bad away form. Worse still, Bolton are without a win in 3 at home, and clearly missing Anelka.
Liverpool are still without Voronin, whilst Bolton miss Gavin McCann. Near full strength teams should make this a physical encounter, and a tough match.
Liverpool have too much class for Bolton in football terms, but you just never know with Liverpool. Will Rafa even play his full strength side? Bolton will have to step up a gear to have any chance, and I believe they may just do that.

Prediction

Bolton 0 : 0 Liverpool

Everton vs. Portsmouth
Goodison Park
Sun 2nd March, 16:00

Everton are one of the form teams in the League this season, and the players still believe they can pip neighbours Liverpool to 4th place. 13 points from their last 6 home games, and 13 from their last 6 away games, Everton have become a very decent outfit who genuinely could challenge the “big 4”. Only Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd and Tottenham have outscored Everton at home and only Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Man Utd and Chelsea have outscored Liverpool away. 4th place could come down to goal difference, so don’t be surprised to see attack from the home team throughout.
Portsmouth are usually accepted as a very good away side, though they have won just 3 of their last 6 away games - none of which were draws, suggesting that Pompey always play to win. Portsmouth have the 3rd best attack away from home, but since Benjani’s departure, who can fill that void?
Everton are without key men Arteta and Gravesen for this game, whilst Pompey miss Pamarot, Mendes, Nugent and Primus through injury.
Everton are on a roll, and they know the importance of every game from now on. I just feel that they may miss Arteta, and Osman will have a huge role to play in my opinion. Pompey have many injuries, but new man Defoe could cause a very irritating threat.

Prediction

Everton 2 : 1 Portsmouth

1st / 2nd February : Premier League (Part 1)

Derby vs Sunderland - Pride Park, 15.00.

Derby's objective right now is to accumulate enough points to avoid the embarassment of finishing with a record low, and one has to say that fixtures against their relegation rivals will represent their best chance. Sunderland are yet to win away from home this season and will look at this game as a chance to hit back after a disappointing result at Portsmouth last week. Derby are likely to be without Savage, Mills, McEveley, Davis and Mears, and for Sunderland Richardson, Miller and Higginbotham are all rated as doubtful.

Sunderland will want to come away from Pride Park with a win, and expect them to do just that.

Prediction - 0-2.


Middlesbrough vs Reading - Riverside, 15.00.

Boro have shown signs of a wobble in recent weeks but will be looking to confirm a mid-table finish, though the top half looks out of their reach right now. After a narrow defeat at Anfield, they are likely to go into the match against Reading in confident mood. Reading by contrast are in an awful run of form, and have lost eight games in a row, falling into the relegation zone in the process. Boro will be without Aliadiere due to suspension, and so will rely on the exploits of top scorers Tuncay and Downing to fire them to victory. Reading have no new injury concerns for this game.

Expect a welcome three points for the home team.

Prediction - 3-1.


Birmingham vs Tottenham - St Andrews, 15.00.

Despite a priceless point against Arsenal in their previous match, Birmingham are still in the relegation dogfight and are looking to rise from 17th place. McFadden is looking to be a good addition, with his unpredictable style causing problems and scoring goals. After a controversial week, they will be looking to push on and can take heart from a win at White Hart Lane earlier this season. Tottenham will be buoyant following their Carling Cup success against Chelsea, and will no doubt be full of confidence. The fans and the squad have been lifted by the team finally winning a trophy, and so they will expect to win here. Spurs will hope to be injury free though fatigue from the Cup exploits will play a part, and Ramos will no doubt rotate his squad. Birmingham have Taylor suspended after his horrific tackle on Eduardo.

Expect a narrow Tottenham win.

Prediction - 1-2.


Arsenal vs Aston Villa - Emirates Stadium, 15.00.

After a traumatic week the Gunners will be looking to bounce back and maintain their lead over their challengers, which has now decreased to three points. The shock and despair of Eduardo's horrific injury was evident against Birmingham, where they dropped two vital points after a late Clichy error. However, there is no doubt a will to put things right within the squad and a feeling that they must 'do it for Eduardo'. Villa are mounting an impressive push for a Champions League place, and the battle with Liverpool and Everton should go right down to the wire. Despite O'Neill playing down their chances of qualifying for Europe's elite competition, they are certainly in contention. Arsenal will wait on the fitness of Rosicky, though the match comes too soon for Van Persie, Diaby and Toure, so expect Bendtner to step in for Eduardo. Villa have no new injury worries.

Expect a narrow home win to get Arsenal back on track.

Prediction - 2-1.


Newcastle vs Blackburn - St James' Park, 15.00.

Newcastle are a club in trouble. Yet to win a game since local hero Keegan took over, they look to have been dragged into a relegation battle, deemed unlikely at the beginning of the season with the personnel they have. After a thrashing by Man Utd, the home fans will no doubt be getting restless and don't be surprised to hear a chorus of 'boooooooooooo' if three points are not registered. Blackburn are looking to provide an outside challenge for a UEFA Cup place, and possess in-form attackers such as Bentley and McCarthy. Following victory against Bolton, they will be confident. Newcastle have Carr, Emre and Martins out injured, while only Ooijer is out with an injury for the away side.

Expect a draw to further increase the pressure on Keegan.

Prediction - 1-1.