Premier League Action
Image by NICSON2012 at Flickr
Following the minor diversions of the Capital One Cup (or League cup for the purists) and the John Terry travelling circus, we return to Premier League action this weekend. Once again, I give you all the opportunity to assess just how little I know about predicting football matches by offering you my opinions on how I think this weekend will go
Arsenal v Chelsea
There is a perception that Arsenal have fixed many of their flaws and have started the season well. Despite this, they have actually only won 2 of their 5 games. No-one is going crazy about Chelsea, but without too much flamboyance they are sitting at the top of the league. Arsenal will give them a test, but home advantage at the Emirates Library will only give them a point: Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea
Everton v Southampton
Southampton decided to start their season 4 weeks after everyone else, but at least they got a win. Everton have forgotten they are supposed to be slow starters and at home they should be too strong for The Saints. Everton 3-1 Southampton
Fulham v Man City
Fulham have impressed people with how, despite losing their 2 best players, they are still a pretty competitive side. Martin Jol’s teams are generally obstinate, and if Dimitar Berbatov can stub his cigarette out long enough, they might do City some damage. As for the Blues, who knows what sort of team will turn up. Aside from Yaya Toure, they look slightly lost this season, but the sheer quality of their players should be enough. Fulham 1-2 Man City
Norwich v Liverpool
We are all waiting for the moment when Brendan Rogers makes Liverpool click and they turn all those chances into goals. Norwich don’t seem to have the same fighting qualities they possessed last season, though they will know that Liverpool are reeling a little bit at the moment. I don’t think we will see an epic match, but I think this might be Rogers first 3 points for Liverpool. Norwich 0-2 Liverpool
Reading v Newcastle
Widely predicted to be relegation strugglers, Reading look set to fulfil that prophecy. While not looking like they will reach the heights of last season, Newcastle remain a skilful and well organised side. It should be a handy 3 points for The Magpies. Reading 0-1 Newcastle
Stoke v Swansea
Following their hammering by Everton last week, it looks like the Swansea bubble has burst. It’s a stereotype, but Stoke are tough to beat at home, and seem to be adding an extra dimension to their play. Swansea play nice football, but are likely to get swept aside here. Stoke 2-1 Swansea
Sunderland v Wigan
Both teams look capable of making the jump forward to the next level, but equally are capable of being turned over if they are not fully focused. Like the game above, this match pitches a well organised and motivated home side against a footballing away side trying to play their way out of trouble. Like the game above, it will end in victory for the home team. Sunderland 2-0 Wigan.
Man United v Tottenham
In their last 19 visits to Old Trafford, Spurs have drawn 3 times and lost 16 times. Though I think Andre Villas-Boas is making progress, and United are not the force they once were, I can’t see this result being any different. Man Utd 3-1 Spurs
Aston Villa v West Brom
This is the first Birmingham derby between these sides in some time where The Baggies might be favourites. Aston Villa remain stuck in some sort of existential nightmare where Paul Lambert tries to figure out exactly what he has let himself in for. Local pride might shake them up enough to battle for a draw this time. Aston Villa 0-0 West Brom
QPR v West Ham
QPR have shown signs that they are starting to find their stride. Amidst the chaos that surrounds the club, they have some useful players in there, and a manager capable of assembling a good team. West Ham however, seem like they are already fully assembled and competitive. Home advantage may give QPR enough to get a draw here. QPR 2-2 West Ham
Agree? Disagree? Take the discussion to twitter @chiefhairyman #rantsoccer
