Arsenal Vs Tottenham
The North London Derby gets Gameweek 12 underway on Saturday lunchtime. Both teams dropped points last weekend and will want to get back to winning ways. Mikel Arteta fluffed his lines and missed a penalty with the final kick of the game against Fulham. Spurs were beaten by a late Edin Dzeko strike and now lie in 7th after victories from Everton, West Brom and West Ham. Difficult to call a Derby game but I am going for a home win here. Giroud to score again.
Prediction 2-1
Liverpool Vs Wigan
Liverpool were once again thankful to Luis Suarez who earned them a point at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. They have become extremely reliant on their Number 7 and it is time for other players to step up to the plate and chip in with some goals. Wigan are just 1 point behind their hosts prior to the match despite losing to West Brom at the weekend. Difficult to see anything but a home win here. Suarez to score yet again.
Prediction 1-0
Manchester City Vs Aston Villa
Manchester City bagged another 3 points courtesy of a late Dzeko goal at The Etihad on Sunday. City have leapfrogged Chelsea into 2nd place and will be hoping to record their second home win in the space of a week when Aston Villa visit on Saturday. Paul Lambert’s side were extremely unfortunate to lose 3-2 despite leading United 2-0 last weekend. Defensive lapses cost them dear at Villa Park and defending will be top of their priorities as they travel to City.
Prediction 3-0
Newcastle Vs Swansea
Newcastle were beaten at St James’ Park last weekend following a single goal from former Magpie Kevin Nolan. The Geordies have a chance to put things right immediately when Swansea visit the North East on Saturday. The Swans have climbed to 11th place following 2 consecutive 1-1 draws. Swansea would find themselves above Newcastle in the table should they win. However, it is difficult to see them leaving St James’ Park with anything given Newcastle’s slip up last weekend.
Prediction 2-1
QPR Vs Southampton
QPR remain rock bottom of the table after they lost at Stoke last weekend. Even a win here would leave QPR in the bottom 3 which shows how far off the pace Rangers have fallen. Southampton are only 1 place and 1 point better off than QPR and this could already be pencilled in as a relegation ‘6 pointer’. Neither manager can afford to lose this game and it will be extremely tense at Loftus Road. QPR to win and ease the pressure on Mark Hughes.
Prediction 2-1
Reading Vs Everton
Reading has drawn their last 3 league outings and will be hoping to gain a point (or 3) from this fixture against Everton. The Royals remain in the bottom 3 but a win here could move them level on points with Aston Villa above them. Everton have started the season very well and currently sit in 4th place. The Toffees will be hoping for maximum points to keep in touch with the 3 clubs above them and extend the difference between Arsenal and Spurs who play earlier on Saturday.
Prediction 1-2
West Brom Vs Chelsea
West Brom have had a great start to the campaign and sit 5th in the table – Only outside a Champions League berth on goal difference. Another impressive win last weekend saw them beat Wigan 2-1 away from home. The visit of Chelsea gives The Baggies an opportunity to enhance their Top 4 credentials. Chelsea have dropped points in their last 3 league games and need to stop the rot if they are to keep pace with the Manchester duo. The Blues will face off against their former player and coach Steve Clarke at The Hawthorns.
Prediction 1-1
Norwich have had a reasonable start to the season and will welcome the current league leaders to Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon. The Canaries have struggled for goals and last scored 2 goals in a league game on 29th September. They will probably need to score a few goals on Saturday to get anything from this match. United have had problems at the defensive end of the pitch and have no problems scoring goals themselves. RVP and Hernandez are helping themselves at the moment. Expect plenty of goals here.
Prediction 1-4
Fulham Vs Sunderland
Fulham were relieved to leave The Emirates with a point at the weekend after Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the last minute. Schwarzer saved Arteta’s effort and Fulham has now been involved in three consecutive score draws in the league. Sunderland took the lead against Everton but could not hold on and ended up losing 2-1 at Goodison. The Black Cats are worryingly close to the relegation battle and will want to put clear daylight between themselves and the bottom clubs.
Prediction 2-1
West Ham Vs Stoke
Monday Night Football returns to Upton Park this week. West Ham United continue to be the best of the newly promoted sides and have amassed 18 points from their first 11 matches. They defeated Newcastle at St James’ Park in their previous league game which was hugely impressive. Stoke also won their previous match against struggling QPR and will look to improve their away form having lost their last 2 away matches in the league.
Prediction 2-1
