Wigan Vs Arsenal
Wigan host Arsenal in the first match of Gameweek 18. The Latics were defeated last weekend by Norwich but managed a draw in their last match at The DW Stadium. Arsenal visited the Madejski on Monday Night Football and ran riot courtesy of a Santi Cazorla hat-trick. This was a vast improvement on the League Cup defeat by League Two Bradford recently. Wigan need to record a positive result to move clear of the Relegation Zone they currently find themselves in.
Prediction 1-2
Manchester City Vs Reading
Despite losing the Manchester Derby, City responded well by winning 3-1 away at Newcastle in Gameweek 17. The Champions must continue to win their games and hope that rivals United slip up in their matches. The visit of lowly Reading should give City the opportunity to register three points. Reading will be struggling for confidence following a 5-2 thrashing on Monday. Reading will hope to cause an upset and move themselves closer to safety but I can only see this match going one way.
Prediction 3-0
Newcastle Vs QPR
Newcastle have suffered from a loss of form and they have not recaptured the form they showed last season to challenge for a Champions League berth. Following their defeat to Manchester City in Gameweek 17, Newcastle find themselves in 15th place, just 2 points clear of the drop zone. QPR are undefeated under Harry Redknapp and recorded their first win of the season at Loftus Road at the expense of Fulham in Gameweek 17. Harry to extend QPR’s unbeaten run.
Prediction 1-1
Southampton Vs Sunderland
Due to Chelsea’s commitments in the Club World Cup Southampton enjoyed a rare weekend off in Gameweek 17. This will have given The Saints plenty of time to prepare for the visit of Sunderland on Saturday afternoon. The Black Cats were well beaten at Old Trafford in their last game and will hope for an easier away fixture at St Mary’s. Going for a draw here.
Prediction 1-1
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Tottenham Vs Stoke
Tottenham face their second opponent at White Hart Lane in the space of one week when Stoke visit North London on Saturday. Spurs were able to move back into the Top 4 with a hard-fought win over Swansea on Sunday. Stoke finally conceded a goal but only due to Shawcross netting an unfortunate own goal. The Potters are level on points with Arsenal and a win here could take them to joint 5th.
Prediction 1-0
West Brom Vs Norwich
West Bromwich Albion were held to a goalless draw by West Ham on Sunday. Following their remarkable start to the campaign, The Baggies are only two points behind 3rd place Chelsea. Chris Hughton brings his Norwich side to The Hawthorns looking to close the gap on West Brom who are one place and two points ahead of them in the standings. Two teams on great form this will be an entertaining match.
Prediction 2-1
West Ham Vs Everton
West Ham have enjoyed a positive start to life back in the Premier League and look to be well clear of any relegation woes beneath them. Sam Allardyce has done a brilliant job at West Ham. Similarly, David Moyes has worked wonders at Everton and they currently sit 5th just two points behind Chelsea and Spurs. Both teams drew in Gameweek 17 and I can see this match ending the same way.
Prediction 1-1
Liverpool Vs Fulham
Liverpool fans were shell-shocked when they saw their team 3-0 down when Aston Villa visited Anfield on Saturday. Steven Gerrard got a late consolation goal but Liverpool lost 3-1 and they are now 12th place heading into Gameweek 18. Fulham were the first side this season to lose against QPR. The Cottagers are in 13th place and would leapfrog their opponents should they emulate Aston Villa and win at Anfield.
Prediction 1-0
Swansea Vs Manchester United
Swansea lost their previous match at White Hart Lane following a late goal from Vertonghen. The Swans have had a positive start to the campaign and forward Michu represents a great bit of business in the transfer window. Manchester United remain 6 points clear of City following a 3-1 thumping of Sunderland at Old Trafford. This match at The Liberty Stadium will be much tougher for The Red Devils.
Prediction 1-2
Chelsea Vs Aston Villa
Chelsea return to Premier League action following a long journey to Japan for the Club World Cup which they were unable to win. The Blues may well find themselves out of the Top 4 prior to kick off in this fixture with other clubs playing earlier in the weekend. Aston Villa recorded a hugely impressive win at Anfield on Saturday and will be looking to bag a second scalp on the road in the space of one week. They are unbeaten home and away since Gameweek 12. I am backing Chelsea to win this match.
Prediction 2-0
