Sunderland Vs Southampton
Adam Johnson’s hatrick last weekend was further evidence that Gus Poyet has steadied the ship at Sunderland, who will surely now be looking to extricate themselves from a relegation scramble. The team haven’t lost in all competitions since New Year’s Day, and look set for the visit of their south coast opponents. Despite early season optimism at Southampton, the Saints’ away form has been indifferent, and with boardroom rumblings off the pitch Potchettino’s men may struggle to take all the points back down the M1. Tight Draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Arsenal Vs Fulham
Arsenal showed resilience and style in a tight away win against Villa last round, two things they will need in abundance for the run in. Wilshere is starting to move up the gears and in Giroud the gunners may well have found their front man. Although Fulham are slowly improving under Rene Mulensteen, and despite the return of man mountain Brede Hangeland, a win at the Emirates should be too much to ask. With Arsenal having a week to prepare, a stylish home win is fully expected.
Prediction 3-1
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Crystal Palace vs Stoke
It’s January and Palace are still rooted to the bottom of the table. The manager has got them playing but they lack the quality necessary to survive in the Premier League. They were unlucky against Spurs last week but I have yet to see them turn in 90 minutes of real quality. Despite this, Tony Pulis comes up against his old team, and will be determined to exact some pay back after his controversial exit. Stoke showed a lot of spirit and fight at home against Liverpool last weekend, as well as an eye for goal which will serve them well as this one is a long way from the Brittania Stadium. Away Win.
Prediction 1-2
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Manchester City Vs Cardiff
The sky blue juggernaut is gathering pace. Lady Luck smiled upon City in Newcastle last week but Alvaro Negredo is starting to look like a summer bargain at £16.5 million. City will need him if Pellegrini’s unprecedented quadruple ambitions are to be realised. A second half demolition of Blackburn midweek saw all of the front men adding to their tally, and they will look to carry that momentum into this game. Cardiff’s stoic optimism following Ole’s arrival was diluted by big Sam’s West Ham last time out, and may well take a further dent at the Etihad. Home win.
Prediction 4-0
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Norwich Vs Hull
With no wins yet in any competition in 2014, the Canaries are staring down the barrel of a relegation dogfight. They were picked apart by a weak Fulham in the FA Cup, and, despite the Chairman publically backing Chris Hughton, the writing is on the wall. They are separated from Hull by a three point gap and an ocean of confidence, who deserve their 10th place. Uncompromising at home, unconvincing away, Hull will also be looking to collect their first points of this year after a small wobble. The importance of this match will not be lost on both managers, who are both seasoned veterans of the wrong end of the Premier League. Tight Draw.
Prediction 1-1
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West Ham Vs Newcastle
A win at Cardiff may have saved Big Sam from the chop, but with Captain Kevin Nolan still suspended and Ravel Morrison’s commitment questionable after interest from Fulham, the squad could be in better shape. Newcastle were unlucky not to take a point off City last week after a Mickey Mouse refereeing display, and will be desperate to keep in touch with the pack. Andy Carrol is fit again in time for the visit of his former club, but if the impressive Luke de Jong secures a loan move in time to support Loic Remy, the Hammers could struggle. Convincing away win.
Prediction 0-2
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Liverpool Vs Aston Villa
Liverpool were rampant in a premier league classic last weekend away to Stoke, most notable being the seamless return of Daniel Sturridge to the Suarez Show. The pair will be looking forward to this fixture with relish, especially with the return of Captain Fantastic Steven Gerrard to the side. The midfield tyro was back to his imperious best after a short lay off, and will be looking to give his all for a rare Liverpool title challenge. Villa on the other hand huffed and puffed against Arsenal, with Benteke looking like he has found his hunger again; he will be key to Villa’s run in. Home win with a chance of goals at Anfield.
Prediction 4-2
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Swansea Vs Tottenham
Without a win in seven games in the Premier League, last season and cup glory are starting to seem like a distant memory for the Swans. Goals have been hard to come by without Michu in the side, a trait they share with visitors Tottenham. Both teams have only scored 26 goals this season, a remarkable statistic if you consider the quality they bring to the game. However Spurs seemed to have turned a corner under Tim Sherwood’s passionate gaze. Erikssen is starting to look like the soccer prince they were after in the summer, Adebayor is firing for now, and in the engine room the aggressive Bentaleb has been a remarkable discovery. The rough diamond will need polish, but Spurs have a real player on their hands. Exciting Away Win.
Prediction 1-2
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Chelsea Vs Manchester United
Chelsea are doing what Mourinho does best, grinding out a title challenge, and the Blues are certainly favourites in the pick of the weekend’s draws. A sturdy defence marshalled by the evergreen John Terry may yet be tested if United manage to recall Rooney from his ‘warm weather holiday’ in time for Sunday’s game. This is another must win for Moyes’ men, who will be looking to do their noisy neighbours an unlikely favour. Eden Hazzard is seems to be fully appreciating his unlimited potential at Stamford Bridge, and his teams efforts should be enough to take an important step towards a title run in. Gritty Home Win.
Prediction 1-0
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West Brom Vs Everton
West Brom are in trouble. With one win in 12 games in the league, and no closer to a new manager, the Baggies are in free fall. This is in stark contrast to their visitors, who are going about their work with a steely precision stoked by manager of the month nominee Martinez; when Gareth Barry is scoring you must be doing something right. Ross Barkley looks set for a lengthy lay off, but with no West Brom player managing more than four goals this season, the hit and miss home side will have to be on their game on Monday night. Away Win.
Prediction 0-2
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