Manchester United Vs Cardiff
United will be smarting after yet another defeat, this time via a penalty shoot-out against Sunderland at Old Trafford. However, the arrival of Juan Mata and a rest over the weekend, not to mention the return of Messrs Rooney and Van Persie, will be a huge boost to the Red Devils. Cardiff on the other hand have been struggling to find their groove, and still have to negotiate a trip to Bolton in the FA Cup before a prompt return to the north west. It is time for Man Utd to wake up and smell the roses. Home Win.Â
Prediction 3-1
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Norwich Vs Newcastle
Norwich recorded a much needed win against Hull last time out, but Chris Houghton is by no means out of the woods. His signing of the visitors Gutierrez brings a lot of experience to the Canaries, although the wily Argentinian may be short on quality for this level. The visitors have shown grit, skill and determination this, and fully deserve their lofty premier league place. The magpies havenât enjoyed the best January. This one will be a tight affair.Â
Prediction 1-1
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Southampton vs Arsenal
Southampton came up against a resurgent Sunderland last time out and really had to work for their draw. They face an Arsenal side who have enjoyed a perfect month filled with professional performances. Both teams can play, this will be a great one to watch and an interesting battle between two of the better managers in this division. Tight away win.
Prediction 1-2
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Swansea Vs Fulham
The Swans were shown up against a solid Spurs side last time out, although they meet another team not in the best form on Tuesday. There are reports from Swansea that all is not well with Laudrupâs squad, and they will want to avoid any disaccord in the run in. On the other hand fire in the belly may be just what Rene Mulensteen will be asking of his players for this fixture. They were a little unlucky against Arsenal and Steve Sidwell is starting to really find some form. The home side will want to avoid being sucked into a relegation game of roulette, whereas Fulham have been sitting at the chequered table for some time. Away win.
Prediction 1-2
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Crystal Palace Vs Hull
Palace officially have Europeâs biggest squad, and never has the phrase âquality not quantityâ been more apt. âGrit not quantityâ was perhaps more appropriate against Stoke, with the impressive Jason Puncheon bouncing back from his criminal penalty miss against Spurs to secure the three points. Palace find themselves out of the relegation zone, a miraculous feat considering their position a couple of months ago. Hull on the other hand continue their wobble in the league, and Steve Bruce may be worried that his players may lack some conviction given their comfortable league position, for now. Exciting Draw.Â
Prediction 2-2
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Liverpool Vs Everton
One of my favorite fixtures of the season, and one that will me missing the industrious Lucas Leiva and the mercurial Coleman. Both players have been vital for their clubs this season and will be sorely missed. Liverpool are conceding goals of late, five in their last two matches, but are scoring a few too. Everton on the other hand are hard to beat away from home, but this is a different kettle of fish to most fixtures outside of Goodison. Expect controversy and collisions, especially given the proximity of the rivals in the league. Home win.
Prediction 3-2
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Aston Villa Vs West Brom
Villa will have had their eye on this fixture after two tough games against Liverpool and Arsenal; games in which they acquitted themselves admirably. Lambert has done a great job this year, avoiding the tension at the wrong end of the league while allowing his young squad to develop into an extremely watchable outfit. West Brom have had a hard time of late, both on and off the pitch, and will have to dig deep in a game where emotions will be running high. Bore Draw.
Prediction 0-0
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Chelsea Vs West Ham
Big Sam must be sick to the teeth of football. A demoralising 9-0 aggregate defeat at the hands of City further compounded misery in East London, and the Hammers face a trip across town to a team called Chelsea who arenât too shabby themselves. An recent impressive demolition of Manchester United and a Samuel Etoâo hatrick means that the warning signs are there for West Ham, and Chelsea will want to make sure that they donât slip up in the hunt for Premier League glory as the completion nears its latter stages. Home win.
Prediction 2-0
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Sunderland Vs Stoke
Sunderland are a different team. A massive win against United on aggregate and a cup final to come will be a further boost for the Black Cats, and they look to be loving their football at the moment. Gus Poyet has done an unbelievable job, his energy is evident in everything good about the team. Stoke are suffering another dip in form and were disappointing in defeat against Palace, a fixture that will have them looking over their shoulder. Sunderland should be too quick for the Potters. Home win.
Prediction 3-1
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Tottenham Vs Manchester City
This game is one for the neutral, and Tim Sherwoodâs toughest test to date. Spurs have looked impressive, solid and consistent since they hired their new man, and will need to be at their very best against the imperious visitors. Funnily enough, I would only give Chelsea and Tottenham a chance against this City side on their day, and the importance of this contest will not be lost on Pellegrini. With every win his side gather momentum, and with a Capital One cup final to come, his squad will want to do everything to keep their run going. Fiery away win.
Prediction 0-1
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