Newcastle Vs Sunderland
The loss of Yohan Cabaye and the suspension of Loic Remy has come at exactly the wrong time for the Toon Army looking forward to this weekend’s fixture. This, added to a goalless draw against Norwich and one win in five in the league will mean that the Magpies will have to be on their best against their neighbours. Sunderland on the other hand have shown they have enough about them to escape the drop, and will have been pleased to keep another clean sheet at Stoke. Tensions will run high at St James’, these derbies are always crazy.
Prediction 1-2
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West Ham Vs Swansea
The Hammers and their ‘19th century’ football’ will have been buoyed by their hard fought (albeit lucky) point away to Chelsea. They will be desperate to pick up some points in this fixture and the same approach may not be the best one for Big Sam. The Swans steadied the ship with an assured home win to Fulham last weekend, but would be wrong in thinking they are out of trouble. These games are growing in importance, and this one sees a clash of styles that may bring goals. Score Draw.
Prediction 2-2
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Cardiff Vs Norwich
Cardiff did not look out of place against a resurgent United in the midweek fixtures, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men will have been slightly disappointed to come back to Wales with nothing to show for it. However, they have taken up residency at the foot of the table, and things have to change quickly if they are going to extend their stay in the top flight. They host a Norwich side in indifferent form, but who nonetheless will be looking to consolidate their position above the relegation zone. Cardiff will know that they must get something from these games. Home win.
Prediction 1-0
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Everton Vs Aston Villa
Liverpool gave Everton a hiding that was a long time in the offing midweek. The Toffees have not been their best for some games, and will miss the towering presence or Lukaku up front. Lacina Traore will be a welcome addition to a shallow squad that may just be starting to show some chinks, particularly with a growing injury list. Villa will be absolutely buzzing after a Brummie classic. Lambert is switching players around for fun and Benteke is back. This will be one for the neutral. Score draw.
Prediction 2-2
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Fulham Vs Southampton
Fulham are where they belong. A lacklustre season was compounded by a lacklustre performance against Swansea, and you have to be worried as a Fulham fan. I can only think of a couple of players in the squad who look like they want to be there, and I’ll give you a clue, one of them isn’t Dimitar Berbatov. He is a luxury Fulham cannot afford. Southampton on the other hand showed they are still a unit, on the pitch at least. Holding on to Luke Shaw until the summer is a big bonus, and Potchettino’s main task will be keeping his players focused and committed until May. Away win.
Prediction 0-2
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Hull Vs Tottenham
The KC stadium is one of the last places Tottenham will feel like going after a mauling at the hands of City. Hull have only conceded 8 goals at home this season, and have been going about their work in a quiet and industrious manner. I fully expect them to book a place at the Premier League Table 2014/15, but need to avoid banana skins on the way. Tim Sherwood will know that there is no shame in defeat against City, but will need to make sure his team have regrouped. Expect a low scoring affair as both teams look to tighten up at the back. Away Win.
Prediction 0-1
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Stoke Vs Manchester United
Losses against Crystal Palace and Sunderland are exactly what Mark Hughes will have had nightmares about two weeks ago. It means that while Stoke slip back into the scrap, teams around them are picking up points. The Potters look tame, they seem to lack the desire they had a couple of seasons ago. It will be no consolation that they have failed to beat visitors United in their previous 10 attempts, even more worrying being the sudden bounty of attacking talent David Moyes has to call upon. Juan Mata has brought a buzz to the Champions, and with the return to fitness of Rooney and Van Persie, I see them being very hard to beat. Away Win.
Prediction 0-2
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West Brom Vs Liverpool
Four wins at the Hawthorns is not good enough for West Brom, who will be smarting after their capitulation to Villa midweek. It must be hard to win bitterly away from home, and have no solid home form to fall back on. I worry for Pepe Mel and his team, they are better than their current position and need to start showing it. Visitors Liverpool have established a core attacking unit of Coutinho, Sturridge, Suarez and Sterling, and will still remember their 3-0 drubbing in this fixture last season. A Premier League challenge is probably too much to ask considering the form of Manchester City, but they look odds on for a Champions League spot. This game is a stumbling block that should be negotiated by the Liverpool attacking line. Away Win.
Prediction 1-3
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Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace
Arsene Wenger is probably starting to realise what Sir Alex meant by squeaky bum time. One point separates them from City at the top, and it’s almost February. Southampton were always going to be a stern test for the Gunners last time out, whereas at a glance Palace may seem like an easier proposition. However, look more closely, Pulis has two wins in two, and the Gunners will miss their unsung hero Mathieu Flamini through suspension. There is no one else in the squad who can do as good a job as the feisty Frenchman, and this could be problematic. For all their spirit, I don’t believe that Palace have the ability to block out Arsenal at the Emirates. An early goal could turn the screw on the visitors. Home win.
Prediction 4-0
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Manchester City Vs Chelsea
My pick for the one-two this year. Monday sees two astute footballing minds play out a mesmerising game of chess. City have scored a mountain of goals in the league, head and shoulders above the pack, while visitors Chelsea have been miserly, only conceding 20 times. I said last week that only Tottenham or Chelsea have a chance against this City team, and I stand by this. Mourinho will have seen the relative ease with which Tottenham were dispatched, but the Portuguese maestro revels in these confrontations. This game will be a tight, gritty affair, with only one goal in it. Home Win.
Prediction 1-0
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