Aston Villa Vs Newcastle
Aston Villa have been knocked out of the second Cup Competition in the space of a few weeks by lower league opposition. Villa fans have only the League to focus their attention on and they are perilously close to the relegation zone. Newcastle continue to buy French players in a bid to freshen up their squad and enjoy an improved second half to the season. Both teams need a win but I suspect neither will get one here.
Prediction 1-1
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QPR Vs Manchester City
Harry Redknapp was less than impressed when his QPR team crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of MK Dons on Saturday. Despite resting some first choice players, Harry thought his team had more than enough to despatch lesser opposition. Manchester City were thankful to Pablo Zabaleta who scored the only goal away at Stoke. City will want to capitalise having closed the gap on United to 5 points.
Prediction 1-2
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Stoke Vs Wigan
Stoke conceded late against City and lost their place in the FA Cup 5th round as a result. Tony Pulis can turn his attention to improving Stoke’s league position and getting them towards the Top 4. Wigan won and avoided a potential banana-skin at Macclesfield and can now focus themselves on the Premier League where they remain in the bottom 3. Home win here.
Prediction 2-1
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Sunderland Vs Swansea
Sunderland were thankful for Steven Fletcher once again as he scored twice as they won at Wigan in Gameweek 23. Fletcher could well be the difference between Sunderland staying up and getting relegated this season. Swansea will be pleased to get back to footballing matters after the ‘Ball Boy’ incident when Chelsea visited The Liberty Stadium. Should be a close game.
Prediction 1-1
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Arsenal Vs Liverpool
Arsenal were made to sweat against lowly Brighton and Arsene Wenger must surely be worried about his fragile defence. The Gunners have lost two big League games in the last two Gameweeks against City and Chelsea. Another defeat against Liverpool would leave Arsenal fans furious. Liverpool were rocked by their defeat at Oldham despite playing a strong team. Suarez and Sturridge will be keen to test the wobbly Arsenal defence on Wednesday.
Prediction 2-2
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Everton Vs West Brom
Everton recorded a good away win at Bolton and secured their passage to The FA Cup 5th Round. The Toffees are unbeaten in 3 League games and will look to extend that sequence when West Brom visit Goodison. The Baggies came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa in Gameweek 23. West Brom are struggling to keep Peter Odemwingie settled at The Hawthorns and may be without his services for this match.
Prediction 2-1
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Norwich Vs Tottenham
Norwich were beaten infront of their own fans by Luton on Saturday and are out of the FA Cup. The Canaries have had a torrid time in the Premier League and are without a League win since Gameweek 17. Spurs visit Carrow Road having lost away at Leeds on Sunday. AVB fielded a strong team and will have been disappointed. However, finishing in the Top 4 remains the priority at White Hart Lane.
Prediction 1-2
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Fulham Vs West Ham
Fulham were well beaten when they visited Old Trafford on Saturday. The Cottagers must now focus on the visit of West Ham on Wednesday evening. Martin Jol will want to secure three points and extend the gap between Fulham and the relegation battle. West Ham make the short journey to West London with Joe Cole becoming increasingly popular among the Hammers. He contributed a goal in Gameweek 23 and two assists against Manchester United recently.
Prediction 1-1
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Manchester United Vs Southampton
Manchester United conceded two points to City in the title race when they could only manage a draw at White Hart Lane in Gameweek 23. Since then, The Red Devils secured an easy win over Fulham to book a place in the 5th Round of the FA Cup. Southampton are unbeaten in their last 6 League games including matches against Arsenal and Chelsea. That made the dismissal of Nigel Adkins even more bizarre. I cannot see The Saints getting anything from their trip to Manchester.
Prediction 3-0
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Reading Vs Chelsea
Reading did their chances of survival the world of good with a crucial win at St James’ Park in Gameweek 23. Le Fondre bagged a brace and will be looking forward to lining up against Chelsea’s defence which has been unusually generous lately. The Blues could only get a draw at Brentford in the FA Cup and will need a replay to try and book their place in the next round. A massive League win over Arsenal in Gameweek 23 feels like a distant memory. Hazard suspended for The Blues after his red card at Swansea in the Carling Cup.
Prediction 1-2
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