Fulham Vs Arsenal
Fulham face their second London Derby in the space of 4 days when Arsenal make the short trip to Craven Cottage on Saturday. Fulham were well beaten by Chelsea mid-week and will hope to avoid further embarrassment when The Gunners visit. Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw against Everton and were leapfrogged into 3rd place by Chelsea. Arsene Wenger knows a win here will put Arsenal in a great position to secure a Top 4 berth. Fulham will be keen to put things right but with nothing but pride to play for I expect Arsenal to secure an away victory.
Prediction 1-2
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Norwich Vs Reading
Norwich host bottom club Reading in a match which could almost secure The Canaries survival for another season of top flight football. Chris Hughton has done an excellent job and Norwich are undefeated in their last 6 league matches at Carrow Road. Reading looked doomed and only a miracle can see them escape the drop this season. The Royals have lost all four of their last league matches on the road and I do not expect them to leave Norwich with any points on Saturday afternoon. Home win expected.
Prediction 1-0
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QPR Vs Stoke
Queens Park Rangers are still in desperate trouble. Despite winning two matches on the trot, Rangers were unable to maintain their form and have lost 3 of their last 4 league matches. Harry knows that time is running out and only victories can save his side. Stoke visit Loftus Road at the bottom of the current ‘Form Table’ having secured just one point from a possible 18 in their last 6 fixtures. The Potters have lost 6 away league matches on the bounce and Tony Pulis is under real pressure to stop the rot. A home win would give QPR a fighting chance of survival.
Prediction 2-0
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Sunderland Vs Everton
Paolo Di Canio enjoyed the perfect debut in the Tyne-Wear Derby and saw his Sunderland side win 3-0 away at bitter rivals Newcastle. The new manager can enhance his reputation further by keeping Sunderland in the Premier League for another campaign. Everton are the next team to visit The Stadium of Light and they boosted their chances of a Top 4 berth by holding out for a goalless draw at Arsenal on Tuesday evening. The Toffees are on an excellent run of form which has seen them pick up 14 points from a possible 18. I predict a score draw in this fixture.
Prediction 1-1
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Swansea Vs Southampton
Swansea have relied heavily on their home form to push themselves into the top half of the division. Things are extremely tight mid table and teams can very quickly find themselves having relegation worries if a few results go against them. Southampton make the trip to Wales knowing that they are extremely close to securing top flight football next term. The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino seems to have been an inspired move which has brought the best out of the squad. The saints are unbeaten in 5 and I can see this match being an entertaining stalemate.
Prediction 1-1
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West Brom Vs Newcastle
West Bromwich Albion could pull themselves just 3 points behind Liverpool should they win their game in hand. The Baggies have struggled for form recently but their efforts earlier in the campaign have kept them comfortably in the top half of the table. Newcastle were humbled at home by local rivals Sunderland. Alan Pardew was clearly disappointed with that display and several Newcastle fans were involved in scuffles with police subsequent to the Derby. The Magpies have not travelled well lately and have lost 4 consecutive league matches away from St James’ Park. I expect West Brom to make that 5 matches on Saturday.
Prediction 2-1
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West Ham Vs Wigan
West Ham held Manchester United to a draw mid-week but manager Sam Allardyce was furious that Van Persie’s late effort was allowed to stand despite being clearly offside. The Hammers are now unbeaten in 4 league matches and have moved to 39 points which will surely see them playing Premiership football next season. Wigan do not have such comfort and have only notched up 31 points thus far. Roberto Martinez will have to work his usual magic if Wigan are to dodge relegation once again. The Latics have played well lately and could register a surprise win at Upton Park.
Prediction 1-2
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Tottenham Vs Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur could find themselves in 6th by the time they kick off against Manchester City on Super Sunday. Spurs have not played a League match since 7th April where they drew with Everton. Manchester City could close the gap on United to 10 points should they win at White Hart Lane. City may be without the services of Aguero and Silva who are both injury doubts for Sunday. Spurs have struggled at home in recent times and City have won 3 of their last 4 away from The Etihad. Should be a great game for the neutral fan.
Prediction 2-2
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Liverpool Vs Chelsea
Super Sunday continues as Liverpool look to inflict a defeat which could scupper Chelsea’s hopes of a Top 4 finish. Brendan Rodgers has guided his team to four victories from their last six matches at Anfield. The Reds can close the gap on rivals Everton with a victory here although a Top 4 finish seems out of reach this season. Chelsea have been playing well lately and their only recent disappointment saw them lose the FA Cup Semi against City. An impressive 3-0 victory away at Fulham will provide the perfect preparation for the trip to Liverpool. John Terry, Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres will all be keen to start. Benitez and Torres will receive very different receptions from the home crowd. Torres could silence the Anfield hate-mob by bagging a goal against his former club.
Prediction 2-1
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Manchester United Vs Aston Villa
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson still managed to complain about refereeing decisions despite being awarded a goal which came from an offside position. That draw put United within 1 match of clinching the title should Manchester City lose at White Hart Lane on Sunday. The Red Devils will be without Ashley Young for the remainder of the campaign following an ankle knock. Aston Villa have only been defeated once in their last five League matches and that run of form has seen them move out of the relegation zone. Benteke and Co. will need to be at their very best if they are to leave Old Trafford with any points.
Prediction 3-0
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