Sunderland v Arsenal
Roy Keane's Sunderland have failed to secure a single point in their previous ten Premier League attempts against any of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool. A shocking statistic indeed, though luckily, statistics don't necessarily play any part in deciding the outcome of a future match. No doubt, The Black Cats are as strong an outfit as I have seen over the last few seasons and really are in with a chance of punishing one of the top sides this year. Keane's men have made a tolerable start to the campaign, managing to gather seven points from their opening six fixtures. But you'd sense that those passionate northern fans who saw Sunderland do exceedingly well at home last year will be hoping and dreaming for much the same this season.class="fullpost">
Hull City were the latest team to do some damage to Arsenal this season and further question the north London team's ability to challenge for the Premier League title. Indeed Wenger's troops have been defeated on two occasions already this season, both losses arguably coming against weak opposition. Luckily, they are still within merely two points distance of reclaiming top spot. The Gunner's were dazzling against Porto in the Champions League, but they must ensure that their domestic performances are just as first-class as their European ones. It may be tough to follow up on such an emphatic midweek triumph for the Gunners, but if they're back on top form, they should be able to prevail in this game.
The corresponding fixture last year ended in a hard-fought 1-0 victory for the Gunners thanks to a Theo Walcott goal. It would be reasonable to suggest that the pace of Walcott may again be needed to unlock the Sunderland defence. It should be a good game and Sunderland do have a chance of grabbing a point in front of their loyal fans, but I'll tip Arsenal to sneak a 2-1 away victory.
Prediction: 1-2
West Bromwich Albion v Fulham
The last time West Brom won back-to-back Premier League games was three and half years ago. They have a chance of repeating that rare feat again now. Amazingly, a home win would ensure the Baggies their most excellent start to a Premier League season ever. So there's a new record to possibly look forward to for West Brom supporters this weekend. The Premier League new boys are actually ahead of Fulham going into this crunch clash and should be looking forward to the occasion, after all Fulham are renowned for their appalling away results.
The Cottagers have endured a difficult spell recently, which has seen them lose three consecutive games. Of course, two of those have come away from home, but Fulham seriously do have a much stronger squad this season therefore they should be doing better on their travels now. They were playing some good stuff before this bad spell, so I have reason to believe they will soon get back to their best. But for the time being, they must get a win under their belts and this game would be a good platform for them to find the back of the net away from home.
A West Brom win would give them ten points in the Premier League, sending them into double figures before quite a few of their 'bottom half of the table' rivals. A Fulham victory would see them overtake the Baggies in the table.
Prediction: 2-2
Wigan Athletic v Middlesbrough
When Wigan signed Egyptian maestroAmr Zaki on an initial year-long loan deal, no one would have expected him to make an immediate impact in the Premier League, by becoming the top-scorer after six games. But that is exactly what the young man has done, having set the league alight in a way Fernando Torres did this time last year. The striker should now go on and get about twenty goals come the end of the season as he certainly has the talent to go on and do that. I think its brilliant how unknown players like Zaki manage to make such an impact in the best league in the world. As for Wigan on the whole, the Latics are doing well. They seem to have the right blend of attacking players with Valencia, Zaki, Palacios and Heskey going forward. And they must be doing a good job. After all, it isn't easy beating a Man City side who have the likes of Elano, Jo and Robinho to name but a few at their disposal. So far so good for Bruce's side.
Middlesbrough have been disappointing of late. I had high hopes of them coming into this season, but once again they are proving to be very inconsistent, which will only lead them to a mid-table finish. Boro have lost their last four games and could go on to lose a lot more unless they dramatically improve. Gareth Southgate has a lot of work to do in the coming few months. Having said that, if Boro manage to pull an away victory against Wigan out of the bag, then that should be the springboard for them to go on and do better things this year. There's everything to play for in this game for Middlesbrough.
Wigan are a much better side than they were last year due to their excellent attacking capabilities. As mentioned above, Zaki is a great striker and Luis Valencia has shown enough to make us realize why the likes of Liverpool and Man Utd were sniffing around him last year. Boro will have a tough game on their hands and my gut feeling says Wigan will triumph in front of their home fans, but Boro do have a chance.
Prediction: 2-0
Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United
Paul Ince's Blue and White army will have a chance to reach the dizzy heights of fourth spot in the table should they manage to win this tough tough game against the Red Devils. Blackburn have impressively managed to win their last three games and are in a strong position in the league, currently four spots ahead of their forthcoming opponents. Paul Ince seems to have got the balance right and has managed to get the side to play some good football this year. This game last year was a real gem, with United getting a late late equalizer thanks to Carlos Tevez. The hero of that game for Rovers was keeper Brad Friedel. Can Paul Robinson fill into the American's big gloves.
United seem to have got their season back on track with three wins on the bounce. They now have eight points from their opening five Premier League games. Beware! This time last year, Fergie's side went on an eight game winning streak and then managed to go on and do a double. They still don't seem as strong though and with Rooney a doubt for this game and Scholes out for ten weeks, Alex Ferguson really does have some shuffling about to do.
This will be as difficult a game for United as it was last year. They will find it hard to break Blackburn down at Ewood Park so we could be in for a very scrappy affair and possibly a goalless draw. But United need to win this game really and so I think they will nick a 1-0 win.
Prediction: 0-1
West Ham United v Bolton Wanderers
Gianfranco Zola has had the perfect start to his managerial career at West Ham, with wins over Newcastle and Fulham to be proud of. Those victories have sent the Hammers as high as fifth in the league and currently occupying a UEFA Cup spot. No doubt, a place in European competition is exactly what West Ham are chasing this season. For me, we cannot judge Zola on just a couple of games. We will have to wait at least ten games before we can judge how well he can do for the Hammers. Nevertheless, already I can see signs of organised attacking taking place in the side and I think striker Di Michele will have a big impact on the side this year.
Ever terrible Bolton Wanderers will travel to London hoping for an improvement on their recent performances. The Lancashire team lost to Man Utd last time out, albeit they conceded a penalty that shouldn't have been. But we cannot simply just reflect on that. They were not good enough to win the game and they haven't played well enough this season. To be honest, I felt the signing of Elmander would be a positive one for Megson's side but he hasn't been able to prove his fitness. It now seems like he could turn out the flop buy of the season, having cost Bolton an incredible £10million. The Trotters really need to get their act together otherwise they will end up in the same mess they found themselves in last season. After all, four points from six games is relegation form.
West Ham should be comfortable with facing Bolton this weekend. The Hammers will be confident after their impressive start under Zola whereas Bolton will be eager to win a game sooner rather than later. I think West Ham will pile on even more pressure on Bolton.
Prediction: 2-0
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Chelsea, who couldn't beat Cluj in the Champions League midweek, will now be without star striker Didier Drogba through injury for the next month or so. The league's top side have been brilliant under Luiz Felipe Scolari and that looks set to continue should they avoid another performance like the one against Cluj. Deco still remains sidelined along with Drogba, but surely Chelsea have a strong enough side to beat anyone.
Villa look very promising indeed and I keep going to the attacking trio of Young, Carew and Agbonlahor who really seem to 'click' this season. Villa have replaced Man Utd in the top four after six games and will be looking to remain in and amongst the top five or six over the coming weeks. Martin O'Neill has done a magnificent job at the club and Villa really do look like a quality side this year. Their only disappointment will have been the Carling Cup exit to QPR, but other than that, all is well at Villa Park.
This game ended 4-4 last season and was most definitely the best game of last season. Chelsea were all but out of the contest during that game, but managed to pull a draw out of it. If this fixture is anything like that one, we are in for a real treat. Unfortunately, I think it will be a scrappier, less eventful affair. As for a possible winner, I think that Chelsea have the upper hand due to their fabulous home record.
Prediction: 2-1
Manchester City v Liverpool
The defeat to Wigan last week showed exactly the reason why City will not win the Premier League this season. It also told us that the Blues are still quite a few quality players away from finishing in the top four too. Robinho, Jo and Elano didn't really show up and if that happens too often this season, then City might as well forget Europe now! That may seem harsh, but Hughes' side need to show some consistency and if they have real ambition, should be winning games against the likes of Wigan. Nevertheless, they did manage to pull through in the UEFA Cup, so a quadruple is a still possible. City's Brazilian contingent will really have to pull their socks up ahead of this tough game against Liverpool.
The Reds are firing on all cylinders. Currently second in the league and winning comfortably in the Champions League, Rafa's Reds really look the real deal this season. Robbie Keane finally got his first goal in a Liverpool shirt against PSV midweek and Steven Gerrard also got his 100th goal for the club. But lets not get too excited just yet. If Liverpool are still three our points off the top come Christmas, then we can talk their chances of Premier League glory up. But right now, they are playing some good stuff and could be top of the league come the end of the weekend.
This will be another learning curve for City and will really show the difference between a 'top four' side and themselves. That doesn't mean to say that the Blues will never make the top four, but just that there is a long way to go before they manage such a feat.
Prediction: 0-2
Portsmouth v Stoke City
Pompey striker Jermain Defoe looks really good at the minute, having lots of shots and scoring goals. He always look capable of finding the net. If he builds a good relationship with Peter Crouch, Portsmouth could be in for an exciting season. Their campaign hasn't really kicked off in style yet, but Redknapp's side are getting there. To supposedly have had a bad start to the season but laying ninth in the table is not bad at all. This is a nice home game for them and so long as they show some quality and organization, Portsmouth should win this game.
Stoke have been good so far this season, but there will be tough games where they are taught a Premier League lesson in and I think this is one of those game where the newly-promoted side could end up losing four or five nil. That may sound unlikely, but Portsmouth really do have a lot of talent going forward. As for Stoke, I would take this as a bonus game. If they set their stall out going for a draw, then they could manage that as they did against Liverpool. But if they attack too much, then Pompey will punish them.
I think this could be Portsmouth's day. Crouch and Defoe need to show exactly how good they can play together and this is a good time for the home fans to witness that partnership.
Prediction: 4-1
Tottenham Hotspur v Hull City
Once again, I think Spurs will win this game. They managed to beat Wisla Krakow on aggregate in the UEFA Cup and they really need to take the confidence from that into this game. Juande Ramos needs time to get his newly formed side to gel together. A win would lift Tottenham off the foot of the table but more importantly could spark a Spurs revival. This game could show a Tottenham backlash, so Hull best be prepared. Contrary to what others think, I believe that Pavulychenko and Darren Bent could manage to play well with each other if they were given the chance. Also, if they were incompatible, why would Spurs buy the Russian in the first place? Its just the sort of rubbish you get when teams aren't doing as well as they can do, but soon enough, I'm sure we'll see both striker banging in the goals together.
Hull have enjoyed an outstanding start to the season and look like a tough side to beat for anyone. After last weeks heroics against Arsenal, the Tigers will be full of confidence and belief, which is always a good thing. The way they played last week really should frighten other teams. It just showed that Hull can play football and will give anyone a good game. Geovanni's goal was magnificent and Cousin is also a good signing for them. If they play well, Hull could win this game too.
A Spurs victory is inevitable on paper, but their recent performances have been drab and so we cannot be sure. Nevertheless, despite Hull's excellence of late, I think Spurs have £80million worth of good players in their team who are all desperate for a Premier League win.
Prediction: 1-0
Everton v Newcastle
The Toffees came crashing out of Europe with a defeat to Standard Liege, which basically continued their poor run of form this campaign. Everton have been poor this year for some reason. They have a lethal enough team to do well especially with so many attacking midfielder, but it just isn't happening for them. Fourteenth position isn't somewhere we have been used to seeing Everton in over the last few season but this year I really think they could struggle. The passion and will doesn't seem to be there and there's definitely a missing piece in the jigsaw. David Moyes will no doubt have to do some serious spending in January, but up till then Everton just need to get back on track.
Newcastle are also going through a dismal patch at the moment but they also need to start pulling some good performances out of the bag soon. Their only decent player at the moment is Michael Owen and the rest of the squad need to be showing the same mentality as the former Liverpool striker. Despite all that's gone on, Owen is still putting the goals away for the Magpies. A bit more confidence and determination from the team wouldn't go amiss.
An Everton side low on confidence versus a Newcastle side in disarray. This could end up being a good game. In seriousness, I think that Newcastle are due a win and for some reason, I feel this victory could come over the Toffees who don't seem to be at their best.
Prediction: 0-1
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