Predictions 29/8/09

Premiership Predictions

Last week, Lawro managed an impressive 7 correct results with 2 correct scores. I achieved 6 correct results and 3 correct scores. Maybe this punditry lark isn’t as easy as it looks? On to this week’s predictions…

Blackburn v West Ham
Blackburn still haven’t managed to shake off their tag as being an “overly physical” side, although truth to tell they maybe haven’t been trying that hard. Equally, West Ham are still known as the football academy based on their past achievements. Still, this game should be one of craft against graft but which will come out on top?
Blackburn 1 v 2 West Ham

Bolton v Liverpool
Liverpool have had a shocking start to the season and know they can’t afford to lose again so early in the season. The sale of Alonso has clearly disrupted them but I’m sure the master tactician Rafa Benitez has been working behind the scenes to resolve their problems. Bolton on the other hand are distinctly average. They’ve lost some of their physicality but have yet to replace it with any degree of skill. As a result I expect the Scousers to get back on track
Bolton 0 v 2 Liverpool

Chelsea v Burnley
Chelsea have had an undramatic start to the season, retaining their 100% record without setting the world alight. Burnley on the other hand have surprised many, winning 2 out of 3 games including that defeat of Manchester United. Can they repeat the giant-killing, or will Chelsea continue to efficiently collect points? There’s only one answer for me I’m afraid
Chelsea 3 v 1 Burnley

Manchester United V Arsenal
By any reckoning, the stand-out tie of the weekend. Manchester United stuttered against Burnley but responded in typical fashion with a 5-0 mauling of Wigan. Arsenal have started the season impressively, forcing many pundits to start thinking about which sauce to use when eating their hats. This game could provide the test to see if they are potential champions or also rans.
Manchester United 1 v 2 Arsenal

Stoke v Sunderland
From the tie of the weekend to a complete non-entity unless you happen to support either team. Both sides will be looking to achieve a comfortable position in mid-table this season and should do so. Sunderland have bought some decent players, but I’m not sure if it will be enough so I’m going for a dire
Stoke 0 v 0 Sunderland

Tottenham v Birmingham
For many seasons Tottenham have been promising to achieve but consistently failed to deliver anything of note. This season they have the strikeforce to threaten the status quo, although question marks remain over their defence and whether they can actually stay fit for once. Birmingham City, as the new boys will find it tough going against the established premiership side and I can see them leaving empty handed.
Tottenham 3 v 0 Birmingham

Wolves v Hull
Wolves have had a promising start to the season without actually getting anywhere, while Hull seem to be caught in the rut that gripped them in the second half of last season. The Wanderers will have targeted this as a vital 3 points towards premiership survival and I think they may just get them
Wolves 1 v 0 Hull

Sunday

Aston Villa v Fulham
Villa will be feeling confident following last week’s win over Liverpool and will be looking to use their pace up front to trouble Fulham’s back line. Ashley Young could be decisive in this game, particularly if he continues to learn from Arsenal’s Eduardo. Fulham haven’t had the best of starts to the season and both sides may be a little tired following their European exertions in mid-week.. Another 3 points for Martin O’Neill’s boys.
Aston Villa 2 v 0 Fulham

Everton v Wigan
Everton will be desperate to get something from this game following their dismal start to the season, including that 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal. They will be hoping that the eventual sale of Lescott to Manchester City and the purchase of that Russian bloke whose name I can’t spell, much less pronounce will provide the squad with some much-needed stability. Wigan will be reeling following their late capitulation that saw them concede 5 goals after defending superbly in the first half.
Everton 2 v Wigan 1

Portsmouth v Man City
Let’s face it, Portsmouth are falling apart at the seams and it will take more than a new owner to pull them together in time for this fixture, especially against the expensively assembled Manchester City side. Adebayor looks to be rejuvenated now that he is finally being paid what he believes he is worth, although he still seems to be struggling with the offside rule. I see another big loss on the cards for Pompey
Portsmouth 0 v 4 Man City