29 November 2007

Predictions 12/1-12/3

Chelsea v West Ham, 7:45am, Setanta: It's a London derby, so you can sort of throw the form book out the window, but there are still a couple of unavoidable truths. One, Chelsea's hasn't been beaten since the United game in September. Two, no matter that Carlton Cole's finally adapted to being one of West Ham's only fit strikers, he will not find it as easy to break through Chelsea's back line as say, West Ham did against Derby last week. Until further notice, I think I may be back to picking 2-0 Chelsea wins pretty much every time out. Chelsea 2-0
Wigan v Man City, 10am, FSC: Another new manager, and another game I think it'll have a big difference. I've been guessing City to start their decline for a few matches now, and while they haven't been at the form of a couple of months ago, they've haven't lost since the drubbing at Chelsea. But I think Steve Bruce might have a shock or two in for them. Wigan 1-0
Blackburn v Newcastle, 10am, Setanta: Newcastle looked utterly lost last Saturday. Blackburn was drubbed at home yesterday, but I imagine they'll have an easier time bouncing back that Sam Allardyce's men, who were completely dishelved at home against Liverpool. Blackburn 3-1
Sunderland v Derby, 10am, Setanta Xtra: This prediction party is full of new manager talk, and once again, I think it'll have a positive impact. But a positive impact for Derby on the road is probably at best a point; they've been dire away from Pride Park and are still without a goal on their travels. Maybe I'm putting too much stock in Paul Jewell, as an ex-Red and Scouser, but Sunderland has to be demoralized following the 7-1 thrashing last week, and despite the best efforts of Roy Keane, I don't know how they'll rebound. 0-0
Portsmouth v Everton, 10am: I don't know how much impact the Redknapp/bung situation will have on Portsmouth, and they're very good at Fratton Park. But coming off a 7-1 win and with no European game today, Everton will be ready for the challenge. And since it'll be an important game for both, with Pompey in 7th and Everton 8th, I reckon a draw's the most likely result. 1-1
Reading v Middlesbrough, 10am: Well, Reading's at home, Boro's on the road, and Gareth Southgate's waiting by the newswire for word of his eventual firing. Reading 2-0
Aston Villa v Arsenal, 12:15pm, FSC: I'm admittedly stunned at how Villa took Blackburn to the woodshed yesterday at Ewood Park, and it was their fourth straight league win. During this streak, they've gotten themselves up to 6th, and O'Neill's named an unchanged side in the last four games. But Arsenal rested many players against Sevilla with an eye on this one and I doubt they'll disappoint. I'm still waiting for the stretch where Arsenal starts to drop points, but with the way they've been playing, it hasn't looked like happening. Arse 2-1
Tottenham v Birmingham, 11am Sunday, FSC: And yet more new manager talk. With McLeish just installed, I'm very tempted to think Birmingham will punch above their weight here. Ramos is in the process of changing Tottenham's fortunes, and the defense already shows signs of improvement, but Birmingham's not a bad side anyway, and with McLeish in his first match, the team will be raring to go, no matter the fact the game's at White Hart Lane. 2-2
Manchester Utd v Fulham, 3pm Monday, Setanta: Not only did United rest some players in their Champions League match on Tuesday, there will undoubtedly be a reaction to the 1-0 loss at Bolton last weekend. Fulham's been better than expected recently, with a win, 2 draws, and only 1 loss in the last 4 (the draw against Blackburn being the best result), but I doubt they'll have much success at Old Trafford. United 2-0

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