01 March 2007

Prem Predictions 3/3 – 3/4

Newcastle v Middlesbrough, 10:00am, FSC: Newcastle had no midweek game, while it seems every single Boro cup tie has gone to extra-time, including penalties against West Brom on Tuesday. And the Geordies lost a close one to Wigan last time out that they'll want to avenge. Should be fun being a Northeast derby, but I’ll be very surprised if Boro comes away with even a point. Newcastle 2-1
Arsenal v Reading, 10:00am, Setanta: Even with all of Arsenal’s suspensions, they should still have enough to take Reading at the Emirates. As evidenced by Reading’s near-comeback after going 3-0 to Man Utd within 6 minutes on Tuesday, the Royals will never go down without a fight, but Arsenal’s first team is mostly rested and hungry after the kids played the Carling Cup final and in the loss to Blackburn Wednesday. Arsenal 3-1
Fulham v Aston Villa, 10:00am, Setanta Xtra: Look, it’s gonna happen. Carew and Young are going to make a difference in Villa’s season. I’ll keep saying it until I’m proved utterly wrong (even though it’s been over a month, that hasn’t happened yet, right?). Fulham rebounded last weekend far better than I thought, defended staunchly, and were unlucky to not come away with a point from United, but I still think Villa’s due for a good run. Villa 2-1
Manchester City v Wigan, 10:00am: Draw written all over it. Neither have been convincing, although Wigan’s been better of late and should have picked up enough points to see them clear of relegation. A couple of losses on the bounce could see them slide back into treacherous terrain, but I don’t see it happening Saturday. I do think we’ll be left wanting goals, however. 0-0
Sheffield United v Everton, 10:00am: Let’s hope Sheffield was utterly embarrassed by their performance last Saturday and will come out with guns blazing at Bramall Lane, where they’ve been very difficult to beat. Because it would greatly amuse me. 1-1
Watford v Charlton, 10:00am: It's wonderful to see Pardew back in form, as he was completely done over by West Ham and Eggert Magnusson. He cut a sad figure watching his new team embarrass his old one on Saturday, but Charlton is playing better and better as the season goes on. Having a healthy Darren Bent certainly doesn’t hurt matters either. Charlton 1-0
Portsmouth v Chelsea, 12:15pm, FSC: Pompey picked the wrong time to slip down the table. Fratton Park will be boisterous, but Chelsea should roll, whether John Terry is back or not. My big question is whether Drogba will hit 30 goals for the season on Saturday, or if we’ll be waiting one more week. And it's barely March. Yikes. Chelsea 3-0
Bolton v Blackburn, 8:35am Sunday, Setanta: Derby match, and usually a hotly-contested one. As with most Bolton matches, it won’t be the prettiest, but they’ll be looking to make up for a 4-1 shellacking at Tottenham. But Blackburn will be on a high from finally putting one over on Arsenal, and should be able to match Bolton step for step. 1-1
West Ham v Tottenham, 11:00am Sunday, FSC: West Ham’s boned. Dimitar Berbatov's good. That’s enough of a preview for this one. Tottenham 2-0

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Liverpool plays Man Utd Saturday at 7:45am, and I just might have something to say about it tomorrow.

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