Predictions 12/29 – 12/30

Chelsea v Newcastle, 10am, FSC: Even with Terry, Drogba, and Lampard injured and Carvalho and Ashley Cole suspended, I can’t pick Newcastle to get any points with the form they’re in, especially on a trip to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea 2-0
West Ham v Manchester Utd, 10am, Setanta: Not only has West Ham been dreadful at home of late, but United scored 4 on the road last time out, and have found their way to the top of the table after the start to the season that raised questions. United 3-0
Tottenham v Reading, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Fulham may have been gash on Boxing Day, but Spurs scoring five is still impressive. Reading’s unbeaten in the last five, but if Ledley King can stay fit and Tottenham can stay relatively secure at the back (ha), Spurs should have enough to keep their good play going. Tottenham 2-1
Birmingham v Fulham, 10am: Forssell’s return has helped in the goal tally, and McLeish is getting a handle on what he’s got in his squad, but more important is how poor Fulham’s been of late. Poor enough to get Lawrie Sanchez fired after saving them from the drop last season, and there’s been no improvement under caretaker Lewington. Birmingham 2-1
Portsmouth v Middlesbrough, 10am: Since drubbing Villa at Villa Park, Pompey’s only scored once in their last three. However, they’re home against Boro, who’ve only won twice (Derby, Fulham) on the road this season. Pompey 2-0
Sunderland v Bolton, 10am: Even though Bolton’s been better than Sunderland of late (I again apologize for mocking Megson’s hiring), I reckon Keane will light a fire under his squad after getting shellacked by United last time out and with the team currently in 19th place. 1-1
Wigan v Aston Villa, 10am: Although Wigan’s unbeaten in their last three, Villa showed incredible grit to come away from the Bridge with a point Wednesday. They certainly won’t give up 4 goals like last time out, and O’Neill will assuredly have his team fired up after the perceived wrongs suffered at the hands of the referee in the Chelsea match. Villa 1-0
Everton v Arsenal, 12:15pm, FSC: Everton was desperately unlucky not to come away with a draw against United last time out, while Arsenal’s last three league away games have been draw, loss, and draw. 1-1
Derby v Blackburn, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: I’d feel bad that Derby came away from their last performance with nothing to show for it had it not been against Liverpool. And although Jewell has the team playing better, I still can’t predict them to come away with anything until they start getting the results. Blackburn 2-0

Liverpool at City is on FSC Sunday at 11am.