Predictions 3/22 – 3/23

Tottenham v Portsmouth, 8:45am, Setanta: As surprising as it is, especially after the fight back against Chelsea yesterday, I reckon this one will end honors even. Spurs have had a nasty habit of underperforming in the game after a good display. 1-1
Newcastle v Fulham, 11am, FSC: This’ll be the last time I predict a Newcastle win this season if they don’t beat Fulham, even though I do think the return of McBride will improve the Cottagers. Newcastle 1-0
Aston Villa v Sunderland, 11am, Setanta: Sunderland on the road. Villa 2-1
Bolton v Manchester City, 11am, Setanta Xtra: Bolton’s lost their last five in the league, whereas City gave an improved, battling performance against Spurs last time out. City 1-0
Blackburn v Wigan, 11am: Even though Wigan’s unbeaten in four (including against Arsenal and at City), now 6 points above 18th place, Blackburn should still be too much at home. Blackburn 2-1
Middlesbrough v Derby, 11am: Derby on the road. Boro 1-0
Reading v Birmingham, 11am: Relegation six-pointer, with Reading 3 points and Brum 2 points above the drop zone. These almost always seem to end in draws. 0-0
Everton v West Ham, 1:15pm, FSC: Although I’m trying my hardest to get to .500 with these picks, I’m going to keep guessing Everton to win solely in the hope of jinxing them, like against Fulham last week. Which pretty much sums up both my luck and the quality of these predictions. Everton 2-0
Chelsea v Arsenal, 12pm Sunday, FSC: After four straight league draws, Arsenal must win. With Chelsea two points behind them, a loss here would make a title challenge, and possibly even second place, a very big ask. And it’s Chelsea at the Bridge, after twice losing a lead to Spurs on Wednesday. Chelsea 2-1

Liverpool at United is on Setanta at 9:30am Sunday EST.

Season: 133-137, with 29 exact scores


As an addendum, a very happy 24th (that's right, only 24) birthday to Fernando Torres. It'd be nice to see it marked with a goal on Sunday.