Last season's 'prediction' wasn't a complete failure – at least in the top seven. I had Chelsea pipping United to the title (which looked possible until the Blues bought that misfiring traitorous foreigner), City and Arsenal in third and fourth, and Liverpool ahead of Tottenham – insane in retrospect, but still would have happened had Liverpool won its final two matches. All in all, three positions spot on (the aforementioned City and Arsenal, as well as Everton in seventh), and one of the three relegated sides right (Blackpool, a tremendously difficult guess). Which is good enough to continue this yearly charade.
1) Manchester United
2) Manchester City
3) Chelsea
4) Liverpool
5) Arsenal
6) Tottenham
7) Sunderland
8) Everton
9) Fulham
10) Stoke
11) Aston Villa
12) West Brom
13) Bolton
14) Wolves
15) QPR
16) Blackburn
17) Norwich
18) Newcastle
19) Wigan
20) Swansea
And it's basically the same prediction everyone else is making. Money talks. This is an arms race, and the guy with the biggest gun is probably going to walk away with the gong. The long-standing Big Four narrative is dead, long live the Super Six. Admittedly, the name needs work.
It increasingly looks like a two-division Premiership: a top six ostensibly fighting for the title (but really fighting for the Champions League places, with the two Mancs and Chelski seemingly a step above) and everyone else.
There are few, if any, contenders to break into that elite group – only teams who could drop out of it should they fail to keep up with the pack. Sunderland's coped with the loss of Bent and Henderson by adding Wickham, Craig Gardner, Seb Larsson, and David Vaughan, but there's little star power and a history of spring collapses. Stoke's slow, continual progress will probably be tempered (if not restrained) by European competition. Villa lost both Young and Downing – although Albrighton and N'Zogbia are decent replacements – and fans will be quick to turn on McLeish at the first sign of trouble. Everton came the closest last season, finishing four points behind their city rivals, but the Blues' financial situation is even more perilous than usual; unable to sign new players, at least they've held onto what they have. Otherwise, the gap between Liverpool in sixth and Fulham in eighth was nine points – the same as the gap between Fulham and 17th-placed Wolves.
As much as I'd love to be overwhelmingly optimistic in regards to Liverpool, jumping into the top four is a big ask no matter Dalglish's renaissance or this summer's business. I'll have a Liverpool-specific preview up tomorrow or Thursday, but the short version is I'm trying not to get carried away with the complete sea change we've seen over the last 12 months. Whether Liverpool can take Arsenal's fourth place is up to Arsenal as much as Liverpool.
It's inane and insane to overvalue in a single match, let alone a curtain-raising de facto friendly, but I've a sneaking suspicion that Sunday's Community Shield was the upcoming title race in brief. Parvenu Manchester City has the strongest side by some distance, but United has that eminently detestable, wholly implausible je ne sais quoi which sees them come back from two down to win in the last minute of added time every single time. Neither Mancini nor his mercenaries can be trusted to maintain any semblance of stability, especially since they'll also be competing in the Champions League for the first time.
Adding Phil Jones, Ashley Young, and David de Gea to a title-winning side frightens – the most the Glaziers' have spent in a single window – but questions remain. Will de Gea, he of the two Wembley howlers, adapt to England? Who's the first choice right back? And can a central midfield of Carrick, Fletcher, Gibson, Anderson, and Giggs really win the title? But every other squad provokes more questions: City's maddening inconsistency, Chelsea's aging legs and new manager, Arsenal's suicidal tendencies on the pitch and in the transfer market, etc.
At the other end of the table, I suspect playoff winners Swansea don't have enough lawyers, guns, or money to stay in the division – similar to Blackpool last year and Burnley, Derby, Watford, etc in previous. Norwich is in a similar, slightly sturdier boat, but parsimony from Wigan and insanity from Blackburn and Newcastle's owners could give them enough of a chance to stay up. QPR's thicker wallet, stronger squad, Colin Wanker's (hint: anagram) experience give them the best chance of survival of the promoted three. As with last season, I expect the difference between mid-table and relegation to be minimal and a season-long battle of attrition for 8-12 teams.
Showing posts with label Predictions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Predictions. Show all posts
09 August 2011
04 December 2009
World Cup Draw and Predictions
I hate to bump a Liverpool preview off the top prior to the game, but the chance to blindly guess the winner of a tournament that's six months away is just too enticing.
Once England and the US were paired, I was certain had FIFA fixed the draw and that'd be the group of death. Now I reckon it's the second easiest behind Italy's (Group F). Still, I can't wait for England to face the US, with my loyalties massively conflicted, on the second day of the World Cup.
Group G is clearly the Group of Death, but D isn't far behind. Germany's favorite in D, but both Serbia and Ghana are tough teams, with Ghana stronger as the tournament's in Africa. Group G's the hardest because of Brazil's inclusion along with Portugal and Cote d'Ivoire, but you'd still have to favor Brazil to qualify, making the game between Portugal and Cote d'Ivoire winner-take-all (or winner-take-second). North Korea isn't winning anything. And I'd have to give the edge to Cote d'Ivoire because of 'home field' advantage, despite being thousands of miles from home. I can't overemphasize how much I think the good African teams will be great because of the tournament's location. The host country always goes further than their talent level suggests, but since South Africa's so bad, I guess I'm transferring their advantage to others.
And to make matters interesting, if England win their group, they'll play the second-placed team from Group D. If that's Ghana, as I suspect, that'll be an infinitely difficult game. But that's putting the cart about a mile ahead of the horse.
Below are my predictions for the complete bracket. Everything after the group stage is a complete crapshoot, because I obviously won't get all the group qualifiers right, but I'm nothing if not thorough.
Unsurprisingly, conservatively, boringly, I'm guessing Brazil will win it all. And making it out of the group will probably be their biggest challenge. As suggested above, Cote d'Ivoire, led by that diving, cheating Drogba but stocked with others such as Yaya Toure, Kalou, Zokora, and Kone, is my darkhorse to make a deep run.
Group A:
South Africa
Mexico - 2
Uruguay
France - 1
Group B:
Argentina - 1
Nigeria - 2
Korea Republic
Greece
Group C:
England - 1
USA - 2
Algeria
Slovenia
Group D:
Germany - 1
Australia
Serbia
Ghana - 2
Group E:
Netherlands - 1
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon - 2
Group F:
Italy - 1
Paraguay - 2
New Zealand
Slovakia
Group G:
Brazil - 1
North Korea
Cote d'Ivoire - 2
Portugal
Group H:
Spain - 1
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile - 2
Round of 16
(1) France v Nigeria
(2) England v Ghana
(3) Germany v USA
(4) Argentina v Mexico
(5) Netherlands v Paraguay
(6) Brazil v Chile
(7) Italy v Cameroon
(8) Spain v Cote d'Ivoire
Quarterfinal
(5) Netherlands v (6) Brazil
(1) Nigeria v (2) England
(3) Germany v (4)Argentina
(7) Italy v (8) Cote d'Ivoire
Semi-final:
Brazil v England
Argentina v Cote d'Ivoire
Final:
Brazil v Cote d'Ivoire
Once England and the US were paired, I was certain had FIFA fixed the draw and that'd be the group of death. Now I reckon it's the second easiest behind Italy's (Group F). Still, I can't wait for England to face the US, with my loyalties massively conflicted, on the second day of the World Cup.
Group G is clearly the Group of Death, but D isn't far behind. Germany's favorite in D, but both Serbia and Ghana are tough teams, with Ghana stronger as the tournament's in Africa. Group G's the hardest because of Brazil's inclusion along with Portugal and Cote d'Ivoire, but you'd still have to favor Brazil to qualify, making the game between Portugal and Cote d'Ivoire winner-take-all (or winner-take-second). North Korea isn't winning anything. And I'd have to give the edge to Cote d'Ivoire because of 'home field' advantage, despite being thousands of miles from home. I can't overemphasize how much I think the good African teams will be great because of the tournament's location. The host country always goes further than their talent level suggests, but since South Africa's so bad, I guess I'm transferring their advantage to others.
And to make matters interesting, if England win their group, they'll play the second-placed team from Group D. If that's Ghana, as I suspect, that'll be an infinitely difficult game. But that's putting the cart about a mile ahead of the horse.
Below are my predictions for the complete bracket. Everything after the group stage is a complete crapshoot, because I obviously won't get all the group qualifiers right, but I'm nothing if not thorough.
Unsurprisingly, conservatively, boringly, I'm guessing Brazil will win it all. And making it out of the group will probably be their biggest challenge. As suggested above, Cote d'Ivoire, led by that diving, cheating Drogba but stocked with others such as Yaya Toure, Kalou, Zokora, and Kone, is my darkhorse to make a deep run.
Group A:
South Africa
Mexico - 2
Uruguay
France - 1
Group B:
Argentina - 1
Nigeria - 2
Korea Republic
Greece
Group C:
England - 1
USA - 2
Algeria
Slovenia
Group D:
Germany - 1
Australia
Serbia
Ghana - 2
Group E:
Netherlands - 1
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon - 2
Group F:
Italy - 1
Paraguay - 2
New Zealand
Slovakia
Group G:
Brazil - 1
North Korea
Cote d'Ivoire - 2
Portugal
Group H:
Spain - 1
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile - 2
Round of 16
(1) France v Nigeria
(2) England v Ghana
(3) Germany v USA
(4) Argentina v Mexico
(5) Netherlands v Paraguay
(6) Brazil v Chile
(7) Italy v Cameroon
(8) Spain v Cote d'Ivoire
Quarterfinal
(5) Netherlands v (6) Brazil
(1) Nigeria v (2) England
(3) Germany v (4)Argentina
(7) Italy v (8) Cote d'Ivoire
Semi-final:
Brazil v England
Argentina v Cote d'Ivoire
Final:
Brazil v Cote d'Ivoire
10 August 2009
Third annual ‘Chances are, the final table won’t look anything like this’
1 – Liverpool
2 – Chelsea
3 – Manchester United
4 – Manchester City
5 – Arsenal
6 – Aston Villa
7 – Everton
8 – Tottenham
9 – Fulham
10 – Sunderland
11 – West Ham
12 – Wigan
13 – Birmingham
14 – Blackburn
15 – Bolton
16 – Hull
17 – Portsmouth
18 – Wolverhampton
19 – Stoke
20 – Burnley
I’ll take the blame if I jinx it. Predictions tend to make asses of any and all sportswriters, but I still feel duty-bound to tell you my best guess. FYI: I’ve never picked Liverpool to win it all in print.
I’ll expound a lot more with a preview of Liverpool's season in the next couple of days. Yes, it’ll be tough to take 6 points off both United and Chelsea again. Yes, it’ll be tough to win as many games in the final few minutes, which saved Liverpool something like 12 points last season. But I truly think they can do it.
I’d be a lot more emphatic about this prediction had Alonso not been sold. Whether or not Lucas, and subsequently Aquilani, can fill the void is Liverpool’s major concern. And, honestly, although I fear the early bedding-in process, both have the potential to be excellent players.
I trust Benitez to replace Alonso far more than I trust Ferguson to replace Ronaldo and Tevez. I think Liverpool and Chelsea are narrowly better than United on paper, but as of this writing (really, the transfer window should be from the last day of the season until the first of the next), I don’t think Valencia and Owen can replace what the Mancs have lost. I don't know if Nani can make the leap either, although he looked dangerous in the Community Shield until going off with a dislocated shoulder. United are arguably deeper than their competitors, but for the first time in a long time, I don't think they're as strong in the first XI when everyone's fit.
Chelsea’s the only one of the big four who have “improved,” and that improvement is solely adding Ancelotti and Zhirkov. I think Zhirkov’s a tidy player who’ll give both Malouda and Ashley Cole a run for their starting berth, but it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti’s style will work in England. For all of Ancelotti’s success in Europe, which is clearly Abramovich’s focus, he only won the league once with Milan in eight attempts. That question mark is the only reason I haven’t picked the Blues to win the title. If Hiddink were still in charge, I probably would.
With these three teams so tightly packed, it’ll probably come down to which side can stay the fittest and who can stay in form during the winter doldrums (where Liverpool stuttered last season and saw United overhaul the points deficit).
And I think, not far behind, will be three or four teams competing for the fourth CL spot: Nouveau riche City, Arsenal, and Villa definitely (although Villa will miss Laursen and Barry), and both Everton and Tottenham with an outside shot at it. City will be far better this year after all that spending, but I’m obviously not sure how that attacking-heavy squad will work. They’ll assuredly finish higher than 10th, but how much higher depends on whether Mark Hughes can manage all those personalities.
Arsenal lost Adebayor and Toure, but bought Vermaelen (center back) and have a healthy Eduardo, which seems almost a wash to me. They probably could have done with a couple more purchases, but such is the state of the economy (must be nice to be Real Madrid and City, the only two exceptions).
I’m guessing a six-way struggle for relegation, with Brum and Blackburn also having the potential to get sucked in. But I reckon the Brummies are the promoted side most likely to stay up – although that may just be because they're often a Benitez bogey side. After last season’s draws, I’d enjoy seeing both Hull and Stoke relegated, but now that Altidore’s joined Hull, I’m marginally conflicted. Burnley delighted me during the playoffs, but I don’t know if they can compete week-in and week-out and keep it up for a full season.
Five days until kickoff.
2 – Chelsea
3 – Manchester United
4 – Manchester City
5 – Arsenal
6 – Aston Villa
7 – Everton
8 – Tottenham
9 – Fulham
10 – Sunderland
11 – West Ham
12 – Wigan
13 – Birmingham
14 – Blackburn
15 – Bolton
16 – Hull
17 – Portsmouth
18 – Wolverhampton
19 – Stoke
20 – Burnley
I’ll take the blame if I jinx it. Predictions tend to make asses of any and all sportswriters, but I still feel duty-bound to tell you my best guess. FYI: I’ve never picked Liverpool to win it all in print.
I’ll expound a lot more with a preview of Liverpool's season in the next couple of days. Yes, it’ll be tough to take 6 points off both United and Chelsea again. Yes, it’ll be tough to win as many games in the final few minutes, which saved Liverpool something like 12 points last season. But I truly think they can do it.
I’d be a lot more emphatic about this prediction had Alonso not been sold. Whether or not Lucas, and subsequently Aquilani, can fill the void is Liverpool’s major concern. And, honestly, although I fear the early bedding-in process, both have the potential to be excellent players.
I trust Benitez to replace Alonso far more than I trust Ferguson to replace Ronaldo and Tevez. I think Liverpool and Chelsea are narrowly better than United on paper, but as of this writing (really, the transfer window should be from the last day of the season until the first of the next), I don’t think Valencia and Owen can replace what the Mancs have lost. I don't know if Nani can make the leap either, although he looked dangerous in the Community Shield until going off with a dislocated shoulder. United are arguably deeper than their competitors, but for the first time in a long time, I don't think they're as strong in the first XI when everyone's fit.
Chelsea’s the only one of the big four who have “improved,” and that improvement is solely adding Ancelotti and Zhirkov. I think Zhirkov’s a tidy player who’ll give both Malouda and Ashley Cole a run for their starting berth, but it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti’s style will work in England. For all of Ancelotti’s success in Europe, which is clearly Abramovich’s focus, he only won the league once with Milan in eight attempts. That question mark is the only reason I haven’t picked the Blues to win the title. If Hiddink were still in charge, I probably would.
With these three teams so tightly packed, it’ll probably come down to which side can stay the fittest and who can stay in form during the winter doldrums (where Liverpool stuttered last season and saw United overhaul the points deficit).
And I think, not far behind, will be three or four teams competing for the fourth CL spot: Nouveau riche City, Arsenal, and Villa definitely (although Villa will miss Laursen and Barry), and both Everton and Tottenham with an outside shot at it. City will be far better this year after all that spending, but I’m obviously not sure how that attacking-heavy squad will work. They’ll assuredly finish higher than 10th, but how much higher depends on whether Mark Hughes can manage all those personalities.
Arsenal lost Adebayor and Toure, but bought Vermaelen (center back) and have a healthy Eduardo, which seems almost a wash to me. They probably could have done with a couple more purchases, but such is the state of the economy (must be nice to be Real Madrid and City, the only two exceptions).
I’m guessing a six-way struggle for relegation, with Brum and Blackburn also having the potential to get sucked in. But I reckon the Brummies are the promoted side most likely to stay up – although that may just be because they're often a Benitez bogey side. After last season’s draws, I’d enjoy seeing both Hull and Stoke relegated, but now that Altidore’s joined Hull, I’m marginally conflicted. Burnley delighted me during the playoffs, but I don’t know if they can compete week-in and week-out and keep it up for a full season.
Five days until kickoff.
14 August 2008
08/09 final table prediction
1) Manchester United
2) Chelsea
3) Liverpool
4) Arsenal
5) Tottenham
6) Portsmouth
7) Aston Villa
8) Everton
9) Manchester City
10) Newcastle
11) Sunderland
12) Bolton
13) West Ham
14) Blackburn
15) Middlesbrough
16) Fulham
17) West Brom
18) Wigan
19) Stoke
20) Hull City
I wish I could write different.
I wish I felt confident that this was the year, which I didn’t even believe before last night’s ignominy. I wish I could write that I didn’t think it would be same old, same old at the top of the table. But I can’t see any different.
I do believe this is the strongest Liverpool squad under Benitez. I do believe that if players can stay healthy (especially in defense), Liverpool will be better than last year. Dossena and Agger should improve the backline, which was my biggest concern from last season. Keane adds another dimension to the front line. And the young players such as Insua, Nemeth, Pacheco, Plessis and Spearing look ready for some first-team action.
But Manchester United and Chelsea are still far stronger and more experienced in the title chase. I still don’t know if I trust Chelsea – Scolari’s never done it at club level and they’ve got a packed midfield to accommodate – while Manchester United can’t play as well as they have the last two seasons (can they?), but both teams look head and shoulders have the rest. And unfortunately, I think it’ll be a two-team title race by the spring, with Arsenal, Liverpool and maybe Tottenham or another surprise duking it out for the other CL places.
In addition, and while I don’t put much store by it, yesterday’s game showed that Liverpool’s lacking a winger if they can’t get width from the flanks and the midfield’s congested (not completing any passes doesn’t help though).
I still think Liverpool’s good enough for third, and could even pull a title race out of their asses if pieces fall in the right places, but it’d take a lot of things to go well for that to happen. And regardless of league position (as long as it’s top 4), all I really want to see is progress, the same thing I’ve ask for every season.
For the rest of the table:
Top-half threats:
Tottenham, Pompey, Villa, Everton
Any of these teams could seemingly threaten the top 4. We saw signs of it last season; all keep improving, all keep closing the gap. Everton fans may be upset with a lack of signings so far, but if it ain’t that broke…
I still don’t trust:
Newcastle, Manchester City
No matter the money spent, I don’t know if these two will make the leap forward. Newcastle is Newcastle, while as much as I like Mark Hughes as a manager, I don’t trust Thaksin’s meddling. Jo should bag a bunch of goals once he settles after returning from the Olympics though.
Punchy, but still in the lower half:
Sunderland, Bolton
These will not be fun away games. Keane will continue to improve the Wearsiders, while Megson has a decent replacement for Anelka in Johan Elmander.
Probably on the downswing:
Blackburn, Boro, West Ham
One of these three could easily slip into the next category. I feel bad putting Paul Ince’s side here, but I don’t know if he’s ready to manage at this level, and the losses of Bentley and Friedel will definitely be felt. Sorry, Guv’nor.
In for a relegation fight:
Fulham, Wigan, Stoke, Hull City, West Brom
I thought about combining the last two categories, because I don't think there will be much between 13th and 18th. I always fancy at least two promoted teams to drop back down, and Hull and Stoke seem as likely as Derby, Watford and others who eked promotion. West Brom is probably the strongest of the three and has the best manager in Tony Mowbray. That Wigan barely hung on by fingernails last season makes me think Albion could pip them to 17th.
FYI: I'm not doing the weekly Premiership predictions this season. They were far too embarrassing. Might transfer over to doing the CL once the group stages start, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
2) Chelsea
3) Liverpool
4) Arsenal
5) Tottenham
6) Portsmouth
7) Aston Villa
8) Everton
9) Manchester City
10) Newcastle
11) Sunderland
12) Bolton
13) West Ham
14) Blackburn
15) Middlesbrough
16) Fulham
17) West Brom
18) Wigan
19) Stoke
20) Hull City
I wish I could write different.
I wish I felt confident that this was the year, which I didn’t even believe before last night’s ignominy. I wish I could write that I didn’t think it would be same old, same old at the top of the table. But I can’t see any different.
I do believe this is the strongest Liverpool squad under Benitez. I do believe that if players can stay healthy (especially in defense), Liverpool will be better than last year. Dossena and Agger should improve the backline, which was my biggest concern from last season. Keane adds another dimension to the front line. And the young players such as Insua, Nemeth, Pacheco, Plessis and Spearing look ready for some first-team action.
But Manchester United and Chelsea are still far stronger and more experienced in the title chase. I still don’t know if I trust Chelsea – Scolari’s never done it at club level and they’ve got a packed midfield to accommodate – while Manchester United can’t play as well as they have the last two seasons (can they?), but both teams look head and shoulders have the rest. And unfortunately, I think it’ll be a two-team title race by the spring, with Arsenal, Liverpool and maybe Tottenham or another surprise duking it out for the other CL places.
In addition, and while I don’t put much store by it, yesterday’s game showed that Liverpool’s lacking a winger if they can’t get width from the flanks and the midfield’s congested (not completing any passes doesn’t help though).
I still think Liverpool’s good enough for third, and could even pull a title race out of their asses if pieces fall in the right places, but it’d take a lot of things to go well for that to happen. And regardless of league position (as long as it’s top 4), all I really want to see is progress, the same thing I’ve ask for every season.
For the rest of the table:
Top-half threats:
Tottenham, Pompey, Villa, Everton
Any of these teams could seemingly threaten the top 4. We saw signs of it last season; all keep improving, all keep closing the gap. Everton fans may be upset with a lack of signings so far, but if it ain’t that broke…
I still don’t trust:
Newcastle, Manchester City
No matter the money spent, I don’t know if these two will make the leap forward. Newcastle is Newcastle, while as much as I like Mark Hughes as a manager, I don’t trust Thaksin’s meddling. Jo should bag a bunch of goals once he settles after returning from the Olympics though.
Punchy, but still in the lower half:
Sunderland, Bolton
These will not be fun away games. Keane will continue to improve the Wearsiders, while Megson has a decent replacement for Anelka in Johan Elmander.
Probably on the downswing:
Blackburn, Boro, West Ham
One of these three could easily slip into the next category. I feel bad putting Paul Ince’s side here, but I don’t know if he’s ready to manage at this level, and the losses of Bentley and Friedel will definitely be felt. Sorry, Guv’nor.
In for a relegation fight:
Fulham, Wigan, Stoke, Hull City, West Brom
I thought about combining the last two categories, because I don't think there will be much between 13th and 18th. I always fancy at least two promoted teams to drop back down, and Hull and Stoke seem as likely as Derby, Watford and others who eked promotion. West Brom is probably the strongest of the three and has the best manager in Tony Mowbray. That Wigan barely hung on by fingernails last season makes me think Albion could pip them to 17th.
FYI: I'm not doing the weekly Premiership predictions this season. They were far too embarrassing. Might transfer over to doing the CL once the group stages start, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
09 May 2008
Last predictions of the season
So with one week of fixtures left I’m one game below the goal of 50% for the season, and that’s only because I went 7-2 last week. I’m fully aware I’ll probably end up missing it regardless. The current tally is 166 right and 167 wrong, with 37 spot on.
Chances are we won’t be doing this again next season either way.
Chelsea v Bolton, 10am, FSC: Chelsea 2-0
Wigan v Manchester Utd, 10am, Setanta: United 3-1
Birmingham v Blackburn, 10am: 1-1
Derby v Reading, 10am: Reading 1-0
Everton v Newcastle, 10am: Everton 2-1
Middlesbrough v Manchester City, 10am: 1-1
Portsmouth v Fulham, 10am: 1-1
Sunderland v Arsenal, 10am: Arsenal 2-0
West Ham v Aston Villa, 10am: Villa 1-0
It’s in Fulham’s hands thanks to a superior goal difference over Reading (Birmingham can still go down even if they win if either Fulham or Reading do the business), but traveling to Derby is a bit different than traveling to Fratton Park, even if Portsmouth will be focused on the FA Cup final and have lost their last three. Pompey certainly won’t want to go into the cup final winless in their last five.
If these predictions bear out, Reading would escape relegation by beating Derby, with 36 points compared to Fulham’s 34 and Birmingham’s 33.
Personally, I’d love to see Fulham stay up. Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride, and Jimmy Bullard are all players I really like, not to mention I lived nearest to Fulham when residing in London and saw games at Loftus Road (it was the year Craven Cottage was being renovated) on a few occasions, but there’s a lot to be said about playing the worst team in Premiership history on the last day of the season, even if it’s at their ground. But I have been known to make predictions in the hopes of jinxing results, much to the detriment of my predictions record.
Why there are no games on Setanta Xtra when they’re all playing at the same time is beyond me. Nice going, US television.
Chances are we won’t be doing this again next season either way.
Chelsea v Bolton, 10am, FSC: Chelsea 2-0
Wigan v Manchester Utd, 10am, Setanta: United 3-1
Birmingham v Blackburn, 10am: 1-1
Derby v Reading, 10am: Reading 1-0
Everton v Newcastle, 10am: Everton 2-1
Middlesbrough v Manchester City, 10am: 1-1
Portsmouth v Fulham, 10am: 1-1
Sunderland v Arsenal, 10am: Arsenal 2-0
West Ham v Aston Villa, 10am: Villa 1-0
It’s in Fulham’s hands thanks to a superior goal difference over Reading (Birmingham can still go down even if they win if either Fulham or Reading do the business), but traveling to Derby is a bit different than traveling to Fratton Park, even if Portsmouth will be focused on the FA Cup final and have lost their last three. Pompey certainly won’t want to go into the cup final winless in their last five.
If these predictions bear out, Reading would escape relegation by beating Derby, with 36 points compared to Fulham’s 34 and Birmingham’s 33.
Personally, I’d love to see Fulham stay up. Danny Murphy, Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride, and Jimmy Bullard are all players I really like, not to mention I lived nearest to Fulham when residing in London and saw games at Loftus Road (it was the year Craven Cottage was being renovated) on a few occasions, but there’s a lot to be said about playing the worst team in Premiership history on the last day of the season, even if it’s at their ground. But I have been known to make predictions in the hopes of jinxing results, much to the detriment of my predictions record.
Why there are no games on Setanta Xtra when they’re all playing at the same time is beyond me. Nice going, US television.
02 May 2008
Predictions 5/3 - 5/5
Manchester Utd v West Ham, 7:45am, Setanta: United 3-1
Reading v Tottenham, 10am, FSC: 1-1
Fulham v Birmingham, 10am, Setanta: Fulham 2-1
Aston Villa v Wigan, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Villa 2-0
Blackburn v Derby, 10am: Blackburn 3-0
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth, 10am: Boro 1-0
Bolton v Sunderland, 12:15pm, FSC: Bolton 1-0
Arsenal v Everton, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: Arse 2-1
Newcastle v Chelsea, 11am Monday, Setanta: Chelsea 2-1
Losing time to get to .500, 6 games behind with two weeks to go. Sigh.
159-165; 37 correct scores
Reading v Tottenham, 10am, FSC: 1-1
Fulham v Birmingham, 10am, Setanta: Fulham 2-1
Aston Villa v Wigan, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Villa 2-0
Blackburn v Derby, 10am: Blackburn 3-0
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth, 10am: Boro 1-0
Bolton v Sunderland, 12:15pm, FSC: Bolton 1-0
Arsenal v Everton, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: Arse 2-1
Newcastle v Chelsea, 11am Monday, Setanta: Chelsea 2-1
Losing time to get to .500, 6 games behind with two weeks to go. Sigh.
159-165; 37 correct scores
24 April 2008
Predictions 4/26 – 4/28
Chelsea v Manchester Utd, 7:45am, Setanta: United 1-0
Sunderland v Middlesbrough, 10am, FSC: Sunderland 1-0
West Ham v Newcastle, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Newcastle 2-1
Manchester City v Fulham, 10am: City 2-1
Tottenham v Bolton, 10am: Spurs 2-0
Wigan v Reading, 10am: 1-1
Portsmouth v Blackburn, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: 1-1
Everton v Aston Villa, 11am Sunday, FSC: Villa 2-1
Derby v Arsenal, 3pm Monday, Setanta: Arsenal 3-0
Only three weeks to go; 156-159, with 37 correct scores
Sunderland v Middlesbrough, 10am, FSC: Sunderland 1-0
West Ham v Newcastle, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Newcastle 2-1
Manchester City v Fulham, 10am: City 2-1
Tottenham v Bolton, 10am: Spurs 2-0
Wigan v Reading, 10am: 1-1
Portsmouth v Blackburn, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: 1-1
Everton v Aston Villa, 11am Sunday, FSC: Villa 2-1
Derby v Arsenal, 3pm Monday, Setanta: Arsenal 3-0
Only three weeks to go; 156-159, with 37 correct scores
17 April 2008
Predictions 4/17 - 4/20
Getting these done early so I don’t need a separate post for today’s Everton/Chelsea match-up. I appreciate having every game bar one live on television, but it does seem criminal they’d move the Chelsea/Everton game to today solely for Sky. And I'd probably care more if the two teams involved weren't Chelsea and Everton.
150-156, 34 correct scores
Everton v Chelsea, 3pm Thursday, Setanta: Chelsea 1-0
Arsenal v Reading, 7:45am, Setanta: Arsenal 2-0
Wigan v Tottenham, 10am, FSC: 1-1
West Ham v Derby, 10am, Setanta Xtra: West Ham 2-0
Middlesbrough v Bolton, 10am: Boro 1-0
Blackburn v Man Utd, 12:15pm, FSC: United 3-1
Aston Villa v Birmingham, 7am Sunday, Setanta: Villa 2-1
Newcastle v Sunderland, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta Xtra: Newcastle 2-1
Man City v Portsmouth, 11am Sunday, FSC: 1-1
Liverpool at Fulham is on 10am Saturday on Setanta
150-156, 34 correct scores
Everton v Chelsea, 3pm Thursday, Setanta: Chelsea 1-0
Arsenal v Reading, 7:45am, Setanta: Arsenal 2-0
Wigan v Tottenham, 10am, FSC: 1-1
West Ham v Derby, 10am, Setanta Xtra: West Ham 2-0
Middlesbrough v Bolton, 10am: Boro 1-0
Blackburn v Man Utd, 12:15pm, FSC: United 3-1
Aston Villa v Birmingham, 7am Sunday, Setanta: Villa 2-1
Newcastle v Sunderland, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta Xtra: Newcastle 2-1
Man City v Portsmouth, 11am Sunday, FSC: 1-1
Liverpool at Fulham is on 10am Saturday on Setanta
10 April 2008
Predictions 4/12 – 4/14
More changes in the nearly complete season-long predictions fiasco. I’ll have commentary for games for which I actually have something to say, while others will just have a guess at the score, saving me the trouble of trying to think of something that's not even that witty, and saving you the trouble of reading it.
146-151, with 32 spot on for the season-to-date.
Reading v Fulham, 10am, FSC: Reading got stomped by a resurgent Newcastle last week, while Fulham blew a chance to get points on the board at home against Sunderland. Fulham’s most likely going down, and Reading at home has been far different from Reading away all season. Reading 2-0
Tottenham v Middlesbrough, 10am, Setanta: Spurs 2-1
Sunderland v Manchester City, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Sunderland 1-0
Birmingham v Everton, 10am: 1-1
Bolton v West Ham, 10am: 1-1
Derby v Aston Villa, 10am: Villa 2-0
Portsmouth v Newcastle, 12:15pm, FSC: Admittedly, despite the frequent potshots, I’m actually pleased Keegan’s gotten Newcastle’s bearings straight. Pompey at home is always a tough task though, and a draw would be a very good result for the Geordies. 2-2
Manchester Utd v Arsenal, 11am Sunday, FSC: If Arsenal win, there’s an actual three-way title race, given Chelsea’s at home against Wigan. If it ends all square, Chelsea could only be a point behind United. Pity that Arsenal’s only won one league game in their last eight attempts. United 2-1
Chelsea v Wigan, 3pm Monday, Setanta: Chelsea hasn’t lost at Stamford Bridge in the league since February 2004. Chelsea 2-0
Liverpool v Blackburn is Sunday at 8:30am on Setanta.
146-151, with 32 spot on for the season-to-date.
Reading v Fulham, 10am, FSC: Reading got stomped by a resurgent Newcastle last week, while Fulham blew a chance to get points on the board at home against Sunderland. Fulham’s most likely going down, and Reading at home has been far different from Reading away all season. Reading 2-0
Tottenham v Middlesbrough, 10am, Setanta: Spurs 2-1
Sunderland v Manchester City, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Sunderland 1-0
Birmingham v Everton, 10am: 1-1
Bolton v West Ham, 10am: 1-1
Derby v Aston Villa, 10am: Villa 2-0
Portsmouth v Newcastle, 12:15pm, FSC: Admittedly, despite the frequent potshots, I’m actually pleased Keegan’s gotten Newcastle’s bearings straight. Pompey at home is always a tough task though, and a draw would be a very good result for the Geordies. 2-2
Manchester Utd v Arsenal, 11am Sunday, FSC: If Arsenal win, there’s an actual three-way title race, given Chelsea’s at home against Wigan. If it ends all square, Chelsea could only be a point behind United. Pity that Arsenal’s only won one league game in their last eight attempts. United 2-1
Chelsea v Wigan, 3pm Monday, Setanta: Chelsea hasn’t lost at Stamford Bridge in the league since February 2004. Chelsea 2-0
Liverpool v Blackburn is Sunday at 8:30am on Setanta.
07 April 2008
Quick Prediction 4/8
I probably should have done this with the rest of the predictions last Thursday, but I forgot. And despite being something like 5 or 6 games below .500, I'm still soldiering on for the rest of the season.
Portsmouth v West Ham, 2:45pm (delayed on Setanta at 6pm): Portsmouth 2-1
Portsmouth v West Ham, 2:45pm (delayed on Setanta at 6pm): Portsmouth 2-1
04 April 2008
Quick Predictions 4/5 – 4/6
Newcastle v Reading, 10am, FSC: 1-1
Manchester City v Chelsea, 10am, Setanta: Chelsea 1-0
Fulham v Sunderland, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Fulham 1-0
Aston Villa v Bolton, 10am Villa 2-1
Blackburn v Tottenham, 10am: Blackburn 2-1
Wigan v Birmingham, 10am: 1-1
Middlesbrough v Manchester Utd, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: United 3-0
Everton v Derby, 10am Sunday, Setanta Xtra: Everton 2-0
FA Cup ties are West Brom v Pompey (7:45am Saturday, PPV) and Barnsley v Cardiff (11am Sunday, FSC). Liverpool at Arsenal is on Setanta Saturday at 7:45am.
Manchester City v Chelsea, 10am, Setanta: Chelsea 1-0
Fulham v Sunderland, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Fulham 1-0
Aston Villa v Bolton, 10am Villa 2-1
Blackburn v Tottenham, 10am: Blackburn 2-1
Wigan v Birmingham, 10am: 1-1
Middlesbrough v Manchester Utd, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: United 3-0
Everton v Derby, 10am Sunday, Setanta Xtra: Everton 2-0
FA Cup ties are West Brom v Pompey (7:45am Saturday, PPV) and Barnsley v Cardiff (11am Sunday, FSC). Liverpool at Arsenal is on Setanta Saturday at 7:45am.
27 March 2008
Predictions 3/29 – 3/30
British Summer Time begins before the Sunday games, so kickoffs are back to their usual hour.
Derby v Fulham, 11am, FSC: FSC’s getting all they can out of the Americans as both sides look likely to be relegated. Given their respective seasons so far, and that Derby’s at home, it feels like this will end level. 1-1
Bolton v Arsenal, 11am, Setanta: Arsenal may have struggled of late in the league, and the news that Sagna will be out for the next three weeks doesn’t make things easier, but Bolton’s not helped themselves much recently in their fight to stay in the Prem. Arsenal 1-0
Sunderland v West Ham, 11am, Setanta Xtra: If Sunderland can beat Villa at Villa Park, their first road win of the season, they should be able to do it against West Ham at home, despite West Ham’s well-earned draw at Everton last week. Sunderland 2-1
Birmingham v Manchester City, 11am: Were McFadden fit, I’d think Brum could take this with the way City’s been playing on the road. But even still, the home side should get a draw. 1-1
Portsmouth v Wigan, 11am: I fear Portsmouth will have an eye on next week’s FA Cup semifinal. 1-1
Reading v Blackburn, 11am: After falling amongst the relegation places with an eight-game losing streak, Reading’s responded well and played some good football at the Madjeski. Reading 1-0
Manchester Utd v Aston Villa, 1:15pm, FSC: Villa’s small squad is finally taking its toll, while I wouldn’t bet against United -- no matter the opposition -- with the way they’re playing. United 2-0
Chelsea v Middlesbrough, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: Chelsea at the Bridge. Chelsea 2-0
Tottenham v Newcastle, 10am Sunday: Hey, Keegan got a win! Tottenham 3-1
The Merseyside derby is on FSC at 11am Sunday.
Derby v Fulham, 11am, FSC: FSC’s getting all they can out of the Americans as both sides look likely to be relegated. Given their respective seasons so far, and that Derby’s at home, it feels like this will end level. 1-1
Bolton v Arsenal, 11am, Setanta: Arsenal may have struggled of late in the league, and the news that Sagna will be out for the next three weeks doesn’t make things easier, but Bolton’s not helped themselves much recently in their fight to stay in the Prem. Arsenal 1-0
Sunderland v West Ham, 11am, Setanta Xtra: If Sunderland can beat Villa at Villa Park, their first road win of the season, they should be able to do it against West Ham at home, despite West Ham’s well-earned draw at Everton last week. Sunderland 2-1
Birmingham v Manchester City, 11am: Were McFadden fit, I’d think Brum could take this with the way City’s been playing on the road. But even still, the home side should get a draw. 1-1
Portsmouth v Wigan, 11am: I fear Portsmouth will have an eye on next week’s FA Cup semifinal. 1-1
Reading v Blackburn, 11am: After falling amongst the relegation places with an eight-game losing streak, Reading’s responded well and played some good football at the Madjeski. Reading 1-0
Manchester Utd v Aston Villa, 1:15pm, FSC: Villa’s small squad is finally taking its toll, while I wouldn’t bet against United -- no matter the opposition -- with the way they’re playing. United 2-0
Chelsea v Middlesbrough, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: Chelsea at the Bridge. Chelsea 2-0
Tottenham v Newcastle, 10am Sunday: Hey, Keegan got a win! Tottenham 3-1
The Merseyside derby is on FSC at 11am Sunday.
20 March 2008
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.
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.
19 March 2008
Quick Predictions 3/19
Well, since my predictions have been atrocious of late, chances are I’ll be doing them with less and less commentary. And yet, the next thing I’ll probably post will be predictions for the upcoming weekend tomorrow. I still haven’t given up on he goal of being over 50% for the season, but after the last couple of weeks, I’m 6 games below .500. Sigh.
Manchester Utd v Bolton, 4pm, FSC: United 1-0
Tottenham v Chelsea, 4pm, Setanta: 1-1
Manchester Utd v Bolton, 4pm, FSC: United 1-0
Tottenham v Chelsea, 4pm, Setanta: 1-1
13 March 2008
Predictions 3/15 - 3/17
Saturday
Derby v Manchester Utd, 11am, Setanta: Derby’s objective, and I mean this in the nicest way possible, will be to lose by less than 3. United 4-0
Sunderland v Chelsea, 11am, Setanta Xtra: Sunderland’s home form should make the game closer than it appears on first glance, but I doubt it’ll be enough. Chelsea 2-1
Portsmouth v Aston Villa, 11am: Both teams are similarly placed in the league and in the hunt for Europe. Given Villa’s penchant for ties, having drawn their last two and finishing level against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea on the road, I’m guessing it’ll end with honors even. 1-1
West Ham v Blackburn, 11am: Curbs and West Ham are under loads of pressure, with three successive 0-4 defeats, and one would imagine they’d have some response. Although Blackburn are currently in 8th, they haven’t been as impressive as I’d thought this season, and underperformed against both Newcastle and Fulham recently. 1-1
Arsenal v Middlesbrough, 1:15pm, FSC: Not only does Arsenal need a win in the league, I’m sure the squad still remembers their first loss of the season at the Riverside. Arsenal 2-0
Sunday
Fulham v Everton, 9:30am, Setanta: Fulham’s won once in 2008. The return of Jimmy Bullard, who’s one of everyone’s favorites, should help (as it did against Blackburn), but Everton should be up for it after going out to Fiorentina, despite having played 120 minutes. Everton 2-0
Wigan v Bolton, 11am: Ahh, Lancashire derbies… 1-1
Manchester City v Tottenham, 12pm, FSC: City’s struggled of late, but Spurs went 120 minutes yesterday only to lose on penalties and have played 4 games in 2 weeks. Something has to give. 1-1
Monday
Birmingham v Newcastle, 4pm, Setanta: Keegan just has to get a win sooner than later, and this has become one of those relegation ‘six-pointers.’ Newcastle 1-0
129-130, with 29 exact scores so far this season.
Liverpool v Reading is 11am Saturday on FSC. Preview, and probably something about the CL draw, tomorrow.
Derby v Manchester Utd, 11am, Setanta: Derby’s objective, and I mean this in the nicest way possible, will be to lose by less than 3. United 4-0
Sunderland v Chelsea, 11am, Setanta Xtra: Sunderland’s home form should make the game closer than it appears on first glance, but I doubt it’ll be enough. Chelsea 2-1
Portsmouth v Aston Villa, 11am: Both teams are similarly placed in the league and in the hunt for Europe. Given Villa’s penchant for ties, having drawn their last two and finishing level against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea on the road, I’m guessing it’ll end with honors even. 1-1
West Ham v Blackburn, 11am: Curbs and West Ham are under loads of pressure, with three successive 0-4 defeats, and one would imagine they’d have some response. Although Blackburn are currently in 8th, they haven’t been as impressive as I’d thought this season, and underperformed against both Newcastle and Fulham recently. 1-1
Arsenal v Middlesbrough, 1:15pm, FSC: Not only does Arsenal need a win in the league, I’m sure the squad still remembers their first loss of the season at the Riverside. Arsenal 2-0
Sunday
Fulham v Everton, 9:30am, Setanta: Fulham’s won once in 2008. The return of Jimmy Bullard, who’s one of everyone’s favorites, should help (as it did against Blackburn), but Everton should be up for it after going out to Fiorentina, despite having played 120 minutes. Everton 2-0
Wigan v Bolton, 11am: Ahh, Lancashire derbies… 1-1
Manchester City v Tottenham, 12pm, FSC: City’s struggled of late, but Spurs went 120 minutes yesterday only to lose on penalties and have played 4 games in 2 weeks. Something has to give. 1-1
Monday
Birmingham v Newcastle, 4pm, Setanta: Keegan just has to get a win sooner than later, and this has become one of those relegation ‘six-pointers.’ Newcastle 1-0
129-130, with 29 exact scores so far this season.
Liverpool v Reading is 11am Saturday on FSC. Preview, and probably something about the CL draw, tomorrow.
10 March 2008
Quick Wednesday Predictions
Portsmouth v Birmingham, 3:45pm, Setanta Xtra: Pompey 2-1
Aston Villa v Middlesbrough, 3:45pm: Villa 2-0
Chelsea v Derby, 4:00pm, Setanta: Chelsea 3-0
Aston Villa v Middlesbrough, 3:45pm: Villa 2-0
Chelsea v Derby, 4:00pm, Setanta: Chelsea 3-0
06 March 2008
Predictions 3/8 - 3/9
Four Premiership teams (Chelsea, United, Pompey and Boro) are involved in the FA Cup this weekend, and I still don’t do Liverpool predictions, so only five games below.
US Daylight Saving Time goes into effect on Sunday, which is why the times are odd that day. Europe goes into DST on March 30th, so if I mess up kickoff times in the next three weeks, forgive me. Math was never my strong suit.
Saturday
Blackburn v Fulham, 10am, FSC: Poor Fulham. It’s going to be a lot harder for FSC to showcase all those Americans when they’re in the Championship, and with Fulham now six points behind 18th, relegation is getting closer and closer. Blackburn 2-0
Reading v Man City, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Reading picked up their first win in 11 last Saturday, while City’s only won one of their last 6 (albeit against United). Given City’s better at home than on the road (despite their last three home matches) and the fact Reading crucially needs points to get out of the drop zone, I think this will end with honors even. 1-1
Sunday
Tottenham v West Ham, 11am, Setanta: Even though it’s a London derby, which are frequently close and contentious, I can’t see Hammers getting anything when they’ve lost their last two by an 8-0 margin. Spurs 2-1
Sunderland v Everton, 11am, Setanta Xtra: Sunderland’s reliant on their home form for points, but with Everton’s recent run, the home side’s going to be in for a fight. Everton 2-1
Wigan v Arsenal, 12pm on FSC: There’s something familiar about a team that’s recently underwhelmed in the league, but puts on a performance in Europe like Arsenal did against Milan. For Arsenal’s sake (and as someone who would rather avoid seeing United lift the Premiership trophy again), I hope that European performance can turn around that league form. Arsenal 2-0
For the first time this season, I’ve fallen below .500 (currently 125-126, with 29 spot on). Time to make up ground.
Liverpool v Newcastle is on Setanta at 10am Saturday.
US Daylight Saving Time goes into effect on Sunday, which is why the times are odd that day. Europe goes into DST on March 30th, so if I mess up kickoff times in the next three weeks, forgive me. Math was never my strong suit.
Saturday
Blackburn v Fulham, 10am, FSC: Poor Fulham. It’s going to be a lot harder for FSC to showcase all those Americans when they’re in the Championship, and with Fulham now six points behind 18th, relegation is getting closer and closer. Blackburn 2-0
Reading v Man City, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Reading picked up their first win in 11 last Saturday, while City’s only won one of their last 6 (albeit against United). Given City’s better at home than on the road (despite their last three home matches) and the fact Reading crucially needs points to get out of the drop zone, I think this will end with honors even. 1-1
Sunday
Tottenham v West Ham, 11am, Setanta: Even though it’s a London derby, which are frequently close and contentious, I can’t see Hammers getting anything when they’ve lost their last two by an 8-0 margin. Spurs 2-1
Sunderland v Everton, 11am, Setanta Xtra: Sunderland’s reliant on their home form for points, but with Everton’s recent run, the home side’s going to be in for a fight. Everton 2-1
Wigan v Arsenal, 12pm on FSC: There’s something familiar about a team that’s recently underwhelmed in the league, but puts on a performance in Europe like Arsenal did against Milan. For Arsenal’s sake (and as someone who would rather avoid seeing United lift the Premiership trophy again), I hope that European performance can turn around that league form. Arsenal 2-0
For the first time this season, I’ve fallen below .500 (currently 125-126, with 29 spot on). Time to make up ground.
Liverpool v Newcastle is on Setanta at 10am Saturday.
28 February 2008
Predictions 3/1 – 3/2
Arsenal v Aston Villa, 10am, FSC: Arsenal needs to do all they can to put last Saturday behind them and keep their lead atop the league. Arsenal 2-0
Fulham v Man Utd, 10am, Setanta: If Fulham doesn’t start picking up 3 points from matches, especially at home, they’ve little chance of avoiding relegation. Pity they’re up against United on Saturday. United 3-0
West Ham v Chelsea, 10am, Setanta Xtra: It’s a London derby, and I’m hoping the hullabaloo between Terry, Grant, and Ten Cate will impact the Blues. But Chelsea’s still Chelsea when it comes to eking out tough wins (unless it’s against Spurs in the League Cup final, I guess). Chelsea 2-1
Birmingham v Tottenham, 10am: I can’t see Spurs losing this one after last Sunday, especially considering the way Tottenham’s been scoring and with Brum defender Martin Taylor suspended. Spurs 2-1
Derby v Sunderland, 10am: Derby’s lone win came at home, while Sunderland still hasn’t won away from the Stadium of Light. Paul Jewell will hope his team will respond to his criticism following the last match, but Sunderland’s fully aware they need to pick up points on the road to avoid being drawn into the relegation fight. Sunderland 1-0
Middlesbrough v Reading, 10am: Reading’s been dire of late, and even without Aliadiere (ha), Boro still look likely winners, as Alves finally got his first start yesterday and was unlucky not to mark the occasion with a goal. Boro 1-0
Newcastle v Blackburn, 10am: No matter how bad Newcastle’s been, Keegan’s got to get his first win soon, right? Blackburn smashed Bolton last weekend, putting 4 past Jaaskelainen, but they’ve also been inconsistent this season. Newcastle 2-1
Man City v Wigan, 12:15pm, FSC: City’s lost the last two at home, their first two home losses of the season, but they’ve been excellent against teams below them in the table. I doubt Richards’ injury will have much impact on this one. City 2-0
Everton v Portsmouth, 11am Sunday, FSC: Ugh. Everton’s playing well, with Yakubu scoring regularly in the last few, and Pompey hasn’t scored more than 1 in an away game since New Year’s Day. Everton 2-1
Fulham v Man Utd, 10am, Setanta: If Fulham doesn’t start picking up 3 points from matches, especially at home, they’ve little chance of avoiding relegation. Pity they’re up against United on Saturday. United 3-0
West Ham v Chelsea, 10am, Setanta Xtra: It’s a London derby, and I’m hoping the hullabaloo between Terry, Grant, and Ten Cate will impact the Blues. But Chelsea’s still Chelsea when it comes to eking out tough wins (unless it’s against Spurs in the League Cup final, I guess). Chelsea 2-1
Birmingham v Tottenham, 10am: I can’t see Spurs losing this one after last Sunday, especially considering the way Tottenham’s been scoring and with Brum defender Martin Taylor suspended. Spurs 2-1
Derby v Sunderland, 10am: Derby’s lone win came at home, while Sunderland still hasn’t won away from the Stadium of Light. Paul Jewell will hope his team will respond to his criticism following the last match, but Sunderland’s fully aware they need to pick up points on the road to avoid being drawn into the relegation fight. Sunderland 1-0
Middlesbrough v Reading, 10am: Reading’s been dire of late, and even without Aliadiere (ha), Boro still look likely winners, as Alves finally got his first start yesterday and was unlucky not to mark the occasion with a goal. Boro 1-0
Newcastle v Blackburn, 10am: No matter how bad Newcastle’s been, Keegan’s got to get his first win soon, right? Blackburn smashed Bolton last weekend, putting 4 past Jaaskelainen, but they’ve also been inconsistent this season. Newcastle 2-1
Man City v Wigan, 12:15pm, FSC: City’s lost the last two at home, their first two home losses of the season, but they’ve been excellent against teams below them in the table. I doubt Richards’ injury will have much impact on this one. City 2-0
Everton v Portsmouth, 11am Sunday, FSC: Ugh. Everton’s playing well, with Yakubu scoring regularly in the last few, and Pompey hasn’t scored more than 1 in an away game since New Year’s Day. Everton 2-1
21 February 2008
Predictions 2/23 – 2/25
Saturday
Birmingham v Arsenal, 7:45am, Setanta: I doubt Arsenal has forgotten dropping 2 points thanks to a second-half Garry O’Connor equalizer at the Emirates last month. Arsenal 2-0
Fulham v West Ham, 10am, FSC: West Ham’s hard to get a gauge on, especially with their injury list. They can beat Liverpool and United at home and hold Man City both home and away, but lose to Wigan and draw Brum at home. And Fulham can get a draw against anyone at home when they're on their game. 1-1
Portsmouth v Sunderland, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Sunderland’s lost 11 out of 13 on the road this season (and drawn the other two). Also, while I don’t know if it’ll have any bearing Saturday, I really like the Defoe deal, and think he’ll do well under Redknapp. Pompey 2-0
Wigan v Derby, 10am: Derby’s another that’s winless away from home, the difference being their goal differential’s -42. Wigan, in 16th and only a point above the relegation zone, will see this as a must-win. Wigan 1-0
Newcastle v Man Utd, 12:15pm, FSC: The press that’d follow were Keegan to get his first win since returning to Newcastle over Manchester United would be simply tremendous. And while I’m sure Newcastle would love retribution for the 6-0 drubbing suffered soon after Allardyce’s exit, I can’t see it on the teams’ respective forms. United 3-1
Sunday
Reading v Aston Villa, 7:30am: 4 home losses in a row, with Reading winless since December 22nd, has seen the club fall into the relegation zone for the first time since promotion. But Reading is still dangerous on their day, particularly at home, and I think slipping into the bottom three should catalyze the team. 2-2
Blackburn v Bolton, 10am, delayed on FSC at 11am: Well, it’s a Lancashire derby involving two teams playing well and tough to beat. 1-1
Monday
Manchester City v Everton, 3pm, Setanta: Another game where the two sides’ good form will probably cancel each other out. 1-1
Bonus Carling Cup prediction:
Tottenham v Chelsea, 10am Sunday, Setanta: Maybe it’s just the hope that someone other than United, Chelsea, or Arsenal will win a domestic cup, but I truly think Tottenham can on Sunday. Both Berbatov and Keane have been scoring regularly, and aside from today’s nervy UEFA Cup match, Tottenham’s played well of late. Chelsea’s won this tournament twice in the last three years, and gave Spurs their lone league loss since New Year’s Day, but with the possibility that Terry and Lampard may miss out, I’m hopeful we’ll have a different team lifting the trophy this year. Spurs 3-2
Liverpool hosting Boro is Saturday at 10am on Setanta.
Birmingham v Arsenal, 7:45am, Setanta: I doubt Arsenal has forgotten dropping 2 points thanks to a second-half Garry O’Connor equalizer at the Emirates last month. Arsenal 2-0
Fulham v West Ham, 10am, FSC: West Ham’s hard to get a gauge on, especially with their injury list. They can beat Liverpool and United at home and hold Man City both home and away, but lose to Wigan and draw Brum at home. And Fulham can get a draw against anyone at home when they're on their game. 1-1
Portsmouth v Sunderland, 10am, Setanta Xtra: Sunderland’s lost 11 out of 13 on the road this season (and drawn the other two). Also, while I don’t know if it’ll have any bearing Saturday, I really like the Defoe deal, and think he’ll do well under Redknapp. Pompey 2-0
Wigan v Derby, 10am: Derby’s another that’s winless away from home, the difference being their goal differential’s -42. Wigan, in 16th and only a point above the relegation zone, will see this as a must-win. Wigan 1-0
Newcastle v Man Utd, 12:15pm, FSC: The press that’d follow were Keegan to get his first win since returning to Newcastle over Manchester United would be simply tremendous. And while I’m sure Newcastle would love retribution for the 6-0 drubbing suffered soon after Allardyce’s exit, I can’t see it on the teams’ respective forms. United 3-1
Sunday
Reading v Aston Villa, 7:30am: 4 home losses in a row, with Reading winless since December 22nd, has seen the club fall into the relegation zone for the first time since promotion. But Reading is still dangerous on their day, particularly at home, and I think slipping into the bottom three should catalyze the team. 2-2
Blackburn v Bolton, 10am, delayed on FSC at 11am: Well, it’s a Lancashire derby involving two teams playing well and tough to beat. 1-1
Monday
Manchester City v Everton, 3pm, Setanta: Another game where the two sides’ good form will probably cancel each other out. 1-1
Bonus Carling Cup prediction:
Tottenham v Chelsea, 10am Sunday, Setanta: Maybe it’s just the hope that someone other than United, Chelsea, or Arsenal will win a domestic cup, but I truly think Tottenham can on Sunday. Both Berbatov and Keane have been scoring regularly, and aside from today’s nervy UEFA Cup match, Tottenham’s played well of late. Chelsea’s won this tournament twice in the last three years, and gave Spurs their lone league loss since New Year’s Day, but with the possibility that Terry and Lampard may miss out, I’m hopeful we’ll have a different team lifting the trophy this year. Spurs 3-2
Liverpool hosting Boro is Saturday at 10am on Setanta.
07 February 2008
Predictions 2/9 – 2/11
No offense, but there are very few who read this blog for my Premiership predictions. They’re a lone holdout from when I used to have a wider scope rather than mainly focusing on Liverpool, which is how it’s been this season. Plus, the reason I’ve kept these predictions going is my desire to break .500 for a complete season. But as I’ve been pressed for time of late, with outside concerns taking over in importance, this is the thing I’ve let slip. The commentary that's gone with the predictions in the past isn't that good anyway.
I hope to have something up about the Premier League’s plan to play games abroad later, as I find it fascinating, but no promises. Again, my apologies. I will assuredly have a preview up for the Liverpool/Chelsea match (Sunday on FSC at 11am) sometime tomorrow.
Aston Villa v Newcastle, 7:45am, Setanta: Villa 2-1
Everton v Reading, 10am, FSC: Everton 2-0
Sunderland v Wigan, 10am, Setanta: 1-1
West Ham v Birmingham, 10am, Setanta Xtra: West Ham 2-1
Bolton v Portsmouth, 10am: 1-1
Derby v Tottenham, 10am: Spurs 3-0
Middlesbrough v Fulham, 10am: Boro 1-0
Manchester Utd v Manchester City, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: United 3-1
Arsenal v Blackburn, 3pm Monday, Setanta: Arsenal 2-0
I hope to have something up about the Premier League’s plan to play games abroad later, as I find it fascinating, but no promises. Again, my apologies. I will assuredly have a preview up for the Liverpool/Chelsea match (Sunday on FSC at 11am) sometime tomorrow.
Aston Villa v Newcastle, 7:45am, Setanta: Villa 2-1
Everton v Reading, 10am, FSC: Everton 2-0
Sunderland v Wigan, 10am, Setanta: 1-1
West Ham v Birmingham, 10am, Setanta Xtra: West Ham 2-1
Bolton v Portsmouth, 10am: 1-1
Derby v Tottenham, 10am: Spurs 3-0
Middlesbrough v Fulham, 10am: Boro 1-0
Manchester Utd v Manchester City, 8:30am Sunday, Setanta: United 3-1
Arsenal v Blackburn, 3pm Monday, Setanta: Arsenal 2-0
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