New Feature: Premier League Predictions

Hello and welcome to another new feature from FC Football Blog, English Premier League predictions.  I’m regularly described as “an expert” in football and so have been chosen to do this job, every week.  Not only will I predict the score, I will also give some backround information and reason my predictions.  You can find them all below:

Arsenal v Hull

Apart from the early defeat against Fulham, Arsenal have been as devestating as ever.  Their 6-0 thrashing of Sheffield Utd with literally a bunch of kids just shows how much potential they have to shine again this season.

I think Hull will be slightly disappointed with the draw against Everton last week, especially as the Merseysiders came twice from behind to gain the point.  Although the newly-promoted side have impressed me, I don’t see them winning at the Emirates.

Verdict: 3-1

Aston Villa v Sunderland

This will be a very interesting fixture because both sides have high expectations.  On paper, Villa look arguably the strongest team outside the Top Four.  The likes of Barry, Agbonlahor and Reo-Coker prove this.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has been very busy in the summer and brought some quality recruits in, but so far its been a inconsistent start for the club with 7 points from 5 games.  They had to use penalties to defeat Northampton in the Carling Cup, in what was a nervy evening.   I think Villa will edge this one.

Verdict: 2-1

Everton v Liverpool

This match promises to be a belter, as every Merseyside derby does. Everton, who have been lacklustre in defence, find themselves 9th in the EPL with 7 points from a possible of 15.  David Moyes’ side has yet a register a Premier League at home this season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have had a solid start with 11 points and in 3rd position.  Despite a frustrating goalless draw at Stoke last week, the Reds dominated and on another day, they might have won 5-0.  The Torres-Keane partnership has yet to fire.  This match will be very tight to call, so I’m going for a draw.

Verdict: 1-1

Fulham v West Ham

This fixture gives us teams with completely contrasting moods at the moment. Fulham, who lost against Blackburn last week, suffered a shock in the Carling Cup on Tuesday when they were knocked out by minnows Burnley.

West Ham meanwhile, are on a high after their thrashing of lowly Newcastle 3-1 last week and the news of their newly-appointed manager, Zola.  The former star is predicted to do great things with the Hammers.  I see West Ham clinching their first EPL away win of the season here.

Verdict: 0-2

Man Utd v Bolton

Man Utd’s poor start to the 2008/09 season means they find themselves 7 points off leaders Arsenal, albeit with a game in hand.  Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have yet to fire, but maybe the return to fitness of Ronaldo will help the Red Devils regain some form.

It looks to be another fight for survival in the Premier League for Bolton. A poor start to the season, in which they have gained just 4 points, means Gary Megson’s side would like to scrap out a point here.  After being mauled 3-1 by Arsenal last week, I wouldn’t be surprised should Man Utd do the same.

Verdict: 3-0

Middlesborough v West Brom

I think this will be a very scrappy affair.  Middlesborough are on a low after being beaten 2-0 by Sunderland last week and their 3-1 loss to Man Utd, midweek in the Carling Cup.  They have lost all of the 3 away matches they’ve played, but at home they have a 100% record with 2 wins from 2.

West Brom, who lost 1-2 to Aston Villa last week, will feel this is a great chance to clinch a crucial away win and lift them off the bottom end of the table.  The newly-promoted side looked very raw last week and it’ll be interesting to see if they have matured yet in this match.

Verdict:  2-2

Newcastle v Blackburn

Things are looking very bleak at the moment for everyone at Newcastle.  The Toons really need someone to buy the club off Mike Ashley and then recruit a new manager, or revert back to Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan.

Blackburn, meanwhile, have had a mixed start to the new footballing season. They find themselves 10th after 5 games, with a respectable 7 points.  They will be favourites to win and win comprehensively.

Verdict: 1-3

Stoke v Chelsea

Stoke are on a high spirit at the moment with their tense Carling Cup win over Reading (won 4-3 on penalties)  and their creditable 0-0 draw away against Liverpool last week.  If they consistently grind out results like these then it could be a successful first season for them in the Premier League.

Chelsea are in good form.  The 1-1 draw against Man Utd was largely dominated by the Blues.  They have some top-quality players in the form of Deco, Ballack and Lampard, although the Porteguse Deco is out injured. However, I think Chelsea will be more successful against Stoke then Liverpool were last week.

Verdict:  0-2

Portsmouth v Tottenham

After the 6-0 bollocking by Man City, Portsmouth need to rebuild quickly. Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch will want to repay the manager of his £10m price tag with a goal, as the 6′6 striker has yet to properly fire.

Tottenham, similar to that of Newcastle, are struggling.  Spanish manager Juande Ramos is under pressure to deliver after some big-money recruits in the summer.  This is a tough little outing for the Spaniard but he will be hoping that his side atleast gets a point.

Verdict: 1-1

Wigan v Man City

Steve Bruce’s Wigan have been inconsistent so far and have to be ready for another Man City assault.  Although at home, Bruce and co. probably would take a draw with the likes of Robinho and Jo firing for the Citizens.

Man City just seem to be getting better with every outing.  Shaun-Wright Phillips has been very impressive and maybe Chelsea are regretting letting the England international leave.  I predict another win for the City here.

Verdict 0-2

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