Last Week’s Summary
How did the FC Football Blog do last week?
Conclusion:The FC Football Blog got six results correct but no perfect score.
This Week’s Predictions
Blackburn – Middlesbrough
Blackburn have had a good start to the season, lying exactly where they should be in the League, comfortable in the special 9th position. However, Paul Ince’s men have conceded the 3rd-highest amount of goals at home and they’ll have to be careful not to concede any more against Middlesbrough.
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Middlesbrough. They are placed 13th, but Gareth Southgate and co would look to challenge for a place above mid-table at the end of the season. After getting mauled 5-0 by Chelsea, they need to bounce back in style.
Verdict: 2-2
Everton – Man Utd
Everton have been disappointing so far this season. With manager David Moyes’ contract extension agreed last week, one would of thought the Merseysiders could ignore their past and produce a good result. However, they were pushed aside 3-1 by Arsenal. The Blues are clearly struggling.
Man Utd have won all of their last five games, and, if they win their game in hand, they will be only 3 points behind the League leaders. England international Wayne Rooney is in stunning form and he’ll be key to the Red Devil’s hopes of a sixth successive victory.
Verdict: 0-2
Sunderland – Newcastle
Sunderland are basically in the exact same position as Middlesbrough are, as explained earlier (above). They were frustrated by Fulham last week in a game that produced few chances. Roy Keane’s men will look to make amends with a home victory here.
Newcastle are still in the drop zone and are clearly struggling. The Toons need a string of good results under new manager “Big Joe”, because so far, they have been far too inconsistent. I don’t seem them getting anything at Sunderland.
Verdict: 2-1
West Brom – Hull
West Brom were hammered 4-0 by Man Utd last week and it was a very poor result for the newly-promoted side, especially as they had won impressive back-to-back 1-0 victories before that match. Bednar, who has 3 gorgeous goals to his name, is the key player for the Baggies.
Don’t be surprised if you see Hull in the Champions League next year. They are 3rd, have 17 points, and boast the second-best away record in the League. Simply brilliant. I see them taking another three points here, too.
Verdict: 0-1
Chelsea – Liverpool
The clash of the Titans. The joint League leaders, and the only remaining teams that are unbeaten face each other at the Stamford Bridge. What a belter this match promises to be. Blues striker Nicholas Anelka is man to watch out from Chelsea.
I would say Fernando Torres would be the man to watch out from Liverpool, but unfortunately, the Spanish star is ruled out from the game. This obviously gives the in-form Blues the edge. But remember, Liverpool beat Man Utd without Torres or Gerrard, and that shows what they are capable of.
Verdict: 1-1
Man City – Stoke
Man City recorded a 2-2 away point against a 10-man Newcastle last week, and that pushed them up to 10th in the table. However, the richest club in the World would want to challenge for Europe this year and these kind of games should be certain 3-pointers.
Stoke recorded a shock 2-1 victory against Tottenham last week and are on a high. They are in the drop zone but have some players of real quality. Fuller, who has 3 goals to his name, is the key player for them.
Verdict: 3-1
Portsmouth – Fulham
Portsmouth are in great form. They lie just behind Aston Villa in 7th position. Strikers Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch are in top gear, scoring 5 and 3 goals respectively. The former Tottenham and Liverpool men hold the key to Portsmouth scoring hopes.
Fulham, I’m afraid to say, will be a relegation contender at the end of the season. With their opening results I thought they would come good but it just hasn’t happened for Roy Hodgson’s men. They are in the drop zone and need a win, but I don’t think they’ll get one here.
Verdict: 3-1
Tottenham – Bolton
We may see Tottenham in the Championship next year, if they continue the form they have at the moment. 2 points from 8 games, they are still winless and are unsurprisingly therefore bottom of the League. They need a win!
Bolton claimed a point against Blackburn last week, but many will say it is 2 points lost. Manager Gary Megson certainly thought so, and it has to be agreed they wasted alot of chances. I think this will be a very physical outing for both sides, which is why I see plenty of goals.
Verdict: 2-3
West Ham – Arsenal
The Hammers have suffered successive defeats but with a manager the calibre of Zola, I see them bouncing back quickly. It is always tough against a side like Arsenal, but if they play well, West Ham could finish with 3 more points to their name.
A crucial 3-1 victory for Arsenal last week means they are still in the title reckoning. Strikers Adebayor and Van Persie hold the key. However, Arsene Wenger’s men know it will be tough to get a win against West Ham, especially as they are playing on their home soil.
Verdict: 1-1
Wigan – Aston Villa
Wigan were so very close to claiming the shock of the season with a 2-1 lead over Liverpool at the Anfield Road last week, but they gave it all away. Egyptian striker Zaki seems to be getting better with every outing and he may well add to his 7-goal tally.
Aston Villa boast two world-class strikers in Agbonlahor and Carew, and they both have 4 goals respectively. However, their defence has to be aware of the superb talents of Zaki. I see a high-scoring thriller on the cards here.
Verdict: 2-2
