First lets look at how we done last week:
FcFootballBlog got five results correct and two exact scores correct.
Now onto this weekends predictions!
Blackburn v Man Utd
Blackburn comfortably triumphed against Newcastle last week, but this will be a much sterner test for them. They have had a good start to the season with 10 points and in 7th position.
Man Utd seem to be slowly but surely hitting top form. They pushed aside Bolton last week, although a conterversial penalty did help their cause. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored from the resulting spot-kick, knows his influence will be crucial to Man Utd’s performance in the upcoming games ahead.
Verdict: 0-1
Sunderland v Arsenal
Sunderland will be mighty disappointed with their loss against Villa last week but Roy Keane and Co. will look to get back among the points here. The manager’s future needs to be sorted out quickly by the Board in order for the Black Cats to sustain their form.
What a terrible performace it was by the Gunners last week. No-one in their right mind would’ve predicted a 2-1 win for Hull, especially when Arsenal were in their own back yard. However, the Gunners crushed FC Porto midweek in the Champions League and that will give them and the supporters some belief.
Verdict: 2-2
West Brom v Fulham
Newly-promoted West Brom should have settled to Premier League life by now, and in truth they havn’t made a bad start with 7 points out of a possible 18. Their 0-1 win against Middlesbrough shows they are not a side to be pushed around.
Fulham have a better record than Chelsea at home so far this season, but Roy Hodgson’s men have not such a pretty away record. They lost against West ham last week and I feel another defeat is on the cards here.
Verdict: 1-0
Wigan v Middlesbrough
Wigan pulled off an impressive 2-1 win against Man City last week and their on-loan striker Amr Zaki looks a real world-class talent, with the Egyptian bagging already 5 impressive goals and topping the goal charts.
Middlesbrough suffered an embarrasing defeat at home to West Brom and they’ll need to rebuild quickly. Considering their own form, Wigan’s form and the fact that they are away, Middlesbrough would settle happily for a point here, but I don’t see that happening for them.
Verdict: 2-1
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Chelsea are arguably the form team at the moment. 14 points from 6 games shows what a solid start this has been for the Blues, who currently occupy 1st position. This match will be a big test for them.
Villa are off to a flier as well. Just a point off Chelsea, their hopes to edge into the Top Four have been solidified with 4 wins and overall 13 points, just one off Chelsea. This is will be very tight to call indeed, but I think Chelsea will edge it.
Verdict: 2-1
Everton v Newcastle
Everton have yet to register a home win this season. Infact, they are the only team not to have even registered a point at home this season. Manager David Moyes is under increasing pressure to deliver a win, especially after being humiliated 2-0 against Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
Newcastle have finally got a manager, and maybe a new owner. So, this could be the turn of things for the Toons. Although they lost again last week it was a more spirited performance. I think they might get something out of this one.
Verdict: 2-2
Man City v Liverpool
A very interesting fixture. Man City have recently suffered losses against Wigan and Brighton (Carling Cup), but when they were last at home in the Premier League they knocked their opponents for six, in a very impressive display. Shaun-Wright Phillips, Robinho and Jo hold the key for them.
Liverpool have had a great start to the EPL season. Joint leaders, and stats-wise, they have the meanest defence in the league, conceding just two goals so far in the campaign. However, I’m going for a draw here.
Verdict: 1-1
Portsmouth v Stoke
Portsmouth will be certain favourites to win this one, mainly because of their home record this season and the form of former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe. The England international has bagged 4 goals already this season for Pompey.
Stoke have been very inconsistent this season. A fabulous 0-0 draw against Liverpool, followed by a tense win over Reading, then a disappointing home loss to Chelsea. Their defence will have to be on their toes, otherwise I see Portsmouth running riot here.
Verdict: 3-1
Tottenham v Hull
What a crunch game this is for Tottenham. Hull have shown they are very capable of beating the top teams and Tottenham will be no exception. Manager Juande Ramos is under severe pressure and he really has to deliver a win.
Hull are on fire. 6th in the League and one of only four teams who are unbeaten away from home. They will play without any fear after last week’s result and I think this could end up being a high-scoring thriller.
Verdict: 3-2
West Ham v Bolton
West Ham, under new manager Zola, have been impressive. They have a better home record than any other team in the league, with 3 straight wins. This will be a tough test for them physically.
Bolton are just above the relagation zone and really struggling. Gary Megson’s side are going to be another relegation-scrapper and it’s these kind of games you look back on when the season’s finished and you survive or you are relegated. Thats why I think Bolton might snatch a point.
Verdict: 1-1
