Aston Villa v Chelsea
Villa are having a pretty poor season if we’re honest, and although Chelsea aren’t at their best, they are still chasing a top 4 finish and have won a few big games since Roberto Di Matteo took charge. I expect Chelsea to win this one, although probably not comfortably. There is also the sad news that Villa captain Stilyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia, which might be playing on the players’ minds, or it might inspire them.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
Everton v West Brom
On paper this should be a comfortable afternoon for the home side. The Toffees are on a fantastic run of form and will be buoyed by their FA Cup win over Sunderland. West Brom on the other hand, haven’t won in three. It probably won’t be as simple as that though and I expect West Brom to give a good account of themselves, however I do expect Everton to win, if they score early, they could win comfortably.
Prediction: Everton 2-0 West Brom
Fulham v Norwich City
This is a tough one. Fulham have lost three in a row, and have never lost four consecutive Premier League games. To be fair to Fulham their last few performances probably haven’t warranted three defeats and I expect them to improve this weekend. Norwich have been very good this season although the loss of top-scorer Grant Holt will hamper them.
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Norwich City
Man City v Sunderland
As much as I would like to talk up the threat posed by Sunderland, I do believe City will win this one. Their home record is exemplary this season and although they have been patchy away from home, they should beat Sunderland relatively comfortably. Sunderland were shocking against Everton in the FA Cup and Martin O’Neill will demand a better performance from his players but City will be too strong. I predict City to win ugly.
Prediction: Man City 1-0 Sunderland
QPR v Arsenal
Another game where there only seems to be one winner. Arsenal have won seven league games in a row, while QPR have won one in eight games. I believe Arsenal will be way too strong for the home team and a comfortable victory should follow.
Prediction: QPR 0-4 Arsenal
Wigan v Stoke
A very intriguing game, with an obvious clash of styles. Wigan did win at Anfield in their last game and have been playing relatively well all season, but Stoke will be on the up after creditable draws (and performances) against Spurs and Man City. Whoever gets the first goal will be crucial, and if its Stoke, Wigan could be in for a tough game. However, if the home side can put a couple of chances away for once, their possession football could frustrate the visitors.
Prediction: Wigan 2-1 Stoke
Wolves v Bolton
Another very tough game to call. Bolton’s form has picked up in recent weeks and I’m sure the squad will be buoyed by the continued improvement in Fabrice Muamba’s position. Wolves, meanwhile, are on a torrid run of form, that you think must end eventually. And with home advantage you never know – a first win for interim manager Terry Connor may be around the corner. I doubt it though.
Prediction: Wolves 1-3 Bolton
Newcastle v Liverpool
Liverpool are another team on a bad run of form, and I fully expect it to continue here. They usually play well in the bigger games, but I think Newcastle will have too much for them. The form of Papiss Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa in particular should have the Newcastle fans in confident mood. But i go with a stalemate.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Liverpool
Tottenham v Swansea
This game is harder to predict than people might imagine. Tottenham need a league win to get back on track in their Champions League qualification quest, while I full expect Swansea to bounce back from a jaded performance against Everton. This is sure to be an entertaining game between two attacking teams, but I think Spurs will have too much quality for the away side.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Swansea
Blackburn v Manchester United
You would expect Man United to be better than they were against Fulham to other day – Alex Ferguson will not allow two performances like that in a row. However, if they are off the pace, Blackburn will punish them, just as they did at Old Trafford on New Years Eve. Rovers’ form has picked up recently but I expect United to put in a better performance, especially if City slip up on Saturday – United are ruthless in that situation.
Prediction: Blackburn 0-2 Man United
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