Last week was a very good week for me in terms of predicting matches correctly. I guessed 7 match results correctly with 1 perfect scoreline which is pretty good if I do say so myself. Last week all top 7 teams won and finally the premier league standings are beginning to settle after a turbulent start, so it is imperative that teams win matches in this crucial time. There aren't many huge match-ups this week except for the always entertaining Chelsea vs Manchester United. It doesn't seem to really matter who plays though, the EPL always delivers a hell of a show every week.
Sunderland vs Southampton
Both of these teams won last week which really gave them a boost. After starting the season strongly Southampton have been fading since November or December. The premier league is clearly separated into the top teams and those battling relegation with Southampton sitting at the bottom of the top teams. They need to win games like this if they want to still battle for a spot in a European league next season. I have always thought that Sunderland will survive relegation this season despite their encounter with Di Canio. They gave themselves a big lift by beating Fulham 4-1 away from home thanks to a hat-trick by Adam Johnson, a player who they will rely on heavily in their fight for survival. Southampton have real class and have been able to beat teams like Southampton so far, but Sunderland will be flying high and have the home field advantage. Southampton have great attacking players like Osvaldo, Lallana, Rodriguez, and Lambert who will be able to beat Sunderland's very poor defenders quite easily. I expect a slim Saint victory this week.
Prediction: 1-2
Arsenal vs Fulham
This shouldn't be a hard one to predict because Arsenal are cruising in first and Fulham um, suck. I expect Fulham to have a record low percentage of the ball in their possession. Fulham have some great players but they don't play nice together, they remind me of my younger brother who tried to dribble through every player, quite unsuccessfully I might add. Goals are coming from almost every Arsenal player recently, not just Giroud, though he had a great goal last week in their victory versus Aston Villa. Villa threw everything they had at Arsenal with long balls up to Benteke but Arsenal's stalwart defense handled it quite handily. Fulham probably doesn't stand a chance.
Prediction: 2-0
Crystal Palace vs Stoke City
This will be the first time that Tony Pulis takes on his former team. Their playing styles are very similar, being brutal and physical with long balls up to the forwards but Stoke has it down much better. Palace had a bit of a resurgence when Pulis first came in as manager but things are getting worse and worse and now they are back to the bottom of the table. Palace lost last week away to Tottenham partly due to an awful pk miss from Jason Puncheon who was clearly the wrong choice. Stoke had a great game against Liverpool despite conceding 5 goals at home, they showed great spirit and fight and came close to a comeback but could only manage 3 goals. Pulis knows how to deal with his old team, but I'm not sure his players are good enough to stop them. I think they will end up tying.
Prediction: 1-1
Manchester City vs Cardiff
Probably the shock result of the season came when Cardiff beat Man City on their home turf. At the time City were really struggling to get good results away from home. Now half a season has passed and it seems as though City have overcome their beginning of the season jitters and are now beating everybody. Cardiff have lost their drive and power, it left with Malky McKay, and won't be able to have great victories like that under Solskjaer. City will win the league and they will do that by being able to demolish teams like Cardiff.
Prediction: 4-0
Norwich vs Hull City
Currently three points separate these two sides with Hull defying expectations so far sitting in 10th place. Hull have much more ambition than what they have already accomplished by signing forwards Nikita Jelavic and Shane Long, setting club fee records. These two forwards will complete the puzzle for Hull in my opinion, that was the weakest part of their team with Sagbo and Graham not really setting the world on fire. Now they will not have to rely solely on their great defenders to get results. Norwich have done alright but aren't really getting enough good results and they lost last week to Everton 0-2. This should be a pretty entertaining game and be pretty even. It is hard to predict because it is hard to predict how Jelavic and Long will do for Hull. Norwich need to get results soon or they will once again be drawn into the relegation battle. I think that this will be a draw in the end.
Prediction: 1-1
West Ham vs Newcastle
Newcastle were robbed a stunning goal due to very poor officiating against Man City last week and might have been able to get a draw if it stood. They are still within reach of finishing in a European spot, but again, need to win these games. West Ham came back from the dead after a 6-0 drumming in the cup by Man City by beating Cardiff 2-0. Andy Carroll is back for them and will probably start against his boyhood club Newcastle. This game will probably be a tough battle and there won't be much between the two in the end. West Ham score in almost every match so I expect them to get at least one goal, and I think Newcastle will get one goal as well.
Prediction: 1-1
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
The first time these two met in the season it ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors, Liverpool. It was a very close match and Mignolet saved the Reds for the second time in two games. Villa have had a stop, start season so far. They lost their last match to Arsenal at home 1-2 but they got close by bombing balls up to the giant Benteke. Liverpool have always struggled to contain Benteke due to his huge physique and ability to hold and lay off the ball. Liverpool's defense has struggled lately but their strikers are still scoring for fun. SAS is finally reunited and with Gerrard, Allen and Sakho all coming back from injury they will be close to their full strength. I expect Liverpool to finish in the top four this season and it will be because they are able to close out tough games like this.
Prediction: 2-1
Swansea vs Tottenham
Swansea aren't great at playing against Tottenham and recently are getting worse and worse results. Tottenham on the other hand are doing better and better under new manger Tim Sherwood. Swansea did okay against Manchester United last week beating them in the FA Cup 2-1 and then losing in the league 0-2. The Liberty Stadium is still a good home field which will make it hard on Tottenham. There isn't a whole lot to say more on this, it is a hard one to call. I really, really hope that Swansea win but it will be hard. I'm going to go with my gut and go with a Swans win.
Prediction: 1-0
Chelsea vs Manchester United
Both of these teams are doing pretty good in the league recently. Man U are getting closer and closer to the top spots but still have a bit of a ways to go. Chelsea are the favorites for sure for this match. I hope Chelsea win. The Blue's midfield is clearly better than the Red Devils, especially with the RE-acquisition of Nemanja Matic. A loss here will finish Man U's hopes of retaining the title and even badly injure their hopes of finishing top four.
Prediction: 2-1
West Brom vs Everton
This will be a tough match as well. Everton have been punching well above their weight this season and everyone keeps waiting for them to slip up and it might be this week. West Brom have a new manager, who I don't think is the right guy for the job. Pepe Mel was fired by Real Betis after leading them straight into the relegation battle, so it made little sense for Albion to sign him, but we've have to see how he does. Everton just sold Jelavic to Hull but he didn't play much for them anyway. I think that these two will cancel each other out.
Prediction: 0-0
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