Friday 20 December 2013

Barclays Predictions League 10

Before I go any further, I just want to wish all of you a Happy Christmas and hope you enjoy the rest of 2013 and the entrance to 2014.

Liverpool v Cardiff (Saturday, 12:45pm)

Beating Tottenham 5-0 at White Hart Lane is a massive win for Brendan Rodgers' team especially if they want to be considered title challengers.

I don't think they will obviously win the league as their squad is not quite at that level yet and they will especially miss on-fire Luis Suarez if he left the Reds.

But they are used to Rodgers' style of play and they look very threatening going forward especially as they have creative players.

This is the reason why I only see a straightforward win for the Kop faithful at Anfield this weekend.

Cardiff got a much-needed win over West Brom but they will soon discover how daunting the Premier League can be but they have really risen to the occasion so far.

Malky Mackay needs full backing of the staff above him but he did spend a lot of money going into the season and they are doing ok with the players they have.

Score: 4-1
Crystal Palace v Newcastle

Tony Pulis should be proud of the way his team performed at Stamford Bridge even though they lost and this is a game they can bounce back from.

Crystal Palace don't really have much Premier League quality in their side and this is arguably the worst time to play Alan Pardew's side, who have won five out of their last seven games.

While Newcastle were the better team in the first-half of their draw with Southampton, they did sit off a bit in the second-half but they have done very well in the last six weeks. 

Both managers will feel they can win this match but it is likely to be a tight one.

Hopefully it will be an entertaining match but draw for me.

Score: 1-1
Fulham v Man City

Fulham were overrun by Everton on Saturday even though 4-1 was slightly harsh on them and this game doesn't come any easier for them.

They are only one point off safety but their goal difference is inferior to those above them and there is still 22 games left to go this season.

Anything can happen in that time but I expect another defeat for them personally. Man City have improved away from home recently, claiming four points from their last two away games. They have also booked their place in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup against West Ham after beating Leicester.

Rene Muelensteen will demand a big effort from his players but I cannot see the Cottagers getting anything from this one but you never know in this league.

Score: 0-2
Man Utd v West Ham

After two back-to-back home league defeats in a week, David Moyes finally has a bit of breathing space as Manchester United have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, beat Aston Villa and are through to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup. They  will play Sunderland which is winnable over two legs from their point of view.

It was always going to take time for the Red Devils to adapt to Moyes' style of play but they can still make strides in the rest of the season. As Moyes himself said, it is stability that brings success to clubs on most occasions.

West Ham and Sam Allardyce have a two-legged semi-final against Manchester City after beating Tottenham on Wednesday night which is a massive win for them, especially winning at White Hart Lane twice in a season.

United should still win but the Hammers will be full of confidence too.

Score: 2-0

Stoke v Aston Villa

Stoke played ok for the most part in their Capital One Cup Quarter-Final defeat to Manchester United but two good goals saw them off in the end.

As far as the league goes, they saw off Chelsea last Saturday which is a fantastic win for Mark Hughes' team and I can see them winning this match as well.

Aston Villa have not looked like themselves recently, Christian Benteke especially who has worryingly looked very goal-shy this term.

Was he a one-hit wonder? I am not sure but it is starting to look that way and Paul Lambert will be especially concerned.

They started well against Manchester United but were comfortably outplayed by the end and they need points, and soon too.

Score: 2-1
Sunderland v Norwich

During the extra-time period against Chelsea, Gus Poyet's side played very well, especially in the last 15 minutes when Ki Sung-Yeung scored the winner.

But in the second-half of ordinary time they were given massive amounts of fortune as Chelsea could easily have won the game as they missed a number of chances to add to their lead.

Sunderland stuck at it, however, and just about deserved to win to earn a semi-final against Manchester United. In the end that victory should give them confidence ahead of this game.

But Chris Hughton will be breathing easier now as his Canaries have took seven points out of a possible 12.

Norwich generally have been criticised for their lack of goal threat but Gary Hooper should be more confident himself; he has scored four goals in his last six games.

Because of the momentum Sunderland will have got from the Chelsea win and given they are at home, I fancy the Black Cats to edge this one.

Score: 2-1
West Brom v Hull

Well, where to start with this one? I think Steve Clarke's sacking is extremely unfair given what he has done with the club, as he did get them to finish eighth in the table last season.

The problem was Romelu Lukaku was at the heart of the Baggies' team and even though they have bought in reasonable players such as Stephane Sessegnon and Victor Anichebe they have struggled to replace his goals.

Still, they were on a bad run with four straight defeats and unfortunately no owner has any patience any more. I think Clarke would have turned things around had he been given more time as the bottom half of the league is so tight so anything can happen.

Still, if they can beat Hull, which I think they will do, then things may start to get back on track.

Hull earned a draw against Stoke last time around and they have been consistently good this season.

They may not have the best quality squad but they aren't afraid to have a go at teams which has always impressed me. Steve Bruce has done really well with them and if this continues they should stay up comfortably in my opinion.

Score: 1-0
Southampton v Tottenham (Sunday, 1:30pm)

Like Steve Clarke at West Brom, I think Andre Villas-Boas' sacking at Tottenham was highly uncalled for.

What I need to know is who signed the players. If Daniel Levy and Franco Baldini were responsible for bringing the players in, that put Villas-Boas in an unfair and difficult position. You may as well have just said to him "work with what we have signed for you or you are sacked!" Surely whoever brought the players in should take responsibility for them not performing. and not solely blaming it on the manager.

I felt sorry for him and it seems Baldini, Levy and some of the fans don't seem to understand it takes time to gel the players. On the other hand, they haven't looked like scoring too much but they are only five points off the top four and as I have said countless times, two or three good results and everyone's opinion changes.

Still, after losing against West Ham on Wednesday, Southampton away isn't an easy game. Mauricio Pochettino's men have now drawn their last two games against Manchester City and Newcastle and I see this one ending with a hat-trick of draws down for the south coast club.

Score: 1-1

Swansea v Everton (Sunday, 4:00pm)

Swansea are starting to feel the effects of the Europa League on their campaign but Michael Laudrup's team have done ok this season domestically.

A draw at Norwich was their latest adventure but they will be without Nathan Dyer for this game after he was taken off at Carrow Road. They started well in that game but sat back deep in the second-half and were probably relieved to come away from home with a point.

A draw would be a decent result here for them too. They have only taken a point off Everton in their last four games and haven't scored a goal against them since they were promoted to the top flight in 2011.

Everton are experiencing much better form at the moment having comfortably beat Fulham last weekend and they have won three out of their last four games.

But I see them being frustrated here. And while he will set his team out to win on Sunday, I think Roberto Martinez would be reasonably happy with a point in South Wales.

Score: 2-2
Arsenal v Chelsea (Monday, 8:00pm)

Well Jose Mourinho was certainly not happy with Arsenal having extra days to prepare for this game was he?

I personally think that is a ridiculous statement to make because their Capital One Cup Quarter-Final defeat at Sunderland was on a Tuesday night and they would not play again until six days later, giving them nearly a week to prepare for this potential title clash.

The big worry for the Blues is their inability to kill teams off when they create so many chances.

They dominated the second-half at the Stadium of Light but when they created chances to add to their lead they scuffed them badly and were eventually made to pay for their profligacy by the Black Cats.

They will not quite so many goal-scoring opportunities should Arsene Wenger's men turn up at the Emirates.

Arsenal were all over the place against Manchester City and they will be more determined to be tighter at the back but they already know that whatever team Chelsea put out can be dangerous.

Being at home, they will want to win and get some revenge after they lost in the Capital One Cup as well but I see this one ending level which I don't think will disappoint either team too much.

Score: 1-1

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Barclays Predictions League 9

Crystal Palace v West Ham (Tuesday, 8:00pm)

New boss Tony Pulis is a good choice for Crystal Palace especially as he has never been relegated as a manager. But he definitely has a job on his hands.

At Norwich they played ok after a win at Hull but they need to take their chances when they come along. The good news is that they play a team with a dreadful away record in Sam Allardyce's West Ham.

The Hammers outplayed Fulham in the second-half on Saturday which ultimately cost Martin Jol his job but it was a result they needed badly.

Before that game and this one, Allardyce said they would need to get at least four points. But I actually see the home side winning this one as it Pulis' first game at Selhurst Park.

Score: 2-1
Arsenal v Hull

I did think 3-0 flattered Arsenal in their victory at Cardiff but the day was about Aaron Ramsey returning to face his former club and, indeed, scoring twice.

Their start has been extraordinary, only losing against Aston Villa and Manchester United. Mesut Ozil has risen spirits at the Emirates but Arsene Wenger has really got a team together that is working for each other and winning football matches.

Hull were fantastic to beat Liverpool. Sure you can say Liverpool were poor but I hate to do that because it takes away what a good performance and result it was for Steve Bruce's side.

I obviously do not see them getting anything here but Hull fans should be pleased as they probably were not expecting to beat Liverpool.

Score: 3-1
Fulham v Tottenham

Well what an interesting couple of days it has been for Fulham, sacking Martin Jol and being replaced by Rene Meulensteen.

When he was brought in, initially as assistant to Jol, I got the impression that he was there as a ready-made replacement in case Fulham lost the next game or two and Jol is sacked.

It looks like I have been proved right on this case. This may not spell good for Andre Villas-Boas as Meulensteen will want a response from the players.

Being at Craven Cottage will make it even tougher for Tottenham but they played very well against Manchester United.

I still think Spurs will edge this, but as I keep saying, it should be a tight match.

Score: 1-2
Liverpool v Norwich

As good as Hull were, Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed at how poor his Liverpool team were, especially as they threw away at least a point at the KC Stadium.

But the Reds have scored five goals in their last two games against Chris Hughton's Canaries.

With Luis Suarez playing in the team, despite Daniel Sturridge's injury which rules him out for the next 6-8 weeks, I expect nothing but a home win.

Norwich have won two of their last three Premier League matches and will be more confident than they were a month or so ago.

But they have to do a lot better this time if they are to stand a chance of getting something out of this match.

Score: 3-0
Man Utd v Everton

Well David Moyes faces the club he left in the summer after 11 solid years in Merseyside. Maroune Fellani will be likely to face Roberto Martinez's Everton at Old Trafford.

I think Moyes has done pretty well in his first season in replacing Sir Alex Ferguson and, as I said at the start of the season, if he gets into the top four and wins a trophy then he will have had a decent job.

There was some controversy over Moyes' comments about Everton holding Fellani back by not initially selling him to Manchester United which I think is a bit disrespectful.

But emotions will have to be forgotten in the 90 minutes of football that will take place. Everton have made a slightly better start in the league than United. But slight is the operative word here.

Score: 2-1
Southampton v Aston Villa

I watched Southampton's match at Chelsea on Sunday and despite a very bright start for Mauricio Pochettino's men, they were simply outclassed in the second-half and ultimately lost.

I expect them to beat Paul Lambert's Villa though. Saints' home record is outstanding this season as they have only conceded two goals at St Marys' Stadium. But now that I have said that, Aston Villa will probably score.

Villa were held by Sunderland on Saturday but the worrying part for Lambert is they were outplayed by the Black Cats, especially at home.

They will probably be defending in this game for a point but I think Southampton will have too much for them.

Score: 2-1
Stoke v Cardiff

Beating Sunderland was a massive result for Mark Hughes but Stoke undone that by getting thrashed at Everton at the weekend.

What will annoy him and the fans is the lack of a fight they put up at Goodison Park. It doesn't matter how good the opposition is, you generally have to put up a fight otherwise you will be rolled over easily.

But they will see Cardiff at home as a good game to get back to winning ways. Malky Mackay's side were pressing Arsenal all the way and I don't think the scoreline told the accurate story in South Wales.

I think they will lose again here but they should be fine if they keep going the way they are.

Score: 2-0
Sunderland v Chelsea
 
Jose Mourinho may not like coming to the Stadium of Light given how Gus Poyet, who faces his old club, has done here with Sunderland.
 
Chelsea did not have any favours on their last visit to the north-east, losing 2-0 at Newcastle and will hope for better fortunes this time around.
 
After an absolutely terrible start on Sunday against Southampton, the Blues showed their class and turned on the style in the second-half to help themselves to three points.
 
But Sunderland will have confidence themselves heading into this game as they have proved they can beat big sides when they turn up.
 
They can also take heart of their performance on Saturday at Aston Villa where they were the better team and, if it were not for that horrible miss by Emanuele Giaccherini, they could have come back to Wearside with all three points.
 
Still, it is a clean sheet and a point on the road which could be crucial in the long run. After this game and Saturday's against Spurs, their home games, for the most part, should be that little bit easier. In games like those is where their Premier League fate will be decided.
 
Score: 0-2
 
Swansea v Newcastle
This will be a tricky test for Alan Pardew's in-form Newcastle but this is a good time to go to places like Swansea when you are full of confidence.
 
Beating Chelsea, Tottenham, Norwich and West Brom should give Pardew a Manager of the Month award.
 
Moussa Sissoko will hope for more goals like the screamer he scored on Saturday but the Magpies also have Loic Remy who has been their standout player this term.
 
Michael Laudrup's Swansea have not done too badly themselves and Man City just outclassed them on Sunday.
 
The home side did the double over the away team last season but I see this latest encounter ending all square.
 
Score: 1-1
West Brom v Man City

West Brom's decent run was brought to an end at Newcastle although in fairness it was a wonder strike from Moussa Sissoko that won it.

I really worried for Steve Clarke about losing Romelu Lukaku but they have coped really well with the acquisitions of Stephane Sessegnon and Victor Anchiebe.

And they actually didn't play badly although they could have defended better for Newcastle's first goal.

But if Manuel Pellegrini's away record with Manchester City is anything to go by they could get something out of this game as they have only won once away from home this season.

Their home record is just about keeping them in the title race but if they can start replicating that success on the road then they could be in touching distance of the Premier League again.

Score: 1-2

Saturday 23 November 2013

Barclays Predictions League 8

Everton v Liverpool (Saturday, 12:45pm)

Roberto Martinez's first Merseyside derby promises to be a cracker. David Moyes' final two derbies ended in draws last season. At Goodison Park the game ended 2-2 while the reverse fixture at Anfield was goalless.

Everton generally have played well this season but were held by Crystal Palace last time around and the Eagles arguably had the better chances against them.

Meanwhile Liverpool thrashed Fulham in their previous league game and they are really starting to look like a team. They also did well to respond from their defeat at Arsenal too.

But both teams have attacking mindsets and usually do not sit back to get a draw. While both teams should be going for the win, I see this one ending all square.

Score: 1-1
Arsenal v Southampton

If someone told me this was going to be a massively important game for Arsenal's title hopes, I would have simply refused to believe it.

That is all the more credit to Mauricio Pochettino's Southampton who have had a brilliant start to this campaign.

They outclassed a consistently good Hull side at St Mary's two weeks ago and showed how good they can be. England's Adam Lallana did well against Chille and Germany and shall be determined to continue the form which got him an international call up in the first place.

Arsene Wenger will know the Saints have beaten Liverpool and drawn against Manchester United, who beat them two weeks ago thanks to former Gunner Robin Van Persie.

Arsenal themselves are still top of the league but they didn't create too much at Old Trafford which will frustrate them. They have still had an impressive start to the season.


Score: 1-0
Fulham v Swansea

Rene Meulensteen coming in behind the scenes will add a different atmosphere around Craven Cottage. This couldn't come at a better time as Fulham are in free fall at the moment.

Against Liverpool they were awful, which is obvious for everyone to see. I understand the firepower they have got but they cannot get gritty and Martin Jol's side lack determination to see out the game.

This fixture, while more winnable, is not easy is it? Michael Laudrup's side were robbed in their draw against Stoke two weeks ago as Charlie Adam's penalty was very harsh. You may as well block the ball with your face and it is now a penalty.

Still, coming from 2-0 down to be leading 3-2 especially after a European game is something worth pointing out.

As I said with the Sunderland v Newcastle game, I can literally see this one going any way possible. Fulham need a win, both teams could cancel each other out and Swansea could have too much from the home team. They have won their last two visits there after all.

Score: 1-1
Hull v Crystal Palace

I have to say I am surprised that Crystal Palace haven't appointed a new manager yet although apparently Tony Pulis is in advanced talks.

I still think they will go down but at the same time they can still get out of trouble.

In fairness to them, their 0-0 draw with Everton last time around was a good point for them and they can take some positives from that.

Hull were outclassed last time at Southampton but Palace are a team I expect them to beat, especially at home.

And they have made a better start than I thought they would. We will just have to see if they can keep it going.

Score: 2-1
Newcastle v Norwich

Newcastle's inconsistency must baffle their fans. They lose the Wear-Tyne derby to Sunderland and then beat Chelsea and Tottenham.

The Chelsea win was a team performance while the Spurs win was solely down to Tim Krul who simply could not be beaten.

He really proved what a good keeper he is and Alan Pardew will be hoping he has more days like that where he keeps out practically everything.

Chris Hughton will hope differently however on his second return to St James' Park especially after a much-needed win against West Ham where were outplayed in the first 45 minutes.

Norwich still do not look like scoring too often which will still be a worry for Hughton and they needed a penalty to get off the mark against West Ham.

Even though the home side have been beaten by teams they should be beating, I still feel they have an overall stronger squad than the Canaries.

Score: 2-1
Stoke v Sunderland

Gus Poyet arriving has presented a renewed optimism on Wearside. They have now won all three of their home games against Newcastle, Southampton and now Manchester City.

However, as many will tell you, it is away from home they obviously struggle. There were positives from their last away game at Hull as with nine men they still gave it a go and, considering the game could have got much worse, that is impressive.

Stoke themselves, similar to Norwich, cannot score many goals but did get three last time at Swansea even though they got very lucky thanks to a very controversial penalty.

I do think there will be goals in this match strangely. Sunderland have only just kept their first clean sheet and Stoke cannot score. Interesting stats don't you think?

Score: 1-1
West Ham v Chelsea (Saturday, 5:30pm)

How West Ham fans would love a repeat of last season's home win against the Blues. Sam Allardyce certainly wouldn't mind it that is for sure.

I have been underwhelmed by the Hammers start to the season. The obvious problem is their lack of a centre forward. Look at the first-half against Norwich two weeks ago where they dominated but only scored one goal and were later punished.

They should not get as many chances against Jose Mourinho's side but you never know in football. Chelsea have conceded two goals in their last two league matches however.

They were lucky in my opinion to get a draw against West Brom as they were outplayed and outperformed in the majority of the game - particularly in the second-half.

It wouldn't surprise me if West Ham did get something out of the game but I think they away side will just edge this latest London derby.

Score: 1-2
Man City v Tottenham (Sunday, 1:30pm)

Man City should get some comfort given that they are at home again this time but they seriously need to sort out their away form after their latest (and fourth consecutive) 1-0 loss at Sunderland.

They can challenge for the title but their 100% home record has kept them just about in distance.

Manuel Pellegrini I will give credit for dropping Joe Hart recently even though he actually did play pretty well in England's loss to Germany to be fair to the guy.

Andre Villas-Boas is under a bit of pressure after their somewhat undeserved defeat to Newcastle. Tim Krul was in inspired form that day so any team would have found it hard to get past him on his day.

But Tottenham have found it difficult to find the back of the net this season and the sale of Gareth Bale maybe starting to affect them.

Against Crystal Palace, Swansea and Hull they only won 1-0 because of a penalty. Against Cardiff it took them until stoppage time to beat them.

City here for me.

Score: 2-1
Cardiff v Man Utd (Sunday, 4:00pm)

Cardiff have this game and this a home match against Arsenal so these games are coming thick and fast for them.

Cardiff have a strong resilience under Malky Mackay and did win their last home game against South Wales rivals Swansea.

But David Moyes' Manchester United, understandably bouyed by their win against Arsenal before the international break, should have too much for them.

Man Utd can still retain the title but I think their squad currently isn't strong enough. I do think they will leave Wales will three points however.

Score: 0-2
West Brom v Aston Villa (Monday, 8:00pm)

Here we are with a Midlands derby to cap off the return of Premier League football.

West Brom, as I said, were unlucky not to win against Chelsea which is saying something. They played extremely well at Stamford Bridge and a controversial penalty denied them a famous win.

Aston Villa finally got off the mark twice against Cardiff and both sides will have optimism after recent results.

I fancy West Brom as it is at the Hawthorns. If Christian Benteke is kept fit for Paul Lambert, then a win seems more likely.

Score: 2-1