Barclays Predictions League 12

Chelsea v Everton (Saturday, 12:45pm)

Chelsea are still well within the title race and are top of the Premier League, albeit by one point. Jose Mourinho will be pleased either way.

They should have enough in them to win this match, especially at Stamford Bridge, but Roberto Martinez's side should give them a tough ride.

Both sides come into this with mixed fortunes in the F.A. Cup, Chelsea losing at Manchester City while Everton overcame Swansea to advance.

Even without Romelu Lukaku, the Toffees are still strong and should easily get a top seven finish at the end of the campaign but, although you can't rule it out, it will be a bonus if they get a result here.

Score: 1-0

Arsenal v Sunderland

This is Arsenal's fourth home game in 10 days after facing Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

On paper, this looks the most straightforward out of the four, but Sunderland should give them a tough ride, especially after getting a good run around on Tuesday night.

They were extremely unlucky and gave Munich a good go even with 10 men but they face a mountain to climb in the second leg of the Champions League last 16, pardon the cliche.

But they are still in the F.A. Cup and I think they could win it. Everton and Manchester City are the toughest opponents on paper.

But I don't want to disrespect Gus Poyet's men, who have been playing better in the last couple of months and deservedly went into the last eight after victory against Southampton.

The defeat to Hull was a set back for them but the worry for the Black Cats is the potential fixture congestion as they have the Capital One Cup final, the F.A. Cup Quarter-Final against either Brighton or Hull and three other league games, Manchester City, West Brom and Liverpool, postponed.

Arsene Wenger has set his team up well at the Emirates and I expect to get through this game, but not comfortably.

Score: 2-0

Cardiff v Hull

After bowing out of the F.A. Cup to holders Wigan last weekend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can concentrate on keeping his side in England's top division.

It would have been good for confidence to go through to the last eight with a win but then they would add to their fixture list and they need as many fresh players as they can to boost their survival chances.

Steve Bruce complained about the fixture pile-up following his side's 1-1 draw at Brighton on Monday night. Personally I can understand his complaints as he has to play the Seagulls at home two days after this game.

I don't understand the UEFA rules about not having matches clash with European games either. If they desperately couldn't mix them together, then have them play the week after!

But Hull will be fine. They have enough in them to stay up but I actually think Cardiff will take maximum spoils this weekend in South Wales.

Score: 2-1

Man City v Stoke

Like Arsenal, Manuel Pellegrini's team followed an F.A. Cup win with a somewhat undeserved loss at home in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, this time against Barcelona.

The penalty changed the game as Manchester City had looked reasonably comfortable before then but they did give an enormous effort and were caught on the break for the second goal.

I did think the La Liga leaders would win over two legs but it looks unlikely that City will progress to the next round.

Back to Premier League action, and they come up against former manager Mark Hughes, this time with Stoke City.

In the reverse fixture at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke were all over City and should have won the game. Their record at the Etihad, however, doesn't look so good.

I don't see them being in any real danger of relegation but they will do well to stop City's superiority.

Score: 3-0

West Brom v Fulham

Right, West Brom win, next!

Seriously though, sacking Rene Meulensteen and his staff is stupid to me, especially as Fulham had picked up a great point at Old Trafford and only just lost to Champions League chasing Liverpool.

Their defence is so leaky but that isn't Meulensteen's fault. Blame Martin Jol as he didn't invest in any younger players in the previous transfer windows and Felix Magath has a real job on his hands.

West Brom got an excellent point against Chelsea last time around and Pepe Mel will see this game as a perfect way to get his team further away from trouble.

Score: 2-0

West Ham v Southampton

After Southampton lost in their fourth meeting against Sunderland this season last Saturday, I did wonder why on earth Mauricio Pochettino left several first team players out.

Having said that, they should have an F.A. Cup replay after Rickie Lambert missed a sitter in the dying minutes at the Stadium of Light.

They are comfortable in mid-table and a good cup run would have helped their season but if they have a strong finish to the season the Saints fans won't be complaining too much.

West Ham have, yet again, proved my point that everything looks much more rosy after a couple of good results.

Beating Norwich just over a week ago was a massive victory for Sam Allardyce's side and they look much more like staying up than they did a month ago.

Score: 2-2

Crystal Palace v Man Utd (Saturday, 5:30pm)

As a neutral, I am quite looking forward to this game. Tony Pulis has improved the Eagles' home form and this will be a tough test for them.

Manchester United did show determination against Arsenal at the Emirates but they have to aim for at least a top seven finish and restart next season.

Like I said this season was a traditional phase but they can be a great team again with some more quality in their side.

Crystal Palace have a game in hand over their relegation rivals and I actually predict an upset on the cards for this weekend at Selhurst Park.

I think Palace will be organised and well structured and I can see them upsetting the Red Devils on the break.

Score: 2-1

Liverpool v Swansea (Sunday, 1:30pm)

While I still disagree with the sacking of Michael Laudrup, Gary Monk has done well since taking over the reigns in South Wales.

Beating rivals Cardiff and drawing at Stoke is a decent start to life as the boss, for now anyway. Losing at Everton won't be a big deal for them as staying in the Premier League should take priority.

But after a competitive meeting with Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday night, former manager Brendan Rodgers will come out on top in my opinion.

While Liverpool should have had a second penalty, Luis Suarez' reputation got the better of him and they crashed out of the F.A. Cup at the Emirates which means finishing in the top four takes on greater importance.

Score: 2-0

Newcastle v Aston Villa (Sunday, 1:30pm)

Despite scoring no goals and conceding 10 in their last three Premier League games, Newcastle should still have a strong finish this season.

The derby loss at home to Sunderland was unacceptable but Chelsea and Tottenham were always going to be hard matches as both are on good form.

This isn't going to be an easy game but I think, with Loic Remy coming back from suspension, Alan Pardew's Magpies will get a much needed win.

Aston Villa aren't great on the road and they are struggling to score goals this season but Paul Lambert has done a good job this season and the Villains should stay clear of the bottom three this season.

Score: 2-1

Norwich v Tottenham (Sunday, 4:00pm)

Tottenham have improved under Tim Sherwood but Emmanuel Adebayor has been the biggest change, scoring eight league goals in 11 Premier League matches. Well done, Mr Sherwood.

Although they narrowly lost in the Europa League this week, I think Tottenham will bounce back with a win here.

Chris Hughton's side are under pressure and realistically could do with a result from this match.

They haven't got recognised goal scorers but if Gary Hooper is fit then there could be cause for optimism.

Score: 1-2

Barclays Predictions League 11

Sorry that I haven't posted one of these for a while but I have been really busy lately. Here is my latest predictions blog though.

Newcastle v Sunderland (Saturday, 12:45pm)

The latest instalment of the Tyne-Wear derbies! These games are usually a cracker and this one should be no different especially as this is one the passionate derbies you will ever see in football.

While Sunderland fans will be feeling more optimistic after Yohan Cabaye's departure from Tyneside and Loic Remy's suspension at Norwich, Alan Pardew still has very good players at his disposal.

I don't think Newcastle are a Champions League team but they can reach that level if Mike Ashley spends money to improve them.

And yet, they are comfortable in eighth place right now while their Wearside rivals are going to Wembley for their Capital One Cup final in March and are in the last 16 of the FA Cup.

But league and cup form goes completely out of the window in derbies. Newcastle have lost their two meetings with Sunderland but I see that coming to an end on Saturday.

Gus Poyet may have beaten Pardew in their last three meetings but they have been at his team's ground. He has yet to face him at St James' Park as a manager.


Still, they did grind out a crucial win against Stoke which a vital preparation for a game like this and there is no reason why they cannot do the double over the Magpies.

Although Sunderland fans will probably disagree with me, I am going for a Newcastle win.

Score: 2-1

West Ham v Swansea (Saturday, 12:45pm)

Sam Allardyce must be delighted with his side's determination in their 0-0 draw at Chelsea, considering they looked fully committed to the cause, which had come into question previously.

That type of result can really help thier self-confidence and belief, not to mention their woeful season. Andy Carroll has returned but it will take a while for him to settle back into the Premier League rhythm.

Swansea are not exactly the ideal side to play in this situation either! They haven't been as slick and stylistic as they were last season but they have got back on track with a midweek home victory over Fulham.

I think this tie will end all square but I wouldn't be surprised if the home fans celebrated a win at full time because of the great result at Stamford Bridge.

Score: 0-0

Cardiff v Norwich

Preferably this match will be settled by how both teams play rather than a controversial goal as what happened at the end of the reverse fixture at Carrow Road.

Since then, Cardiff have obviously changed their manager and Norwich are steadily improving.

Still, Chris Hughton's will have to improve their peformance levels against  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team, as the Canaries were outplayed in large parts of their draw with Newcastle.

But they at least didn't get beat and their problem has been scoring goals but they have tightened up at the back without conceding a goal in their last two league games.

Cardiff did give their best at Old Trafford in midweek but I think they will get the win here which can take them off the Premier League basement.

Score: 2-1

Everton v Aston Villa

Although I expected Liverpool to win the Merseyside derby, I didn't expect the scoreline to be that comfortable!

Everton just had one of those off days even though it was the worst day to have it but I think they should bounce back against Aston Villa.

VIlla themselves had a derby this week but quite a different outcome. It showed the character Paul Lambert has got in his dressing room after the first 10 minutes when they went 2-0 down to come back and win 4-3.

That result will give them more belief of getting a result here but Roberto Martinez's side should be too strong for them, especially at Goodison Park where they have only lost once this season.

Score: 3-1

Fulham v Southampton

Fulham have been on a bad run recently, although in fairness they have had to travel to Arsenal and Swansea. The game that really exposed their problems was the 4-1 home defeat to Sunderland.

Raul Meulensteen still has an aging squad and they need some youth with pace soon. I still don't think they will go down as there are worse teams in the Premier League but this game isn't likely to be an easy ride for them.

Mauricio Pochettino's men got a fully deserved result against Arsenal especially with the way they made the Gunners look average in the first half.

But Dani Osvaldo has been banned for his training ground clash with Jose Fonte and if he carries on like this then he needs to leave as he will bring everyone else down.

But the way they played in midweek showed they won't let that play on their minds as long as there is football to be played, and the Saints are some of the best footballers around at the moment in my opinion.

Score: 1-1

Hull v Tottenham

Hull were pretty unfortunate in both of their meetings at White Hart Lane this season, losing thanks to penalties, quite literally.

Although they have suffered back-to-back defeats, I don't think they are in serious danger of getting relegated as Steve Bruce is an experienced manager who, despite how his time at Sunderland ended, does know how to manage in the top flight.

As for Tottenham, I think Tim Sherwood will be glad to see the back of free-scoring Manchester City after their 5-1 humping in midweek.

Their defence usually isn't as bad as that but they were outplayed all over the park. Although I would back them to win this one, I see Hull frustrating them at the KC Stadium.

Score: 2-2

Stoke v Man Utd

Like Hull, I don't expect Stoke to be in any danger of relegation even after their setback at Sunderland. The positive for Mark Hughes though is they still had a go at the Black Cats even when reduced to 10 men and I expect them to have a go at Manchester United.

Still, this game could have come at the worst time for them, with new signing Juan Mata shining against Cardiff and with Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney coming back from injury.

David Moyes has made a masterstroke in signing the Chelsea outcast as he is the type of player who can change a game and against Cardiff he alone lifted the mood at Old Trafford.

The title race was over weeks, if not months, ago as far as United is concerned but they can still make the top four. Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton are still vulnerable in the race for Champions League qualification and United are still in the competition as well.

Score: 0-1

West Brom v Liverpool (Sunday, 1:30pm)

I do feel slightly sorry for the Baggies after being 2-0 up against Aston Villa who then ended up on the wrong end of a 4-3 scoreline.

From the neutral it was a cracking match but Pepe Mel will want to put that result behind him and respond against Brendan Rodgers' side who are on the back of a thumping Merseyside derby win.

Sturridge and Suarez are proving to be unplayable and Liverpool in general have a very good side so West Brom will need to watch that.

I doubt the game will be as open as the 4-1 reverse at Anfield but if Liverpool turn up the heat as they did against Everton they can win this game comfortably. However, I see West Brom earning a draw.

Score: 2-2

Arsenal v Crystal Palace (Sunday, 4:00pm)

Arsene Wenger should know that his side's 2-2 draw at Southampton won't be a slip-up in their quest for the Premier League title.

They were severely outplayed in the first-half and responded well only to be pegged back. Still, Manchester City only drew there this season and many good teams will struggle to win at St Mary's.

Although this seems like a home banker, Crystal Palace have won their last two league games against Stoke and Hull and will be confident.

Given how they started under Ian Holloway, Tony Pulis has given the Eagles a fighting chance of survival, which shows how tight the bottom half of the table can be.

I don't back them to get anything here but Palace are on a good run at the moment.

Score: 3-1

Man City v Chelsea (Monday, 8:00pm)

This is certainly a potential title decider and I think one of these two teams will win the Premier League. Chelsea's Jose Mourinho factor or Manuel Pellegrini's free-scoring Manchester City with oozes with quality.

Chelsea already won the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season but this is their biggest test yet and if they can get a result here then they can win the league.

Man City's home form has been incredible and they have scored 16 goals past Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal alone.

And I think the visitors will go initially to not lose aka "19th century football" which he accused West Ham of on Wednesday.

What were the Hammers going to do at Stamford Bridge? Push everyone forward and have no defence at the back?

Besides, what were his tactics at Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium? Playing for a draw and they drew 0-0 both games.

I think this will also be City's toughest home game yet this season and I back them, even without Sergio Augero, to win it…just!

Score: 2-1

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