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

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