17 November 2006

Premiership Predictions 11.18-11.19

Manchester City v Fulham (7:45am, Setanta): City’s been far better at home than away this season, and they deserved more than a draw from last week’s match against Newcastle. But I’ve been more than impressed with Chris Coleman’s Fulham side, especially their improvement on the road, and look for them to frustrate City tomorrow. 1-1

Sheffield Utd v Manchester Utd (10am, FSC): I keep predicting losses for Sheffield United while mentioning I think they’ll be relegated, and they continue to work hard and get results, with a draw against Bolton and a win over Newcastle in their last two matches. The run ends here, up against the most in-form team (sigh) in the League. 3-1 Man Utd

Chelsea v West Ham (10am, Setanta): I’m holding out hope that West Ham can repeat the success of the last London derby (1-0 over the Arse), but I certainly wouldn’t put money on it. It’s dependant on other results, but a loss here could send the Hammers back into the drop zone. 2-0 Chelsea

Arsenal v Newcastle (10am, Setanta Xtra): Life’s not getting any easier for the Geordies. Winless in their last 8 in the Prem, they travel to Arsenal, who are coming off an absolute demolishment of Liverpool. I’m predicting 3-0 simply because it’ll completely frustrate me if Newcastle gets a better result at the Emirates than the Reds did. 3-0 Arse

Everton v Bolton (10am): Everton is going to sincerely miss Tim Cahill over the next 6-8 weeks. They’re now completely reliant on Andy Johnson for goals. Bolton will look to reassert themselves after disappointing performances against Sheffield, Wigan, and Charlton. Chances are, this won’t be a demonstration of “the beautiful game.” 1-0 Bolton

Portsmouth v Watford (10am): Aidy Boothroyd’s done very well with a Watford side that wasn’t even expected to be promoted, but they’ll rue the loss of main goal-threat Marlon King (out for the rest of the season), and Fratton Park has become a very difficult place to play away. 2-1 Portsmouth

Reading v Charlton (10am): A new manager isn’t going to stop the bleeding at the Valley. Les Reed's managerial brief is solely focused on keeping Charlton above the relegation zone. My suspicion is he won’t be successful. 1-0 Reading

Blackburn v Tottenham (8:30am Sunday, Setanta): Two weeks ago, Tottenham looked to have turned a corner with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Chelsea. But they were completely unable to capitalize on this, with Reading coming back from a goal down to beat Spurs 3-1 the next week. While Blackburn hasn’t played well of late either, I have a feeling Tottenham’s going to be further frustrated during their visit to Ewood Park. By the way, I’ve been quite impressed with how Benni McCarthy has settled into the league.1-0 Blackburn

Wigan v Aston Villa (11am Sunday, FSC): Wigan’s four-game win streak versus Villa’s recent drop in form (since the loss of Luke Moore, honestly). No matter, I still fancy Villa to take this, I think the speed of Agbonlahor, plus the return to fitness for Gareth Barry, will be too much for Wigan to handle. 2-1 Villa


Liverpool v Boro (12:15pm Saturday, FSC) preview later.

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