The games are coming thick and fast in the Premier League with six games today and tomorrow. I got 5 out of the 10 right for the weekend ’s games which puts me one game up on Mark Lawrenson of the BBC.
Sunderland v Chelsea
Both sides got off to a winning start on Saturday so both managers will be hoping to get something from this game. The physical play of Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent will cause Chelsea some problems, but Chelsea have too many great counter-attacking players for them to lose here.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1
Wigan v Wolves
I was really surprised at how well Wigan played against Aston Villa and now they get to come home in front of their own fans and play relegation candidates Wolves. Wolves like most promoted teams are missing that piece of quality up front and they will struggle to score goals this season.
Prediction: Wigan 2-0
Birmingham v Portsmouth
Birmingham put up a good showing against Manchester United on Sunday and if they can maintain that same work ethic and organization they will become difficult to beat, especially at home.
Portsmouth is this season’s version of Newcastle. The wheels have came off this train, and it is not a pretty sight. It was is an early relegation 6-pointer, I expect Birmingham to win this one.
Prediction: Birmingham 2-0
Burnley v Man Utd
Burnley had to be hoping to get something from the Stoke game, because playing the champions at home is a tall order. Man Utd, never got out of second gear against Birmingham and I expect them to get a comfortable win here.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0
Hull v Tottenham
Both teams looked good this weekend and Hull were very unlucky to lose such a late goal against Chelsea. For Hull to avoid relegation they need to improve their home form, and who better to do it against then a Tottenham side who really struggled away from home last season. Spurs is still a work in progress and I look for Hull to pull the upset here.
Prediction: Hull 2-1
Liverpool v Stoke
That was a terrible performance by Liverpool on Sunday and they have to win this game as they cannot afford to drop 6 points behind Chelsea and Man United this early in the season. Stoke had a great win on Saturday and this is the type of game that they are not expecting to get anything from. I expect the crisis to be over at Anfield for a couple of days at least as Liverpool win this one comfortably.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0
Although I agree that AVB or Blanc would be fine managers I think we should hold on until the summer and check on the availability of Marcelo Bielsa,anyone watching his fine Bilbao side can’t help but wish that he hadn’t rebuffed us before. Bilbao played very dire english style football and Bielsa totally transformed them in a matter of months,maybe he would bring Javi Martinez and Llorente with him! I suppose I might just settle for Guardiola if Bielsa ain’t coming!