Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Brom, QPR, Norwich, Liverpool and Newcastle are backed for wins while Everton, Stoke, Reading and Arsenal could be forced to settle for one point apiece.
Newcastle United v Manchester City: 2-1
Every week I try to throw a little howitzer in the mix and this week is no different as I am going to back City to lose two Premier League games on the bounce for the first time since losing to Arsenal and Wolves in October 2010. It is a long shot, considering the poor form of Newcastle in recent weeks that shot becomes even longer but I always like to back a flogged horse and see no reason why this isn’t plausible.
Liverpool v Aston Villa: 1-0
Liverpool are coming good and with Luis Suarez available again after his suspension they should make light work of an Aston Villa team struggling with defensive injuries.
Manchester United v Sunderland: 4-1
An interesting subplot lies behind this game as Sunderland’s last win at Old Trafford was in 1968 and gave Manchester City the title after they won at St James Park. Both fixtures are repeated this weekend but I would not put money on a repeat of that days actions. United welcome Vidic back to the team and should be too strong for The Black Cats.
Norwich City v Wigan Athletic: 2-0
I concede that at the start of the season I earmarked both these sides for relegation. It appears I am going to be proven wrong especially by Norwich who have been in great form in recent weeks. Wigan welcome Maynor Figueroa back to the fold which should add some stability however at Carrow Road the Canaries should be to strong.
QPR v Fulham: 2-1
Is this the week? Officially the worst ever start to the Premier League season Harry Redknapp has possibly the hardest task of his managerial career at his hands. Yet in the local derby with Fulham this weekend surely they can muster enough of a performance to grab a vital three points. Otherwise they will be looking at bottom of the league at Christmas as an almost certainty.
Stoke City v Everton: 1-1
Should be an intriguing encounter at The Britannia stadium. Not many teams are better equipped to deal with Stoke City’s physical football then fourth-placed Everton and confidence will be sky-high after the win against Spurs. However I fear a return to the draws for The Toffees.
Tottenham v Swansea City: 2-1
Should, on paper, be an exciting game with the attacking philosophies going head to head. Swansea enjoyed their last trip to North London when they despatched of Arsenal at The Emirates. At the moment however Andre Villas Boas’s side are the number one team in the region and The Swans may come up short on this occasion.
West Brom v West Ham: 1-0
At first I thought a draw but in a rush of blood to the head moment I ended up backing The Baggies for a win against The Hammers.
Reading v Arsenal: 2-2
7-5 anyone? Surely there will be no repeat of the Carling Cup madness that befell Berkshire earlier in the season but I can still see goals at the Madejski Stadium. Although the temptation to go with an ironic 0-0 was there I think a score draw is a more likely scenario.
What are your predictions ahead of the weekend action?
image: © mollyig
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