Saturday, 7 April 2012

Weekend Football

Having recently retired from my fairly woeful and short lived gambling career, I've decided to get my fix by calling the Premier League results. Now that there's no money involved I'm hoping for a change in fortunes, trust me I'm optimistic.

Sunderland vs Tottenham - 2-2
Both sides are good going forward and this usually means goals. Both are in a bit of a dip in form but I'm backing Sunderland to rediscover their mojo against one of the Premier League's big boys and the Stadium of Light has proved a really tough place to go under Martin O'Neill. Tottenham will definitely have to be at their best to get a win and it'll be difficult for them.

Bolton vs Fulham - 2-1
Bolton are one of a number of relegation candidates to have gone on a good run of late and started to pick up some wins. The introduction of Arsenal loanee Ryo Miyaichi has brought in some real pace and the delivery of Martin Petrov on the other wing has resulted in plenty of chances. Fulham, on the hand, have proved inconsistent all season (the bane of many of my football accumulators) and although they should always get goals with Clint Dempsey, an away win looks unlikely.

Chelsea vs Wigan - 3-0
Strange to call Chelsea a rejuvenated side under Di Matteo who was a coach during AVB's time, but the results have clearly improved. Wigan have been creating lots of chances of late and despite poor finishing (Beausejour producing some remarkable misses last week) have got some crucial wins with decent performances. Even then, its hard to see them denying a Chelsea side with Torres and Mata in form.

Liverpool vs Aston Villa - 2-1
Anfield has not been a happy hunting ground for Liverpool this year and it seems that every week Dalglish is claiming this loss will act as a motivating factor to pick up some wins. That said, Suarez is one of the most dangerous players in the league in and around the box and they should get a win against a struggling Villa team. Kenny has spent lots of money on seemingly average players and even a top 7 finish looks far from simple now, plenty of pressure on him and his side.

Norwich vs Everton - 1-2
Both sides have over-acheived year to find themselves 12th and 7th respectively, under well organised managers. The Toffees are one of the form sides in the league and Moyes' January signings of Jelavic, Pienaar and Gibson are looking like masterstrokes in kickstarting their season and I'd imagine they'll just about steal a really tight game.

West Brom vs Blackburn - 0-2
This would be my suprise result of the weekend. Blackburn, like Wigan and Bolton, are now picking up important points home and away. West Brom have had a successful year under Hodgson but their performances have dropped recently with little to play for. Blackburn, in contrast, are playing for their Premier League status and with players like Yakubu and Hoilett, they always look good for goals and I think they could well steal a massive result.

Stoke vs Wolves - 2-0
Stoke are rediscovering their home form that is always so vital to their campaign and I can't see any other result other than a home win. Wolves have been cut adrift in the past few weeks and find themselves 6 points from safety. A win and they could be back in with a shout but it'll be a really tough ask for them.

Man Utd vs QPR (Sunday) - 4-1
Utd are simply relentless at the end of a Premier League season and tomorrow should be more of the same. I thought City were nailed on to win the title this year, and they certainly have the better side on paper, but their relative inexperience has really counted against them whereas Utd have won havn't lost since January 4th, over 3 months ago! QPR could well get a goal, through Zamora and Taarabt there's always a chance, but anything but a loss would be a serious shock.

Arsenal vs Man City (Sunday) - 3-1
Games involving the Gunners and other members of the top 4 have generally seen lots of goals and this looks likely to be the same as neither have defended at their best of late. Arsenal have looked strong at home and are always going to create chances through RVP and the pace of their wingers. Should be interesting to see how former reds Clichy, Nasri and Touré go (they'll certainly be in for some nasty receptions) but City resemble a side losing their way and looking tired, perfect for Arsenal's quick attacking movement.

Bring it on Lawro..

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