Pearls of Wisdom 2: Premier League Predictions

Once again football wild man John Wisdom offers his prophetic insight into this weekend's Premier League fixtures. Think you could do better? Post  your predictions in the comments section below:

Aston Villa 1 – 2 Arsenal

Josh's prediction:  0-2

Having lost to their rivals Tottenham at home and then to Braga in midweek Arsenal will be looking for nothing but a win to get them back on track. Still boasting the best away record in the top flight I expect them win this one. Although missing talismanic captain Fabregas, Arsenal’s Samir Nasri has shown on more than one occasion that he is more than capable of providing the creative spark for the Gunners in the midfield. Aston Villa have been playing some good football recently, however with injuries to five of their starting line up I don’t think that they will have enough to take on Arsenal at Villa Park today. Perhaps a start for Pires against his old club?

Bolton Wanderers 3 – 1 Blackpool

Josh's prediction: 2-0

Bolton are the team on form at the moment. Owen Coyle has done a phenomenal job at the Reebok. Elmander, Lee, Davies, Cahill and Holden are the backbone to a really well organised team. Blackpool always entertain, playing an exciting attacking game of football, however I expect Bolton to have the measure of them today. The Seasiders have the worst defensive record in the top flight, while Bolton have scored the most goals outside of the top three.

Everton 2 – 0 West Bromwich Albion

Josh's prediction: 2-0

This is a huge game for sides who are both flirting with the relegation zone. For Moyes the worry is the performance of his strikers, who have only scored 2 of their 16 goals this season, with seven alone coming from Tim Cahill. For Di Matteo it is how to re-ignite that form and confidence  that West Brom were playing with a month ago that saw them defeat the likes of Arsenal at the Emirates and draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.  Everton have lost only 4 of their last 25 Premier League matches and at Goodison Park I expect them to win this one.

Fulham 0 – 0 Birmingham City

Josh's prediction: 1-1

Fulham are suffering a striker shortage with Clint Dempsey once again called upon to spearhead the attack. The Blues will be buoyed by their first win over Chelsea for 30 years, however they are still chasing their first away win of the campaign. The two sides have drawn 15 of their combined 28 games this season and that is how I expect this one to end.

Manchester United 2 – 0 Blackburn Rovers
Josh's prediction: 2-0

Manchester United are unbeaten in all competitions this season and that is how it will stay. Rooney returns to Old Trafford, whist the once unbeatable defensive pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic start after being rested midweek. Blackburn are a tough team to beat and it will be interesting to see how they handle the January transfer window. Manchester United to comfortably win this one.

Stoke City 1 – 3 Manchester City

Josh's prediction: 1-2

Manchester City looked brilliant as they dismantled Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend. They played the style of football everyone has been hoping for given the quality of the players of their payroll and I only hope that they continue to try to play that way. The Brittania stadium is a tough place for anyone to travel to and Stoke are on form chasing their 4^th successive league victory, however I want to believe that Manchester City can play to the level that they did last week, and for that reason I think they will win this one.

West Ham United 2 – 0 Wigan Athletic

Josh's prediction: 1-0

I expect West Ham to get their second victory of the season today. Wigan are without Alcaraz and Rodallega after their red cards at Old Trafford. Rodallega in particular will be a huge miss for the Latics as top scorer for the club this season. West Ham need to kick start their season and I feel that a victory against Wigan could kick-start their season and allow them to begin to climb out of the relegation zone.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 2 Sunderland

Josh's prediction: 1-2

Wolves have lost 9 of their last 11 league matches and are chasing their first clean sheet of the season. In contrast Sunderland are on fire, having lost only 1 of their last 12 league games. Today will be a tough contest although I expect Sunderland to edge it.

Newcastle United 1 – 2 Chelsea

Josh's prediction: 1-2

Chelsea enter this game having lost 3 of their last 4  fixtures with speculation as to whether manager Carlo Ancellotti will still be in charge after summer. Still without Lampard, Essien and Terry they need a win at St. James to stay top of the table. Newcastle will be looking to bounce back after their heavy defeat at Bolton last weekend, although that could prove difficult. Barton, so often the architect of Newcastle’s goals is still suspended. As are Williamson and Colloccini, who have started in the heart of the Magpie defence for the last 14 games. Campbell is expected to get his first start with Steven Taylor facing a late fitness test to get into the squad. This disruption, coupled with Chelsea’s determination to get their season back on track should see Newcastle losing to a team from London for the first time this season.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 0 Liverpool

Josh's prediction: 3-0

Tottenham Hotspur produced one of the performances of the season last weekend against rivals Arsenal. They have scored 10 goals in their last three matches and playing at White Hart Lane they can beat anyone. If Harry Redknapp is to turn his team into “title contenders” he needs to show more consistency in the league. Liverpool have mustered only one away win in the league this season but victory at home to West Ham last weekend certainly showed promise. If Liverpool win by 2 on Sunday it will see them leapfrog Spurs in the table. However even with that incentive I see Spurs winning this one.