Serial mystic John Wisdom shares his insights into the upcoming weekend of Premier League footie.
Manchester United 3 – 2 Arsenal
Josh’s prediction: 3-2
Ferdinand and Scholes are facing late fitness tests and may yet play against the Gunners on Monday night with Manchester United hoping to extend their recent good run of form against Arsenal at Old Trafford. United have won 7 of the last 9 games that these two teams have played against each other in Manchester. Arsenal have the best away form in the league, picking up 17 points on their travels which has seen Nasri step out of the shadow of fellow midfielder Cesc Fabregas and develop into a world class player. This match is hugely important and I hope that it lives up to its potential.
Newcastle United 1 – 1 Liverpool
Josh’s prediction: 0-3
Pardew needs a victory if he is to ease the unwelcoming atmosphere around St. James’ Park. Captain Kevin Nolan may return and if he does so it will be a huge boost for the team. Torres returns for the Reds, however Gerrard and Carragher are still injured. Liverpool’s away form has been woeful, winning just 2 of their last 17 Premier League away games, whilst Newcastle’s home form has not been much better, only Blackpool gaining fewer points than the Magpies on their home ground. This one should be close.
Aston Villa 1 – 1 West Bromwich Albion
Josh’s Prediction: 2-2
Only 1 win in 10 for Villa under Gerard Houllier has been a far from perfect start for the Frenchman on his return to the Premier League. A further loss today could see Villa slipping into the relegation zone for the first time in 7 years. Albion have emerged from their slump, beating both Everton and Newcastle comfortably in recent weeks. Victory today would see them string together 3 successive Premier League victories for the first time since 2002. Albion will be without Brunt and Odemwingie whilst Villa will be hoping that the return of Ashley Young can spark their rejuvenation. This should be close game.
Everton 2 – 0 Wigan Athletic
Josh’s prediction: 2-0
Predicting any game involving the Latics this season has been difficult, such is their inconsistency. They are without an away win since August although they will be boosted by the return of top scorer Rodallega. Moyes’ main problem lies in his sides lack of ability to score goals. None of his forwards have really been producing good performances. Fortunately Cahill has stepped up to score 8 goals from midfield already this season and I believe that January will see Moyes trying to bring in another forward. Regardless of their league position Everton are incredibly difficult to beat at Goodison Park and I believe they will win this one.
Fulham 2 – 2 Sunderland
Josh’s prediction: 1-2
Fulham have only managed two victories this season and are definitely missing last season’s talismanic striker Zamora. Bruce’s Sunderland has been brilliant, and in the shape of Gyan, Bent and Wellbeck they have one of the most in-form strike forces in the league. These two teams are draw specialists, with 17 of their 32 games ending all square and although Sunderland recorded their first away win around the corner at Chelsea recently, I expect these two teams to cancel each other out.
Stoke City 1 – 0 Blackpool
Josh’s prediction: 1-0
Due to their pitches being frozen, Blackpool have had to train on the beach this week which has hampered preparations. They have 8 injuries to their squad and are going up against a Stoke side who are in great form, gaining 11 points in their last 5 games. Although the Seasiders play some nice attacking football I expect the direct and physical style of Stoke to prove victorious today.
West Ham United 1 – 3 Manchester City
Josh’s prediction: 1-2
Tevez won’t be making the trip to London this weekend having picked up another yellow card last weekend that has resulted in a one-match suspension. Manchester City will have to prove that they can manage to win without their talismanic captain. For their title challenge to be taken seriously these are the games that they have to win. West Ham will be hoping that they can continue to turn Upton Park into a fortress, having been unbeaten in their last 5 games at home. Unfortunately for the Hammers I don’t see them winning this one.
Bolton Wanderers 1 – 1 Blackburn Rovers
Josh’s prediction: 2-2
Allardyce was in charge at Bolton last time they beat Rovers back in 2006. Since then Bolton have developed under Coyle and are now a force to be reckoned with, scoring 11 goals in their last 3 home games. However beating Blackburn is very difficult, although they were taken apart by Manchester United they have managed to win 4 of their last 6 games. This will be a very competitive derby and I fancy it to end all square at the Reebok.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 2 Birmingham City
Josh’s prediction: 0-2
Wolves have lost 6 of their last 8 matches in the Premier League and are still the only team that has failed to keep a clean sheet. Although Birmingham are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone I believe that they will pick up their first away win of the season at Molineux on Sunday. Occasionally the Blues have struggled to score but that shouldn’t be a problem against Wolves who have conceded 30 already this season, more than any other team in the league.
Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 1 Chelsea
Josh’s prediction: 3-1
A tough match to call, however if there was ever a time for Tottenham to beat Chelsea it is now. Spurs are the masters of rising to the big occasion, which they demonstrated magnificently against Arsenal last month. They are unbeaten in their last 11 London Derby matches, having won the last 6. Ancellotti has raised concerns about Chelsea’s recent form, taking only 5 points from the last 18 available, and with Arsenal and Manchester United to come in the next few weeks a win at White Hart Lane is much needed.
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