Sunderland 1 – 1 Bolton WanderersJosh's prediction: 1-1
Sunderland have yet to lose at the Stadium of Light this season, however with Bramble and Ferdinand both out injured perhaps this is the moment for high-flying Bolton to take a victory. Elmander has been phenomenal on the road with six of his 8 goals coming away from the Reebok Stadium. Steve Bruce is unbeaten in his last 5 games as a manager against Bolton and I expect it to stay that way. Expect a well-fought draw in this one.
Arsenal 1 – 0 Stoke City
Josh's prediction: 2-0
The last time this fixture was played Ramsay suffered his horrendous leg-break. Once again it will be the Gunners fluid and creative style up against Stoke’s physical and direct approach. I feel that this could be a very close one, however Arsenal should have enough to win this game at home. Chelsea don’t play Manchester United until Sunday and so a win would see Arsenal return to the top of the table. Stoke are on 21 points, exactly the same haul that they had at this time last season. Pulis has built up a good team and they will be safe from relegation, however I don’t see them winning this one.
Birmingham City 1 – 2 Newcastle United
Josh's prediction: 1-1
The Magpies enjoy this fixture, having lost only one of the 10 premier league matches between these sides. Pardew got off to a fantastic start against Liverpool, with Barton, Nolan and Carroll once again combining to defeat the Reds. Colloccini and Williamson return having served out their suspensions and that should shore up the defence. Birmingham are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone and McLeish, having seen Hughton and Allardyce unceremoniously evicted from their clubs, will know the importance of stringing a good run together. Birmingham have been very hard to break down, drawing 9 of their games this season. McLeish just needs to find a way to turn those draws into wins.
Blackburn Rovers 1 – 1 West Ham United
Josh's prediction: 1-3
Avram Grant has been given 3 games to save his job as manager of West Ham with rumours that it might be recently sacked Allardyce poised to take over the reins at Upton Park. The Hammers are unbeaten in their last 4 visits to Ewood Park and I think that it will stay that way. Rovers lost only six of their 38 Premier League matches at home under Allardyce and I see today ending all square.
Wigan Athletic vs. Aston Villa was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
Liverpool vs. Fulham was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
West Bromwich Albion 3 – 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Josh's prediction: 2-1
This is the first ever derby between West Brom and Wolves that the Premier League has seen. This should be a passionate encounter between two sides that have a knack for conceding. The Baggies have managed to keep only one clean sheet and let in 29 goals, only two teams have a worse defensive record. One of them being Wolves. However Wolves are on the up, having won two of their last three games, their best run of the season. I am going to stick my neck out and say that this will be a classic, full of goals and that West Brom with home advantage will render victorious.
Blackpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur incredibly unlikely to go ahead.
Chelsea 1 – 1 Manchester United
Josh's prediction: 2-1
A hugely important match for the Blues who have seen their recent dip in form surrender their lead, a lead which many had predicted a month ago could see them running off with the league this season. Lampard is expected to return, having been out since August and Drogba is returned to the starting line-up. Manchester United have not done well lately at Stamford Bridge and a victory on Sunday would suddenly turn the tide massively towards the Reds, particularly as they have a game in hand following their postponed match with Blackpool two weekends ago. Neither side will want to risk losing this and as such I believe it will end in a draw.
Manchester City 2 – 2 Everton
Josh's prediction: 3-1 Everton have struggled to find the goals this season, whilst for Manchester City most of their goals have been as a result of Tevez. Rumours that he is unsettled have been quashed by Mancini who claims that Carlos will be starting on Monday. Everton have a good record at the City of Manchester Stadium, seeking a fourth consecutive win at the ground. If they fail to beat Manchester City, it will be the club’s longest run without a victory under David Moyes. Manchester City have struggled to find the net at home, having just scored 8 in front of their home fans this season.
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