Kick off

This week sees another full list of fixtures in the Premier League and it could well be fitness is the key factor in deciding a lot of results.
The top teams are under performing at present and that is ominous for the New Year when we get down to the business side of things.
The big game last weekend was the clash of Chelsea and Man City which ended in a 0-0 draw with Chelsea closing off the wings preventing City from getting service to 'Super Sub' Dzeko. With Chelsea's offensive players working so hard on defense they were limited in what they could do in attack against a strong Man City defense even though they were the most likely to score over 90 minutes.

Chelsea are slowly strangling themselves. Whether it is on or off the field controversies. The appointment of Benitez is the latest episode. It is clear that it is a short term appointment meaning more turmoil in 6 months with another manager. Abramovich has been untouchable up to now by the Chelsea fans but the tide may well be changing. To him I fear Chelsea is a toy and he is a big kid who hates it that his most expensive one is not doing what it said it would do on the box. Benitez (the toy maker) has been brought in against every Chelsea's fan wishes to make Torres work. Such is the owner's sulk.

Here are my predictions for the upcoming fixtures: 27th November
I am giving myself 1 point for every correct prediction.
Aston Villa vrs Reading -

This pits 2nd from botton against 3rd from bottom. Two teams rediscovering some form in the last few weeks.
 Villa have earned some plaudits with their gutsy performances and Reading have picked up some points including a win over Everton. Lambert is slowly molding his side. Villa are at home but could be without influential skipper Ron Vlaar who is injured. I like Benteke and a few other of Villa's young Lions but how much can we really expect from them. This season is purely about survival. Reading have been having problems holding on to leads and have the worst 2nd half performance in the league. Villa are also poor in the second half, conceding 77% (17/22) of their goals. It is for this reason that I believe it will be a tight opening 45 minutes.

Prediction - Half time  - Draw (0-0) Full time (1-1)
Actual: Half time - Draw (0-0) +1 Full time (1-0) -1
Hindsight: - Not far off a perfect score here. Got the half time result right.

Sunderland Vrs QPR - 

This is difficult to predict as it is Harry's first game in charge and we don't know what effect he will have on the players. Sunderland have been very poor and are looking more and more like relegation material if they don't get themselves in order. Adam Johnson has been particularly disappointing. A lot of players like Johnson and Sessegnon are just going through the motions. To expect Harry to conjure a win away from home might be a bit too much to ask. I am going to say a low scoring draw as that might suit both teams in getting a point from the game. It won't suit the home fans though.

Prediction - Under 2.5 goals
Actual - Under 2.5 goals +1 (0-0)