A good run of predictions see us currently on +3 for the season. A quick look at this weekends fixtures makes me feel if we still have +3 at the end we will have done well. A lot of the games this week I think are hard to call.
Newcastle vrs Man City:
Newcastle have been going through a bad patch recently with one win in ten in the league. A home game against the Champions is a perfect opportunity to try and focus the team on the present and trying to win this game instead of dwelling what has been a bad few months for the Toon army seeing them just two points above the relegation zone. There are different opinions as to why Newcastle have not been able to continue last season's fine form. I feel that it is in attack the answer can be found. Injuries to key players and the loss of form of their two main strikers. News that Ben Arfa will probably not be fit for Saturday will seem like familair news. The strain on the squad from their participation in the Europa League can also not be helping. Even with Newcastle making use of a big squad at the very least it has acted as a disruption to their normal routine.
For Man City, they will be determined to get back to winning ways after the late blow to losing to Man Utd at the weekend. A worrying trend for them is the fact that they have not won any of their four games so far this month. There is no doubt that there is some problems in the camp and some friction between players and manger and this I feel has stopped Man City from really hitting top gear in their performances. Questions remain as to why Tevez is not starting with Aquero and there is always of course the hot potato that is Balotelli to manage. A positive for the Citizens is that they have not conceded in their last 3 away games. So while not being at their best City have not been losing games. They have so much talent that even at their worst they can get a result but it is one thing being able to avoid defeat it is another to be able to win.
While Newcastle might not be expecting much from the game they will be boosted by the news that Kompany picked up an injury against Man Utd and may not be ready in time to line up.
Prediction: Man City win
Friday 14 December 2012
Tuesday 11 December 2012
Tuesday 11th December 2012
Got the Fulham Newcastle game spot on yesterday so hoping for the good form to continue in tonight's game and build on our +3 score for the season.
No change to the overall score for the season at +3
Sunderland vrs Reading:
This is a very big game for 2 teams that on current form are relegation certainties. Reading just don't have the players to compete consistently while Sunderland have the players but they have failed to deliver anywhere near the form that they should be capable of. A victory for Sunderland will take them out of the relegation and as high as 15th in table while a victory for Reading will take them to 12 points, 1 point behind Sunderland and 5 ahead of bottom placed QPR.
Sunderland could be without their main striker Fletcher through injury and if he doesn't play then you wonder where the goals will come from. Adam Johnson has not hit any sort of form and it appears he is still sulking from having to return from Man City. Playing at home at the Stadium of Light has not been a comfort for Sunderland as they have won only one league game there this season.
Reading have yet to win an away game but you get the feeling that if they are to win one it has to be in games like this against teams around them at the bottom. They have lost the last 4 games and have Arsenal and Man City to play after this one so their manager McDermott will be sending them out stressing the importance of getting 3 points tonight.
I feel the difference in this game could be the fact that Reading have been giving 100% but have just not been good enough. Sunderland have been underperforming, not giving 100% and I don't seem them changing in this regard. It could be this difference in commitment that will see Reading picking up their first away win.
The easy bet is for a 0-0 draw. The stats point towards there not being many goals in this game as both teams have struggled to score and with so much at stake it could be that the fear of losing will be too great for either team but I have a feeling that with difficult games coming up this will be a game that both teams will be determined to win.
Prediction: Reading & over 2.5
Actual: Sunderland 3-0 & over 2.5 (0)
Well we got it half right. I thought that Reading would be the team showing the most desire to win but it was Sunderland. Got the over 2.5 correct so nothing lost overall.
Monday 10th December 2012
Fulham vrs Newcastle is the only game today and it will be a difficult one to predict. We are +1 for the season after scoring -1 yesterday.
Spot on with the predictions giving us +2 for the day and +3 for the season!!
Fulham vrs Newcastle:
Fulham started the season very well and were especially hard to beat at home. They have now gone 7 games in the league without a win and have not scored a goal in the last 5 hours of football that they have played. In defensive terms they will be buoyed by the return of Hangeland from suspension. He has been one of their star players this season. Martin Jol and the Fulham fans will be hoping Berbatov can rediscover his goal scoring form in advance of the busy Xmas period that is fast approaching. Fulham are in desperate need of a good performance as they are in danger of slipping into a season of mid table mediocracy even before Xmas when a few weeks ago there were hopes of European qualification.
Newcastle were tipped to push on from last season but have failed to deliver. They have failed to find the form of last year winning only 2 of the last 10. A lot of this is the relevant loss of form of their 2 Senegalese strikers Ba and Cisse. Last season they couldn't stop scoring but this year they are struggling. People will also point to the injuries of key players throughout the season. A positive for Newcastle is that they won their last match out with a 3-0 win over Wigan and will be hoping that that they can build from that. They will also be encouraged by the return of Ben Arfa to the squad from injury. He has been their best player this season from an attacking point of view.
In terms of goals scored I am expecting there to be some tonight. There has been an average of 3 per game this season and I expect both teams to for the win as anything else is of no value to them.
Looking at recent games between the two sides at Craven Cottage Fulham have the edge winning the last 3.
Prediction: Fulham win & Over 2.5
Actual: Fulham win & over 2.5 (+2)
A hard fought game won by the team with more cohesion from an attacking point of view.
Spot on with the predictions giving us +2 for the day and +3 for the season!!
Fulham vrs Newcastle:
Fulham started the season very well and were especially hard to beat at home. They have now gone 7 games in the league without a win and have not scored a goal in the last 5 hours of football that they have played. In defensive terms they will be buoyed by the return of Hangeland from suspension. He has been one of their star players this season. Martin Jol and the Fulham fans will be hoping Berbatov can rediscover his goal scoring form in advance of the busy Xmas period that is fast approaching. Fulham are in desperate need of a good performance as they are in danger of slipping into a season of mid table mediocracy even before Xmas when a few weeks ago there were hopes of European qualification.
Newcastle were tipped to push on from last season but have failed to deliver. They have failed to find the form of last year winning only 2 of the last 10. A lot of this is the relevant loss of form of their 2 Senegalese strikers Ba and Cisse. Last season they couldn't stop scoring but this year they are struggling. People will also point to the injuries of key players throughout the season. A positive for Newcastle is that they won their last match out with a 3-0 win over Wigan and will be hoping that that they can build from that. They will also be encouraged by the return of Ben Arfa to the squad from injury. He has been their best player this season from an attacking point of view.
In terms of goals scored I am expecting there to be some tonight. There has been an average of 3 per game this season and I expect both teams to for the win as anything else is of no value to them.
Looking at recent games between the two sides at Craven Cottage Fulham have the edge winning the last 3.
Prediction: Fulham win & Over 2.5
Actual: Fulham win & over 2.5 (+2)
A hard fought game won by the team with more cohesion from an attacking point of view.
Sunday 9 December 2012
Sunday 9th December 2012
We had a good day yesterday hitting 5/7 correct predictions giving us a +2 for the season but today's games I feel are more open and it will be more difficult to predict. We are going to need some luck to get these results correct.
In game comments:
Post game comments: I had predicted that these games would be hard to call. We finish with 1/3 giving us a (-1) for the day and +1 for the season.
We were seconds from getting the draw in Manchester and were really fortunate to get the point in the Everton game as they scored 2 to win in injury time. We were looking good in the West Ham game but somehow Liverpool contrived to score 3 away goals without Suarez to win. Football is a funny old game. See you again soon.
Man City Vrs Man Utd.
The striking stat that stands out for this game is that Man Utd's 7 victories coming from behind is already a Premier League record! Some people are saying that Utd. are psychologically now waiting to fall behind but anyone who has played football would disregard that. No team goes out to wait to fall behind. This trend speaks of a lack of application by the staff and players. The great Liverpool teams of old would just tick along until December, keeping within touching distance and then becoming fully focused on treating every game as if it was a cup final until the league and whatever else was available was won. United have been doing the same for the last 20 years. There was a time when Chelsea and Arsenal were at their peak that you had to focus from August as you could not afford to lose more than 2/3 games in a season. Standards have slipped a bit again so cruising along is OK again. The fact that United have been able to turn it on as required is ominous for the rest of the league.
Man City can also claim to have been picking up points without having played anywhere near top form. There is a lot to say for a team that might not currently have enough desire to win every game but that will most certainly not lose that game. They know that they are good enough to not allow that to happen. Neither team will want to lose this game and I think both would settle for a draw at this stage of the season. Both teams have the confidence to come back from falling a goal behind so I am going for a scoring draw in this game, probably 1-1.
Prediction : Draw
City started with all the possession but Utd and Rooney have caught them twice with a suckerpunch. 2-0 to United. City have also lost their inspirational captain Kompany and I blame Toure, who has replaced him, for the 2nd goal.
Half time and 2-0 it remains. I still won't write off the draw. City will surely come out all guns blazing in the 2nd half and if they score 1 goal then anything could happen. Having said that we know Utd will be hoping to hit them on the break again. One more goal from Utd you feel would be game over.
Just after Utd had a goal incorrectly disallowed City go up the other end a pull one back through Yaya Toure 2-1. 35 minutes to go and our prediction of a draw is still on.
The game has really heated up. Full of passion and commitment. The referee is also finding it hard to keep up making some very poor decisions against both teams.
City's pressure finally paying off. 2-2! Zabaletta firing in from a cleared corner. Hold your horses now boys. Take it easy!
United looking nervous now. Can City snatch a winner?
No they can't because Utd go ahead 3-2! Van Persie from a deflection off Nasri. So close to our prediction...but no cigar. This was always going to be a game that was going to be hard to predict.
Actual: Man Utd win 3-2 (-1)
Everton vrs Tottenham;
This is a very interesting game where anything could happen. Both teams are capable of winning the game comfortably.
Everton's great start has been tempered somewhat by a drawing streak. 7 out of the last 9 league games have been draws. Mirallas and Coleman could be fit to play and if Mirallas especially makes it it will be good news for the Toffees as he adds another dimension from the right side to a team that predominantly attacks from the left side. In Fellaini Everton have a free scoring midfielder and it is his partnership with Piennar and Baines that has been their prime source of goals.
The big news for Spurs is that their man in form, Bale, is out injured. This will be a big blow to their attacking threat as he has been the reason they have won 4 on the bounce. Another issue is that Spurs played in midweek in the Europa League so Everton can expect to be that much fresher. On the plus side Dembele is back in their midfield and he will always cause problems with his direct style. His return has also seen Dempsey strike some form. The American seems to enjoy playing with the Belgian. The big worry for Spurs is their defence who are the 5th worst in the league and are especially prone to losing games in the final 10 minutes. On balance it seems to be more plusses for Everton.
Prediction: Everton win
Everton have been on top and have had the better chances but it is their same old failing. They need 3/4 chances to score 1. Will Spurs make them pay in the 2nd half?
Everton continue to be wasteful. Tottenham will be happier with the draw if it stays like this.
It is one of those games you feel that Everton could play until tomorrow and wouldn't score! Let's call it 0-0 and go home and save us all some time..and money :(
That Leon Osman made it into the England squad recently just shows how poor the pool of players to choose from is.
I hoped I was tempting fate but not in this way! Tottenham 1-0 up.
Forget about Everton's early season form as it is offially finished. I hinted in previous posts that they could be doing the reverse in what they do normally by starting well and finishing badly. Themselves and West Brom are two teams I will not be seeing as winners in their next few games no matter who they are playing.
There is a stat that Tottenham would be top of the table if games were to finish after only 80 mins and it will continue for another week as Everton are now 2-1 ahead with 2 goals in injury time! Great news for us and our predictions. I never had a doubt really :)
Actual: Everton win 2-1 (+1)
West Ham vrs Liverpool:
West Ham could go as high as 6th today with a win. Who would have believed that at the start of the season? Big Sam has got a team who are strong of spirit and will give 100% commitment. In this age of sensitive millionaires playing football that is worth a few points. You don't beat West Ham unless you really want to. The question is how much will Liverpool fancy going head to head, literally, with the Hammers on West Ham's own patch, especially as they have only one away win to their name? I think not much. If Liverpool win, however, they could move above West Ham so there is incentive for both teams. Some of Liverpool's players will have played mid week against Udinese so West Ham should be that bit fresher. Also West ham will be buoyed by the absence of Suarez through suspension. Liverpool fans will be asking the question who can score goals in his absence? Who can Liverpool even call upon to replace him? The enforced absence of Andy Carroll from West ham's squad as part of his loan agreement will not trouble Liverpool fans too much as he has not been as prolific as West Ham fans hoped he would be. Big Sam also loves upsetting the big names to bolster his own belief that he is good enough to manage a top four side so he will have his charges fired up. Everything really points to a home win. Liverpool without Suarez will not I feel score more than 1 if even that. I fancy West Ham to get at the Liverpool defence and cause them and Reina, who has not been at his best, some aerial problems. Kevin Nolan, a Scouser himself, has been the engine of the Hammers team and he will be especially eager to make his presence felt.
Prediction: West Ham win
Liverpool take the lead 1-0. Glen Johnson with a cracker by all accounts. West Ham were a goal down against Chelsea at half time last week and came back to win so hope is not lost yet.
Some good news at last. Mark Noble converts a penalty for West Ham 1-1.
And things get even brighter. An own goal from Gerrard puts West Ham 2-1 ahead.
Liverpool have been so poor that West Ham must have lost concentration at the back because Joe Cole has equalised 2-2. You would think it has been a great game but it hasn't...up until now anyway.
And the drama goes on. It is now 3-2 Liverpool with Shelvey scoring. What has caused Liverpool's comeback? Was it the loss of Diame for West Ham or the introduction of Henderson for Liverpool? Ten minutes ago I was feeling very smug with my predictions as we were heading for 2/3. Looking more like 1/3 now.
Actual: Liverpool win 3-2 (-1)
In game comments:
Post game comments: I had predicted that these games would be hard to call. We finish with 1/3 giving us a (-1) for the day and +1 for the season.
We were seconds from getting the draw in Manchester and were really fortunate to get the point in the Everton game as they scored 2 to win in injury time. We were looking good in the West Ham game but somehow Liverpool contrived to score 3 away goals without Suarez to win. Football is a funny old game. See you again soon.
Man City Vrs Man Utd.
The striking stat that stands out for this game is that Man Utd's 7 victories coming from behind is already a Premier League record! Some people are saying that Utd. are psychologically now waiting to fall behind but anyone who has played football would disregard that. No team goes out to wait to fall behind. This trend speaks of a lack of application by the staff and players. The great Liverpool teams of old would just tick along until December, keeping within touching distance and then becoming fully focused on treating every game as if it was a cup final until the league and whatever else was available was won. United have been doing the same for the last 20 years. There was a time when Chelsea and Arsenal were at their peak that you had to focus from August as you could not afford to lose more than 2/3 games in a season. Standards have slipped a bit again so cruising along is OK again. The fact that United have been able to turn it on as required is ominous for the rest of the league.
Man City can also claim to have been picking up points without having played anywhere near top form. There is a lot to say for a team that might not currently have enough desire to win every game but that will most certainly not lose that game. They know that they are good enough to not allow that to happen. Neither team will want to lose this game and I think both would settle for a draw at this stage of the season. Both teams have the confidence to come back from falling a goal behind so I am going for a scoring draw in this game, probably 1-1.
Prediction : Draw
City started with all the possession but Utd and Rooney have caught them twice with a suckerpunch. 2-0 to United. City have also lost their inspirational captain Kompany and I blame Toure, who has replaced him, for the 2nd goal.
Half time and 2-0 it remains. I still won't write off the draw. City will surely come out all guns blazing in the 2nd half and if they score 1 goal then anything could happen. Having said that we know Utd will be hoping to hit them on the break again. One more goal from Utd you feel would be game over.
Just after Utd had a goal incorrectly disallowed City go up the other end a pull one back through Yaya Toure 2-1. 35 minutes to go and our prediction of a draw is still on.
The game has really heated up. Full of passion and commitment. The referee is also finding it hard to keep up making some very poor decisions against both teams.
City's pressure finally paying off. 2-2! Zabaletta firing in from a cleared corner. Hold your horses now boys. Take it easy!
United looking nervous now. Can City snatch a winner?
No they can't because Utd go ahead 3-2! Van Persie from a deflection off Nasri. So close to our prediction...but no cigar. This was always going to be a game that was going to be hard to predict.
Actual: Man Utd win 3-2 (-1)
Everton vrs Tottenham;
This is a very interesting game where anything could happen. Both teams are capable of winning the game comfortably.
Everton's great start has been tempered somewhat by a drawing streak. 7 out of the last 9 league games have been draws. Mirallas and Coleman could be fit to play and if Mirallas especially makes it it will be good news for the Toffees as he adds another dimension from the right side to a team that predominantly attacks from the left side. In Fellaini Everton have a free scoring midfielder and it is his partnership with Piennar and Baines that has been their prime source of goals.
The big news for Spurs is that their man in form, Bale, is out injured. This will be a big blow to their attacking threat as he has been the reason they have won 4 on the bounce. Another issue is that Spurs played in midweek in the Europa League so Everton can expect to be that much fresher. On the plus side Dembele is back in their midfield and he will always cause problems with his direct style. His return has also seen Dempsey strike some form. The American seems to enjoy playing with the Belgian. The big worry for Spurs is their defence who are the 5th worst in the league and are especially prone to losing games in the final 10 minutes. On balance it seems to be more plusses for Everton.
Prediction: Everton win
Everton have been on top and have had the better chances but it is their same old failing. They need 3/4 chances to score 1. Will Spurs make them pay in the 2nd half?
Everton continue to be wasteful. Tottenham will be happier with the draw if it stays like this.
It is one of those games you feel that Everton could play until tomorrow and wouldn't score! Let's call it 0-0 and go home and save us all some time..and money :(
That Leon Osman made it into the England squad recently just shows how poor the pool of players to choose from is.
I hoped I was tempting fate but not in this way! Tottenham 1-0 up.
Forget about Everton's early season form as it is offially finished. I hinted in previous posts that they could be doing the reverse in what they do normally by starting well and finishing badly. Themselves and West Brom are two teams I will not be seeing as winners in their next few games no matter who they are playing.
There is a stat that Tottenham would be top of the table if games were to finish after only 80 mins and it will continue for another week as Everton are now 2-1 ahead with 2 goals in injury time! Great news for us and our predictions. I never had a doubt really :)
Actual: Everton win 2-1 (+1)
West Ham vrs Liverpool:
West Ham could go as high as 6th today with a win. Who would have believed that at the start of the season? Big Sam has got a team who are strong of spirit and will give 100% commitment. In this age of sensitive millionaires playing football that is worth a few points. You don't beat West Ham unless you really want to. The question is how much will Liverpool fancy going head to head, literally, with the Hammers on West Ham's own patch, especially as they have only one away win to their name? I think not much. If Liverpool win, however, they could move above West Ham so there is incentive for both teams. Some of Liverpool's players will have played mid week against Udinese so West Ham should be that bit fresher. Also West ham will be buoyed by the absence of Suarez through suspension. Liverpool fans will be asking the question who can score goals in his absence? Who can Liverpool even call upon to replace him? The enforced absence of Andy Carroll from West ham's squad as part of his loan agreement will not trouble Liverpool fans too much as he has not been as prolific as West Ham fans hoped he would be. Big Sam also loves upsetting the big names to bolster his own belief that he is good enough to manage a top four side so he will have his charges fired up. Everything really points to a home win. Liverpool without Suarez will not I feel score more than 1 if even that. I fancy West Ham to get at the Liverpool defence and cause them and Reina, who has not been at his best, some aerial problems. Kevin Nolan, a Scouser himself, has been the engine of the Hammers team and he will be especially eager to make his presence felt.
Prediction: West Ham win
Liverpool take the lead 1-0. Glen Johnson with a cracker by all accounts. West Ham were a goal down against Chelsea at half time last week and came back to win so hope is not lost yet.
Some good news at last. Mark Noble converts a penalty for West Ham 1-1.
And things get even brighter. An own goal from Gerrard puts West Ham 2-1 ahead.
Liverpool have been so poor that West Ham must have lost concentration at the back because Joe Cole has equalised 2-2. You would think it has been a great game but it hasn't...up until now anyway.
And the drama goes on. It is now 3-2 Liverpool with Shelvey scoring. What has caused Liverpool's comeback? Was it the loss of Diame for West Ham or the introduction of Henderson for Liverpool? Ten minutes ago I was feeling very smug with my predictions as we were heading for 2/3. Looking more like 1/3 now.
Actual: Liverpool win 3-2 (-1)
Friday 7 December 2012
Friday 7th December 2012
We did well last week scoring a 6/10 meaning we are just -1 for the season. Another good weekend and we should be back in + figures.
Live in game updates:
At half time we are 4/7 which we would take now at full time if it was offered us. Still some twists and turns to come I feel.
Final Score: A good day in terms of the predictions 5/7 +3 for the day giving us a +2 for the season. Lets hope tomorrow we can continue the trend.
Arsenal vrs West Brom:
Both sets of fans have had cause for worry in the last few weeks. Arsenal have just taken 6 points from the last 6 games contributing towards their worst points tally for this time of the year in the Wenger era. West Brom have had a reality check to their new found high position in the league with back to back defeats. Both teams will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend. The Baggies have already exceeded their own expectations and there should be no pressure on them preventing them from going for a win here. That could fall into Arsenal's hands as they should be really up for this game after the criticism they and their manager have taken recently. The truth is they can't not afford not to.
Prediction: Arsenal win
A controversial penalty puts Arsenal 1-0 up. Was there conatct on Cazorla? It looks like there wasn't. Arsenal have been on top but have not killed the game off. Could they regret that in te 2nd half?
Actual -Arsenal win (2-0) +1
This was more a case of West Brom being very poor than Arsenal doing anything different but they will be happy to get 3 points. The penalty was a big decision and will no doubt dominate discussions on the game.
Aston Villa vrs Stoke:
This game does not shout goals. Both teams have found scoring goals hard to come by and they have also been mean in giving away goals. Stoke have been doing very well recently winning 4 of their last 5 games although 3 of those have been at home. They will be confident going into the game but Pulis has a rigid way of playing that means that Stoke don't usually play better or worse in any game.
Villa have been picking up points since playing the 2 Manchester teams recently. 2 draws and a win over Reading have seen them ticking over. Lambert has been brave since taking over in putting together a new young team from the same squad that he inherited from McLeish. It was always going to be a phase of transition and avoiding relegation will be a success for the club this year. Lambert can then slowly start bringing in his own players so it will be interesting to see if they wil bel active in the transfer window.
In this game I think both teams will be conservative and both will be happy with a draw.
Prediction: Draw & Under 2.5 goals
This game is going as we had predicted, so far. A draw and a shortage of goals.
Actual: Draw (0-0) and Under 2.5 (+2)
This game went to script. No surprises here.
Southampton vrs Reading:
My tip last week that Southampton would be overawed by their trip to Anfield was confirmed by Lallana's comments after the game. At home this weekend they should be a different proposition. Anyone who has read previous posts (tumbleweed and the sound of wind blowing) will know that I like the Saints. They have some really exciting young and commited players who I enjoy watching. Something else that could influence this game is that Southampton don't play again for two weeks while Reading must play again in 3 days on 11th December against another relegation struggler Sundeland. Nigel Adkins will be demanding 100% effort knowing that they have 2 weeks to recover.
When I look at the Reading team there is not one player whose name sticks out as me as a game changer. They are certainties for relegation in my book as I don't see them getting anything from this game.
Prediction: Southampton win
There have been chances for both teams to be ahead in this game but it is still all square. It has been an open game and I still expect there to be goals in the 2nd half. And Southampton duly oblige. It is their live wire Putcheon who puts the Saints 1-0 up.
Actual: Southampton win (1-0) (+1)
This game could have gone either way and Southampton will feel relieved that it went their way.
Sunderland vrs Chelsea:
This is a very interesting game. On paper it is a no brainer - relegation candidates against the European Champions, 17th vrs 3rd in the league. However, these are troubled times behind the scenes for Chelsea. They have stumbled from one nightmare PR event to another and there appointment of Benitez as interim manager is not conducive to stability. It is obvious to all that Chelsea want Guardiolla but why would he want them? By all accounts the ex Barcelona coach is not someone motivated purely by money but that remains to be seen. Whatever will happen in the future the whole thing stinks now. Chelsea will be looking for a win before they head off for the World Club Championship.
And what about Sunderland? Well the stats are not good - losing 14 of the last 15 meetings and they have not beaten them at home for 12 years. This season they have won 1 of their last 9 and look relegation fodder at present. Steven Fletcher started his Sunderland career impressively but due to poor suuply that rich vein has dried up. Martin O'Neill is old school. A fan of the declining 4-4-2 formation. He is not the same motivator he was 10 years ago and it will be a close run thing this season if Sunderland are to stay up. Sunderland will make it difficult for Chelsea and try to frustrate them. If they can stop Chelsea from scoring in the first 30 minutes Chelsea might start to get frustrated. In that regard Chelsea will be happy to be playing away from their restless home support.
Prediction: Chelsea win
Chelsea take the lead and it is Torres who gets it! Following up his mid week brace with the opener here. Could this be the start of some form? Everyone at Chelsea will be hoping that it is.
Torres again! This time from a penalty 2-0. Looks like Benitez did know how to get the best out of him.
Mata makes it 3-0 at the start of the 2nd half and Chelsea can start thinking of World Club Football in Japan.
Oh Yeah Adam Johnson, now you come alive when you were losing. He scores to make the score 3-1. That could only serve to make Chelsea want to score more.
Actual: Chelsea win (3-1) (+1)
This could have been a banana skin for Chelsea but with Torres regaining some form of confidence today they were able to naviagate it safely. Benitez will be relieved and Abramovich will be able to sleep happy dreams tonight in his pram.
Swansea vrs Norwich:
This game matches two teams in form. Swansea are undefeated in 7, Norwich in 9. Norwich though are not so hot in their travels as they are yet to record an away win in the league scoring only 5 goals for their efforts. I feel Norwich are over performing at present while I feel there is more to come from Swansea. Going forward they are very dangerous and the four attackers of Routledge, Dyer, Hernandez and Michu are imroving as they play more together. Hernandez, however, is still out injured for this one. After 4 straight wins, if Norwich were ever to get an away win it would be sometime soon however I feel at home Swansea should edge this one.
Prediction: Swansea win
OOps! Norwich have been doing the early running and their pressure has paid off. Norwich 1-0 ahead- Only their 6th away goal this season.
This is why you shouldn't put money on football games. Norwich have now scored their 7th away goal of the season 2-0 to the Canaries.
Looks like Norwich are on their way to doubling their away goals tally for the season. They are now 3-0 ahead and the Swans are shellshocked.
My man Michu does it again (1-3) Swansea pull a goal back after 51 mins. Could they pull this one out of the fire?
They are making a good fist of it. It is now 3-2! The momentum is with the Swans now.
Swansea had a goal disallowed but in their efforts to get the equaliser they have been caught with a suckerpunch. 4-2 to Norwich.
Swansea still not giving up in what is the game of the day. Michu strikes again 4-3.
Actual: Norwich win (4-3) (-1)
I think everything that needs to be said has been said above. Credit to Norwich who keep bucking the trend.
Wigan vrs QPR:
Harry Redknapp did not get his big win last weekend and that will have deflated a little bit of his motivational powers . Wigan have only one of their last 5 league games and have conceded more goals at home than any other team in the Premier League (15). You never know what to expect with Wigan but recently they have started to set a trend of being poor. The problem for QPR is that they can't score goals with only 11 scored this season in the league. You never know what magic Harry can wield but if QPR are to start winning you would expect it to be at home. Wigan are weakened by injury and suspension but I think they will have just enough offensively to edge this one.
Prediction: Wigan win
Not looking good for Harry and QPR. 1-0 already. Are Wigan going to show their good side today?
QPR have been working really hard and their efforts have paid off 1-1. Thats the way it stands at half time. Will the managers settle for a draw now after both have drawn blood?
It defies logic but QPR have taken the lead against Wigan. Now do you appreciate how diificult this prediction game is?
Well, that is more like it. Wigan strike straight back 1-1. They will settle for a draw now, won't they?
Actual: Draw (2-2) -1
Finally they settle for a draw. I should have seen this coming really in hindsight. Not really what QPR need as they create the unwanted Premier League record of 16 games without a win from the start of the season.
Live in game updates:
At half time we are 4/7 which we would take now at full time if it was offered us. Still some twists and turns to come I feel.
Final Score: A good day in terms of the predictions 5/7 +3 for the day giving us a +2 for the season. Lets hope tomorrow we can continue the trend.
Arsenal vrs West Brom:
Both sets of fans have had cause for worry in the last few weeks. Arsenal have just taken 6 points from the last 6 games contributing towards their worst points tally for this time of the year in the Wenger era. West Brom have had a reality check to their new found high position in the league with back to back defeats. Both teams will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend. The Baggies have already exceeded their own expectations and there should be no pressure on them preventing them from going for a win here. That could fall into Arsenal's hands as they should be really up for this game after the criticism they and their manager have taken recently. The truth is they can't not afford not to.
Prediction: Arsenal win
A controversial penalty puts Arsenal 1-0 up. Was there conatct on Cazorla? It looks like there wasn't. Arsenal have been on top but have not killed the game off. Could they regret that in te 2nd half?
Actual -Arsenal win (2-0) +1
This was more a case of West Brom being very poor than Arsenal doing anything different but they will be happy to get 3 points. The penalty was a big decision and will no doubt dominate discussions on the game.
Aston Villa vrs Stoke:
This game does not shout goals. Both teams have found scoring goals hard to come by and they have also been mean in giving away goals. Stoke have been doing very well recently winning 4 of their last 5 games although 3 of those have been at home. They will be confident going into the game but Pulis has a rigid way of playing that means that Stoke don't usually play better or worse in any game.
Villa have been picking up points since playing the 2 Manchester teams recently. 2 draws and a win over Reading have seen them ticking over. Lambert has been brave since taking over in putting together a new young team from the same squad that he inherited from McLeish. It was always going to be a phase of transition and avoiding relegation will be a success for the club this year. Lambert can then slowly start bringing in his own players so it will be interesting to see if they wil bel active in the transfer window.
In this game I think both teams will be conservative and both will be happy with a draw.
Prediction: Draw & Under 2.5 goals
This game is going as we had predicted, so far. A draw and a shortage of goals.
Actual: Draw (0-0) and Under 2.5 (+2)
This game went to script. No surprises here.
Southampton vrs Reading:
My tip last week that Southampton would be overawed by their trip to Anfield was confirmed by Lallana's comments after the game. At home this weekend they should be a different proposition. Anyone who has read previous posts (tumbleweed and the sound of wind blowing) will know that I like the Saints. They have some really exciting young and commited players who I enjoy watching. Something else that could influence this game is that Southampton don't play again for two weeks while Reading must play again in 3 days on 11th December against another relegation struggler Sundeland. Nigel Adkins will be demanding 100% effort knowing that they have 2 weeks to recover.
When I look at the Reading team there is not one player whose name sticks out as me as a game changer. They are certainties for relegation in my book as I don't see them getting anything from this game.
Prediction: Southampton win
There have been chances for both teams to be ahead in this game but it is still all square. It has been an open game and I still expect there to be goals in the 2nd half. And Southampton duly oblige. It is their live wire Putcheon who puts the Saints 1-0 up.
Actual: Southampton win (1-0) (+1)
This game could have gone either way and Southampton will feel relieved that it went their way.
Sunderland vrs Chelsea:
This is a very interesting game. On paper it is a no brainer - relegation candidates against the European Champions, 17th vrs 3rd in the league. However, these are troubled times behind the scenes for Chelsea. They have stumbled from one nightmare PR event to another and there appointment of Benitez as interim manager is not conducive to stability. It is obvious to all that Chelsea want Guardiolla but why would he want them? By all accounts the ex Barcelona coach is not someone motivated purely by money but that remains to be seen. Whatever will happen in the future the whole thing stinks now. Chelsea will be looking for a win before they head off for the World Club Championship.
And what about Sunderland? Well the stats are not good - losing 14 of the last 15 meetings and they have not beaten them at home for 12 years. This season they have won 1 of their last 9 and look relegation fodder at present. Steven Fletcher started his Sunderland career impressively but due to poor suuply that rich vein has dried up. Martin O'Neill is old school. A fan of the declining 4-4-2 formation. He is not the same motivator he was 10 years ago and it will be a close run thing this season if Sunderland are to stay up. Sunderland will make it difficult for Chelsea and try to frustrate them. If they can stop Chelsea from scoring in the first 30 minutes Chelsea might start to get frustrated. In that regard Chelsea will be happy to be playing away from their restless home support.
Prediction: Chelsea win
Chelsea take the lead and it is Torres who gets it! Following up his mid week brace with the opener here. Could this be the start of some form? Everyone at Chelsea will be hoping that it is.
Torres again! This time from a penalty 2-0. Looks like Benitez did know how to get the best out of him.
Mata makes it 3-0 at the start of the 2nd half and Chelsea can start thinking of World Club Football in Japan.
Oh Yeah Adam Johnson, now you come alive when you were losing. He scores to make the score 3-1. That could only serve to make Chelsea want to score more.
Actual: Chelsea win (3-1) (+1)
This could have been a banana skin for Chelsea but with Torres regaining some form of confidence today they were able to naviagate it safely. Benitez will be relieved and Abramovich will be able to sleep happy dreams tonight in his pram.
Swansea vrs Norwich:
This game matches two teams in form. Swansea are undefeated in 7, Norwich in 9. Norwich though are not so hot in their travels as they are yet to record an away win in the league scoring only 5 goals for their efforts. I feel Norwich are over performing at present while I feel there is more to come from Swansea. Going forward they are very dangerous and the four attackers of Routledge, Dyer, Hernandez and Michu are imroving as they play more together. Hernandez, however, is still out injured for this one. After 4 straight wins, if Norwich were ever to get an away win it would be sometime soon however I feel at home Swansea should edge this one.
Prediction: Swansea win
OOps! Norwich have been doing the early running and their pressure has paid off. Norwich 1-0 ahead- Only their 6th away goal this season.
This is why you shouldn't put money on football games. Norwich have now scored their 7th away goal of the season 2-0 to the Canaries.
Looks like Norwich are on their way to doubling their away goals tally for the season. They are now 3-0 ahead and the Swans are shellshocked.
My man Michu does it again (1-3) Swansea pull a goal back after 51 mins. Could they pull this one out of the fire?
They are making a good fist of it. It is now 3-2! The momentum is with the Swans now.
Swansea had a goal disallowed but in their efforts to get the equaliser they have been caught with a suckerpunch. 4-2 to Norwich.
Swansea still not giving up in what is the game of the day. Michu strikes again 4-3.
Actual: Norwich win (4-3) (-1)
I think everything that needs to be said has been said above. Credit to Norwich who keep bucking the trend.
Wigan vrs QPR:
Harry Redknapp did not get his big win last weekend and that will have deflated a little bit of his motivational powers . Wigan have only one of their last 5 league games and have conceded more goals at home than any other team in the Premier League (15). You never know what to expect with Wigan but recently they have started to set a trend of being poor. The problem for QPR is that they can't score goals with only 11 scored this season in the league. You never know what magic Harry can wield but if QPR are to start winning you would expect it to be at home. Wigan are weakened by injury and suspension but I think they will have just enough offensively to edge this one.
Prediction: Wigan win
Not looking good for Harry and QPR. 1-0 already. Are Wigan going to show their good side today?
QPR have been working really hard and their efforts have paid off 1-1. Thats the way it stands at half time. Will the managers settle for a draw now after both have drawn blood?
It defies logic but QPR have taken the lead against Wigan. Now do you appreciate how diificult this prediction game is?
Well, that is more like it. Wigan strike straight back 1-1. They will settle for a draw now, won't they?
Actual: Draw (2-2) -1
Finally they settle for a draw. I should have seen this coming really in hindsight. Not really what QPR need as they create the unwanted Premier League record of 16 games without a win from the start of the season.
Saturday 1 December 2012
Friday 30th November 2012
Well, I well and truly got creamed in my predictions during the week (2/8 correct) so I really need to get back on track this weekend. Here is what I think will happen.
It is half time at the 3pm games so let us see where we are. If things were to finish now we would have 5/9. The predictions most in danger are my over 2.5 with Fulham & Tottenham and my under 2.5 with QPR and Villa.
After 90 minutes in the 3pm games it is 5/9 giving us a score of +1
This gives us an overall score of -2 with the United game still to come and cause for optimism that this score can improve. United winning in that crazy 4-3 win means 6/10 and a score of +2 for the day and -1 as our overall score for the season.
West Ham vrs Chelsea:
This is a hard game to call. West Ham are good at home and Chelsea have been rocked by the recent changes in management. I don't think they will have got themselves in order well enough to get all 3 points so it will be a Hammers win or a draw. Torres has become a figure of riducule recently. Abramovich has brought in Benitez purely for the reason to try and get him firing but it is a futile effort. Abramovich demands return from his 50m man but Torres looks so uncomfortable on the pitch now that I seriously worry for the Spaniard's mental health. Then there are the 3 amigoes who started the season so well but could never be expected to keep the same standards over a whole Premier League season. Now it is the English winter they are showing signs that they would rather be somewhere else. I am expecting a dour low scoring game as West Ham will be happy to just contain Chelsea and try to hurt them with set pieces and long balls over the top. Benitez has tightened up Chelsea's defence but West Ham's offence is much more direct and comes down to physicality. I am expecting a lot of bookings in this game possibly even a red card.
Prediction: West Ham win
Doesn't look good. Chelsea 1-0 up. The best I would expect from here is a draw. West Ham look tired after their weekend exploits against Man Utd. I should have thought of that :(
Into the 2nd half and the Hammers look good for an equaliser. 1-1 Game on. It could go either way now. Two glourious chances for West Ham with 10 minutes to go. First Jarvis one on one with Cech and then Collins with a header off the line by Cole. 2-1 West Ham!! Diame blasts it in with 5 minutes to go. West Ham are good value for it but can they hold on?Chelsea fall to pieces at the back and it is now 3-1 West Ham!! I never really had a doubt :) Benitez for the sack in the morning!?And that is the final score. Not as physical a game as I was expecting with only 3 cards. Good start to the day. Hopefully will have as much look with the 3pm kick offs. Will keep you updated.
Actual 3-1 (+1)
Arsenal vrs Swansea:
Swansea were amazing during the week when, in the first half especially, they tore West Brom apart. The key to this was Laudrup's decision to play Routledge, Dyer and Pablo together in the same line-up where previously it was 2 of 3. He also returned the attacking midfielder Michu to the strikers role and these changes paid dividend. It will not be possible to repeat this formation this weekend as Pablo is out with a thigh strain. This should see De Guzman or Shechter being recalled.
Arsenal are still floundering and will start the game short on confidence and attacking direction. They look like a team that are not united in the dressing room. Walcott's contract saga and his comments along with Podolski's in that they want to play through the centre speak of disharmony. However, as Arsenal are playing at home i am going to opt for a draw in this game.
Prediction: Draw
Glad to see Jenkinson starting ahead of Sagna. I hear the Frenchman is on the way out of the club. Similar to Alex Song - good riddance! Not much to comment on in the first half here in a pretty uneventful affair greeted by boos from the home fans. What has happened to Oxlade Chamberlin? Have not heard anything about him for a long time. Looking very much like a draw here with 5 minutes to go. And then Swansea pull Arsenal's pants down with 2 late Michu goals! Not that Arsenal deserve anything for their lacklustre performance. They are a team of Kittens! Close with the prediction but no cigar.
Actual 0-2 (-1)
Fulham vrs Tottenham:
Fulham are currently going through a sticky patch as they have not won their last 6 Premier League games. They are always good at home though and I am expecting goals in this game. There are some side stories to this game as well with Jol, Dembele and Dempsey all returning to their former clubs and will be eager to make an impression. Spurs have won their last 2 and that has been down to the return to lethal form of Bale and the return from injury of Dembele. I feel both sides will go at each other hammer and thongs and it should make for an exciting game of football.
Prediction: Draw & over 2.5 goals
0-0 at half time to what has been an entertaining 45 minutes. The draw looks still on but will there be 3+ goals in the second half?
And we are off and running. Sandro puts Spurs 1-0 up. Is there 2 more goals in this game? Big blow to our objective as Bale has gone off with a pulled hamstring (not good for my fantasy team). Defoe makes it 2-0 to Tottenham. No chance of a draw now it seems but still on for over 2.5. Defoe obliges 3-0 to Tottenham. This is a good win away from home in the battle for Champions League positions. Compare this to Arsenal at Swansea. All this done without Bale.
Actual: 0-3 (-)
Liverpool vrs Southampton:
Going to Anfield used to be a day out for the visiting team and fans. A chance to savour the hallow halls of The Reds. One did not expect to get much else from the game. That has all changed now. This year alone there has only been 4 wins for the Anfield faithfull out of a possible 16. Visiting this week are the rejuvinated Saints who have rediscovered their own faith. They have really impressed me over the last couple of weeks and if they get at Liverpool today I think they can cause problems. Liverpool will be boosted by the news that Lucas Leiva is available for the first time since August. Brendan Rodgers will be eager to get him back as it will allow Joe Allen to push further up the field into the position that he was originally bought for.Southampton's goalkeeper is bound to make his weekly mistake so I fancy Liverpool to score as Southampton's defence has a very soft core. Southampton were around when the Reds were invincible and I have a feeling that it could be just like those early days in the eighties for the Saints players and fans today.
Prediction: Liverpool win
Looking good, Agger puts Liverpool in front. And that is the way it stays.
Actual (+1)
Manchester City vrs Everton:
If the 'good' Everton turns up at the Etihad today then we could be in for a great game. A lot will depend on the fitness of Baines who from left back has been the sides playmaker. So much of Everton's play is link up between Baines, Piennar and Fellaini down the left side. What makes this game even more interesting is that Everton have been Mancini's bogeyteam. Everton have won 5 of the last 6 meetings! I don't think that Everton will win this one though. Their form has dipped since their great start.They have now won only once in their last 8 league games. It could be that their small squad is starting to feel the toil of the Premier League. They will get no respite from City and I am going for a home win.
Prediction: Man City win
The Everton hoodoo strikes again! Fellaini puts the Toffees ahead just after the half hour. Back on track for our predictiction with Tevez converting a penalty (that is also good for my fantasy team). Nothing of interest in the 2nd half and 1-1 it ends.
Actual 1-1 (-1)
QPR Vrs Aston Villa:
Enter Harry the Wizard! Does he still have the magic charm to turn sulking overpaid footballers into winners? If anyone can 'Arry can. This is a week that Harry will have revelled in. The winless QPR looking to stem the tide of their inexorable descent into the Championship. He has nothing to lose as noone expects the R's to turn around so quickly but if they win then well...let's just say Harry has been daydreaming of himself basking in the glory of the Sunday headlines proclaiming the second coming of the Messiah! Both these teams have found it hard to score goals. QPR have only scored 10 goals in 13 matches while Villa have not been exactly prolifigate. Neither manager will want to lose this game. Victory will be a bonus. I am going for a low scoring draw.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals & Draw
Oh no Harry! Villa 1-0 up. Not the start you were looking for. Then again we were not expecting Green to be in goal. Is there anyone with less confidence than this man...besides Torres of course? 1-1 Mackie strikes back. Harry has opted in his last 2 games for more of the players that got QPR promotion. Looking for more honesty in performance. I hope the 2 teams calm down a bit as my under 2.5 is looking very vulnerable. 15 minutes to go and no change from half time. Still on course for a double in this game. Famous last words?
Actual: (1-1) +2
West Brom vrs Stoke:
West Brom have been flying this season and it was a surprise to even them I feel that they were beaten by Swansea mid week. At home today though I don't see any slip ups. man City are the only team to have won at the Hawthorns this season. People are still expecting the Baggie's bubble to burst but I believe that it will continue til at least the New Year then I can see them fading as the exertions take their toll on a small squad. Stoke will be without their Target man Crouch so Kenwyne Jones should deputise. He has not hit the same type of form that we were used to seeing every week when he was at Sunderland so he will have a big point to prove today. However, Olsson and McAuley should have enough to keep him and Stoke quiet. Stoke have claimed 10 of the last 12 available points but have not won away from home in their last 16 attempts! I don't see that record ending today especially without Crouch.
Prediction: West Brom win
0-0 at half time in a 45 minutes that has been largely uneventful. Still a good chance that West Brom can win this. Not looking good now though with Dean Whitehead putting the Potters ahead with 20 mins to go.And that is the way it stays. Is this the baggie's bubble burst? I thought they would last longer..at home especially.
Actual (0-1)-1
Reading vrs Man Utd.
A frightening stat is that Man Utd have only lost 6 games in the last decade over the month of December winning 77% of the games! It is a testimony that they know what it takes to win the league. Prior to December the goal is to stay in touch with the leaders and ensure Champion's league progression. With that assured the next goal is to blitz the league over the winter months to maximise points and put them in as comfortable a position as possible come the business end of the season when important games come thick and fast. Ferguson will be aware what month it is now and he will be passing this message to his players. Now is the time to move up the gears. Reading will have winced when they saw the fixture list back in August. Reading are unbeaten in the last 4 but I see this as a mild surge of effort before they slip back into results that are in line with their destiny this season i.e to be relagated.
Prediction: Man Utd win
Actual: 3-4 (+1)
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