Premier League preview: 10-12 March
| March 7, 2012 | Posted by Errol Waters under sport |
Saturday
Bolton vs QPR (12:45)
In this early kick-off we have two fantastically poor teams; why we have this game as the one to distract your attention before the real action at 15:00, I’m unsure. But in life certain things go unexplained, right? Wrong – I will explain why this game wins the early kick-off. Both of these teams have conceded a lot more than they have scored, and they have scored a rather low amount, so 0-0? For many this might be seen as the most plausible outcome. However, both teams will be coming in to this game needing points, and hopefully both will be confident that they can win. Therefore I think this will be a goal-fest, producing five goals minimum and thus proving that it is an ideal game to have kicking off so early.
Prediction: Bolton 4-2 QPR
Aston Villa vs Fulham (15:00)
Both teams here come into this game on completely different forms, Fulham having gained nine points from their last three games, Villa only getting two. This would suggest a Fulham win, as would the teams’ respective positions in the league, but I am confident that Villa can finally get a win; the first in what seems like an eternity. Villa will be missing Bent, but with the power, pace and supreme finishing skills of Agbonlahor and Heskey up front they surely should be able to get a much-needed three points.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Fulham
Chelsea vs Stoke (15:00)
So, Andre Villas-Boas is no more, which deeply saddens me since I liked him as a manager and I like his personality. Personally I don’t believe it was his fault Chelsea were doing so bad – I blame the players and the owner – but that’s for another day. So Stoke have won their last two games and are ninth in the table, which considering their squad may suggest they are over performing. However, everyone seems to struggle against them! Even so, considering this, I still believe Chelsea will win as the players will no doubt suddenly play better now that they have gotten their own way with the sacking of AVB.
Prediction: 3-0 to the dirty blues!
Sunderland vs Liverpool (15:00)
Martin O’Neil is working magic at Sunderland, as he did at Villa, so he will fancy their chances. Liverpool are also on a high after winning the Carling Cup, and will be keen on getting back to their winning ways after a harsh loss against Arsenal. The odds are massively against Liverpool losing the game at home, having only lost one so far this season at their “fortress,” however another draw doesn’t seem too unlikely here.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool
Wolves vs Blackburn (15:00)
Here are two teams I dislike and whom I am more than happy to see in the Championship next year. Can I just predict 0-0 and move on to the next game? I suppose it would be unfair to do so, so despite the pain this is causing to me I will write something from a neutral stance. Wolves have conceded 12 goals in their last three games, and Blackburn only six – this is probably down to Wolves often attacking quite a bit despite having a useless team, whereas Blackburn have a rock in goal, who on his day is unbeatable (on other days, well, let’s not mention them).
Prediction: Wolves 1-0 Blackburn (I don’t think there will be many decent chances, but Wolves will put away a scrappy goal to edge the game)
Everton vs Tottenham (17:30)
Everton, who are not so great at home any more, and Tottenham, who I can quite easily see becoming the best in England alongside Manchester City (as much as that kills me inside; it’s also worth nothing this is with the thought that Redknapp will stay with them and not take the dreaded England job) entertain us in the late kick-off. Everton have had a run of quite good results, while Tottenham have just had two losses on the trot against teams they potentially could be beating. I favour Tottenham in this clash, as with their superior personnel the talent should shine through and crush any resistance Moyes’s men can muster.
Prediction: Everton 1-4 Tottenham
Sunday
Man Utd vs West Brom (14:00)
Both sides go into this game with high spirits: Man Utd beat Tottenham 3-1 to stay within two points of bitter rivals Man City, and West Brom have won three on the bounce including a 5-1, a 4-0 and a 1-0 against Chelsea. The two sides will make for an interesting match, as not only do both play reasonably attractive attacking football, but West Brom should be relaxed as no pressure is on for them to win the game. Man Utd, on the other hand, need to win in order to stay within striking distance of the top spot. Due to the pressure on Utd’s young squad I think they will slip up against an in-form West Brom side.
Prediction: Man Utd 1-1 West Brom
Swansea vs Man City (14:00)
Swansea have been tough to beat so far at home, partly thanks to the heroics of Dutch keeper Michel Vorm. The swans have so far lost only two at the Liberty Stadium, and have conceded a lowly 10 goals (the second fewest of any home side – behind Man City). Manchester City have been pretty much unstoppable however, and with the financial backing they have I can’t see their high stopping for quite some time. With their world-class team, I can see only one winner in this game, not to mention in the race for the league – and that’s City. We can always hope they slip up though…
Prediction: Swansea 0-3 Man City
Norwich vs Wigan (16:00)
Wigan are struggling massively even as Norwich defy most by being mid-table. The recent declaration by Wigan’s chairman that Martinez’s managerial job is safe will reduce some of the pressure on them, and the bottom-placed side will fancy a win away from home. Norwich should be able to hold off such a feeble attack against them, but it’s football, and anything can happen. Thankfully I will be busy when this plays, so I won’t be witnessing the nothingness that will occur. This has “bore draw” written all over it.
Prediction: Norwich 0-0 Wigan
Monday 12th March
Arsenal vs Newcastle (20:00)
Of all the games this weekend, this is the one I most recommend watching. I think it will have goals, blunders, controversial decisions and will most definitely be one for the neutral! Newcastle with the two Senegalese Dembas up front and Arsenal with the unstoppable Van Persie is enough of a combination to get any football fan excited. So, keep this evening free and get your viewing plans sorted out because these two in-form clubs are going to give us a match to remember!
Prediction: Arsenal 4-3 Newcastle
‘Supreme finishing skills of… Heskey’.
You’re joking, right?
It was supposed to add some comedy to the write up… :p