EPL Predictions: Week 9

We’ve officially reached game week number nine in the 2010-2011 Premier League season, and thus far, we’ve seen plenty of surprises. Teams like West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool have exceeded expectations up to this point, while powers like Liverpool and Manchester United are facing some very interesting off-field problems, which could be affecting their on-field performance. But the season is still young, and there’s plenty of action left, so no need to declare the season over just yet if you’re a fan of a struggling team. And with that in mind, let’s get right to our predictions for this week’s matchups!

QUICK PICKS

Chelsea vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Corey: DRAW (Oh that’s right! You read it here first!)
Clay: Chelsea
Blake: Chelsea

Liverpool vs. Blackburn Rovers

Corey: Liverpool
Clay: DRAW
Blake: Blackburn Rovers

Sunderland vs. Aston Villa

Corey: Aston Villa
Clay: DRAW
Blake: DRAW

Birmingham City vs. Blackpool

Corey: Blackpool (I’m on the bandwagon!)
Clay: Birmingham City
Blake: Blackpool

West Ham United vs. Newcastle United

Corey: West Ham United
Clay: DRAW
Blake: West Ham United

Wigan Athletic vs. Bolton Wanderers

Corey: DRAW
Clay: Wigan Athletic
Blake: Wigan Athletic

Stoke City vs. Manchester United

Corey: Stoke City
Clay: Manchester United
Blake: Manchester United

GAMES OF THE WEEK

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton

Corey: This tie suddenly got even more interesting following Spurs’ 1st half debacle versus Inter on Wednesday. But Spurs showed excellent fight back to lose 4-3 & Everton is coming off a Merseyside derby win over a suddenly hapless Liverpool. This should be an interesting aerial dual with Crouch vs. the likes of Cahill who although shorter than Crouch is excellent in the air. I’m feeling a draw is the most likeliest result in this one- 2-2, the final.

Clay: I think it’s fair to say that we aren’t really sure where either of these teams are. Tottenham is coming off a more-embarrassing-than-the-score-indicates loss to Inter, and a win last week over Fulham that certainly fits the definition of controversial. Everton has put together back-to-back victories against decidedly mediocre competition, and one has to wonder whether the Toffees are out of their early season funk or not. I think a draw seems likely here, and that’s what I’ll go with.

Blake: This is a tough one to call, but since it is at White Hart Lane, I think Spurs have the advantage. I really like the way Everton has been playing as of late, and if this one were at Goodison Park, I would take them by a few goals. But this is one of those instances where Spurs will probably come out and play a great game, given the way they pretty much gave away their Champions League game against Inter this week in the first half. They’ll use the momentum from the second half, and win this one convincingly.

West Bromwich Albion vs. Fulham

Corey: Holey moley somebody break West Brom up! They defeat Arsenal in the Emirates than fight back from two down to take a point away from Old Trafford. Their new signings Peter Odemwingie & Somen Tchoyi are settling nicely into their side & they performances recently look more due to talent & not lucky patches of form. I think their good form continues & they beat Fulham, 3-1.

Clay: Do I think West Brom is for real? I don’t know, but they’re certainly showcasing some early season form, albeit injected with a little bit of luck as well. Had Tom Huddlestone’s goal last week been disallowed (as I think it should have), Fulham could have also entered this match unbeaten. As much as I want to be aboard the Baggie Bandwagon, I think this has the makings of yet another draw.

Blake: Well, I went out on a limb and picked West Brom to draw at Old Trafford last week, and that turned out pretty well. There’s just something about this team that really makes me feel like they are going to keep this point-scoring run going for a while. It will be hard for them to gain three points because of the fact that Fulham should be coming in with a chip on their shoulder after their game against Spurs last week, but once again, I see Roberto Di Matteo’s squad picking up a point with a draw.

Manchester City vs. Arsenal

Corey: Rooney possibly to Man City in January?!?!?! The shocking rumor came to the forefront this past week & would likely signal the end for Adebayor who has been making his usual “wah, they need to play me because I’m great” rumblings recently. What can I say? I stuck up for Adebayor big time when he was at Arsenal but since he’s left the Gunners he’s done nothing but try to disrespect the club since his ignominious departure at the beginning of last season. Carlos Tevez has been on fire lately & with the Gunners coming off a 5-1 trouncing of Shakhtar in the midweek this game has the makings of a 4-3 barnbarner…. so I’ll go Man City, 2-1 instead! P.S. This game should also be interesting with the recent tackling debate & Nigel De Jong vs. Arsenal…

Clay: As much as I absolutely want to hate Man City, I think they should have this one. I haven’t seen too terribly much that I like about Arsenal this season, and I think they’ll fall to their hosts here. Carlos Tevez has netted 28 goals over his last 31 league matches, probably fair to say he’ll be in the hunt for another score or two again this week.

Blake: Sometimes everything points to one team being successful…..and then the game goes the opposite way. I’ve just got a feeling about Arsenal this week, and I think they’ll find a way to get three points here. Manchester City is notorious for slipping up when we think they’re at their best, and this just seems like one of those spots. I don’t think this game will be pretty, and will probably be low scoring. That benefits Arsenal in my opinion, and I think they’ll manage to pick up the three points.

Well there are our picks for the week. Now it’s your turn! Who do you think will win this week’s matches?