It’s that time of the week again here at FA Daily, as it’s time for us to make our predictions for the big games on the EPL schedule this week. The one that will obviously get all the attention is the showdown between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but there are other games that provide a bit of intrigue as well. With that said, let’s get right to our picks for this weekend’s games!
QUICK PICKS
Everton vs. Stoke City
Corey: Everton
Clay: Everton
Blake: Everton
Blackburn Rovers vs. Chelsea
Corey: DRAW
Clay: Chelsea
Blake: Chelsea
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester City
Corey: Manchester City
Clay: Manchester City
Blake: Manchester City
Fulham vs. Wigan Athletic
Corey: DRAW
Clay: DRAW
Blake: Fulham
Arsenal vs. West Ham United
Corey: Arsenal
Clay: Arsenal
Blake: Arsenal
Bolton Wanderers vs. Liverpool
Corey: Liverpool
Clay: Bolton Wanderers
Blake: DRAW
Aston Villa vs. Birmingham City
Corey: DRAW
Clay: DRAW
Blake: DRAW
GAMES OF THE WEEK
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Corey: Well, well, well. The Petulant One was only using leaving Man U as leverage to get a bigger contract. Not sure how that’ll eventually play out with Ferguson. But as long as Rooney scores it’ll probably be OK for the Red Devils. Man U 3-Spurs 1.
Clay: Chicharito has been absolutely on fire as of late, and I just don’t know what I think about Tottenham. I guess I’m in the same boat with Man U as well, except I have far more confidence in them right now than Spurs. Playing at Old Trafford probably helps as well. Wouldn’t be a bad time for Berbatov to return to his scoring form from just a few weeks ago either.
Blake: Both of these teams have looked rather unimpressive at times this season, but Manchester United seems to be in more of a flow right now. Spurs are once again showing this year that it is impossible to know what to expect from them week in and week out, and like Clay said, it’s just a lot easier to have more confidence in Sir Alex Ferguson’s group right now. It’ll be close, but the advantage goes to Manchester United here.
Newcastle United vs. Sunderland
Corey: I have to admit I haven’t seen Newcastle play this year and without the guile of Ben Arfa and Steve Bruce yet to give Sunderland record signing Asamoah Gyan a start, this Northern Derby reeks of dour draw to me. 1-1.
Clay: Sunderland has been overly dependent on the scoring of Darren Bent to pick up points, and I’m not sure how that will shake out as time wears on. It wouldn’t hurt to see Gyan go off at some point, but I’m not sure it’ll be this week. Newcastle has been getting it done for much of the season, and my gut says to go with a Magpie win here, but put me down for a draw.
Blake: I really like the way Steve Bruce’s squad is playing right now, and I just think they will find a way to get three points from this one. Though I didn’t particularly like Gyan when he was scoring goals against the U.S. in the World Cup, I do enjoy watching his game at Sunderland. This one should be close from start to finish, but a late goal will wrap it up for Gyan and company.
Blackpool vs. West Bromwich Albion
Corey: Can I have a barnbarner in this one? Blackpool still haven’t abandoned their enterprising style and that’s refreshing these days. Somewhere the ghost of Admiral Farragut is nodding its approval. Blackpool 3-West Brom 2.
Clay: Blackpool has impressed at times this season, but West Brom is just flat out playing better right now. That said, the Seasiders have been especially impressive at home, nearly stealing a late point from Manchester City earlier this season. I think I’m going to go with another draw here, but it should be a pretty entertaining match. Well, hopefully.
Blake: Probably the most exciting game of the week to me, because these two have really been fun to watch this season. Although Blackpool has started heading down the league table, this is a chance for them to jump right back up against arguably the hottest team out Chelsea heading into this week in the EPL. While I would like to see that happen, West Brom is for real. Bravo to Roberto Di Matteo for the job he’s done this season, and the joyride continues as they pick up another three points in this match.
There’s our selections for this week’s games! Who are your picks for the week?