SATURDAY’S MATCHES
Chelsea v Blackburn
Chad
Chelsea 2-Blackburn 1
Chelsea has not played up to their ability in the last two league matches (2-1 loss to Wolves and a 3-3 draw to Aston Villa) but they dominated championship side Ipswich in their last match in the FA Cup. This good vibe should help Chelsea hold of Blackburn at the Bridge. Look for Anelka to score as he did in the last match versus Blackburn.
Corey
Chelsea 2-Blackburn 0
Yes, you knew at some point Chelsea was going to come good again. Despite their ageing squad, there’s still simply too much quality for them to play poorly for so long. The Blues may be catching Blackburn at the right time as well as although Blackburn have notched wins in their last two games (Liverpool in the league & QPR in the FA Cup), there may still be some instability at the club following Sam Allardyce’s dismissal last month that Chelsea can take advantage of.
West Ham United v Arsenal
Chad
West Ham 0- Arsenal 2
This London Derby will neither be competitive nor entertaining. Arsenal is coming of a loss in the Carling Cup versus Ipswich in which Fabregas was complaining of “rugby” tactics, so Arsenal is looking to get back on the right foot. Going rugby is about the only chance the Hammers have against the Gunners. From a US standpoint it will be interesting if West Ham’s Jonathan Spector can keep his run of good form up.
Corey
Arsenal 2, West Ham United 1
Not so fast, Chad, in a non-Lee Corso not-so-fast kind of way. If Arsenal can turn their Carling Cup tie around against Ipswich and if West Ham can get past Birmingham this may be a preview of the Carling Cup Final. Arsenal were dreadful last time out against Ipswich in their Carling Cup semifinal on Tuesday. Wenger is not one for the usual “hairdryer” treatment but his team’s lackluster display on Wednesday must have incensed the gaffer. Look for the Gunners to come out buzzing but give up a late goal to make it interesting. (Also watch for if Matthew Upson plays or not; if he plays he probably isn’t moving to Arsenal, if he isn’t his rumored move may be in the works)
Manchester City v Wolves
Chad Man City 2-Wolves 1
Corey Man City 3-Wolves 1
Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers
Chad Stoke City 1-Bolton Wanderers 1
Corey Stoke City 1-Bolton Wanderers 0
West Bromwich Albion v Blackpool
Chad West Brom 1-Blackpool 2
Corey West Brom 1-Blackpool 1
Wigan Athletic v Fulham
Chad Wigan 1-Fulham 1
Corey Wigan 1-Fulham 1
SUNDAY’S MATCHES
Birmingham City v Aston Villa
Chad
Birmingham City 1-Aston Villa 0
Birmingham City isn’t great by any means but Aston Villa gives goals up too many goals on the road (25 in 10 matches) and even though they don’t have to travel far in this derby, I expect the trend to continue. This could be a must win match for Aston manager Gerard Houllier if he wants to avoid a sacking.
Corey
Aston Villa 3-Birmingham City 2
Just a pure hunch on this one. For some reason I have a feeling there will be more goals than people think and McLeish’s charges are definitely a hard test for any club when playing at St. Andrew’s. I admit I could be delusional but I just have a feeling Houllier’s team will be clicking on all cylinders in the Second City Derby on Sunday for some reason.
Sunderland v Newcastle United
Chad
Sunderland 1-Newcastle United 0
The Tyneside Derby is the most underrated match of the weekend. Sunderland sits at 6th in the table and Newcastle is only 5 points back in 8th and both clubs are shooting for Euro positions for next season. Look for the highly defensive game to be decided by a late goal by Sunderland subsitute forward Asamoah Gyan.
Corey
Sunderland 1-Newcastle United 1
I agree with the defensive nature of this game. Both sides like to play some long-ball or direct style and I can see them trading long punt attempts for better portions of this match. Though I think the may come down to setpieces or a lucky break for one of the sides I can’t see too much differentiating them. Draw for me.
Liverpool v Everton
Chad
Liverpool 2-Everton 1
Liverpool has had an interesting week with the sacking of Hogdson and the subsequent controversy at Old Trafford. Liverpool lost a mid-week match to Blackpool but I like them to get a couple goals past Everton’s American keeper Tim Howard. Everton has been very inconsistent in their last few matches with wins over Spurs and Man City but leaving points on the pitch versus West Ham and Stoke.
Corey
Liverpool 3-Everton 1
Though the clubs are only a mile apart from each other, I think the fact this match will be played at Anfield will have the red half of Merseyside push Dalglish’s men on to victory. They were beaten by a controversial penalty at Man U in the FA Cup & then were shocked by upstarts, Blackpool, recently but if Liverpool can’t get up for the Merseyside Derby WITH Dalglish, a club legend in charge, then there’s no hope for that squad at all and the for sale sign on all the players should be put up immediately. However, I think Liverpool plays well and Torres has a good game as one of the Toffees heart and soul players, Tim Cahill is away on international duty in the Asian Cup.
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
Chad
Spurs 2-Manchester United 2
This is the marquee match of the weekend and it should be very entertaining. Spurs play an attacking style of football and they are even more emboldened at the comforts of White Hart Lane. I would like to predict a 2-1 Tottenham win but there is a 100% guarantee Spurs will give up at least one soft goal as the communication and consistency of their backline is questionable at best.
Corey
Manchester United 3-Spurs 2
Young Padawan Chad, so much to learn. White Hart Lane won’t matter. Alex Ferguson can Jedi Mind Trick a match official in any stadium. You’ll also learn on Sunday how much rough play Van Der Vaart can take as it’ll be the first time he faces a Ferguson side and Ferguson is the king of the “let him know you’re there” tackling that walks that fine line of being overly physical sometimes (which is different than the definite overly physical anti-football of the sort played by Wolves, but I digress). Look for Darren Fletcher to introduce himself to Mr. Van Der Vaart in the opening minutes.
What about you guys? What are some of your picks for this weekends’ matches?