Time for us to put our necks, and a bit of cash, on the line and pick the results of the weekend’s Premier League action.
As I sit proudly on top of JOE’s Premier League prediction game in association with BullorBear, I thought the very least I could do for you this week is give you my picks for this weekend’s games. Want points? Follow these…
Man City v Everton
Battle of the Blues at the Etihad and while City have been up and down like the proverbial, Everton are the only team still unbeaten in the Premier League. But I reckon that fine record comes to s shuddering halt this weekend.
Up front, if any man can keep Romelu Lukaku under wraps it is international colleague Vincent Kompany while Everton’s more open style under Roberto Martinez has seen them concede pretty regularly. So far they have overcome that through the skills of Ross Barkley, Kevin Mirallas and Leighton Baines. But with Mirallas a doubt to play I reckon a fully fit Man City, at home, should have enough to win and erase the Bayern shellacking from their memory.
JOE verdict: Home win
Cardiff v Newcastle
Cardiff are not a bad team at all under Malky Mackay, especially at home. Newcastle, on the other hand, are dreadful away from home, conceding more than anyone else at this stage of the season (eight in three games fact fans). I was thinking this was a nailed on draw but I reckon Newcastle will set up defensively to play for that draw and they are not good enough to do that.
JOE verdict: Home win
Fulham v Stoke
The sort of game you could threaten kids with if they behave badly, this is a cert to be the final one on Match of the Day on Saturday night. The only bit of interest may be the sacking of Martin Jol if Fulham lose, as international breaks are like the opening of pheasant season for managers.
Stoke are better to watch under Mark Hughes and the former Fulham gaffer should see off the man who replaced him at Craven Cottage.
JOE verdict: Away win
Hull v Aston Villa
Shorn of talisman Robbie Brady, it is hard to see Hull being very potent this weekend. Villa, after their epic win over Man City last week, may not be quite so motivated at the KC. Add in the continued absence of Benteke and this looks like it could be a turgid 0-0 to me.
JOE verdict: Draw
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
It is now a disturbing, at least for me, 24 years since Liverpool thumped a newly Crystal Palace 9-0 at Anfield. I’m not saying I expect a repeat of that famous scoreline, but with Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez in flying form, and with Palace looking more destined to go down than a brand new submarine on its first test drive, this could get ugly for the visitors.
JOE verdict: Home win
Sunderland v Man Utd
Still managerless Sunderland welcome what some consider managerless Manchester United (I joke, I joke) to the Stadium of Light. With Wayne Rooney a doubt with yet another training ground injury, David Moyes will be hoping that RVP finds his goal touch again.
I suspect that he will never have a better chance than against Sunderland, who are conceding over two goals a game so far this season.
JOE verdict: Away win
Norwich v Chelsea
Bizarrely Chris Hughton is another manager who could be in danger of getting the old heave-ho if he loses this weekend. We reckon he has done a fine job at Norwich but if he was to become free at a time the FAI are looking for a new man, well, I’ll say no more.
Despite Jose Mourinho’s erratic selections, and the injury to Fernando Torres, I still think that the Londoners should be too strong for the Canaries.
JOE verdict: Away win
Southampton v Swansea
This could be the most attractive game of the weekend, with two teams who play some lovely stuff. So far, Swansea have been coping with their Europa League schedule just fine and both their wins this season have been away from home.
Nowhere named St Mary’s can ever be called a fortress with a straight face but the Saints are unbeaten at home this season. That’ll be a draw then Ted.
JOE verdict: Draw
Tottenham v West Ham
Spurs have been very quietly effective this season. No big wins, and one possibly very costly defeat to Arsenal, but they have a very steely look about them these days and they have the squad to cope with the Europa League with ease now.
I was going to spout about local derbies/form going out the window/like a cup final but in reality, West Ham are more toothless than an elderly hen (they haven’t scored away from home this season). Another three points for AVB’s men.
JOE verdict: Home win
West Brom v Arsenal
When these two met in the Capital One Cup a few weeks back, it was a draw after 90 minutes and we think this might be a repeat. At Old Trafford last week, the Baggies looked excellent and they have the ability to get a goal or two against the league leaders.
Arsenal are playing their best football in years but this game has all the hallmarks of a tricky one for Arsene Wenger, who may be happy enough to escape back to north London with a point.
JOE verdict: Draw
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You go up against your mates to take down the pot and all the bragging rights that go with it!
Your friends, your game, your league!
