Predictions, 29/11/08;

15/11/08 selections; Six Corrct picks, no perfect scores.


My selections: Actual Results:

Bolton 0-1 Liverpool, Bolton 0- 2 Liverpool

Arsenal 2-1 Villa, Arsenal 0-2 Villa

Blackburn 0-2 Sunderland, Blackburn 1-2 Sunderland

Fulham 2-2 Tottenham, Fulham 2-1 Tottenham

Man Utd 3-0 Stoke, Man Utd 5-0 Stoke

Newcastle 0-0 Wigan, Newcastle 2-2 Wigan

West ham 1-1 Portsmouth, West Ham 0-0 Pourtsmouth

West Brom 1-2 Chelsea, West Brom 0-3 Chelsea

Everton 1-1 Boro, Everton 0-1 Boro

Hull 1-3 Man City, Hull 2-2 Man City

Saturday Selections

Villa vs Fulham

Fulham are in good form of late, the partnership of Bullard and Murphy in midfield looks as good as any in the league. After last weeks point at Anfield Fulham will be brimming with confidence.

However the trip to Villa park is always tricky and Fulham are notoriously terrible away from home. The Claret and Blues are due a home win after a couple of weeks without; I expect O'Neills men will be up for this one and will come out on top.

Verdict: 1-0

Middlesboro vs Newcastle

Both teams like to play football so I expect an entertaining game at the Riverside today. Gareth Southgate just cant find the consistency to kick on and make a serious challenge for a European place; he will be desperate for a win today to demonstrate his intentions for the club. A win today would be massive.

However Joe Kinnear is growing in confidence in his role at Newcastle and after last week's point at Stamford bridge, tails will be up.

I expect Newcastle to pick up their first away win of the season here, in what will be be a nervy encounter between arch rivals.

Verdict 1-2 Newcastle

Stoke vs Hull

This one is intriguing and a tough one to call. Hull are streets ahead of Stoke in the league however Stoke go into the match clear favourites with the bookies. Hull are enduring a poor run of form but do not be mistaken; they are a good team.

It will be a physical affair at the Britannia but the visitors will give as good as they get. I believe Hull's extra bit of quality will clinch the points but it wont be pretty.

Verdict; 0-1

Sunderland vs Bolton

On paper this one looks close; Bolton have won 3 of their last 4 games and Sunderland form has been neither here nor there. However I expect this one to be a one sided affair.

Sunderland have a lot of quality in their ranks; much more than Bolton; and I expect Keane to have a big smile on his face tonight. If Cisse and Jones can build an understanding on the pitch I expect the Weirsiders to climb the league.

Verdict; 3-0

Wigan vs West Brom

Mowbray's men admirably try to play attractive football but they are stuggling to score and are conceding freely at the other end; never a good combination.

Wigan are doing better of late, taking eight points from their last four games. They are strong, skillful and gritty.

However West Brom have to pick up points somewhere, they are winless in their previous seven league matches with one draw, and I expect them to dig in and get something here. Dont expect firworks.

Verdict 0-0

Sunday

Man City vs Man Utd

United havent really got going this season have they? Although he is one of the most talented players in Europe, the arrival of Berbatov seems to have unsettled something. Ferguson needs to find a formula that works and stick with it.

City had an a excellent result in Germany on Thursday but they may well suffer from it in terms of fatigue come Sunday.

I expect a stella performance from the defending champions here; anything less and Ferguson will be getting the hairdryer out.

Verdict 0-2

Pourtsmouth vs Blackburn

Both teams are low on confidence at the minute; both Tony Adams and Paul Ince just cant get anything going.

Pompey were unlucky in midweek against Milan; a memorable victory there would have been just what the doctor ordered. Adams clearly forgot to pick up his prescription!

Blackburn have been poor for the majority of the season but will go into this believing they can get something.

Although both teams desperately need a win, the last thing they want is another loss. Draw.

Verdict; 1-1

Tottenham vs Everton

Intersting this one with the clubs experiencing different fortunes. Tottenham are flying whilst Everton are down in the doledrums; however Everton lie in seventh whilst Tottenham lie in sixteenth? Strange.

This will be a well contested affair and I expect goals. Gomes has kept two consective clean sheets for Spurs; thats got to change!

Everton will be up for this in a big way, Moyes appears to be growing increasingly frustrated with his team, they wont want to let him down here.

I'm going for the scousers to conquer in the capital in what will bea feisty encounter.

Verdict 2-3

Chelsea vs Arsenal

Big game for both clubs this one, both teams appear to be stuttering.

It will be interesting to see how Chelsea fair against one of their rivals on home soil; the first time they have done since being outplayed by Liverpool on their own patch. After a setback in Europe in midweek they will want to get back to winning ways.

Arsenal...what can you say about Arsenal!? It would be a shame if after years of assembling such a talented group of youngsters the project was to disband because of early setbacks and mutiny in the camp. I dont think it will and I sincerely hope, like all football purists, it doesnt.

I expect newly appointed captain Cesc to lead out his troops with vigour. Arsenal will be keen to show that they aren't lightwieghts in the bid for the championship honours.

However Chelsea are strong; Arsenal will have done an extremely well to come away with a point.

Verdict; 1-1

West Ham vs Liverpool

Rafa Benitez will be watching the weekend football with a careful eye. Liverpool's closest rivals all have difficult task's this week; if results are kind a win here may well put daylight bewteen themselves and the rest.

But West Ham will not roll over. After a win last time out the Londoners will be keen to build some momentum; the Upton Park faithful will be keen.

However Liverpool owe West Ham one, after suffering losses in this fixture when they should have won in previous seasons. I fully expect Gerrard and Co to get the job done and maintain their title charge.

Verdict; 0-2

The Curious Case of Scott Parker

Scott Parker is undoubtedly a player of enormous talent. In the modern game he is a rare breed, an 'all round' midfielder who is as comfortable in defensive situations as attacking. He has represented his country at every level since appearing for the under 15's some fourteen years ago, and has cost a collective 23.5 million in transfer fees. But for a player who has promised much, the Lambeth born talent has ultimately delivered very little.

The footballing career of Scott Parker thus far can be best described as fitful. The tough tackling competitor, for one reason or another, has only sporadically showcased the sort of skill which made him one of the brightest prospects in English football at Charlton. So when and why did Parker's career begin to stutter?

His ascendence at Charlton was dramatic. Much like his haircut, if anybody cares to remember his flowing, ginger bonce in 2002? Signed at a relatively late age in todays market at 15, it wasnt long before the midfielder was making an impression in the senior squad. Parker's stellar performances in the 2003/2004 season led him to be being named PFA Young Player Of The Year. However a combination of bad decision-making; on the players behalf; and bad fortune, hindered his development.

In the March of 2004, Parker transferred from Charlton to the newly prosperous Chelsea after a protracted and acrimonious saga between the two London clubs. Like numerous other young British talents, Parker had only limited first team opportunities at Stamford Bridge. Hardly suprising considering he would have had to userp Claude Makalele or Frank Lampard to feature in the starting eleven.

Since his 18 months in the wilderness playing, or more accurately not playing under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, Parker has failed to find any sort of consistency in his game. The clubs that Parker has signed for have turned out to be less than inspired choices. At both Newcastle and West ham, the manager who brought him to the club was dismissed in a matter of months.

A succession of injuries hasn't helped his cause either. His spell at St James Park was littered with ailments, as has been his time with West Ham; for both him and his team mates. Graeme Souness' injury list at Newcastle in 2006 can only be rivalled by that of Alan Curbishley's at West ham in 2007. It was six weeks into the season before Parker made his debut for the Hammers because of a lingering ankle complaint.

However Parker has remained fit this season and although not back to his exceptional best, has found something that represents form. His performances have given the Upton Park faithful something to cheer about during an otherwise turbulent campaign; although the situation at the East London club improves every week under the tutelage of Gianfranco Zola. Parker has benefited from the the Italians lucid approach to the game but for how long Zola will be in the possession of Parker remains to be seen...

Other Premiership clubs will undoubtedly be watching the precaurious financial situation at West Ham unfold, waiting to pounce like a bargain hunter in the aisles of Debenhams on January 1st. The likes of Manchester City and Tottenham are in urgent need of a strong, footballing midfielder. However Parker could be forgiven for aiming his sights a little higher this time around, if he is indeed looking to move on. Out of the 'Big Four', Arsenal for one could certainly benefit from the midfield expertise of the England International. It could also be argued that his ex-club Chelsea could do with soembody of his elk in the ranks.

At 28 years of age, it really is make or break time for Scott. Realistically, he only has one more big move in him. I believe Parker has the pedigree to shine on the brightest of footballing stages. The question is at this point in his career, will anybody give him the opportunity to do so?

Weekend Football Tips, 15/11/08

Saturday

Bolton Vs Liverpool (12:45)

Bolton's resurgent form of late can be attributed to their resurrected defensive resolve. They have kept two cleans sheets in their previous two games and I dont expect them to be leaking goals today either.
Liverpool were poor in midweek and Rafa will be hoping his team can win at the Reebok to galvanise their title charge. And I expect them to do just that.
The game will be tight, but with the likes of Gerrard, Carragher and Alonso restored to the starting eleven I'm anticipating an away win.

Verdict: 0-1


Arsenal Vs Aston Villa

After the electrifying performance of Arsenal's youngsters in midweek, the senior mmbers of the squad will be keen to show they're worth in this fixture. Wenger will be looking to build on the excellent result against Manchester United last week and I expect the Gunners to race out of the traps here.
However Villa will not roll over. The Midland outfit have lost their previous two fixtures and like the world's financial institutions, will be looking to halt a recession.
But I have to go for the home win. It looks as though O'Neill will be without target man John Carew and when he's not in the team Villa seriously miss his presence.

Verdict: 2-1


Blackburn Vs Sunderland

Blackburn beat Sunderland in the Carling Cup midweek but I see a reverse in fortunes here, in a very different premiership clash.
Glancing at the squads I see more quality in the Black Cats; Keane has strength in all departments, particularly in midfield, were I see this game being won and lost.
The partnership of Jones and Cisse looks promising and if the Sunderland defence can take care of Santa Cruz they should get the result. As for Blackburn, if they lose Cruz in January, I worry about their premiership status.

Verdict: 0-2


Fulham Vs Tottenham

Harry is the man with the midas touch at the moment but how long can this run of form continue? The squad that Ramos assembled, in my humble opinion, was unbalanced, overpriced and inadequate. This is still the same team isnt it!?
Yes, Tottenham have had a good run of result's of late but I expect the wheels to fall off sooner rather than later. Spurs run into a decent Fulham outfit today who are difficult to beat on their own patch. Its going to be a close one; I'm going for a draw.

Verdict: 2-2


Manchester United Vs Stoke

There is only going to be one outcome of this fixture today; you guessed it, home win! A wounded United, after last week's defeat at the Emirates, against a limited, if resillient Stoke outfit at Old Trafford represents Trouble for Pulis' Men.
I think united have enough presence to deal with Stoke's physical demands. This game will be one way traffic for the most part.

Verdict: 3-0


Newcastle Vs Wigan

Wigan are really struggling at the minute, which suprises me considering the quality of the squad that Steve Bruce has assembled. The win at Fratton Park was an exception amongst a series of poor results away from home and at the JJB.
Joe Kinnear also has fine players at his disposal making this one an intersting contest. Newcastle are definately improving under the guidance of the ex-Don.
I expect this one to be a tentative affair with both teams afraid of losing it. Newcastle may well push them hard towards the end of the game but I think the spoils wil be shared.

Verdict: 0-0


West ham Vs Portsmouth

Poor Gianfranco Zola; nothing seems to be going his way at the moment. How they ended up losing against Everton by 2 clear goals last week, is beyond me. With wrangling in the boardroom and the questioning of the managers position, you have to worry for West ham.
Redknapp has left Adams with an array of talent in his departure. Their is no reason why Portsmouth shouldnt qualify for europe again this year.
However I think through sheer grit, West Ham will get something out of todays game, led by their influential skipper Scott Parker. His performances have been excellent when I've seen him, I imagine some of the bigger teams will be tracking the situation at West Ham very carefully.
Draw.

Verdict: 1-1


West brom Vs Chelsea

Tony Mowbray deserves credit for how he's gone about his business in his first managerial campaign in the top flight. The ex Hibs man insists on playing attractive football, passing and moving on the deck. I'm sure Wenger would concur.
Chelsea's loss in midweek will not have a bearing on this fixture, I imagine it has been a case of "so what?" at Stamford Bridge.
This one will be an aestetically pleasing game of football as Chelsea like to play a bit themselves. I expect the London outfit to come out on top ofcourse, but it might be closer than some would expect.

Verdict: 1-2


Everton Vs Middlesboro

Both David Moyes and Gareth Southgate will be happy with the way things are going at the minute. Boro have enjoyed some excellent results this season, particularly away from home, and Everton find themselves in 7th position; not bad for team that was in 'crisis' a matter of weeks ago.
This fixture is a difficult one to call but I'm going with Everton to edge it, the Goodison crowd making the difference here.

Verdict: 1-0


Hull vs Man City

This game is a big un' for both managers. Although were at a relatively early stage of the campaign, I believe the outcome of this fixture will have a massive bearing on the rest of the season, for both clubs.
After three successive defeats, Phil Brown will be desperate to show that Hull are not a flash in the pan. With difficult fixtures to come over the christmas period, a win here cements Hull as a side to be reckoned with.
Although the 'vote of confidence' given to Mark Hughes this week was not the kiss of death that it often is, a defeat at Hull would seriously damage the Welshman's image as a man who can take this club to the top of the pile. Sadly football is this fickle.
I'm going for the Manchester outfit to come through this test with flying colours, watch out for Robinho and SWP.

Verdict: 1-3