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