Weekend Tips; December 6th, 2008

Last weeks results

My picks: Actual results:

Villa 1-0 Fulham, Villa 0-0 Fulham

Boro 1-2 Newcastle, Boro 0-0 Newcastle

Stoke 0-1 Hull, Stoke 1-1 Hull

Sunderland 3-0, Bolton Sunderland 1-4 Bolton

Wigan 0-0 West Brom, Wigan 2-1 West Brom

Man City 0-2 Man Utd, Man City 0- 1 Man Utd

Pompey 1-1 Blackburn, Pompey 2-0 Blackburn

Tottenham 2-3 Everton, Tottenham 0-1 Everton

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal, Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal

Liverpool 2-0 West Ham, Liverpool 0-0 West Ham


Last week I got 2 correct picks and no correct scores. Simply Awful! keep the faith though, its going to be different this week.


Saturday

Fulham vs Man City (12:45)

The days early kick-off sees Mark Hughes' men travel to Craven Cottage which has become somewhat of a fortress for Fulham this season; they have won five of their last seven home games. Roy Hodgson would be stroking his moustache if he had one.
Man City have been consistently inconsistent all season and have been terrible on the road; their one victory coming at Sunderland in August.
Its difficult to predict what City team will show up, especially this week, as the Manchester outfit are sweating over the fitness of key players including Richards and SWP (both sat out of the midweek european tie).
Probably not the best match to include in your coupon but im going for a draw.

Verdict: 1-1


Arsenal vs Wigan

This one will not be straightforward for Arsenal; Steve Bruce will have undoubtedly told his frontmen to ruffle a Gunners defence which counts William Gallas, and possibly Kolo Toure, as absentees. The Arsenal defence is weak at the best of times.
However Arsenal are back in the title race after last week's win at Stamford Bridge and will be up for this one themselves. They cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to challenge for championship honours this season.
It will be a close run affair as Wigan are enjoying afine run of form at the minute but it has to come to an end at some point doesnt it? Home win.

Verdict: 2-0


Blackburn vs Liverpool

Both teams are desperate for a win here although for very different reasons. Underfire Blackburn manager Paul Ince and his team are struggling to get out the relegation zone whilst Liverpool are looking to cement their place at the top after two lacklustre league performances.
On paper Liverpool should win this at a stroll, but my instinct tells me Blackburn will get something. After a succession of nine games without a win they have to win one at some point and Ince will have his men fired up for this as his neck is on the line.
Liverpool have looked pretty average of late; goaless draws at home against Fulham and West ham is not Championship form.
Although an inability to score goals is obviously an issue, Liverpool's biggest problem is that they are not creating opportunities. The balance they seemed to have found earlier in the season seems to have been lost and they now struggle to break down organised defences.
I'm touting Blackburn to nick it; home win.

Verdict: 1-0


Bolton vs Chelsea

Bolton have won four out their last five in the league notching up impressive scalps on their way; that all ends here.
In all honesty, I dont know were the form has come from, Megson hasnt made any monumental changes in tactics or personel. I still expect Bolton to be in the relegation dogfight come May.
Chelsea will have the bit between their teeth at the Reebok, they turned ina poor performance last week against Arsenal and are without a win in three.
This one wont even be close.

Verdict: 0-4


Hull City vs Middlesboro'

I've looked over all the statistics for this one, right through the lot, and I just cant make my mind up.
Hull are due a win, their dry spell is turning into something of a rut.
However Boro have a solid squad and are playing good football this season, and with their big, strong defence, they are also equipped to deal with the physical aspects of Hull's game.
I'm predicting a stalemate.

Verdict: 0-0


Newcastle vs Stoke


A close to full strength Stoke were rocked by Championship side Derby in the Carling Cup in midweek and I expect the result to have a bearing on this week's fixture.
With only one loss in six Pulis' men have been doing well recently but a loss like that can really damage confidence, especially that of a newly promoted team.
Joe Kinnear's resurgence continues; Newcastle look organised, balanced and strong at the back. Bassong looks to be a revelation in the heart of their defence; a defence which has been notorioulsy shakey in recent years.
I think this one is a home banker.

Verdict: 2-0


Man Utd vs Sunderland (5:30)

Poor Sunderland. Manager Keane resigns in midweek after recording five losses in their last six matches and it doesnt get any better; they have to travel to Old Trafford the following Saturday.
Sometimes the departure of a manager has an adverse effect on players and they perform, but i dont see that happening here.
The game will not be a white wash but United are gathering momentum and will be looking to obtain maximum points before they jet off to the World Club Cup.

Verdict: 2-0


Sunday

West Brom vs Pompey

After last weeks hearty performance at Wigan, Tony Mowbray will be enthusiastic about getting something here, on home soil. West Brom are not playing as bad as form suggests and are due a victory.
Pourtsmouth have played a lot of games lately and it may well take its toll come Sunday. Being dumped out of the UEFA Cup on Thursday will hardly have been morale boosting for the big name players at the club.
Home win.

Verdict: 2-1


Everton vs Aston Villa

Everton at home are gritty, hard working and difficult to play against but without a recognisable centre forward due to a plethora of injuries, they have nothing to offer going forward.
On the other hand Martin O'neill has various attacking options at his disposal and after resting most of them in midweek, you would expect them to be firing on all cylinders.
Villa have been good on the road this season and have the firepower to win this game; but i expect Everton to grind out a point.

Verdict: 1-1


Monday

West Ham vs Tottenham

It will be an intriguing contest at Upton park on Monday night with both managers asking questions of their players after recent breaks in form. Tottenham have suffered two losses in their last three after Redknapp's tremendous start whilst Zola appears to have stopped the rot with a win and a draw in the last two away fixtures.
I expect it to be a cautious affair with neither team wanting to lose it; a game played out in midfield.

Verdict: 1-1


****Top Of The Class****

I'm confident with my choices this week after a nightmare last time out. Newscastle are a massive 5/6 with Coral to beat Stoke at home, whilst Chelsea also look a very big price, 8/13 with Ladbrokes to defeat Bolton.

United and Arsenal look like home bankers but my pick of the week is a Chelsea, Newcasle and United treble. Its looks every inch a Saturday afternoon winner.

Another nice one is Nicolas Anelka to score anytime on his old stomping ground against Bolton. He is firing at the minute and strikers always seem to score against their former clubs. 6/4 with Coral; get involved.