Chris Picks: Premier League Preview Picks
Posted December 28, 2007 Posted Under: EPL, OBJ: Chris
It’s a slower week in the world of football, but the EPL is still running full throttle with another weekend of fixtures. That being said, here’s another installment of “Chris Picks”.
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City: City is unbeaten at Eastland’s, where the home fans have been singing their beloved “Blue Moon”, on a regular basis. Liverpool play well against City, but this is a different City side, and I expect both teams to split the points. Look for some changes from Liverpool, but the same squad from Sven and the City side.
Derby 1-2 Blackburn: Derby was desperately unlucky on Boxing Day not to walk away with a point against Liverpool, while Blackburn was lucky to have gained a point against Man City. Derby finally played Benny Feilhaber in the second half, and it dramatically changed the way the team played. Paul Jewell will be “forced” to play him again, which will help them, although it isn’t enough against Blackburn.
Wigan 1-2 Aston Villa: Villa played very well against Chelsea, and was unlucky to have gone a man down right before half time against Chelsea, which changed the match. Wigan played well against Newcastle, but Wigan’s depth, or lack of depth, will be on display against a fast Villa side. Speed kills Wigan, and Villa has plenty of it.
West Ham 0-3 Manchester United: Carlos Tevez’s awaited return to Upton Park, where last year he single handily kept the Hammers from being relegated. This year, West Ham has struggled putting the ball in the back of the net, while Manchester United has not had any problems finding it. I fancy Tevez scoring, but not celebrating, as he was recently quoted saying he wouldn't. Hopefully the Hammer's supporters will extend him some respect as well.
Tottenham 2-1 Reading: Spurs rebounded on Boxing Day, by putting five past poor Fulham at White Hart Lane, but welcome a better side in Reading. After Bobby Convey has been put back in the starting eleven, Reading have looked better. But Keane, Berbatov and the wingers have looked better, and that’s why Spurs nick the winner.
Sunderland 2-1 Bolton: After a heavy defeat to Roy Keane’s former team on Boxing Day, Sunderland bounce back and beat an improving Bolton side. Anelka looks to be departing probably to Chelsea in the January transfer window, and the uncertainty of his move will unsettle Bolton. Sunderland defends set pieces well, where Bolton still score most of their goals from, thus giving Sunderland the upper hand.
Portsmouth 1-0 Middlesbrough: Pompey has been in a bit of poor form at the moment, and hasn’t been putting the ball in net. Enter the cure…Middlesbrough. Although Pompey will barely win, they’ll get back on their winning ways because Middlesbourgh has been terrible on their travels, and this is the most southern team against the most northern team in the Premiership, which can’t bold well for Middlesbourgh.
Everton 2-2 Arsenal: Probably the most entertaining of the matches all weekend long. Everton has been the most inform side in the Premiership besides Manchester United. Arsenal on the other hand played quite poorly at Pompey. I expect both sides to attack, and the midfield battle between Flamini and Fabregas of Arsenal, against Cahill, Arteta, and Carsley, of Everton, should be very intriguing to watch.
Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle: Newcastle is in a tail spin at the moment, with Barton being arrested and their manager about to be sacked. Chelsea, although only getting a point against Villa, can feel better after Shevchenko played his best match for the club. While Chelsea has deep pockets, they are struggling with injuries and suspensions, Newcastle haven’t even had a shot on goal in over two hours of play. Chelsea wins.
Birmingham 2-1 Fulham: Fulham have just signed new coach Roy Hodgson today, but are still in a spot of bother. Their defense has been very poor, while their offense has purely come from Clint Dempsey. Birmingham has played much better football since the appointment of Alex McLeish, especially in scoring goals and in their build up play. A spirited performance by Fulham, but once again will concede a late winner.