Yeah, yeah, I know...no surprises.Sunderland v. Tottenham
As much as it pains me to predict a Spuds (Arsenal supporter's nick name for Tottenham) victory--bet with your brain, not your heart. This is Sunderland's first game since promotion to the BPL, and I just don't see them taking a point off a talented (if inconsistent) Tottenham.
Bolton v. Newcastle
This one has draw written all over it. Both managers will be looking to not lose, rather than win in their first game at the helm of their respective clubs.
Derby v. Portsmouth
Derby sucks. Portsmouth does not suck. I don't see Derby getting a goal off of a good Portsmouth defense.
Everton v. Wigan
Wigan have not done anything to improve in the transfer season, and Everton remain a decent well-coached team. I don't see Wigan coming to Goodison and getting anything out of this one.
Middlesboro v. Blackburn
Although Blackburn are the favored team, I just have a feeling about this one--albeit not a confident one.
West Ham v. Man City
These two clubs have had a significant amount of turnover this season, and this one won't be pretty. I probably would give a slight edge to the Hammers, but not enough to change my prediction.
Villa v. Liverpool
Villa are worthy opponents, but 'Pool have a solid core and I think they will keep a clean sheet in this one.
Arsenal v. Fulham
Will Arsenal repeat performances of last season at home by going down a goal? Well, that's my bet--they pull through in the end though. P.S., betting on van Persie to score would be worth a few bucks as well.
Chelsea v. Birmingham
Hmm, Chelsea have tons of injuries, but even their reserves are better than Birmingham's starters. Look for Chelsea to spread things out up front with Drogba's absence and attack the Birmingham defense from the flanks with speed.
Manchester United v. Reading
Both these teams play attacking football, but I have to give the edge to ManU. They go up early and Reading drop a couple more trying to find the equalizer. This might be the most entertaining match of the weekend as well.
Okay, so how's the season going to end? Well--here's my league table.
1) I think Chelsea will struggle a bit to start with all their injuries to get behind 'pool and ManU. Couple that with losing Drogba, Essien, etc. for the African Cup of Nations (ACN) and I don't think they will make it up.
2)I don't think Tottenham will be as good as people are speculating--they gave up too many goals last season, and with the rest of the league improving offensively, I don't see them breaking into the top four this season.
3)Arsenal will not be as bad as people think. As long as Robben van Persie and William Gallas do not miss long spells like last season, look for the Gunners to stay in the top four.
4) Fulham and Wigan will go down. They were awfull to end last season, and I don't think they've done enough to stop their decline.
5) All-in-all, I think this season will be very tight at the top and bottom with only Derby being a lock for relegation.
No comments:
Post a Comment