As five of the top six sides play today, this week’s Crystal Ball focuses on today’s matches with arguably the biggest match of the season so far, being played at Old Trafford. Five intriguing matchups for the football eggheads to cherish.
Arsenal vs Stoke
Stoke’s convincing wins over Tel Aviv and Fulham mean Pulis’ side have every cause to be cheerful. Nonetheless, their away performances have always left a lot to be desired, and especially facing a rejuvenated Arsenal lineup, Stoke would need one of their topmost away performances. Gunners, however, are on the up, and might just have turned the corner – something they’ve been threatening to do for a while. Arsenal grinded out a gargantuan triumph in Marseille and with skipper Van Persie back in scoring form Arsenal must look to score a few.
Prediction: 2-0
Fulham vs. Everton
Hughes and Duff are back for Fulham, as Martin Jol would look to his firing strike duo to come up with the goods again at Craven Cottage. Everton need a result, but owing to Cahill’s infertility off-late and his lack of fruitful collaboration with Saha, Moyes’ team are struggling for goals. Even though Fulham were outclassed in the Europa League on Thursday, they’ve got their groove back at the cottage.
Prediction: 2-0
Man Utd vs. Man City
Historically a feisty encounter, however never before has so much rested on the Manchester Derby. The top two in the league faceoff as City continue their rise against the self proclaimed ‘quiet neighbours’. Both sides are off encouraging Champions League wins, with their star strikers Rooney and Aguero on target. The two will be pivotal again, as they continue their race for the Golden Boot. United have been leaky in defense, but with Vidic returning and Evra perking up his form – there is cause for optimism at Old Trafford. City, nonetheless, are the form team in the league, and could assert their supremacy with a win against their rivals. Silva will be the key for City, as they look to exploit United’s lightweight midfield. City’s vulnerability lies at left-fullback with neither Kolorov nor Clichy solid in defense, Nani could be unleashed in a lucrative move on the right flank. It’s a close one to call, and as the cliché goes, a moment of magic from the glittering array of talent, or a glaring mistake could be decisive. While anything but a home win at Old Trafford is an oddball nowadays, the match promises to be a cagey affair with neither team wanting to lose this one
Prediction: 1-1
Blackburn vs. Spurs
Blackburn are all over the place in their play, personnel, management and off-field matters. Tottenham, au contraire, are in form and should be looking for a convincing win. Spurs are undoubtedly the most fancied side of the three – Tottenham, Liverpool, and Arsenal – as the challengers for the coveted fourth spot.
And, much of that has been due to their dexterity in attacking play. Modric has been pivotal in midfield and on the flanks, Bale has been expertly marauding on the left flank, Van Der Vaart looks sharp and fit again, and Adebayor has gelled in nicely and would be looking to continue his rich vein of form at Ewood Park.
Prediction: 1-3
QPR vs. Chelsea
QPR have been patchy, as their summer disbursement hasn’t paid back regularly. Taarabt should start again after his recent antics, with Traore also returning. After a well-deserved reset midweek, the Sturridge-Drogba-Mata trio will be back knowing that an in-form Torres lies in the wait – nearing the end of his suspension. As the two Manchesters get all the press hype, as EPL title race has been perceived as a tug of war between the neighbours, Chelsea are going about their business expeditiously, and efficiently. They should be upbeat after their Champions League exploits, and the Blues have been on song after a stuttering August. Expect Chelsea’s attackers to have their hands full in this one
Prediction: 1-4