Newcastle vs. Everton
Newcastle’s win at Stoke was probably their biggest win of the season and they are now officially in the running for a top-four spot. A consistent lineup, robust midfield, and the goal-scoring prowess of Ba make the Magpies a force to be reckoned with, as they host an Everton side devoid of any inkling of confidence and have Cahill and Distin as injury doubts. Obertan is out for Newcastle.
Prediction: 3-1
Arsenal vs. West Brom
Most sides come at the Emirates, decide to sit deep, do not allow any space behind and in turn frustrate Arsenal’s forwards. Roy Hodgson would be looking to do the same, especially since they have a ‘long term’ striking absentee – pun intended. Arsenal, nonetheless, need to ensure that they don’t follow-up the ‘wonderful’ at Chelsea with a ‘weird’ this time round. Needless to point out Van Persie’s importance, Walcott should, however, begin to instill some consistency after his staggering display at the Bridge.
Prediction: 3-0
Villa vs. Norwich
9th hosts 8th in what promises to be an evenly matched encounter. The two midfield packs should cancel out one another, and the forwards won’t find it easy to outdo two well organised defenses, despite Bent and Agbonlahor being on song off-late.
Prediction: 1-1
Blackburn vs. Chelsea
Back to back defeats have derailed the Blues who looked on song till Drogba got sent off at QPR, and the midweek result was also a set-back. Blackburn however, present an ideal opportunity do get their season back on track. Torres needs to take more responsibility in leading the attacking, and combine with Sturridge and Mata to ensure they come out with all three points. Blackburn do have the potential of making things rugged though.
Prediction: 1-2
Liverpool vs. Swansea
Gerrard is out for this one, as Liverpool welcome Swansea – a side that has impressed one and all, and has Graham firing on all fronts. Carroll has a chance to stake a claim for a permanent role in the starting lineup and Suarez would look to continue his impressive run of form. If Liverpool can stop Graham and Sinclair, they could win comfortably.
Prediction: 2-1
Man Utd vs. Sunderland
United continue to eke out results in the league and in Europe, as they look to chase down a five point lead created by City. Playing Rooney in midfield seemed to sort out the midfield issue, but created one in the forward-line in a leaf out of Sophocles’ Oedipus the King’s gamut of irony. Sunderland meanwhile are showing signs of improvements with Sessegnon coming to the fore. United, nevertheless, should have Rooney and Hernandez upfront to cause Sunderland’s defense perpetual trouble; United’s backline is anyone’s guess though.
Prediction: 3-0
QPR vs. Man City
City are soaring both domestically and in Europe. Doubts over Silva might be a concern, but City’s ensemble of superstars should take care of QPR, who have a swelling list of casualties themselves. Aguerro, Balotelli and Dzeko should have their hands full in this one.
Prediction: 0-3
Wolves vs. Wigan
Both sides are without a win in their last 7 matches and a combined total of a single point in the same time span. This could be touted as an early ‘relegation six pointer’ as both sides struggle for inspiration upfront, despite having the personnel.
Prediction: 1-1
Bolton vs. Stoke
Bolton are giving Wigan and Black a run for shambolic eminence, but should be buoyed by a visiting side that normally doesn’t turn up away from home. N’gog needs to tie up his laces as most of his teammates, including Petrov are on a downward spiral. Stoke have their skipper Shawcross as a doubt, but the Walters-Crouch partnership is working well. Sticking my neck out, considering Bolton haven’t had a draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Fulham vs. Spurs
Two sides off the back of contrasting Europa Cup fortunes could play out a fast, fatigue-laden encounter. Fulham are struggling to string together back-to-back results – despite a decent array of forwards – and welcome a Spurs side that rested their big guns in midweek, and have Bale and Van Der Vaart in breathtaking form.
Prediction: 1-2
