Liverpool vs Manchester United (Saturday, 12.45)
There are few occasion in the English game that are anticipated with more relish than a clash between Liverpool and Manchester United.
It’s 18 league titles versus 19 titles. Expect a few banners in the away end reminding
Anfield of that.
Glaswegian legend Dalglish versus Glaswegian legend Ferguson.
Red versus red.
Chippy northerners, versus cocky northerners.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s first visit to Anfield since he successfully achieved his long stated ambition to “knock Liverpool right off their f****** perch.”
The biggest result I’d like to see will be off the pitch. Can both sets of fans show their passion, hatred if they must, without resorting to chanting about plane crashes and Hillsbrough?
I’d like to think the supporters of two great beacons of footballing history and excellence can make it raucous without being revolting.
On the pitch there will be goals, ferocity, sublime skill and ultimately, a draw.
Prediction: 2-2
***
Manchester City vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 15:00)
There have been a few problems with the Carlos Tevez golden goals DVD. You put it in the machine, and it doesn’t play.
City’s fantastic start in the league is in for a test.
Aston Villa are unbeaten, know how to buckle down and stifle teams under Alex McLeish, and have the pace to hit City’s centre backs on the break.
But there are incentives for City. They can watch top of the table rivals United play in the lunch time kick off and know that a better result with shoot them to the top.
Roberto Mancini’s every move and interaction with his bench will be studied closely for hints of the Tevez affair lingering on among his players.
But the only way to forget the Argentine is to keep winning
Prediction: 2-1
***
Chelsea vs Everton (Saturday, 17:30)
So this week we learned that Chelsea want manager Andre Villas Boas to be manager for “10-15 years” because they envy the longevity of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
Those quote will come back to haunt chairman Bruce Buck when the pressure is on during a barren spell.
Barren is not the word to describe Chelsea’s form. Having put five past Bolton last time out they are ticking along nicely, with Frank Lampard – written off as finished a month ago – back and making and impact, alongside younger men like Daniel Sturridge.
Everton are usually stubborn and competitive and will hang in there late for a point before the inevitable happens.
Prediction: 1-0
***
The rest of Saturday’s games represent great chances for club’s who could be threatened with relegation to get some points off each other.
QPR vs Blackburn (Saturday, 15:00)
If Neil Warnock’s men don’t get a win from this one he should send them all home on the bus, emulating Adel Taarabt who did just that after being subbed early in the 6-0 defeat to Fulham a fortnight ago.
If Warnock can’t get a backlash from that low point, then they are doomed, which is why I expect Joey Barton to lead the recovery, and score in a home win.
Prediction: 2-0
***
Norwich vs Swansea (Saturday, 15:00)
Both clubs have shown their intent to stay up with some notable wins recently, and sit comfortably in midtable. But when the final reckoning is done in May this match could be crucial. Survival means taking points, especially at home, against fellow potential strugglers.
Swansea’s passing style has been refreshing to watch and their composure will earn a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
***
Wigan v Bolton (Saturday, 15:00)
Bottom placed Bolton visit third bottom North West neighbours Wigan. It is the sort of fixture that fascinates for its grim context. Feel the desperation. Feel the lack of confidence and need for a spark.
A win could set either on the road to recovery, and despite being away, and having been hammered by Chelsea, I’d say Bolton could grit out a decent result here.
Prediction: 0-1
***
Stoke vs Fulham (Saturday, 15:00)
Tony Pulis’ men always seem to perform better when they have had plenty of time to prepare for a match rather than the rush of European action in midweek. That’s why they will squeeze past Fulham who will fail to find the form that slaughtered QPR.
Prediction: 2-1
***
West Brom vs Wolves (Sunday, 12:00)
West Brom may sit fourth bottom, but when you see them play they always appear to be a decent, fluent, attractive outfit to watch. They sort of football they played at Sunderland last time out (when they unfortunately surrendered a 2-0 lead) was lovely to watch, they just need a tougher underbelly to shore up results.
The heat of a Midlands derby may just provide that steel.
Prediction: 2-0
***
Arsenal vs Sunderland (Sunday, 13:30)
Is it too early in the season to say this is a game that neither manager can afford to lose?
Arsene Wenger’s men would normally expect to brush aside Sunderland, but you just never know this term.
Then again, this is Sunderland, a side with multiple new faces who have failed to find rhythm, heaping fan pressure on boss Steve Bruce.
The brightest spark for Sunderland, Nicklas Bendtner (on loan from Arsenal), is not eligible, leaving a gaping hole in their attack. The Dane insists the mood and camaraderie at Sunderland is far better than what he left behind at the Emirates.
Might not be on Saturday night.
Prediction: 3-0
***
Newcastle vs Tottenham (Sunday, 16:00)
How good are Newcastle United? Alan Pardew says he doesn’t know yet. They sit fourth, unbeaten, and with the best defensive record in the division. Will it last?! This is the Geordies’ biggest test so far and will give us a decent hint at whether a kind run of fixtures and a modicum of organisation is behind the brilliant start, or something more.
Prediction: 2-1
***
No comments:
Post a Comment