Premier League predictions

Crucial game for both managers

Saturday 5th February

Aston Villa v Fulham

A game between two teams who looked as though they might be in trouble but now seem to have turned a corner. They are both picking up points and climbing up the table.

Although these two teams are very evenly matched and I wouldn’t be able to pick between them if Fulham were at home, it becomes easier today because Fulham are still so much better at home than they are away.

Soccernews prediction:2-0

Everton v Blackpool

Before the season started Blackpool were odds on to get relegated and Everton were not even in the betting. After a few games, Everton looked favourites to go down and Blackpool looked to be more than safe. Then Everton picked up a little and both teams looked set for a season in mid-table.

Now, both teams are struggling and they will both be anxiously looking below them in the table. Three points for either side in this one will give them a welcome comfort zone. I think Everton will be celebrating and the pre-season betting will start to look good again.

Soccernews prediction:2-1

Manchester City v West Brom

This is a game between two teams who flatter to deceive. West Brom are universally accepted to play some great football. We all thought they would do well after great performances in games at Manchester United and Arsenal. As it is, they are only just above the drop zone and looked pretty average in their draw against Wigan a few days ago.

Manchester City are a team on the up and a club on a mission. Unfortunately, neither of those things have been obvious when they lost at Villa and drew with Notts County and Birmingham in their last three games. They’ll get back to winning ways here.

Soccernews prediction:3-1

Newcastle v Arsenal

It was quite sad watching Newcastle in their defeat at Fulham on Wednesday evening. They play some nice football but if they were still playing that game now, they still wouldn’t have scored!

Arsenal’s back four is not the best and when they come up against Drogba and Torres or Berbatov and Rooney, it is not clear that they will be able to cope. However, Nile Ranger and Leon Best? I think they’ll be alright.

Soccernews prediction:0-2

Stoke v Sunderland

Stoke are up and down in form this season but will be pleased to be back at home after three away games in a row. They are much more comfortable in front of their own passionate and ferocious fans.

Sunderland are still sixth in the table and proving that Steve Bruce is a top manager and they are a good team. However, they’ll have their work cut out to get anything today.

Soccernews prediction:1-0

Tottenham v Bolton

Tottenham ended a slightly poor run with a win at Blackburn in the week and Bolton did the same with a win over Wolves. Both teams will have been mightily relieved to pick up three points.

Today’s game will simply come down to who is the better side. However well Owen Coyle has done with Bolton, that is Tottenham.

Soccernews prediction:2-0

Wigan v Blackburn

This game will be the one that only gets twenty seconds of highlights right at the end of