Both these sides got off to a perfect start last week with great wins in the respective games. West Ham beat Aston Villa in a very good performance away from home, and with their own fans behind them on Saturday, Sam Allardyce's Hammers will fancy their chances of victory.
Swansea also got off the mark in style, taking the points from QPR in Michu inspired hammering by Five goals to zero. Michael Laudrup will be instructing his side to repeat everything they did at The Liberty Stadium last week, and I'm sure Michu hopes to repeat his antics too.
Prediction - West Ham 1-2 Swansea
Aston Villa Vs Everton
Paul Lambert's Villa didn't quite get off to the start he would've wanted, after a 1-0 defeat at Upton Park last Saturday. However, I'm sure if there's any manager who knows how to make up for his mistakes, it's Lambert. Villa will no doubt take the game to Everton, and Darren Bent and Charles N'Zogbia's contributions will be vital; if they perform, Villa perform.
However they'll face a stern test in the form of Everton, whose confidence will be at an all time high following their win over Manchester United on Monday. In that game Marouane Fellaini was instrumental in everything that happened. Everton will be hoping for another big performance from the Belgian on Saturday.
Prediction - Aston Villa 1-2 Everton
Man United Vs Fulham
Man United need to recover well from the disappointment of Monday night, and Fulham may well be caught up in the crossfire. Robin van Persie didn't get off to the perfect start either, and having only made the bench on Monday, surely he'll start on Saturday.
Fulham, however, began the season completely opposite to United, beating Norwich City 5-0 at Craven Cottage last weekend and looking imperious in doing it. So, despite 'The Red Devils' seeking revenge, Mladen Petric and will have something to say about it.
Prediction - Man United 2-1 Fulham
Norwich Vs QPR
This should be a very interesting match-up, both teams on the wrong end of 5-0 batterings last week, and will need to turn it around. Norwich are still settling under Chris Hughton it seems, and that may mean another tough game in store.
QPR are also in a period of transition at the moment, Mark Hughes has put a mark on the side with a whole host of new signings, including Junior Hoilett and Ji Sung Park. These players need time though, they haven't gelled yet and may take a while longer.
Prediction - Norwich 1-0 QPR
Southampton Vs Wigan
Southampton showed plenty of promise last week when they played Champions Manchester City. They came across as a good footballing side and kept the ball well. This could make for an exciting game with Wigan who also have a possession based philosophy and come full time, it'll be a case of who can keep the ball better in my opinion.
Prediction - Southampton 2-2 Wigan
Sunderland Vs Reading
Sunderland picked up a very good point at Arsenal last weekend, and after the signing of Steven Fletcher, they may be able to take the confidence from that into the game against Reading. With Fletcher upfront, the attacking line will be a lot more potent and Reading will no doubt be wary of this.
Reading also earned a point last weekend, and they nearly took another in midweek when then took a shock lead against European Champions Chelsea. Pavel Pogrebnyak and Garath McCleary were integral parts of the side that played Chelsea, if they link up well again, the Sunderland back four will have a job on their hands.
Prediction - Sunderland 2-1 Reading
Tottenham Vs West Brom
Tottenham can have mixed feelings over their loss to Newcastle last weekend. A good performance under AVB, but poor finishing, and ill-discipline let them down. Ahead of the West Brom game however, Emmanuel Adebayor completed a permanent move to the Lane, a move that Villas-Boas hopes can bring some goals to the side.
West Brom had a dream start to life under Steve Clarke; hammering Liverpool 3-0 on the opening day. Romelu Lukaku scored for Albion that day, and his and Peter Odemwingie's partnership will be pivotal to success on Saturday.
Prediction - Tottenham 2-1 West Brom
Chelsea Vs Newcastle
Chelsea have had the perfect start to the new season, having played two and won two. Eden Hazard has been vital in the early run of form, getting three assists and winning two penalties, but Newcastle United will provide a whole new test for the Londoners.
Alan Pardew's Newcastle also began the 2012-13 season well, Hatem Ben Arfa continuing from where he left off last season and helping his side to a 2-1 win over Spurs. However with the side having played Atromitos just two days before this Chelsea game, jet lag and fatigue will play a part in already a hard game at the Bridge.
Prediction - Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle
Stoke City Vs Arsenal
Stoke City will be ruing giving away that last minute penalty to Reading last week, three points on the opening day always give you that psychological edge, although I'm sure they'll be keen to make it up this weekend. New signing Michael Kightly will need another top performance if things are to go the Potters way.
Arsenal also need to pick up three points, after drawing blank at home to Sunderland last weekend. Lukas Podolski wasn't able to score last week, although I'm sure this week he'll be doing his utmost to open his account for the Gunners.
Prediction - Stoke City 0-2 Arsenal
Liverpool Vs Man City
Liverpool were left shell shocked at The Hawthorns last weekend, Brendan Rodgers' men were embarrassed 3-0 and had Daniel Agger sent off to make matters worse. So to face City on the back of that result, and with no Agger, a positive result seems unlikely. If they are to do the impossible though, Luis Suarez's finishing will no doubt be a decisive factor, if he is accurate, they have a chance.
As for Manchester City's chances, losing Sergio Agüero has dealt them a blow, but I'm sure Carlos Tevez and Edin Džeko will step up to the plate. Also, the back three of City were tested a few times last week, if they are still a little shaky, then that could be the downfall of the Citizens.
Prediction - Liverpool 1-3 Man City
No comments:
Post a Comment