FA Cup and Premier League predictions – It’s a Chelsea v Tottenham final

Predictions

FA Cup semi-final

Whilst a repeat of the 7-1 thrashing Chelsea handed out to Aston Villa recently is pretty unlikely, it is difficult to see beyond a Chelsea victory.

Since Chelsea toppled out of Europe and stumbled slightly in the league they have scored twelve goals in two games and then won at Old Trafford to go back to the top. They are in great form and must fancy themselves for the league and cup double.

Villa recovered from the mauling at Stamford Bridge by getting an excellent 1-0 win at Bolton but like last season at this stage, they do not look like the side that was playing before Christmas. It is a shame that their second trip to Wembley this season is likely to end in their second defeat.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0

Premier League

This game really is ‘do or die’ for both teams. They are sitting third and second from bottom and a defeat for either, particularly Burnley, could be a fatal blow.

Hull have shown some sort of upturn under their new manager Iain Dowie and they are just a point from safety with a game in hand on West Ham above them. A win here would go a long way to keeping them in the league.

Burnley are in disarray and have shown absolutely nothing under Brian Laws. A win for them would give them a chance but a defeat would mean it is all over at the first attempt. It is hard to see how they can win.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-0

With the two teams below them playing each other this could be a great day for West Ham. Whilst they can’t rely on others and need to concentrate on their own game, a draw at Hull and a win for them against Sunderland would see them in a great position.

Things looked to be going horribly wrong for the Hammers but they showed commendable fighting spirit in their excellent 2-2 draw at Everton last week and will go into this game with a little more confidence.

Sunderland had a terrible run but a recent draw at Villa and last week’s win over Tottenham suggest that they are back in form.

West Ham won’t be pleased with a point but it is better than nothing.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-1

Sunday 11th April

FA Cup semi-final

The only prediction needed in this game is whether or not Portsmouth will be able to field eleven fit players. The club and the team are in turmoil and whilst this trip to Wembley will be a welcome relief for their fans and a welcome influx of money for the administrator, it is unlikely to deliver success on the pitch.

Tottenham are still on for a cup win and a top four finish. If Harry Redknapp achieves that he will be a great candidate for manager of the season. Getting to the cup final should be a breeze.

SoccerNews prediction: 3-0

Premier League

Sam Allardyce and Sir Alex Ferguson are best mates but there won’t be any love lost for the ninety minutes of the game.

Blackburn will know that United are wounded after their defeats against Chelsea and Bayern Munich and they will attempt to ‘get in their faces’ from the first whistle. United will have to show character and composure and need to get back on the winning trail.

I think Sir Alex will ensure that his players produce the goods.

SoccerNews prediction: 0-2

Unbelievably this could be a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final. I wonder what odds you could have got on that at the start of the season?

Fulham are safe and secure in mid-table and may well regard their forthcoming matches against Hamburg as the priority for them. Liverpool are still desperate for fourth place and will know that the league games are more important than their tie with Atletico Madrid.

I think Liverpool should win this one.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0

With Tottenham and Villa in cup action, Manchester City have a chance to open up a bit of a lead in the race for fourth. Unfortunately for them, one of the teams they wouldn’t want to be playing is this ‘never say die’ group of players from Birmingham.

City have won their last two games scoring nine goals in the process, whilst Birmingham have drawn their last two 1-1. However, those two draws were against Liverpool and Arsenal.

It will be difficult for Mancini’s men but I think they’ll just nick it.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-1

Before the season started you could have been forgiven for thinking this was likely to be a six-pointer relegation battle. As it happens, Stoke are safe and Wolves aren’t far away.

That fact is a testament to the exceptional work of Tony Pulis and Mick McCarthy and to the work ethic and determination of their players. Whilst this game is unlikely to be a footballing classic you can rest assured that every player will give absolutely everything.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-1