Saturday 18th April 2009-04-17
FA Cup semi-final
How on earth do you predict the outcome of this one? Well, as it is my job to do so, I’d better have a go!
Arsenal are looking really good at the moment and had a fine win over Villarreal in the week. They have Fabregas, Adebayor, Walcott and Van Persie firing on all cylinders and going forward there are few who can match them.
At the back, however, with Almunia and Gallas missing, amongst others, things don’t look so good.
Chelsea had a much harder game in Europe in midweek but the relief of the outcome will have minimised the tiredness. They are six points ahead of Arsenal in the league and have identical home records.
There is so little between the teams but I just have a sneaking suspicion that this could be a tournament win at last for Arsene Wenger.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-1
Premier League
Villa’s dreams of the champion’s league appear to be over but their alarming drop in form seems to have been overcome. They were desperately unlucky to lose 3-2 at Old Trafford and then produced a great comeback to get a draw with Everton last time out.
West Ham are nine points behind Villa but are well placed to take the last qualifying place for the Europa League. They have developed into a fine side under Gianfranco Zola and would give any side a decent game.
SoccerNews prediction: 1-1
Middlesbrough are still deep in trouble even though they did the unthinkable last week and actually won a game.
Fulham have only picked up two away wins all season but one of them was an impressive 3-1 win at Manchester City last time out. They are still looking to qualify for Europe and that is remarkable after they were many people’s favourites for the drop.
Roy Hodgson for manager of the season, anyone?
SoccerNews prediction: 0-2
There is no doubt that Bolton are a little safer than Portsmouth but both sides are still looking for those last few precious points just to ensure Premier League football next season.
Portsmouth are only four points clear of the drop zone but if they win this one they will catch Bolton who are three points better off. In the end, there are probably three worse teams than both of these and they will both be safe.
I expect Pompey to be the happier later today.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-0
Stoke six points above the relegation places and Blackburn four points above the relegation places. Two more teams looking nervously over their shoulders but who should just about be OK.
Blackburn have horrendous problems up front but the fighting qualities of their boss Sam Allardyce have rubbed off on their players.
Stoke are true battlers as well. This game won’t be for the feint hearted!
SoccerNews prediction: 1-1
Yet another game between two nervous teams. The only difference with this one is that I am far from being convinced that these two teams will be safe.
Both teams are on a very poor run of form and I can’t help but feel that the loser of this game will be in serious trouble. On the basis that it is difficult to see where Hull can win a game, I expect Sunderland to just about nick this one.
SoccerNews prediction: 1-0
Sunday 19th April
FA Cup semi-final
The news that Mike “penalty for Manchester United†Riley has been appointed as the referee for this game will have sent all sorts of alarm bells through the ranks of players, staff and fans at Everton. As if playing against eleven men from Manchester United isn’t difficult enough!
Everton are in fine form and Manchester United aren’t. Having said that, there were signs of the old United returning in the win at Porto and the defence which has looked so fragile recently, looked so much better with Ferdinand back alongside Vidic.
I think this one will be close, but I expect United to still be chasing five trophies at the end of the game.
SoccerNews prediction: 1-2
Premier League
Ten wins at home, mid-table Manchester City against one win away, rock bottom West Brom. Tough one to predict!
City will be reeling from their UEFA Cup exit, but they should still have way too much for the Baggies who are looking more demoralised as the weeks pass.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-0
Who would have predicted that Tottenham would have been fighting for a place in Europe at this stage of the season? Like him or loathe him (Southampton fans) you have to agree that he has done a quite remarkable job in his few months at White Hart Lane.
Newcastle are still searching for the “Alan Shearer effect†which will save them from relegation. So far it has seen a defeat at home to Chelsea and a slightly fortuitous draw at Stoke. If it doesn’t appear in this game tomorrow, it could be goodbye to Newcastle.
Having said that, West Brom, Middlesbrough and Hull are still my favourites for the drop.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-0
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