Premier League predictions

Redknapp is still behind Wenger

Arsenal v Tottenham
For many years this North London derby was something of a one sided affair with Arsenal almost inevitably coming out on top. The Gunners have been the better of the two sides for a long time.

Harry Redknapp has ensured that the gap between the two is closing. Arsenal still have the edge and they are seven points and five places above their rivals before this game, but Tottenham are very close to being the real deal themselves.

Arsenal have had two good away wins since losing their last home game to Newcastle whilst Tottenham got back to winning ways last week at home to Blackburn.

It’ll be close, but I think Harry has got a bit further to go.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

Birmingham v Chelsea
There is no doubt that despite being two points clear at the top, there are a few questions beginning to appear about Chelsea. The defeat at home to Sunderland last week was a real shocker. Without Terry, Alex, Essien and Lampard, they are certainly not the irresistible force that they looked to be before.

Birmingham are in the bottom three but they got a decent draw at Manchester City last week and are starting to look difficult to beat. I fancy them to hold Chelsea and raise some more questions.

Soccernews prediction: 0-0

Blackpool v Wolves
Blackpool continue to impress but they will be acutely aware that they are only two points clear of the drop zone. They will also know that they have gone three without a win.

Wolves have been playing OK, but they are in trouble, some five points adrift of safety already. They two haven’t won in three.

I fancy both teams will continue their winless runs.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

Bolton v Newcastle
Two of Sam Allardyce’s old clubs go head to head and I reckon both sets of fans will think they play better football now than they did then.

Bolton are in a remarkable fifth place and have only lost one of their last ten in all competitions.

Newcastle are looking good in eighth place but haven’t won in their two games since the great win at Arsenal.

Bolton are strong at home and they’ll pick up the three points to keep their great season on track.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

Liverpool v West Ham
Every game for these two at the moment is regarded as a must win game. The two managers are under pressure as Roy Hodgson has had the dreaded director of football imposed on him and Avram Grant has had the even more dreaded vote of confidence.

Liverpool looked to have turned the corner but defeat at Stoke and the loss of Stevie G have set them back again. West Ham are bottom and they need to turn half decent performances into some points. I think they’ll get one here.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

Manchester United v Wigan
Third plays seventeenth in what is, on paper, a home banker.

It is a home banker actually. Easy win for United.

Soccernews prediction: 3-0

West Brom v Stoke
These two sides are in mid-table and will be pretty pleased with life in general at the moment. Having said that West Brom haven’t won in their last four league games and will be keen to turn that around.

After a poor run, Stoke have won their last two and are looking like the team of the last two seasons again.

I seem to be predicting a few draws but once again, I can’t pick a winner.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

SUNDAY 21ST NOVEMBER

Blackburn v Aston Villa
The news of the chicken farmer takeover may have raised the mood at Ewood Park and they will be on a high for tomorrow’s game. They have steadied the ship on the pitch although they were turned over at Tottenham last week.

Villa are a little inconsistent as they try to get used to the ways of Houllier but they are a decent team.

Guess what? Another draw.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

Fulham v Manchester City
Sixteenth against fourth should suggest a straight forward away win. This one, however, is not so clear cut.

Fulham have only been beaten at home once this season and they are a well organised side. City still flatter to deceive and two dreadful goalless draws in a row have left the fans less than happy.

I think City might just have enough to take the points.

Soccernews prediction: 0-1

MONDAY 22ND NOVEMBER

Sunderland v Everton
There is no doubt that Sunderland will be on a massive high after their comprehensive win at Chelsea last time out. They will be desperate to produce a similar performance in front of their home fans.

Everton have slumped back to thirteenth place and haven’t won in their three games since winning the Merseyside derby against Liverpool.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1