Premier League predictions

If possible, he might be even more gloomy after today

Aston Villa v Tottenham
Villa managed to scrape to a victory over West Brom last time out to bring an end to a worrying run of form. Despite that, they will be very aware that they are still just four points clear of the drop zone and need to put together some good results to be able to look up rather than down.

Whilst Tottenham are playing some great stuff and sitting pretty in fifth place and the Champions League qualifying stages, they have actually failed to win in their last three. Draws with Birmingham, FC Twente and Chelsea have slightly halted their progress.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

Blackburn v Stoke
Twelfth plays thirteenth at Ewood Park and although both sets of fans would probably be happy with a mid-table finish, neither side are feeling particularly festive at the moment.

Blackburn’s new owners seem to think that they should be a top five team and that Sam Allardyce was not the man to achieve that. I agree that he probably wasn’t, but I don’t think anyone else is either. I can see them sliding down the table.

Stoke are a decent side but have been disappointing in their last two games, drawing at Wigan and losing at home to Blackpool. I fancy them to get back to winning ways in this one.

Soccernews prediction: 0-1

Blackpool v Liverpool
Tenth plays ninth with both sides on the same points and with Blackpool having a game in hand. Anyone who predicted these two sides being locked together when this game came around would have earned themselves a lot of money.

Blackpool have probably been better away from home but they are have only lost two of six at home. Liverpool have only managed to win once on their travels.

I think we could be in for an entertaining score draw.

Soccernews prediction: 2-2

Bolton v West Brom
Bolton would have gone to fifth place in the league if they could have got a result at Sunderland last week but defeat meant that they remain in seventh. That is still a remarkable performance.

West Brom are happy in mid table and look as though they will stay in the top flight in some comfort.

I think Bolton might just edge this one but it won’t be easy.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

Everton v Birmingham
Two teams who are much closer to the drop zone than they would like or they would have expected.

Everton will be buoyant after their win at Manchester City but they need to follow it up with a win in front of their own fans. As for Birmingham, it just isn’t really happening for them at the moment and they struggle to score goals.

It is very likely that one goal will win this one. I fancy Everton to get it.

Soccernews prediction: 1-0

Fulham v West Ham
A London derby between two struggling sides. Both teams have scored less than a goal a game so far this season and they have both tasted victory just twice.

Fulham have drawn five home games and West Ham have drawn four away games. There is only one safe bet.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

Manchester United v Sunderland
On paper you would always expect Manchester United to beat Sunderland at Old Trafford. The home side are top of the league and are still to be beaten in the league this season. They have won eight and drawn one of their nine home games so far.

Sunderland are getting better and better and sit in sixth place. They are not an easy team to beat and will go into this game with confidence after showing in their convincing win at Chelsea, that they have no reason to fear the top sides.

Having said all that, United will win.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

Newcastle v Manchester City
The home side continue life under Alan Pardew. They played exceptionally well for him last time out when they beat Liverpool but this is likely to be a far sterner test.

I thought City were genuine title contenders before last Monday and their away form is improving all the time. If only Mancini could foster the type of team spirit that Everton showed in their victory at Eastlands. I fully expect them to show Alan Pardew that life isn’t always going to be so easy for him at St James’ Park.

Soccernews prediction: 0-2

Wolves v Wigan
Two of the bottom three go head to head in this one. It should be an entertaining game if a little short of quality.

Wolves are reasonably strong at home and Wigan are pretty woeful away. I don’t see either of those things being changed dramatically in this game.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

MONDAY 27TH DECEMBER

Arsenal v Chelsea
The biggest game of the festive period sees champions Chelsea go to title chasers Arsenal.

It is a very difficult game to predict. Arsenal with their passing and movement and Chelsea with their pace and power. Arsenal will be smarting from defeat at Manchester United whilst Chelsea will be happier with their point at Tottenham but worried by just one win in seven games.

Defeat for either side would be a serious blow. I think Ancelotti will be the happier manager.

Soccernews prediction: 1-2