Premier League predictions

Who will be smiling on Sunday?

Chelsea v Blackburn
Chelsea showed a little more of what they are capable of in the 7-0 demolition of Championship Ipswich in the FA Cup last week. However, they are still in one of their worst runs of form in the league for many years. One win in nine has seen them slip out of the top four and they desperately need a win in this one.

Blackburn have beaten Liverpool and QPR in their last two outings but I still expect them to struggle, even with the arrival of their old boy Roque Santa Cruz. I think they might give Chelsea the win they need.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

Manchester City v Wolves
Second placed City will want to get back to winning ways after they were unimpressive in a 2-2 draw at Championship Leicester last week. They have been boosted by the arrival of Edin Dzeko and their league form has been good.

Wolves have worked their way out of the drop zone following wins against Liverpool and Chelsea, but I will be amazed if they manage to get anything out this game.

Soccernews prediction: 3-0

Stoke v Bolton
Stoke are having an up and down season but look pretty good for a mid table finish. They did OK at Old Trafford last time out in the league, despite losing the game 2-1. On the basis that they seem to win and lose alternate games they should be OK today.

Bolton were flying but have won only one of their last five. Despite that they are still sitting pretty in seventh place. In the past they would have tried to match Stoke’s strength, directness and power but now they will try to out play them. I think they might not manage it.

Soccernews prediction: 1-0

West Brom v Blackpool
Two promoted teams who are currently experiencing differing fortunes.

Blackpool continue to surprise and amaze and their 2-1 win over Liverpool in midweek lifted them to ninth place in a run of just two defeats in eight games.

West Brom have slipped down the table to be just one point clear of the drop zone. They are on a horrible run of six straight defeats. Blackpool will give them chances but will they have the confidence to take them?

Soccernews prediction: 0-2

West Ham v Arsenal
A London derby between teams at opposite ends of the table.

West Ham are still bottom but have shown signs of improvement. Wins in both the Carling Cup and FA Cup have been added to a run of only one defeat in their last five league games.

Arsenal had a horror show at Ipswich in the week and were not a lot better against Leeds last weekend. Despite that, they have only lost one league game in their last eight and that was at Old Trafford. You have to think that they will extend their good run today.

Soccernews prediction: 0-2

Wigan v Fulham
The home side are second from bottom and the away side are just a point better off. Both sides are well and truly in a relegation struggle and know that three points from this game will be a massive boost.

Wigan have only won one of their last eight league games and at times, have looked like a very poor side.

Fulham had a six goal win in the cup last week and have won two of their last three league games as well, so they may be about to make their way up the table. I think that upward trend will continue today.

Soccernews prediction: 0-1

SUNDAY 16TH JANUARY

Birmingham v Aston Villa
This must be the first time in a long while that Birmingham have gone into a local derby against Villa being the team higher in the league. Having said that, they are only a point better off and both of them are immersed in a relegation battle.

Birmingham are in decent form and Villa aren’t. I think those facts may well continue after this game.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

Liverpool v Everton
Nobody needs to be told what a big game this is, particularly Kenny Dalglish. His tenure started with defeat at Old Trafford which was acceptable and then defeat at Blackpool which was less so. A win against the old enemy and things will be up and running whereas a defeat, and things will start to look a little desperate.

Everton are drawing a lot of games but have only been beaten once in seven. They will see this as a massive opportunity to make life difficult for their neighbours. I think they might.

Soccernews prediction: 0-1

Sunderland v Newcastle
When the sides met in the Tyne and Weir derby a few weeks ago, Newcastle humiliated their local rivals, winning the game 5-1. Sunderland will be desperate to redress the balance.

Things are going incredibly well for Sunderland at the moment despite being knocked out of the FA Cup last week. They are a remarkable sixth in the table and have won five of their last seven league games.

Newcastle are just two places below Sunderland and also suffered an embarrassing FA Cup defeat. In the league however, they have won three of their last five and are looking good.

I’m going to sit on the fence for this one.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

Tottenham v Manchester United
Fourth plays first in what should be an exciting and entertaining game. Quite often when the top teams play against each other they cancel each other out and the game is disappointing. I don’t think that will happen here as both teams will be looking to win the game.

Tottenham are on the crest of a wave and are playing well. Manchester United are top and unbeaten. Either something has got to give or it will be a draw. I’m going for that.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1