Premier League predictions

Still looking for his first win?

Arsenal v Wigan
Arsenal looked pretty good at West Ham last week and then again at Leeds on Wednesday. They scored six goals in the two games and are once again looking like worthy title contenders.

Wigan remain in the bottom three and it is really difficult to see how they can get out of it. They certainly won’t start that process today.

Soccernews prediction: 3-0

Aston Villa v Manchester City
Villa surprised many with their purchase of Darren Bent but I suppose it shows the owners’ desire to get the team back up where they were. The question is, if he was prepared to spend all that money, why didn’t he give it to Martin O’Neill when he wanted it? After three successive sixth placed finishes, you have to wonder whether O’Neill would have spent the money to take them even higher.

Manchester City are definitely the real deal, but when they attack, they are not too solid at the back. If they play for a point, they defend well, but if they go for the win they can be a little open.

Soccernews prediction: 2-2

Blackpool v Sunderland
This is a game between two teams who are doing better than probably even their own fans thought they would. They are in a great position but will both be looking to bounce back from disappointing results today.

Blackpool lost at West Brom last time out, whilst Sunderland needed a very late goal to share the spoils with local rivals Newcastle.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

Everton v West Ham
Everton were good in the second half at Liverpool last week and were probably a little unlucky not to pick up all three points. The signs are good that they are starting to look like the side we all thought they were.

West Ham have confirmed that Avram Grant is staying although you have to think that is because they couldn’t get anyone else. If there is no money to spend, no manager could get much more out of this group of players. They remain bottom and will remain so after this game.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

Fulham v Stoke
Shoots of recovery are appearing at Fulham as Mark Hughes begins to get his team playing how he wants them to. They should have no problem in reaching mid-table and staying there.

Stoke are a decent, well organised and strong team who could be fixtures in mid-table for many seasons to come.

Soccernews prediction: 1-0

Manchester United v Birmingham
Still United remain unbeaten and sit proudly at the top of the league. They have faced sterner tests than this one and come through them although they could only draw in the reverse fixture a few weeks ago.

Birmingham play with one striker who is hopelessly isolated from the rest of his team. That makes them hard to break down but painful to watch. They will provide resistance but it will be fruitless in the end.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

Newcastle v Tottenham
Both teams drew games last weekend that would have given them a huge boost if they won. Newcastle came close to winning at Sunderland but missed out to a late goal and Tottenham had the majority of the play and chances against Manchester United but couldn’t find the net.

This should be an entertaining game but I fancy Tottenham will have too much attacking strength for the home side.

Soccernews prediction: 0-2

Wolves v Liverpool
When Wolves won at Liverpool a few weeks ago it was close to being the final nail in the coffin of Roy Hodgson’s managerial tenure. Since then Hodgson has gone and Kenny Dalglish has come in. He has dramatically changed the atmosphere at the club but hasn’t had any immediate effect on results. They are poor away from home and I can’t see King Kenny getting his first Liverpool win here.

Wolves are back in the bottom three but they have looked good recently and have started scoring some goals.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

SUNDAY 23RD JANUARY

Blackburn v West Brom
It has been a little up and down for Blackburn under Steve Kean and I still think it is likely to be more down than up.

West Brom got back to winning ways last week after a horrible run of defeats and I think that will help them turn the corner. They are a decent team and they play the game the right way. I fancy that they’ll make it two in a row here.

Soccernews prediction: 0-2

MONDAY 24TH JANUARY

Bolton v Chelsea
Owen Coyle has done a great job at Bolton and taken them to seventh in the table. However, a run of only one win in six games has been a little worrying.

Chelsea won a game last week, finally, but they are still a long way short of where they should be. This will be tough for them and they might have to settle for a point.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1