Premier League predictions

Fergie to stay one step ahead?

Villa will be hoping to produce a performance and result that will be of some tonic to Gerard Houllier as he recovers in hospital. Stoke will be looking to build on their 5-0 FA Cup semi-final win last week.

In fact, both teams are in decent form as Villa have won their last two. Although relegation is still mathematically possible for both sides, they are both pretty assured of survival. I suspect that they will both be reasonably happy with another point to make that more certain.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

I’m afraid that the exciting appearance in the top division is coming to a bit of a damp squib of an end for Ian Holloway’s Blackpool. Nobody thought they would be good enough to stay up and after flattering to deceive for a few months, everyone is now being proved right.

Newcastle are a long way from being the best in the league, but they should be safe now, and will be after winning this one.

Soccernews prediction: 0-2

Chelsea have found some form and are now very much back in the title race. West Ham have lost some form and are very much back in the battle to avoid the drop. I don’t see anything changing after this game.

Soccernews prediction: 3-1

The Liverpool team taking the field at the moment bares no resemblance to the one that took the field earlier in the season. They look hungrier, more determined and basically, much better. The Dalglish effect has been remarkable and even with key players missing, they are looking the part.

Birmingham are still in some trouble but have opened up a five point gap on the drop zone and should be safe. However, they won’t be looking to this game as one where they are likely to get the points they need.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

United know that Arsenal and Chelsea are hot on their heels and will need to bounce back from FA Cup semi-final defeat and a pretty tame 0-0 draw at Newcastle.

Everton have turned their season around and are now in a league position more in keeping with the quality of their players and their manager. Having said that, it is over eighteen years since Everton won at Old Trafford and I don’t see that record being troubled today.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

Although Sunderland picked up enough points earlier in the season to probably be safe, they are on a disastrous run and will need at least a couple more points. The problem is that it is difficult to see where those points will come from. Home to Wigan is a must win because they won’t have a better chance of getting those points.

Against the odds, Wigan have forced their way out of the bottom three and they will see this as a chance to increase the gap and bring Sunderland into the battle.

Soccernews prediction: 0-1

Two points behind Manchester City in the race for fourth place, Tottenham will know that three points are crucial today. The midweek draw with Arsenal will have taken a lot out of them, but they should still have enough left.

Roy Hodgson’s brilliant run was ended last week by Chelsea and a second defeat in a row will leave West Brom feeling slightly anxious.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

Bottom club Wolves must win and mid-table Fulham will be happy with a point. Mark Hughes has a well organised side who are difficult to beat. I’m fairly confident that despite Wolves throwing everything they have at them, they will get the point that they want.

Soccernews prediction: 0-0

Sunday 24th April

Arsenal were poor against Liverpool and threw away a lead and were then better at Tottenham but threw away the lead again. They will be desperate to bounce back in order to keep the pressure on Manchester United.

If you think Arsenal need to bounce back, that pails into insignificance compared to the bouncing back needed by Bolton! They need to recover from total humiliation in last week’s Wembley semi-final. I think they’ll give it a good go, but it won’t be enough against a better team.

Soccernews prediction: 1-2

Monday 25th April

This is a game between a very poor side in poor form and a decent side in decent form. There can only be one winner. I know football is a funny old game, but it isn’t that funny!

Soccernews prediction: 0-2