Premier League predictions

Another tough day at the office for Mick McCarthy

Birmingham v Blackpool
After a great season last time out, Birmingham are slowly slipping into trouble. They look a little predictable at the moment and don’t seem to have the spark that they have shown so often over the past few months.

Blackpool are still living the dream and they very nearly gave Manchester City a shock last week. It is very difficult to bet against them at the moment so I’m not going to.

Soccernews prediction: 1-2

Chelsea v Wolves
The top team play the team third from bottom. On paper this should be a walk over for Chelsea. Unfortunately for Wolves, I think it will be on grass as well.

Soccernews prediction: 4-0

Sunderland v Aston Villa
Sunderland will still be kicking themselves for only managing a draw against ten-man Blackburn last week. They are in mid-table but will be very aware that they are only three points above the bottom three.

Villa had a good draw with Chelsea last time out and look as though they may respond well to the new ways of working under Gerard Houllier. I fancy them to cause the Sunderland fans some more concern.

Soccernews prediction: 0-1

Tottenham v Everton
Tottenham are on a decent run and sitting in fifth place, they look to be mounting a serious challenge to finish in the top four again this season. What could have been a demoralising defeat in Inter in midweek turned into a confidence booster for them after Gareth Bale reduced a 4-0 half-time deficit to a 4-3 reverse by the end.

Everton were having a nightmare but will be on the crest of a wave after seeing off Liverpool last week.

This one will be close but I think Tottenham might just edge it.

Soccernews prediction: 1-0

West Brom v Fulham
West Brom are sitting in sixth place, unbeaten at home and with a win at the Emirates and a draw at Old Trafford to their name. Not even their most devoted fan would have predicted that when they lost 6-0 at Chelsea on the opening day of the season.

Fulham look to be in for an uneventful mid-table season and have drawn all four of their away games so far. I think they might taste defeat for the first time here.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

West Ham v Newcastle
There are some slight glimmers of hope for West Ham fans as they are unbeaten in three, but they are still bottom of the league and looking to be in trouble.

Newcastle fought back to get a late point against Wigan last time out and they will hope that has kick started their season that is beginning to look as though it might be a struggle. I’m not sure it will have done and I expect West Ham to get a much needed win.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

Wigan v Bolton
I’m quite often rude about these two teams and it really should stop.

Bolton are seventh in the table and although they still utilise the long ball up to big Kevin Davies, there is certainly a bit more than that to them under Owen Coyle.

Wigan play some nice football, it’s just that they are not terribly good at it. Having said that, they have recovered well from an awful start and find themselves on a decent unbeaten run. I think that will continue here, but Bolton will get a point.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

SUNDAY 24TH OCTOBER

Liverpool v Blackburn
There really isn’t much to say about Liverpool that hasn’t already been said. Suffice to say that this is a ‘must win game’ for Roy Hodgson and his players.

Blackburn won’t make it easy for them. They’ve only conceded five goals in their four away games so far and they will press Liverpool all over the pitch. I think that pressing may be enough to earn them a point against a team devoid of ideas and confidence.

Soccernews prediction: 0-0

Manchester City v Arsenal
Without a doubt the biggest game of the weekend. Before any games, this was second against third and you won’t find many people who don’t agree that they are the second and third best teams in England at the moment.

Both teams had easy home wins in Europe during the week and both teams will fancy their chances. It may be the cowards way out but I’m going for a draw.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

Stoke v Manchester United
Not so long ago this would have been a very difficult game to call. Stoke were exceptionally good at home and Manchester United were exceptionally good anywhere. Now, with Stoke looking less formidable at home and Manchester United looking less formidable generally, the game is just as hard to call.

I keep saying that Manchester United will come good and I keep getting it wrong. With apologies to Manchester United fans, I’m going for them again.

Soccernews prediction: 0-2