Saturday 19th September
There are some slight worries for Arsenal as they have played two of the likely other top five sides and played well in both games but lost. They basically battered Manchester United at Old Trafford and ended up losing 2-1 and more than held their own at Manchester City but were on the wrong end of a 4-2 defeat.
It has been a problem for Arsenal for a few years now to turn free flowing, wonderful football into sufficient goals and points to challenge in the league. I thought this season may be different but the signs are not too promising.
Wigan had a great start under Roberto Martinez winning at Aston Villa, but then it went quickly downhill. However, after three defeats they got the train back on the tracks last week with a win over West Ham. I’m afraid the recovery only lasted one game.
SoccerNews prediction: 3-0
After opening day defeat Villa have started to look like a team that will be challenging in and around the top six again this season. A hard fought 1-0 win at local rivals Birmingham last time out will have really pleased all connected with the club.
It is hard to think of anything uplifting and optimistic to say to or about Portsmouth. So I won’t try.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-0
Bolton got their first win last week but it was against Portsmouth so that doesn’t really count! They are not a bad side but it is hard to see them setting the world alight despite being expertly organised by Gary Megson.
Stoke are a shining example to all sides who are promoted to the top league. Win your home games and you’ll be alright. They do that well but they are not so hot away from home. This will be a rare away point for them.
SoccerNews prediction: 1-1
After the early euphoria of victories over Manchester United and Everton reality is beginning to set in at Burnley. Comprehensive defeats at Liverpool and Chelsea have shown them how tough it is going to be. This is the type of game they have to get something from if they are to survive.
Sunderland are looking good under Steve Bruce and they will be looking for a top half finish. If they are going to get one, they need to win games like this. I think they will.
SoccerNews prediction: 0-2
This game is between the two teams who I fear are very possibly the worst two teams in the league. I am probably being a little generous to Portsmouth with that statement!
Hull are simply not good enough to be in the top league and Birmingham just can’t score enough goals to compete.
A boring 0-0 draw will do little for either side.
SoccerNews prediction: 0-0
Gianfranco Zola’s West Ham side are just a little bit inconsistent and how hard this game is going to be for Liverpool will largely depend on which West Ham turns up. If it is the one that lost at Wigan last time out then Liverpool won’t need to break into a sweat.
Liverpool had a well publicised dodgy start to the season but two wins in a row have lightened the mood at Anfield. This third win in a row will see them right back in the title race.
SoccerNews prediction: 1-3
Sunday 20th September
This game could be a classic. Both teams have had a cracking start to the season and will be going into the game full of confidence.
Last time out Tottenham came up against a Manchester United team at their best and the 3-1 defeat should not have dented the optimism around White Hart Lane too much.
Chelsea have won five out of five and whilst not looking at their flowing best, they look very difficult to beat. I expect another late goal to undo Tottenham.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-1
Everton are in pretty dire straights. Three defeats in four games, several players injured and something of an air of gloom around Goodison Park. To be fair, things aren’t much better at Blackburn although victory over Wolves last week gave them their first win.
This will be a tight affair and probably not one for the purist, but I fancy Everton to get back to winning ways.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-1
For the first time in living memory the two Manchester clubs face each other with both of them having a genuine chance of title glory. United have started well, winning four of their five games, whilst City have so far achieved a 100% record.
United won’t be too sorry that Tevez is injured and Adebayor stepped out of line last week. They will be missing Paul Scholes through suspension, but they will know that they have a decent chance of ending that impressive City start.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-1
Wolves will struggle this season I am certain. They have a win and a draw from their five games but the draw was at home to Hull and last time out they lost 3-1 to a pretty average Blackburn side.
Fulham are unlikely to reach the heights of last season, but a victory over Everton last week got their season back on track. They will be too strong for Wolves.
SoccerNews prediction: 0-1
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