This week I’m joined by my co-editor at Quays News, Liam McCallion, to see who has the better footballing nous! Liam's allegiances lie with Aston Villa, so naturally we have had plenty of banter over our course...
Hull vs. Manchester City
I distinctly remember when these two met at The Etihad back in August, I thought it would be a rollover but instead Hull put up a brave performance only to be beaten 2-0. They have been good at home, and City recently have struggled to hit the heights they have done previously this season.
They have gone from being in a position to win the quadruple this time last week to having just the Premier League to play for following exits from the FA Cup to Wigan last weekend, and the Champions League at Barcelona mid-week.
This game could swing either way for City, they will either get back on track or hand Chelsea a massive advantage. I fear it could be the latter…
Prediction: Hull 1-1 Manchester City
Liam’s Prediction: Hull 1-2 Manchester City
Everton vs. Cardiff City
The Bluebirds picked up a good win over a very poor Fulham last weekend, but I think they might be in a bit too deep with Sunderland having three games in hand, and West Brom and Crystal Palace - both above them - having played a game less, too.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez said this week he still thinks his side can achieve Champions League qualification, but for me that is a little too much given the manner in which they lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend… Europa League is still a possibility though.
Prediction: Everton 2-0 Cardiff City
Liam’s Prediction: Everton 2-0 Cardiff City
Fulham vs. Newcastle United
I think Cottagers fans themselves are starting to accept the grim reality that will be The Championship for them next season. I don’t think the players are warming to Felix Magath and his methods of strict discipline, which were completely AWOL against Cardiff last week given the manner in which they conceded.
It’s a shame because Fulham for me have always been one of those clubs you think of when you think of the Premier League. It is a stark contrast to the side that reached the Europa League final in 2010 under Roy Hodgson.
Alan Pardew begins his 7-match ban, and won’t be at Craven Cottage because that includes a 3-match stadium ban following his clash with David Meyler.
I was looking at the table earlier this week and (sorry to Newcastle fans) was wondering how they are 8th, before remembering they used to have Yohan Cabaye and went on that impressive run earlier this season. I reckon they’ll make it three wins in a row on Saturday too.
Prediction: Fulham 0-1 Newcastle
Liam’s Prediction: Fulham 0-0 Newcastle
Southampton vs. Norwich
The Saints have a new chairman in Canadian Ralph Krueger, so the post-Cortese era begins on Saturday. They scraped a 1-0 win at Palace last week with one of the more open chances we will see this season, but three points is three points, and at Palace that is a good win for them.
Their season is over because they aren’t going down, they won’t achieve a European place, and they’re out of the cups, but luckily it’s a World Cup year so players will be fighting and performing for places.
For Norwich though, it is far from that. With just nine games left, they are teetering precariously above the relegation zone, and taking into account they play Liverpool, United, Chelsea and Arsenal in their final four games they need to make the next five games their Cup Finals otherwise long story short, they’re in trouble.
Prediction: Southampton 2-0 Norwich
Liam’s Prediction: Southampton 2-0 Norwich
Stoke vs. West Ham
For some reason or another, this fixture always seems to appeal to me as a good one. Perhaps it is because my Grandad is a Hammer, or because I have good memories of times Stoke have beaten the Hammers. Either way I’m gutted I won’t be there!
I think some of it is also the similarity between the sides in terms of a physical side mixed with the ability to play, and as a manager I have always liked Sam Allardyce; you know what you’re getting.
We won at Upton Park in August thanks to a Jermaine Pennant free-kick, our only away win of the season, but we are a few players down, so West Ham have a good opportunity to get revenge.
There were plenty of chances for Stoke at Carrow Road last weekend but we couldn’t take them and limped away with a 1-1 draw. We should have won, but I think we will be safe, as will West Ham; there are four or five worse teams in the division…
Prediction: Stoke 2-1 West Ham
Liam’s Prediction: Stoke 1-1 West Ham
Sunderland vs. Crystal Palace
After losing the League Cup Final to Man City, and exiting the FA Cup to Hull last weekend, Sunderland can return their focus to Premier League survival.
They have had a good run in the cups, and if anything it’s a shame they haven’t got anything from it, apart from some confidence and restoration of dignity after the embarrassment under Di Canio.
Their position in 19th is false as they have three games in hand, and a win against Palace will go a long way to getting themselves out of trouble; they will be level on points with The Eagles with a win.
Palace have struggled a little recently and are back in the battle. Tony Pulis’ teams have never been formidable on the road, but I think some dogged spirit could see them hang on if Sunderland are feeling the after effects of two week’s worth of cup disappointment.
Prediction: Sunderland 0-0 Crystal Palace
Liam’s Prediction: Sunderland 2-0 Crystal Palace
Swansea vs. West Brom
Luckily I’m writing a blog so being impartial is not imperative, and the thought of West Brom being relegated brings a slight smirk to my face…
Pepe Mel thinks a loss at Swansea will be it for him - if you choose to believe The Mirror - having failed to register a win during his term, so I can’t imagine the pressure that has put on the players. To me that shows just a complete lack of belief throughout the club.
Swansea head coach Gary Monk has also labelled this game as ‘defining’, but for Swansea’s survival, not his position. They haven’t won since the Welsh derby on February 8th, but are slowly creeping up the table; they’ll be alright, and should pick up a win. I bet Swans fans can’t wait to get Michu back though!
Prediction: Swansea 2-0 West Brom
Liam’s Prediction: Swansea 1-0 West Brom
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea
The leaders still aren’t going to win, apparently.
Unless Jose knows some sort of match-fixing scandal we don’t during which Chelsea will suddenly capitulate, from the outside they look like the will claim the crown. It’s all mind games with him, but ultimately he knows how to get a result, that result being a win.
Villa had a good win last time out in the Premier League, a 4-1 demolition of a poor Norwich who rolled over and had their tummies tickled like an excited puppy. It’s probably a lot harder to get a pony to be so friendly; they’re more likely to kick their hind legs at you and knock you through the stable door.
Unfortunately for Villa, that’s the way it is and probably going to be despite Chelsea’s midweek clash with Galatasaray.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Chelsea
Liam’s Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
“Our last fixture, a 4-1 win against Norwich City, will give us a massive boost going into our last 10 games, let alone Chelsea, as we only have nine more points to secure before we achieve the well-known safety of the 40-point mark. Having said that Chelsea are on fire and even the biggest optimistic Villa fan wouldn't predict a home win.”
Manchester United vs. Liverpool
Another fixture I’m gutted to be missing. It’s always big, but this year it just has that extra something because Liverpool are doing really well, they have the league’s top scorers, and are scoring for fun, wiping away everyone in their path in a “you score 2, we’ll score 3” style.
United have been the opposite. Unlike the team that would usually ram home an advantage, they have been far too conservative, and it has cost them. That is evident to see and enough has been said of it.
The question is, which fixture is bigger; this or Olympiakos on Wednesday? On an emotional level, this. On a seasonal level, Olympiakos because advances in the Champions League with a chance to win is more achievable than a top-4 spot.
But if anything the pressure is on the Reds this weekend, not the Red Devils; the pressure to continue their impressive performances.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool
Liam’s Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Liverpool
Tottenham vs. Arsenal
From one big clash to another, why am I working on Sunday and not watching Super Sunday whilst recovering from my inevitable hangover!
Arsenal are out of the Champions League despite a spirited performance at the Allianz Arena, but that match was ruined at The Emirates a couple of weeks ago.
Spurs also face an uphill battle to continue their Europa League run after a 3-1 loss at home to Benfica last night, adding more misery after the 4-0 loss to Chelsea last weekend. The honeymoon period is over for Tim Sherwood, and he will have to get his team to graft if they want to finish 5th.
Arsenal are as much in the title race as any of the top four, but honestly I think they might come up fourth, winning the FA Cup along the way. This match will be a real defining match though because an Arsenal win will open up a nine point gap between themselves and the fore-runners for 5th in Spurs.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal
Liam’s Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal.
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