Barclays Premier League Gameweek 25 Preview
Barclays Premier League Gameweek 25 Preview
With the winter transfer window closed, teams now focus towards to the final 3 months of the premier league. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, none of the big 4 clubs featured in any big deals. Defoe was among the big deals after moving to Portsmouth from Spurs, while Boro also added a striker by finally managing to sign Brazilian Afonso Alves. So this week we see Manchester City hosting Arsenal to kick off the weekend’s games on Saturday, after which six games kick off with all the front runners in action as Chelsea travel to Pompey, United goto White Hart Lane and Liverpool host Sunderland later in the day.
Saturday, 02 February 2008
Man City v Arsenal, 12:45 UK (1815 IST)
Rohit - Manchester City hosts Arsenal after that embarrassing draw at Pride Park midweek whereas Arsenal repeated their FA Cup win over Newcastle. City made a few signings, Felipe Caicedo and Filippo but couldn’t sign Benjani after the deadline passed for the transfer window. However after a good run of results at home, City has run into a dry patch after failing to win the last 3 home games and this one doesn’t look like improving in this game. Arsenal has van Persie still injured but they still look strong on the attacking front. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see another win for Arsenal here.
Prediction: 1-2
Vivek - This match is tough to call. On the one hand, City have a terrific record at home. On the other, they were unable to beat Derby on the road. Against Adebayor and his mates, Dunne & Co. will have their work cut out. I think this might end up being City’s first home defeat of the season.
Prediction: 0-1
Birmingham v Derby, 15:00 UK (2030 IST)
Rohit - Birmingham is just outside the drop zone right now and every point is important for them. Knowing this they would want to win this one against the league bottom Derby. Derby manged to hold City to a draw midweek but Birmingham look like a better side being at home, whereas Derby’s away form has been very bad. Birmingham should win this one and take all three points.
Prediction: 2-0
Vivek - They may have eked out a draw against a poor Man City side, but Derby hardly look like a team that can trouble anyone on the road. Birmingham are not very far from the relegation zone but Derby should not trouble them at home.
Prediction - 2-0
Blackburn v Everton, 15:00 UK (2030 IST)
Rohit - Blackburn hasn’t lost a match from their last six, having won and drawn three each, but Everton has been on a good run as well having won four of their last six and so it promises to be a close game. Both the sides look good and this could be on the way to a draw.
Prediciton: 0-0
Vivek - Blackburn are much in need of a victory here but against a strong Everton defense, I don’t think they’ll get one. Santa Cruz and Bentley have not fired in the last 2-3 games and will need to fire if Blackburn are to get anything out of this one. I’ll go out on a limb and predict an Everton win.
Prediction: 1-2
Portsmouth v Chelsea, 15:00 UK (2030 IST)
Rohit - Pompey has definitely strengthened their attack with the addition of Baros and Defoe and with Benjani staying, atleast for this week, Pompey looks good to me, and if their defense does well too, it might even be a surprise Pompey win here. But Chelsea has been in a very good form and both the teams might cancel each other out, and should end up all square in a draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Vivek - At least for this weekend, Pompey have a formidable attacking line-up if Benjani, Baros, and Defoe all start. Pompey rediscovered their home goal-scoring touch recently and if that continues, we’re in for a cracker of a match. However, Chelsea’s quality might just get them the three points.
Prediction: 1-2
Reading v Bolton, 15:00 UK (2030 IST)
Rohit - Reading had a fine game against Chelsea and this being a home game should go in their advantage. They are in a terrible form right now not having won any of the last six games and are edging closer to the relegation zone. Bolton too hasn’t been that impressive when away from home and this might just play in Reading’s favor as they are desperately looking for points, and I think they’ll do just that to bag in all three points from this one.
Prediction: 2-0
Vivek - If they want to stay out of the drop zone, Reading must win this game. The reverse fixture did not go too well for Reading as they were thrashed 3-0 at Bolton. However, Anelka, who scored a goal and got an assist in that game is now at Chelsea. Bolton have been struggling for goals and this gives Reading the ideal opportunity to finally bag some points.
Prediction: 2-0
Tottenham v Man Utd, 15:00 UK (2030 IST)
Rohit - Now this promises to be an entertainer. Both the sides have been scoring freely and its difficult to predict, but looking at the way United handled Spurs in their FA Cup match recently I’d go with United. Although Spurs have made some defensive improvements by new signings, but Ronaldo in top form, Rooney, Nani, Tevez all looking in good nick might be just too much to handle for Spurs.
Prediction: 1-3
Vivek - Expect fireworks. When Tottenham played United in the FA Cup last weekend, they were better than the 3-1 scoreline eventually indicated. United will have their hands full as they try to keep Spurs’ attacking force at bay. However, United’s defense is the best in the league and will make life hard for Spurs. I expect a United win here.
Prediction: 1-2
Wigan v West Ham, 15:00 UK (2030 IST)
Rohit - West Ham has finally started to pick up points and win, and they beat Liverpool after a fantastic defensive display at home. Wigan still doesn’t look that good to me, and I guess West Ham will make sure that the Latics stay in the drop zone this week. West Ham should win this one and make it three losses in a row at home for Wigan.
Prediction: 0-2
Vivek - After beating Liverpool at home, West Ham should be in good spirits to take on Wigan. While Wigan are no pushovers, West Ham should pull through here.
Prediction: 0-1
Liverpool v Sunderland, 17:15 UK (2245 IST)
Rohit - Where should I start for Liverpool, just when you think they’ll start getting the results, things go awfully wrong for them. But this week should change that. Sunderland hasn’t won away in any of their last six games as visitors, and Liverpool will be looking for that first win of the year.
Prediction: 2-1
Vivek - While Sunderland are on an upswing, Liverpool are really struggling to get points.They drew four games in a row before losing to West Ham last week that effectively ended their hopes of challenging the top three. Sunderland could trouble Liverpool here and I see another draw unless Liverpool can find a way past their goal-drought.
Prediction: 1-1
Sunday, 03 February 2008
Fulham v Aston Villa, 16:00 UK (2130 IST)
Rohit - Fulham are just in a bad shape right now, results aren’t just coming their way whether home or away, and Villa plays good football and will open Fulham’s defense. Villa should definitely win this one.
Prediction: 0-2
Vivek - Fulham are in desperate need of points else they will find themselves in the Championship next season. But I don’t think they’ll find any points against a strong Villa side who are pushing for a top four finish.
Prediction: 1-2
Newcastle v Middlesbrough, 13:30 (1900 IST)
Rohit - So far Keegan hasn’t been able to change anything at Newcastle, and this game wont let him do much either. New Boro signing Alves should make his mark here and Boro might even win here, but to be fair enough I think it will go for a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Vivek - King Keegan has so far not been able to spark any life into a Newcastle side that seem to get worse with every game. Boro are highly unpredictable and it would not surprise me if they piled on the misery for Keegan and his side.
Prediction: 1-1
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