(You can give previews too! Just type it out and send it to me thru any means... It would make these previews a lot more fun and interesting. )
Burnley vs Sunderland
Form: (LWWLL) (WLWLW)
Matt: Burnley are beginning to look like a Fulham/Stoke kind of team; Strong at home, pathetic away. Evidence? Home: claimed scalps of Manchester United and Everton. Away: 0 goals scored, 9goals conceded. (okay 2 of those games were against Liverpool and Chelsea but just play along) Sunderland are looking good under Steve Bruce but judging from the form guide and their alternate wins and losses they should lose this game. All fun aside, this could be an interesting match, probably a close fight. Darren Bent to continue his goalscoring streak?
Prediction: 1-1
Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic
Form: (WWLL) (WLLLW)
Quote from Wigan Manager Roberto Martinez:
"It's a huge task, but we'll go there with a clear mentality and try to win the game."
Matt: Is Martinez crazy? If Wigan go to the Emirates and play open football, as their gaffer intends to, they're gonna get whooped! The last time Wigan tried open football at a big four club they got whitewashed 5-0 by Manchester United! (For the sake of my Fantasy League, I hope it happens again!) With van Persie returning from injury and Rosicky back in the first-team picture, Arsenal will be looking to have a field day. Then again, Titus Bramble, former worst EPL player of the year 2004 (it's true!), could wake up on the right side of bed and become a brick wall in front of goal or maybe the entire Arsenal team would leave their shooting boots at home. Who knows?
Prediction: 5-0 (or 1-0 or 0-0 depending on situation)
Bolton Wanderers vs Stoke City
Form: (LLLW) (WLDWL)
Matt: What happens when a team reliant on long-ball tactics face another team depending on one player to throw the ball really really really far? A boring snoozefest. After all it's wanderers versus potters. How interesting can it get? Will Tony Pulis wear his baseball cap? Is Pulis or Gary Megson balding faster? How many Dannys will Stoke play? (they have 3) What happens to Bolton's stadium if Reebok stops sponsoring them? Excited yet? Yes? YES?
Prediction: Not really interested...
Hull City vs Birmingham City
Form: (LLWDL) (LWDLL)
Matt: Raise up your hand if you really care about this game. Anyone? No? Okay. Summary: 1. Tiger City vs Blue City. 2. 17th vs 15th relegation scrap. 3. Zzz... (Try to name something that gives you interest in this game and I'll give you something.)
Prediction: That either team will win or neither.
Aston Villa vs Portsmouth
Form: (LWWW) (LLLLL)
Quote from Aston Villa Manager Martin O'Neill: "I make the rules. I am the manager and custodian of the football club so my rules apply. Players have to get used to my rules. It's as simple as that.''
Matt: Pretty straightforward isn't it? Team with 3-game winning streak versus serial losers. O'Neill's minions versus Harry's leftovers. My money's on the Villans giving Portsmouth a thumping and for Paul Hart to get the sack/Portsmouth get relegated/ or both by January. Of course, this is the Premiership where anything can happen, but unless Aston Villa's entire squad get food poisoning ala Tottenham I can't see any reason why they won't beat Portsmouth. At Villa Park. With headmaster O'Neill.
Prediction: 3-0
West Ham United vs Liverpool
Form: (WLDL) (LWLWW)
Matt: To be honest, I want West Ham to win, Gerrard and Torres to get unfortunate injuries and Benitez to slip and fall at the touchline (Mark Hughes style) just for good measure. Unfortunately, I usually don't get what I wish for. Liverpool have too much quality for the Hammers and sadly I have to admit that they look good for a win here. Food for thought: Normally, if I score a hat-trick in a game I'm more or less guaranteed a starting place for the next game right? But Yossi, in the world of FAcTman Benitez, there's no such thing. Will Benayoun start or come off the bench? Why is it such a problem starting him when it's obvious Liverpool play better with him around? Is it really that hard to select the best player from Benayoun, hopeless Lucas, Babel the rapper and characteristicless Riera? Jes, fact.
Prediction: 1-2 (2-1 hopefully?)
Sunday's Predictions soon to follow...
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