SATURDAY
Newcastle v Chelsea 12:45
Tough old run of games for the Geordies at the moment, and I can’t seem the having much luck with this one either. Chelsea win all day long. If Coloccini and Taylor are fit, a narrow one, but if they’re not, 4.5+ total goals at 5/1 looks decent. Torres is the 9/2 favourite to score first which he could well do, but I fancy Schurrle at 8s.
Prediction: 1-3 (14/1)
Fulham v Man Utd
After a couple of tricky home games in the league it might do United good to get away from Old Trafford, and it’s hard to think of a more accommodating host than Fulham at the moment. They didn’t put up much resistance against Southampton last weekend, got knocked out of the cup by Leicester midweek and generally look poor. Comfortable away win, with Hernandez to get amongst the goals.
Prediction: 0-2 (7/1)
Hull v Sunderland
Hull have got a pretty tight and organised defence, especially at home, so I’m not expecting too many goals in this one. Sunderland’s win over Newcastle last weekend won’t have done their confidence levels any harm but I just can’t see them breaking Steve Bruce’s side down here.
Prediction: 1-0
Man City v Norwich
With all their faults on the road of late, it’s just as well the Etihad’s such a fortress for City. The build-up to this game will likely be dominated by who Manuel Pellegrini decides to play in goal, but with the way Norwich are going he could probably start my nan and still come away with a clean sheet. Which probably explains why Hooper and van Wolfswinkel are as long as 16/1 to open the scoring. Home win, with plenty of goals.
Prediction: 3-0 (13/2)
Stoke v Southampton
The bookies don’t know what to make of this one and neither do I. Stoke, with home advantage and the Britannia being ‘a tough place to go’ are 7/4 for the win, while Southampton, thanks to their impressive recent form are just behind them on 7/5. The draw is 9/4 and I’ll go with that I think, a low-scoring one. Adam Lallana’s worth a look in the goal markets, 8/1 to grab the opener or 5/2 to score at any time.
Prediction: 1-1 (5/1)
West Brom v Crystal Palace
The Baggies are 3/5 for the win here, and it’s difficult to imagine them ever being any shorter this season. Despite all that, Palace will take heart from a spirited display against Arsenal last weekend, and while I wouldn’t go as far as to back them for a win, they could make life difficult for the hosts. Maybe even sneak a draw? That’s 13/5 if you fancy it.
Prediction: 2-1 (7/1)
West Ham v Aston Villa
Tight one, this. West Ham are in marginally better form and have home advantage, but Villa, especially with Benteke fit again, carry more of a goal threat. The Belgian, even at 5/1 looks the best bet to open the scoring, but I’m not expecting too many here. Low-scoring draw.
Prediction: 1-1 (11/2)
Arsenal v Liverpool 17:30
The Gunners have been wobbling a bit at the Emirates lately, however, they’ll field a stronger side for this one than they did against Chelsea, and I can’t see Liverpool causing them as many problems as Dortmund did. I don’t think there’ll be much in it though, and while I wouldn’t go as far to predict less than 1.5 goals in the match, it’s worth a look at 33/10. Despite scoring all the time, Ramsey’s still only 9/1 to get the first one here, but what I really like the look of is Suarez to score first with Arsenal going on to win 2-1. 50/1 for that!!
Prediction: 2-1 (7/1)
SUNDAY
Everton v Tottenham (13:30)
It’s a testament to how well Everton have started that they’re favourites for this one. Understandable though, what with them having home advantage and looking far more dangerous in front of goal than a stuttering Spurs side. Having said that, Spurs are pretty tight at the back and I’ve got a feeling they’ll sneak this one.
Prediction: 0-1 (8/1)
Cardiff v Swansea 16:00
The Bluebirds seem to have faltered recently after a decent start, while their local rivals’ form has picked up. The bookies have Swansea as comfortable 13/10 favourites for the win and I’d have to agree with that. Could be a nervy encounter though, so I’m not expecting a great deal of goals.
Prediction: 0-2 (11/1)
Safe Accumulator: Super cautious this week. £5 on wins for Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City and West Brom returns just under £25.
Danger Accumulator: £5 on wins for Hull, West Ham, Arsenal, Tottenham and Swansea returns £359!
What are you saying?
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