Premier League predictions ahead of the weekend fixtures

Norwich v West Ham United: 2-0

Both teams would not have wanted the international break after picking up momentum in their previous games against Tottenham and Fulham respectively and that waning of momentum could lead to a scrappy encounter at Carrow Road.

West Ham’s momentum would also have been paralysed by the loss of Andy Carroll to injury after an impressive debut and Norwich should be able to use home advantage to dispatch West Ham in the early kick off this weekend and get their first win of the campaign at the Hammers expense.

Arsenal v Southampton: 2-2

Always have to go with one shock result when making predictions and this could just be it. Based, mostly on a hunch and a belief that most runs come to an end at some point I see Arsenal conceding their first goals this season against a side that have managed to score two a piece against Manchester United and Manchester City this season.

Southampton however have not exactly been solid at the back with the performances of Jose Fonte and rash tackling of Jos Hooiveld particulary worrying so Arsenal will undoubtedly grab goals in this game. A lot depends on Abou Diaby, if he is passed fit this game could be a completely different result.

Aston Villa v Swansea: 2-1

Can see Villa grabbing a win against the Swans here, taking advantage of the Welsh side’s defensive crisis.

With Taylor injured along with Kyle Bartley and Chico Flores suspended it will be a unfamiliar line-up at the back and despite their quality going forward just feel Villa will capitalise on the uncertainty to take a home victory. Earmark Michu down for another goal however.

Fulham v West Bromwich Albion: 2-2

Could be an exciting game but Fulham will not have yet recovered from the loss of Dembele and Dempsey, and after their poor first half against West Ham last week it would be easy to predict an away victory in this game.

However their Craven Cottage record is superb and if Dimitar Berbatov has been whipped into shape over the international break he could be the difference between defeat and hard fought points in this fixture.

If West Brom’s midfield duo Yacob and Mulumbu can control the game like they have against the Merseyside teams this season, Fulham will struggle to back up my prediction.

Manchester United v Wigan Athletic: 2-0

You know when Manchester United play poorly but still win?

Can see that happening this weekend against a Roberto Martinez side that has everybody scratching their heads again. Cant see them scoring at Old Trafford however and despite Rooney and Kagawa being injured I expect RVP will play some part in this fixture.

Danny Welbeck will be buoyed by a great England cameo however and can do the job in this game.

QPR v Chelsea: 1-3

Possibly the biggest game of the week but leaving handshakes, race rows, John Terry and all that behind can only see one result in this fixture. QPR have strengthened and Stephane M’Bia looks set for his debut, but after his poor performance for Cameroon against Cape Verde this shouldn’t give QPR fans too much confidence.

Eden Hazard should have a field day against a side still piecing themselves together and is my pick to star in this fixture. Ashley Cole and John Terry are unlikely to play however due to injury but with Bertrand, Cahill and Azpilicueta on standby Chelsea are covered.

Stoke v Manchester City: 0-4

Another shock result you might say but I like to go against the grain and while many are predicting City to struggle at the Britannia I think that it all might click for them against The Potters.

It is always risky to go for a big score against a solid defensive unit like Stoke but can just see the power and technical ability of Yaya Toure shining through along with Silva and Nasri’s delicacy. Expect a goal or two from Edin Dzeko with Aguero and Balotelli also potentially involved after injury in a City romp.

Sunderland v Liverpool: 2-1

Can see Sunderland scoring a goal off a deflection from a stray beach ball to win the game; im joking of course but I do predict more gloom for Liverpool.

If any manager knows how to pick up on side’s weaknesses it is Martin O’Neill and can see him out-wilying his opposite Northern Irishman. James McLean may miss out after his Twitter outbursts but Adam Johnson could return to the fold and should give Jose Enrique or Stewart Downing a torrid time.

Luis Suarez will need to take the chances that invariably come his way in this game or Sunderland will take the 3 points. It is as simple as that.

Reading v Tottenham: 1-1

Reading haven’t played a Premier League match since the loss to Chelsea on the 22^nd August due to the European champions Super Cup involvement and postponement against Sunderland. This could keep them either fresh or stagnant and knowing Brian McDermott it will be the former.

A key dual in this game is the battle between Danny Guthrie and Moussa Dembele for control of the game. I can’t call it so going for a 1-1 draw simply out of doubt, it should be a great game at the Madejski Stadium.

Monday; Everton v Newcastle United: 2-1

The Toffees don’t have a great record against Newcastle but have started this season well, also against the trend. They lost to West Brom in their last outing, a result that could have been much different had they taken early chances.

Newcastle have not come into the campaign on a run of form and with Krul, Coloccini and Tiote all potentially out Everton might take advantage. The Everton left hand side will prove particulary dangerous for Newcastle with Baines and Pienaar being the potential instruments behind a Goodison victory.

What are your predictions ahead of the weekends Premier League fixtures?

image: © rich_w