FA Cup and Premier League predictions ahead of the weekend fixtures

FA Cup

Everton v Wigan: 1-1

Do I really think this will be a draw? Perhaps but mostly as an Everton fan myself I refuse to tempt fate when it involves a date at Wembley. As a consequence I am getting splinters with a replay at the DW on the cards.

Manchester City v Barnsley: 3-0

Barnsley pulled off a memorable cup shock five years ago today when a solitary Kayode Odejayi goal gave them a win against Chelsea.

I can’t see a similar result at the Etihad where Roberto Mancini should comfortably guide his side into the semi-finals.

Millwall v Blackburn: 1-2

The London sides league form has capitulated over the last two months with just one win in their last nine. Blackburn go into the tie in poor nick themselves after losing their previous three games.

It’s a toss of the coin this game but I just fancy Blackburn Rovers for this one.

Manchester United v Chelsea: 2-0

If Nani had not have been shown a ludicrous red-card in midweek Manchester United would be celebrating a Champions League quarter-final all week but instead an incensed United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Simply put they should be too good for an uninspiring Chelsea side.

Premier League

Norwich v Southampton: 2-2

Carrow Road is a difficult place to visit but despite struggling to finish off several opponents Southampton have been playing excellent football recently.

A vital point in the battle for survival could be on the cards in Norfolk.

QPR v Sunderland: 2-1

QPR held off Sunderland in the reverse fixture in November and I see no reason why they shouldn’t beat The Black Cats at Loftus Road.

Redknapp celebrated an important win at St Marys last week and if they can repeat that performance then Sunderland should be beatable.

The start of a dramatic survival story? Maybe?

Reading v Aston Villa: 0-0

Reading just seem to be destined for relegation this season and their recent form has left little to be desired.

This is a serious relegation six-pointer and while it is not always a scoreline I enjoy predicting but I can sense a cagey affair that will leave neither side better off at full-time.

West Brom v Swansea: 2-2

The moment I saw this fixture the scoreline ‘2-2’ jumped into my head and I have just ran with it but it would make sense. Similar sides in good form around the same place in the table. An exciting draw on the cards.

Newcastle v Stoke: 3-1

As long as they aren’t still feeling the effects of a midweek commute to Moscow The Toon should be good for the three points at home to Stoke City.

Could The Potters be dragged into the relegation battle at the last minute?

Liverpool v Tottenham: 1-2

The Premier League tie of the weekend sees two of the leagues in-form teams face off at Anfield.

It could be a case of who gets the better of each other; Bale or Suarez?

But I just think the searing pace of the Spurs side will be too hot to handle for Liverpool and Spurs can start thinking about Champions League football next season with this result.

What are your predictions for the weekend fixtures?

image: © nasmac