Otto’s Prem Predictions #2

Hello lovely readers, welcome to your weekly Bacon, Eggs & Football and a Happy Friday to you all.

It was a week for the youth teams as the Capital One Cup came to town. Premier League bosses across the land decided to rest their big names for the delectable footy feast that awaits us this weekend. Join me as I don my Jeff Stelling hat and let us take a gander at what the next few days may hold.

SATURDAY 29^th SEPTEMBER

Arsenal v Chelsea

Two of the league’s main contenders meet in a game that is traditionally full of goals. Despite the fact that Chelsea’s defence can boast the most clean sheets so far this season and Arsenal’s back four have been looked unusually resolute I predict goals. Arsenal’s midweek game (against Coventry..) demonstrated the depth they possess in their attacking armoury. Giroud finally got himself a goal, the forgotten man Arshavin popped up on the score sheet and Theo again tried to stake a claim to play upfront. These promising signs, coupled with the form of new boys Podolski and Cazorla, mean that for once Arsenal fans have reason to be optimistic.

Chelsea’s goal scoring power cannot be denied. However, they find themselves atop the league due to the form of their defence rather than that of their abundant supply of attacking midfielders. With Torres, as ever, struggling to find the net they are forced to look elsewhere for possible goal scorers. While Hazard, Oscar and Mata’s creativity would enhance any team going forward they can’t be relied upon to score the goals that Di Matteo needs. Unless the creators can apply the finishing touches themselves or Torres decides to find the form that continues to elude him then Chelsea may struggle to breakdown a sturdy Gunners defence.

Score Prediction: 2-1  

Everton v Southampton

Southampton managed to get their first win last week against a faltering Aston Villa. Nigel Adkins was beaming at the final whistle and rightfully so as his team finally earned themselves some points to justify their early season performances. I like the way that the Saints play, albeit a little Gung-Ho (throw in a little Football Manager speak) and I think with someone like Lambert upfront they will always get goals. However their defence is woeful and their keeper, Kelvin Davies, has looked well out of his depth in this league. They travel to Goodison Park to play an Everton side that, despite their loss to Leeds midweek, are playing as well as I can ever remember. They went down to Wales last week without Jelavic and still turned over the Swansea side that set the pace earlier in the season. Gary Neville said on MNF last week that the Baines-Pienaar combo is the best wing back-midfield partnership in the league and I think you would struggle to disagree. I think Fellaini will again dictate the tempo in midfield, while Mirallas looks a shrewd signing by the Toffee’s penny-pinching manager.

Score Prediction: 3-1  

 

Norwich v Liverpool

Liverpool definitely didn’t deserve to not get anything form the game last weekend. The Shelvey sending off was questionable to say the least but it was the same old story for Rodger’s men. They are one of the brightest sides in the league going forward and you could make an argument that they boast one of, if not the strongest core midfield in the country. However, despite the numerous chances they create they can’t seem to convert! Suarez is one of the best players I have ever seen when it comes to running at defenders. He gets past them more often than not but for some reason is unable to finish more than 1 of every 50.

Norwich look a little lost this season. They offer very little going forward since Grant Holt retreated into a cave once he was declined a move away from the Canaries. Their success of last season was based on Ruddy’s outstanding keeping but so far he has been ruddy (I apologise) average. I think when the biggest name you bring in to the club during the summer is Robert Snodgrass from the Championship you have reason to worry. Hughton’s side need to find their killer instinct and become more Golden-Eagle than Canary.

Score Prediction: 1-1

 

Fulham v Man City

City’s uncharacteristic start to the season was massively inflated by their loss to Villa midweek. Mancini’s side are unrecognisable. Their imperial performances of last season are quickly becoming forgotten as is their fear inducing reputation. Losing in the Capital One Cup is obviously not the biggest deal (sorry Capital One but no one cares) however; the game proved that City are yet to find last season’s form. Beating Wigan away last weekend was a good result for Jol’s side and it seems Berbatov has helped ease the loss of Dembele and Dempsey. Craven Cottage is where Fulham play their best football and against an under-par City side they will hold no punches. These games are traditionally hard fought and susceptible to some rash challenges but City usually come out on top. I think the Manchester side’s dominance in the middle of the park will be the difference and this will be one of those games where they’re not in top gear but still grind out the win.

Score Prediction: 1-3

 

Reading v Newcastle

Reading need to pick up their points at home if they are to have a hope of staying up but I just don’t think they will. Upfront they have some a quality player in Pogrebnyak yet this strength is massively lacking elsewhere in their squad. If they can’t supply the big Russian then how can he score the goals they need? Newcastle have had a mixed start to the season but I think they turned a corner when they took a point from Everton. They were able to grab a 1-0 win against Norwich last weekend and that is a promising sign of their ability to get a result without playing well. Having rested much of his starting team against Man United in the week, Pardew will be able to call upon his strongest side (minus ‘The Puyol of the North’ who is out with a hammy injury) that will have too much for McDermott’s team. Demba and Papiss shall take the Royals back to school for some extra reading.

Score Prediction: 1-2  

 

Stoke v Swansea

Swansea travel to fortress Britannia on the back of a humping at the hands of Everton last weekend. Laudrup’s side may have been the season’s early flyers yet their wings have been well and truly clipped after their second successive defeat. Teams seem to have worked out the Swan’s footballing style. They are weak when they don’t have the ball and they lack steel in the heart of their midfield.  Laudrup needs to make a decision whether he will continue with what Rodgers put in place and adapt or if he wants to reform the club completely. This is not a great fixture in which to experiment though and Swansea will need to rely of their counter attack if they are to take anything away with them. Pulis will instruct his side to play the ‘anti-football’ they do so well and that has taken points from Arsenal and City. If Stoke can get the ball off Swansea then they shouldn’t have too much trouble.

Score Prediction: 2-0  

 

Sunderland v Wigan

Despite the fact that Martin O’Neil’s side are yet to pick up three points this season I don’t think the ex-Villa manager has reason to fret. The ease with which Fletcher has come into the team and started to bang in the goals means it is a matter of time until Sunderland get that elusive win. This will be the game in which they do just that. Larsson, Sessengon, McClean and Fletcher are all fit and given Al-Habsi’s recent performances shall be licking their lips at the goal scoring possibilities that Saturday holds. Martinez will bring his team to the North East and they will go about their business as usual, trying to play a passing game. However, in front of an expectant home crowd at the Stadium of Light the Black Cats will slaughter them. Wigan have looked poor this season, and their fans should prepare themselves for yet another scrap to survive come May.

Score Prediction: 3-0  

 

Man United v Tottenham

I’m a big fan of these games and in think that they are more exciting than most of United’s other fixtures against the top sides. There is always some controversy thrown in with some goals and some heated challenges, which always make for a good watch. Spurs come to Old Trafford on the back of a couple of solid results. AVB’s team have managed to get the points without playing fantastically well (wow I have said that a lot today….) and it is a case of the manager getting to grips with the club’s expectations and Vice-Versa. It will be interesting to see how AVB puts his side out against one of the league’s strongest sides. Whether he will continue to use Defoe upfront or if he will call on Adebayor to pose a different challenge for United’s defence will be a consideration. United will be able to welcome Rooney back after he played midweek against Newcastle and Fletcher should be fit enough to start. The return of the Scotsman will be a massive boost to Fergie’s team and will take some of the pressure of their evergreen Ginger Nut to set the tempo. However, it’s not all-good news for the Red Devils as Nemanja Vidic will be out for another couple of months after further knee surgery. The significance of the Serbian’s absence is enhanced when you consider that Jones and Smalling are also still out. I expect United fans shall be nervy about whether or not Ferguson will choose to use Carrick in defence or if he calls upon one of the youngsters that played so well midweek. (I am not forgetting that Evans is fit…it’s just…well…..he is horrifically bad)

Score Prediction: 2-1

SUNDAY 30^th SEPTEMBER

Aston Villa v West Brom

This is another of the weekend’s big games. Despite being a neutral I love the midlands derby games. Last season when Wolves were in the mix there were some absolute crackers and it’s all because form means absolutely nothing. Villa were humiliated last week in the second half against Southampton which was relatively unsurprising given the team’s lack of cohesion and experience. However, this lack of experience may assist Villa in the derby as the young lads will really throw themselves into the game. They have a point to prove and as one of the most traditional teams in the country with on of the largest followings they need to step up and deliver soon. Coming into this game having gone to Manchester and beaten City on their own turf will have been just the boost that Lambert wanted and his team will run out on Sunday full of belief. With Lukaku upfront for the Baggies and their early season form you can’t write them off but I think Villa will knick this at the death.

Score Prediction: 3-2

 MONDAY 1^st OCTOBER

QPR v West Ham

Mark Hughes’s side have started to establish themselves as of late. The draw with Chelsea and the performance against Spurs is evidence that they have begun to gel. With the quality of players they have you would expect that once they are able to develop this a bit more they would start to leap up the table. The issue for QPR is in defence. At White Hart Lane they were undone in the blink of an eye and in midweek they were the victims of a cheeky Pogrebnyak flick. The Hammers ground out a solid point against Sunderland last weekend and Kevin Nolan was quality. Yet while Allardyce’s team have done the job at home it has been a different story on their travels. Big Sam is eagerly waiting for the return of the equally big Carroll who will play a defining role in the East Londoner’s season. For now they may struggle to get the goals but as we saw last weekend they will create chance after chance when Nolan is playing.

Score Prediction: 2-1

Soccer Saturday-Eve: Otto’s Predictions

Good Evening one and all!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Bacon, Eggs & Football!

 The season’s first week of eagerly anticipated European football draws to a close and it was well worth the wait. Oscar introduced himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful with a dubiously ‘deliberate’ goal; Ronaldo took Man City to school while United scraped through yet another European home game. However, don’t fret lovely readers! The fun doesn’t stop there as we welcome a tantalising, titillating and traditionally unpredictable weekend of Premier League action.  Forget Merse, Le Tiss, Thomo and Charlie, I will be your Jeff Stelling and this is your Soccer Saturday-Eve!

SATURDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER

Chelsea v Stoke

Chelsea’s European triumph of last season was based upon their ability to park the bus. Therefore the way in which they sacrificed their 2-0 lead to Juve in midweek will have left a bitter taste in the mouths of their West London faithful.  Having drawn their first 4 games of the season you may predict yet another deadlock for Tony Pulis’ side. Safe to say that if each Prem team was a colour, Stoke would be an uninspiring grey. They are well capable of getting the job done however; I think Chelsea’s attacking options and home advantage will see them win this game. Sitting top of the table and with a fully stocked armoury of creative options, Chelsea will have no trouble in breaking down the team that has been dubbed the ‘League’s Most Boring’ (by me). Stoke are undoubtedly a force at Fortress Britannia but Chelsea’s midweek highlight (Oscar) may just have a say in this match.

Score Prediction: 2-1

 

Wigan v Fulham

Wigan’s survival, as ever, rests on their ability to pick up points at home. Had Berbatov not had the blinder of a game he did last week against West Brom I would have tipped a Wigan win. However, the suave (essentially sleazy looking) Bulgarian stands in the way if the Latics and his confidence will be even higher than normal (if possible) after his last performance. In addition, Wigan’s defence has looked leaky as of late with some uncharacteristically poor performances by the ‘Oman’ian Stall’ion’ that is Al-Habsi.

Score Prediction: 2-2

 

Swansea v Everton

Monday night’s match against Newcastle may have raised suspicions regarding Everton’s ability to see out a game. Granted they should’ve been out of sight before Demba Ba went on to equalise for the Toon, but the game was incredibly open. I think that a trip down to the Liberty Stadium will be a tricky one for the Toffees as they face a Swansea side that were brought down to Earth last weekend.  I expect the Swans to be as fluid as ever and if Vorm has a good game he can keep any team out. Jelavic will be a big miss for Everton if he doesn’t feature (after hobbling off against Newcastle I don’t think he will?) but I think their new Belgian, Kevin Mirallas, showed signs that will ease fans worries.

Score Prediction: 1-1

 

Southampton v Aston Villa

A very tough call but I think this could finally be Southampton’s chance to get points. This game will depend on how well Nigel Adkin’s players are able to apply themselves. Having been in the lead against two of the League’s top sides but then gone on to lose those games moral must be low on the south coast. On the other hand Paul Lambert’s Villa side were convincing (for the first time in a very long time) against Swansea last weekend and things may be looking brighter for the midland’s club. However, having seen how Southampton performed at home to United and the way in which the St Mary’s crowd drove their team on, I have faith that they will get a result. Villa may have won well last weekend but that was at home and their team is very young and inexperienced.  Reliable Ricky Lambert (quickly becoming subject to punters’ financial backing at local Sir William Hill-top gambling establishments) will grab a cheeky goal to keep his form ‘a flowin.

Score Prediction: 3-2

 

West Ham v Sunderland

Sunderland are starting to look very good under O’Neil. Fletcher’s arrival has solved the goal problem and with McClean, Adam Johnson, Sessengon and Seb Larsson they have arguably the best attacking options outside the Prem’s top 6. West Ham have had a good start to the season and are sitting in a tasty 8th position. Their points tally has been based upon the strength of their veteran keeper and Big Sam’s ability to entrench the importance of clean sheets into his squad. However, they lack depth. Carroll is a big miss as we saw last weekend against Norwich. Personally I have never rated Carlton Cole, Nolan is a quality midfielder but not a reliable goal getter. I struggle to see where their goals will come from.

Score Prediction: 1-3

 

West Brom v Reading

These teams were both turned over in their last League matches. A Spurs side that finally hit something like top gear exposed Reading and West Brom were undone by Odemwingie’s rash kick. The Baggies will miss their Nigerian forward’s trickery and deliveries but they can rely on Shane Long and the on-loan Lukaku to do the job. They have had a great start to the season at home and are yet to concede a goal at the Hawthorns. On the other hand Reading’s defence provides cause for concern. They were made to look extremely amateur by AVB’s side and, like the Hammers, they have little squad depth. Upfront, The Pog showed his class whilst at Fulham last season yet he can only score goals if he gets good service.

Score Prediction: 2-0

 

SUPER SUNDAY! (23rd SEPTEMBER)

 

Liverpool v Man United

This game of football has been somewhat lost in a whirlwind of controversy and hype. Liverpool’s first game at Anfield since the Hillsborough developments, which will hopefully be respected and observed by all. This week Sir Alex has highlighted the significance of recent events not only for United and Liverpool fans but football supporters in general. So it’s fingers crossed that this game can be remembered for all the right reasons and not for inappropriate chanting or anything Suarez-Evra related. I expect this game to follow its usual pattern and be another archetypal derby day. As ever it will be a tight affair and although Liverpool love spurning chances in front of goal I think that the occasion coupled with United’s dodgy defence will help them find their touch. With RVP back to full fitness, Kagawa looking bright and Scholes pulling the strings, Pepe Reina’s goal will no doubt be subject to a siege.

Score Prediction: 1-2

 

Man City v Arsenal

Tough shout here but it would appear all is not entirely well at the Ethiad. Having thrown away their lead at the Bernabeu in the last 10 minutes of the game, City received first-hand a tough lesson in European football. Although their forwards could grace any team in the World (other than Dzeko who is just awful) their defence has not yet found the steely resolve that guided them to the title last season.  On the other hand, Arsenal are a revelation. Their new signings are showing the benefits of Arsene getting his transfer targets in early and they’ve only conceded the one goal so far. That said, their defensive pairing is yet to face an attack with as much guile and pace as City’s. Mertesacker (a.k.a. ‘The Wall’ as he is known in Deutschland) is by no means the quickest and the young keeper; Mannone could face a barrage of Argentinean thunderbolts.  The result of this game depends on where Mancini plays Toure. If he starts with him in an advanced position then City will create chances (as we saw in Madrid) but if Mancini does his usual, and only chooses to push the Ivorian up late on, then Arsenal could control the game. Realistically, Arsenal haven’t faced a true challenge yet and I think City shall show them what they’ve been missing.

Score Prediction: 2-1

 

Newcastle v Norwich

The Magpies showed how good glimpses of their attacking best once Pardew brought on Ba at Goodison Park. It was an improvement on their trip there at the end of last season… but only just. However, Newcastle are a different side at St James (its not getting called the sports direct arena..Don’t complain) and Norwich are yet to win this season. I expect Chris Hughton’s return shall not be a pleasant one and that the attacking prowess of Hatem Ben Arfa and the unhappy Demba Ba (if he gets to start!) should be enough to dispatch the point-less Canaries back to East Anglia.

Score Prediction: 2-0

 

Spurs v QPR

Tottenham finally got up and running against Reading last weekend and their Europa game against Lazio showed it wasn’t a fluke. Despite not scoring on Thursday night Spurs created a handful of chances and really should have won the game. Dembele has been able to bring the form he showed for Fulham across London and with Sigurdsson, Bale and Lennon all supplying an inform Defoe I think they will be too much for QPR.  Mark Hughes’s side turned in a spirited performance against Chelsea last weekend and Julio Cesar showed he still has it…some of it anyway. However, I think that they still need time to gel. They have brought in a ridiculous amount of players in the last couple of transfer windows. Fans would be forgiven for not recognising their starting line up and therefore they can’t be expected to fire on all cylinders too soon.

Score Prediction: 3-1

 

 

What do you think? Will Man City put The Gunners in their place? Will United upset the Anfield crowd? Will Stoke be able to defeat the reigning European Champions?

 

Robin papers over cracks while Carroll’s crocked after Hammer blows

Until 5:46pm on Sunday afternoon this weekend’s blog was set to be one big Andy Carroll love-in but, as this league loves to do, a spanner was lodged deep in the works.

Up stepped last seasons golden boot winner, or as Gary Neville calls him ‘Robin van Perfect’. He may have only been a Manchester United player for less than a month but the Dutchman has quickly conformed to the reds love of late drama. Perhaps, as well as an astronomical weekly wage, the ability to perform during ‘Fergie Time’ was a key component in his contract

United started the game in similar fashion to their previous two fixtures, finding themselves a goal down and well outplayed. A fearless Southampton came out of the blocks flying and Lambert showed just how clinical he could be in front of goal before RVP justified Ferguson’s faith. The 2^nd half was more of the same as United played catch-up after Schneiderlin’s header. For the second time this season Southampton led a Manchester team 2-1 but a rash tackle in the box gave Van Persie a chance to level from the spot.

(Here begins the debate on how to take a penalty) Unless your second name begins with a ‘P’, ends in an ‘O’ with an ‘IRL’ in between and you have the nerves of an arctic iceberg then don’t try anything fancy!

The Dutch hit man obviously does not agree and his penalty miss looked as though it had doomed United to a shocking defeat and booked him an extended appointment with Ferguson’s hairdryer. However, in typical fashion United swarmed forward and were rewarded when Van Persie poked home Ferdinand’s header after it bounced back off the post. Surely Southampton weren’t going be subjected to that same disappointment they experienced at the Ethiad? Oh…wait….maybe they were, as the Reliant Robin again swooped in to knock a tasty header up and over Kelvin Davis, to claim his and United’s third. A first hat trick for his new club coming in only his third game. However while their strike force looks ominous Fergie will be far from happy with yet another terrible defensive display. Rafael cannot defend and if a goalie of Lindegaard’s quality is your first choice then you know something’s wrong.

On Saturday Van Persie’s old club were finally able to register their first goals of the season. Two of the Gunner’s new boys, Podolski and Cazorla did the job (although Reina should have done much better with the second) while their defence retained its early season resolve. Diaby played well but not well enough to justify the predictable comparisons with Viera. Besides another great game for Raheem Sterling Liverpool look as though they will rue letting Carroll go. Owen and Drogba are available but the bad news for Liverpool is they will expect beefy wages, the good news? Emile Heskey is available.

Which brings me nicely to East London and the home of the Hammers.

The weekend witnessed the return of the mythical Beast from the Northeast. Andy’s back!!!…..Well, at least he was….for 60 minutes. Carroll’s display was reminiscent of his pre-Liverpool glory days. He was throwing himself at everything, winning headers, bullying defenders, and had a hand in all of West Ham’s three goals. Things were going so well…too well perhaps and soon he found a stunning debut ended prematurely with what looks a worrying hamstring injury. Despite this the positives were clear to see. Nolan’s style complements Carroll’s and the ease, with which they rekindled their partnership, will have Big Sam salivating. On the other hand Fulham were dreadful. Their defence was shambolic, and they seemed literally scared of West Ham’s lanky Geordie. Having lost their key creative influences in Dembele and Dempsey the last thing that Martin Jol wants is to start leaking goals

Man City’s weekend was relatively straightforward. Their little Argentinean terrier ran riot once again after Toure got them up and running. City played some of their best football of the season and other than when Zamora (who was sporting a rather fetching headpiece) equalised against the run of play they bossed the game. What of QPR new boys? Granero was thrown straight in and to be honest just ended up chasing shadows. Veteran Ryan Nelsen surprisingly had a couple of great chances to score but was true to his defensive roots and made a total mess of them. Although the season has just started Hughes side already has the league’s worst goal difference at -7. The team they are stapling together shouldn’t fret about relegation but they need to sort it out and a couple of weeks off could help.

Meanwhile Sunderland ventured down to the south of Wales and their expensive new forward, Fletcher, left with a couple of very well taken goals. Classic Stephen Fletcher goals, the second showing how sharp he is in the six yard box but the first was all about his ability to keep his composure and take his chance (looks as though he may well be the leading scorer outside of the top two this season).

For the first time this season Swansea’s defence was challenged and at times looked ropey, especially William’s ‘Skrtel-esque’ back pass. Yet, as ever their goals were trademark, the result of intricate passing moves and I think de Guzman looks a good player.  Chico could have easily been off earlier in the game for a two-footed challenge but got the red he seemed to be striving for after trying to cut Saha’s hair with his studs

Elsewhere Stoke took on Wigan (purists look away now!) at the DW in a game of volleyball. Both teams conceded pens, both for handballs and they matched each other until the final whistle. Debutant Charlie Adam could’ve won it from a deflected free kick had Al-Habsi not pulled off an absolute worldy! (The Omani is edging his way up to the lofty heights of the league’s elite keepers).

West Brom comprehensively dispatched Everton and notched up their 10th goal in 4 games in the process taking them to a tasty 3^rd position in the table. When presented with an opportunity use his feet as opposed to his head Fellaini blazed over, before watching the Baggies take the ball straight down the other end resulting in Shane Long poking home Odemwingie’s cross. Everton’s early season form deserted them, in no small part due to their tall Belgian midfielder’s poor performance. Fellaini is very much the heartbeat of Moye’s side and without his commanding presence the Toffees struggled to control the game.

Aston Villa earned their first point of the season at Newcastle and had it not been for the impulsive Ben Arfa’s decision to unleash a thunderbolt Lambert’s side could’ve left with all 3 points. However, both teams may claim they could’ve have taken more from the game. If Guzan hadn’t pulled off some cirque-de-soleil style keeping Cabaye’s free kick would’ve flown in. But beggars cant be choosers and I am sure Lambert was delighted that he finally has something in the bag.

AVB’s spark-less Spurs again started without Adebayor and made little attacking impression and it wasn’t until Dembele was introduced that they looked a threat. His cheeky wee turn gave him the yard he needed to slot home and appease any sceptical Tottenham fans. AVB brought Huddlestone on too early, opting for the defensive approach and Norwich pressed much higher up the field. Their best performance of the season earned them a point ensuring that a wall of boos met Villas-Boas at the final whistle. With 2 points out of 9, his brow may just be starting to get a bit sweaty and will hope for improvements following the international break.