e-Football Premier League Preview

Article by Premier League Correspondent Paul Glanfield

Another busy Saturday awaits us this weekend with no less than 8 fixtures, followed by 2 intriguing matches on Sunday. Highlights include the South Wales derby, a double header of North London vs Merseyside and Newcastle trying to avoid a bad week becoming a full blown Geordie crisis against high flying Chelsea. 

Saturday 2nd November

Newcastle vs Chelsea

Newcastle gave City a very decent game on Wednesday and were unfortunate to go out of the cup. For the visitors, Juan Mata was exceptional against Arsenal and it’s hard to imagine any other side in the league could consider him a non-starter week in week out, such is the strength of Chelsea’s squad at the moment. Those predicting a Chelsea riot here however might well be disappointed and I expect the Toon to make a real fist of this, although ultimately come away with nothing.

Prediction – 1-2

Fulham vs Man Utd

Fulham have been so poor by and large this season, and logic tells you there is no way they will beat Manchester United this weekend. But look at the table and a quarter of the season in United lead their hosts by just 4 points. When you consider how bad Fulham have been that’s got to be a real concern for David Moyes. The Red Devils are still a long way from being out of the woods yet after their own sloppy start and I think a fired up Fulham can shock United (and themselves) by taking a point at Craven Cottage.

Prediction – 1-1

Hull vs Sunderland

Sunderland landed a desperately needed win last weekend but still stare up at a 4 point gap just to get out of the relegation zone. Hull impressed in both meetings with Spurs over the last week and were unfortunate to leave White Hart Lane without anything to show for it. Tom Huddlestone looks at home as the main man in midfield and I expect another decent performance from him and Hull to edge out the Black Cats.

Prediction – 2-1

Man City vs Norwich

Norwich should have beaten Cardiff last weekend and I still don’t think they will be in too much danger come the end of the season… but they haven’t got a chance this weekend. City will be brooding over the last gasp defeat to Chelsea and this is a great fixture for them to bounce back in. They look vulnerable at the back but I just don’t see Norwich having enough of the ball to hurt them.

Prediction – 3-0

Stoke vs Southampton

This is the kind of game that unlikely early season pacesetters go out and lose. Southampton have been irresistible in their style of play to date this season, but Stoke away is usually a tricky fixture whoever you are. If Southampton emerge from this game with 3 points you have got to start seriously taking them into account for a top six finish at a minimum. However, I can see this ending in a well fought draw.

Prediction – 1-1

West Brom vs Crystal Palace

The Baggies will bounce into this game with expectations of three points and it’s hard to see them leaving disappointed. Palace badly need a win but they look like a sinking ship already with no manager and no direction. West Brom shouldn’t be troubled by relegation this year and I can’t see anything other than a home win.

Prediction – 2-0

West Ham vs Aston Villa

Both of these sides will be questioning where their seasons are heading at the moment. Villa have looked a different beast to the side in relegation turmoil last year yet sit perilously close to the drop zone. They have by and large endured a far harder set of fixtures than their opponents however, whom also seem to be languishing somewhat. I can see this ending as a draw but it could easily go either way.

Prediction – 1-1

Arsenal vs Liverpool

This could be a cracking game. Both sides will go for it in the quest to state their title challenging credentials to the rest of the league. I can’t see Arsenal losing at home, but I can see them not winning if Liverpool are on their game. But Arsenal at full steam this year could blow anyone away and if they get the first goal I could see this being a footballing lesson for Liverpool. Taking all things into consideration I think it will end up being tighter than that though, with goals at both ends in a dramatic victory for the home side.

Prediction – 3-2

Sunday 3rd November

Everton vs Spurs

This should be tight, but if anyone is going to win then you have to say it will be the home side, because Spurs are enduring somewhat of a strange time at the moment – not results wise, but the performances and general buzz around the club seem to be a bit of a question mark. The loss to West Ham, the ‘Y’ word debate and the lack of convincing home victories have created an uneasy feeling of ultimately still not being sure where this season is going for them, despite a good points tally and league position as they stand. Breaking a 19 year penalty shoot-out jinx and Kyle Walker jumping around in monster mask may have lightened the mood ahead of this weekend’s fixture however, and I expect AVB’s men to grind out a draw which will please them more than their opponents.

Prediction – 1-1

Cardiff vs Swansea

It’s an impossible game to call because in South Wales this is a very special match with so much anticipation. I can see this being like an old fashioned cup tie and both sides will go out and enjoy the occasion. I can see controversy, red cards and a bucket load of goals if I am being optimistic, but could easily be a high velocity 0-0 scrap on the other hand. Can’t wait for this one, let’s hope it delivers!

Prediction – 3-3

Let me know your thoughts on this weekend’s matches and the above predictions. Will United come unstuck again? Will Arsenal take their title jaunt to the next level? Can anyone see anything other than a hammering for Norwich at Man City?

© e-Football 2013 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football