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Arsenal v Tottenham

Arguably one of the most entertaining derbies in England will take place at 12:45 this Saturday.

Arsenal come off the back of a truly disappointing result, and awful defensive display, against Fulham. A 3-3 result which was a fair one could’ve been turned into an Arsenal win when Mikel Arteta had his penalty saved by Mark Schwarzer. For the clash against Spurs, Arsenal could have a fairly different squad from the one that lined-up against Fulham. Wojciech Szczesny, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott could all be in the squad whilst Jack Wilshere returns from suspension. Bacary Sagna, who called Spurs ‘the enemy’ last season, is also a doubt for the game which could see Carl Jenkinson return at right-back spot. The main-men for Arsenal will be Olivier Giroud, who’s been in excellent goal scoring form, Theo Walcott (if he starts) and Jack Wilshere.

Spurs, Spurs, Spurs it’s incredibly hard to pin-point their form as, usually, they tend to have one good game sandwiched by a couple of bad games. They come out of a 2-1 loss to the Champions following an Edin Dzeko winner (again). Spurs will go into this game with high hopes considering how abysmal Arsenal’s defence has been lately. Defoe, Bale and Lennon (if he starts) will be massive handfuls for Arsenal, especially considering how weak Arsenal are down the left.

When going into a derby, form means absolutely bugger all. It’s all about who’s more up for it. If Arsenal can match the atmosphere provided in last season’s mesmerising comeback, it’ll be a mouth-watering encounter for all to behold. Not only will the football played by both teams be exquisite, the desire and fight shown by the players will be fantastic too; add to that mix the deafening atmosphere and you’ve got yourself an absolute firecracker to kick-off your Saturday.

Written by @GB1886

Match PredictionsWhat a way to start the weekend, with a cracking fixture which really could go either way. I’m feeling as though this could end in a score draw or a very edgy win for either side.

The home advantage could really make all the difference in this match and should Arsenal recover a bit of form from the beginning of the season, they may well go on to win this one.

Arsenal will be wanting to turn a corner in their season whilst Spurs will want revenge for the humiliation they suffered last season at the Emirates. I’d say 2-1 to the Arsenal with Olivier Giroud and Podolski grabbing the goals for the red side of North London.

www.flickr.com/photos/cliche

Liverpool v Wigan

Liverpool will be looking to kick-start their stuttering season on Saturday as they welcome Wigan Athletic to Anfield.

The Reds currently sit in lowly 13th position but after drawing with the Champions of Europe Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week, Brendan Rogers will be hoping that his side can finally start winning games on their home turf. This will be helped by the man of the moment Luis Suarez, who is in the form of his life and is currently joint top goal scorer in the league with eight goals. His superb form hasn’t gone unnoticed though with the loaded Man City circling the Uruguayan like a blood thirsty shark. Captain Steven Gerrard, who earned his 100th England cap on Wednesday, will once again be the heart of creativity in midfield, looking to supply the Liverpool attack.

Goalkeeper Jose Reina will be available for selection but Brendan Rogers may decide to stick with Australian keeper Brad Jones. Lucas Levia will not feature versus Wigan but is close to first team fitness after taking part in training this week. Martin Kelly and Fabio Borini are still are long term absentees.

Wigan have made a good start to their season and will be confident of getting a result against Liverpool after defeating Spurs at White Hart Lane two weeks ago. Roberto Martinez, who was heavily linked with the Anfield hot seat during the summer, will need his current top scorer Arouna Kone to continue his good spell of form. James McArthur is still struggling with a dead leg and may not be able to play which will reduce Wigan’s chances massively.

These are the games Liverpool need to start winning if they want to climb up the table. Wigan will arrive at Anfield full of confidence and with that we can look forward to a close fought encounter.

Written by @AndyClark19

Match PredictionsLiverpool need to win this one to keep their band of ever present fans happy, and shoot them up the league, and after watching them in their past few matches, they should have the strength to at least get something in this one.

A couple of years ago, this one would have been down as a home banker, but I will play it safe and go for both teams to score in this one, as Wigan have been playing quite well just recently.

No prizes for guessing who we will back to score any time in this one, Luis Suarez. At the moment he looks a class above everyone in the Liverpool team, and with another goal last weekend against Chelsea (even though he did have to celebrate it on his own) he looks good to add another this weekend.


Man City v Aston Villa

Man City looked like title-winning contenders last Sunday against Spurs – in that they didn’t play well at all, but still came out with the three points.

‘Super Sub’ Edin Dzeko got the goal that keeps the blue half of Manchester in the title mix, just two points behind their Manchester rivals. They’ll be hoping for a similar – albeit slightly less nerve jangling – repeat of United’s 3-2 victory over Aston Villa for themselves this weekend.

Like many a marriage, Paul Lambert has endured a rough honeymoon period at the Villa, but there has been the odd sign of progress during their last few games. Indeed, during that encounter with the Red Devils they found themselves 2-0 up after 50 minutes.

Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t hold on to victory as the little maestro Javier Hernandez pick-pocketed the three points for his team. Perhaps Lambert’s men simply lacked the belief that they could get the job done? (Not surprising really, as Villa haven’t beaten United at home in seventeen years of trying!)

Roberto Mancini’s men have been in imperious form at Eastlands so far, notching up five wins and one draw from six games, and scoring more than two goals a game in the process. The Villa, meanwhile, have struggled on their travels, losing four of six.

Seven of Villa’s starting line-up last time out were under the age of 23. The team that Mancini sent out was compiled for approximately £600million (possible slight exaggeration). They say you never win anything with kids, but you can buy the title.

So in that respect, we can’t really look past City for his one. But if Aston Villa show some of the spark they displayed in the first hour against Man United, then they might just sneak a point.

Written by @ItsRouteOne

Match PredictionsManchester City are still unbeaten in this seasons Premier League, yet have failed to convince on more than one occasion. Villa will take heart from the lack of fluidity that Man City have had this season, and their own increase in form in recent matches.

Saying that, who would bet against Man City at the Etihad? Certainly not me. Aguero looks to have found his feet now, but having played in the internationals midweek, may be a bit tired.

This should be an open game, with some tired legs ater the international matches, but ultimately Man City should keep up with Man Utd, recording another win against Villa. We’ll back Aguero to continue his form with another goal at any time in this one.


Newcastle v Swansea

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup faces a tough task as his side travel up north to take on Alan Pardew’s Newcastle side.

Newcastle’s momentum has been slightly halted of late, claiming just the one win from their last 6 league games; a 2-1 win against West Brom, and The Toon are far from their peak and the form which saw them threaten the top 4 last season, with some of their individuals not hitting top form just yet. One of these individuals is Papiss Cisse, who hit an amazing run of form towards the back end of last season and may not feature this weekend due to injury, but if he takes to the field he will be looking to improve. However, Demba Ba has been amongst the scoresheets in most games so far this season, so his form is helping the likes of Cisse whilst they endure a tough start to the season.

Swansea are a team I always enjoy watching as they always put on a show, and I’m sure it will be no different at St.James’ Park on Saturday as they look to claim their first away win since the start of the season. Danny Graham may start for The Swans, allowing Michu to move back into midfield, and Graham could be all important if they are to get a result, with his ability to hold up play and be an aerial threat.

This will be a fairly tight game I think, and it may take a set piece from Newcastle to win this game, as I can see Swansea being very solid at the back, whilst fashioning their own chances, so it could go either way. However, if Newcastle come out the blocks quickly then they could have a very good game.

Written by @Liam1992LUFC

Match PredictionsThis should be a great game of football, and one to look out for on match of the day as both teams are determined to play really good football. With Newcastle at home, their fans will be expecting a win, but Swansea will be a tough test so we will stick with goals in this one.

I will back both teams to score, which looks like quite a safe be in this one as both of these sides have players who can put the ball in the net.

Michu has made a huge difference to Swansea this season, and is a bit of an outsider in this one as Swansea are the away side. Michu is always likely to pop up with a goal. We’ll back him to score at any time.

LIAM’S PREDICTION: 2-1 Newcastle


QPR v Southampton

A potential six-pointer and an all-important battle against the drop is on the cards this Saturday as QPR host Southampton, in search of their first league win of the season.

The Hoops have had a terrible start to the season, and with fans becoming restless with manager Mark Hughes’ position being questioned, as they sit at the bottom of the table with just 4 points in their opening 11 games. With a number of big signings over the summer this is a position QPR would not have anticipated being in, but reality will have to kick in soon, and the character of these players will truly come out. They have some fantastic individual players; the likes of Granero, Djibril Cisse and Adel Taarabt are all matchwinners on their day, but they simply haven’t produced yet as a squad, and Hughes faces a tough task in finding the solution for them to all pull together and grab the right results.

Southampton are not in a much better position than Rangers however; just a single point ahead and with just a single win, when they beat Aston Villa 4-1 back in September. Southampton are a very good side going forward and will always threaten in front of goal, but their defence is woeful and is

primarily the reason why they are in this current situation, and has yet to be rectified. If Nigel Adkins has any chance of keeping The Saints up and grabbing results, the defence needs to tighten up, or they will risk losing important games like Saturday.

This will be a nervy game for both sides & sets of fans, as a win could lift one side and change their season, whilst a loss could see a huge dip in confidence. I’m expecting a few goals, and with the individuals QPR have in their squad, I can see some brilliance on show as they go on to claim their first three points of the season.

Written by @Liam1992LUFC

Match PredictionsSouthampton really have to go for this one, much like the game last weekend, and it could go one of two ways. The sides will either cancel each other out and we will end up with quite a dull game, or both teams will just go for it and we’ll have a great game with plenty of goals.

I’m going to go with the goals again, and will back both teams to score, which looks like quite a safe bet with attacking nature of both of these sides in recent weeks.

Regular followers of this magazine will know that i continuously put my trust in Taraabt and this weekend is no different. He has been playing so well just recently put just needs to find his shooting boots. Taraabt to score anytime is my bet for this one.

LIAM’S PREDICTION: 4-2 QPR


Reading v Everton

David Moyes high flying Toffees head down to Reading this weekend having finally shaken off their recent habit of grabbing draws from the jaws of victory. Last weekends home victory against Sunderland displayed the kind of mental fortitude necessary for the clubs target of Champions League qualification.

With both Spurs and Arsenal in poor form and playing each other this weekend, Everton need to capitalise on the opportunity to pull further away from the North London clubs, who are more than likely going to come back into form sooner rather than later.

The visit to the Madjeski is therefore imperative, and Moyes is likely to feel that nothing less than 3 points will be a disappointment. Marouane Fellaini continues to be pivotal to the sides chances and the big Belgian will be looking to influence the game from whatever station he is assigned, be it from deep or in behind Nikica Jelavic. Jelavic grabbed another goal last weekend and continues to look like one of the bargains of the year.

In sharp contrast to Everton, Brian McDermott’s Royals are struggling to come to terms with the pressures of the Premier League and although they managed to win a tough point against last years battling survivors Norwich last weekend, they are still to register their first win. McDermott’s side continue to try and play the fluid football which got them promotion, but the Premier League is a far cry from the Championship. Jason Roberts is one of their most experienced performers and will need to start getting on the score sheet more often if Reading are to survive. Alex McCarthy is missing once again in goal, so Australian Adam Federici will have another chance to prove himself after his early season form cost him his place initially.

Written by @JW1987

Match PredictionsThere is no doubt that Everton have a stronger side on paper and their points tally does indicate their superiority. There is a lot to be said about home advantage however and Reading may be struggling for their first victory but they are a stubborn opponent and Everton will have to start off well to subdue the crowd and even then I don’t expect an easy victory for the North-West club.

As Reading have tightened up their defence significantly in the last couple of weeks under 2.5 Goals at Evens looks like a decent bet. If you fancy a longer shot bet, Everton have won a lot of points from losing positions this season and the HT/FT Reading/Everton at 27/1 could represent good value.


West Brom v Chelsea

Roberto Di Matteo travels to the Hawthorns this Saturday to take on his old employers as his third placed Chelsea side face former Blues assistant manager Steve Clarke’s fifth placed West Brom. Di Matteo claimed automatic promotion to the Premier League when he was in charge at the Hawthorns and was a favourite amongst the fans, but old friendships will count for nothing on Saturday as Chelsea are in desperate need of a win.

The Blues have not won in the league since 20th October when they beat Spurs at White Hart Lane. Since then they’ve managed just two points from a possible nine and have slipped to third in the table. The Baggies however have won their last two games and playing some delightful football. Midfielder James Morrison has been quoted as saying this week that West Brom’s form as of late is no fluke and you can’t help but agree with him. They’ve scored five goals in their last three games and are looking like a real threat under Steve Clarke.

Much of this good form is down to Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long who has netted five times for the Baggies this season. The rapid former Reading man will be a real danger to Chelsea’s defence, which will be without skipper John Terry due to injury. One man who won’t feature for West Brom is on loan striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian forward is on loan from Chelsea and is ineligible to play against his parent club.

As mentioned, Chelsea will be without John Terry for the trip to the midlands so Branislav Ivanovic may deputise again, depending on whether or not David Luiz has recovered from illness.

The Blues fly to Italy on Tuesday for a crucial Champions League clash with Juventus so they may rest key players on Saturday. Victor Moses, Marko Marin, Daniel Sturridge, Ryan Bertrand and Oriol Romeu could all start as Di Matteo looks to keep his big guns fresh.

Written by @SebBudd

Match PredictionsThis is another of those games that a couple of years ago would have been one of the first on your coupon for a Chelsea win, but the improvement of West Brom over the past couple of years has been huge. With a few big names set to be rested, West Brom may capitalise, so we will be sticking to goals in this one.

Both teams to score looks a cracking bet for this one, with both teams good for goals this season so far (cue 0-0 draw).

As Seb says, Victor Moses should start this one, unless Di Matteo has him in his plans for the Juventus game, and as an outside bet we will back him to score at any time.


Norwich v Man Utd

Chris Hughton will be hoping to join the select list of Norwich City bosses to get the upper hand over Sir Alex Ferguson when Premier League leaders Manchester United arrive at Carrow Road for Saturday’s late kick-off. The Canaries will have to break a losing trend against United stretching back over two decades if they are to claim another big scalp at Carrow Road, where Arsenal were beaten 1-0 last month.

A 2-0 Premiership win for Nigel Worthington’s team in 2005 is the only Norwich victory in the last 14 meetings with the Red Devils, going back more than 21 years. Twelve of those games have ended in defeat, including the double rather unjustly suffered by Paul Lambert’s side last season.

Chris Hughton has confirmed that Russell Martin had yet to resume full training after a back complaint suffered in the recent draw at Aston Villa. Scottish international colleague Whittaker has deputised admirably after his own long-term lay off from an ankle injury. The ex-Rangers’ full-back will retain his place against the Red Devils this weekend, but Hughton conceded the Scot may have benefitted from a delayed return to the international ranks.

Hughton split his television time watching Whittaker in action with Hoolahan’s long-awaited re-appearance for the Republic of Ireland in their 1-0 friendly defeat to Greece in Dublin. The midfielder played the second 45 minutes and Hughton saw enough to feel Hoolahan must be in Giovanni Trapattoni’s thoughts for next year’s World Cup qualifiers.Midfielder Alex Tettey is also fit for United’s league visit after pulling out of the Norway squad for their midweek trip to Hungary. Tettey played through the pain barrier at Reading with a back issue.

Manchester United will be looking to continue their good form, and capitalise on what looks on paper as a relatively easy fixture. Alex Ferguson will be aware how easy complacency can be, Fergie will not wont to follow a fate as Arsenal suffered at Carrow Road last month.

Ferguson will be without long term casualties Jones, Kagawa, and Vidic all suffering with knee injuries. Nani is also expected to miss the trip to Carrow Road with a hamstring injury.

Written by @nigelsmalley

Match PredictionsAlthough Norwich can produce some good football at home, and put Arsenal to the sword last month, Utd should record a comfortable win here.

If you did fancy a risky bet, Nigel fancies a 3-0 win for Man Utd, so backing Man Utd in the win to nil market, you are bound to get better odds than the outright win market.

Norwich City 0 – 3 Man Utd

RVPRooneyScholes


Fulham v Sunderland

Martin O’Neil’s Black Cats take on Marin Jol’s Cottagers in Sunday’s lone fixture.

The home side come of the back of a deserved draw at the Emirates, where the game finished three a piece, despite Mikel Arteta missing a penalty in the last second of the game for the Gunners. Fulham aren’t struggling for goal scorers, and their summer signing, Dimitar Berbatov, sits top of the scoring pack, netting five league goals so far this campaign.

With Fulham selling Moussa Dembélé and Clint Dempsey to Tottenham in the summer, a lot of people doubted whether they could represent a threat in the league. They find themselves in a respectful ninth place on equal points though with Arsenal and only four points off fifth place, so a win for them on Sunday could really propel them up the league standings.

Fulham’s home record has been considerably better than their away record. They have picked up ten points from a possible twelve and Martin Jol will be delighted with their form at Craven Cottage.

Sunderland have struggled this season, and it’s hard to find what is actually going wrong other than simply not scoring enough goals although they cannot hide away from the fact that they only have two league scorers. They currently sit slumped at sixteenth, although their form away from the Stadium of Light has been far better. The Black Cats have picked up four draws which were against Arsenal, Swansea, West Ham and Stoke. They have also lost twice on the road, and I’m sure boss Martin O’Neil will want to rectify that.

If Fulham can get main striker Berbatov and their playmaker Bryan Ruiz on the ball and use them well then they will certainly exploit Sunderland’s mediocre defence. Sunderland need to up their game and still need to be in it by half time to stand a chance of taking at least one point home, but I fancy the Cottagers for this one.

Written by @AMay132

Match PredictionsJust one game this Sunday which doesn’t really have as hype around it as Chelsea v Liverpool did last weekend, but nevertheless this should be a good game with two teams coming together who would have had similar expecations at the beginning of the season.

Sunderland have been largely disappointing this season and this was shown once again last weekend when they managed to throw away the lead to Everton. This is why we will be backing Fulham to win this one, in a game which should be fairly comfortable for them.

As Adam mentions, Berbatov and Ruiz will be key for Fulham and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a Berbatov goal so that’s who we will back anytime in this one.


West Ham v Stoke

Monday night football this week see’s West Ham take on Tony Pullis’s Stoke City at the Boleyn Ground.

Big Sam will want to continue on the winning trail after a 1-0 victory over Newcastle last week. West Ham are a surprising 6th in the Premier League, many critics thought that the Hammers would be embroiled in a relegation dog fight this season.

West Ham trio George McCartney, Matt Jarvis and Yossi Benayoun are all rated big doubts for the Premier League game against Stoke on Monday night.

All three players picked up injuries during the 1-0 win over Newcastle last Sunday and are now facing a race against time to prove their fitness. The most worrying seems to be the groin injury picked up by McCartney and it remains unclear how long he will be on the side-lines.

Jarvis was forced to come off during the first half after he suffered a tight thigh, while Benayoun picked up a knee injury following a tackle with Jonas Gutierrez which later forced him off.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is already missing Ricardo Vaz Te, Jack Collison and Alou Diarra through long-term injuries and will be hoping McCartney, Jarvis and Benayoun can make a quick recovery.

Tony Pullis will be also looking to capitalise on his team’s performance last week, after they defeated QPR 1-0 at the Britannia Stadium.

Pullis goes in to this match with Micheal Owen still side lined through injury. Good news for Stoke is that Ryan Shawcross came through his midweek performance with England unscathed, and Tony Pullis has stated he would love to tie down the central defender to a new contract.

Written by @nigelsmalley

Match PredictionsAlthough on paper this one looks like a bit of a boring fixture, both teams will look at this one as a potential fixture to take 3 points from.

After Stoke’s win last weekend, this one won’t be easy for West Ham, and a goals bet is probably safer than backing either of the teams outright. Both teams to score will be my bet for this one, which some people might find quite surprising.

Andy Carroll still hasn’t got on the score sheet for West Ham, but leading the line for the Hammers, I’m sure he will get one eventually. We’ll back him to score at any time on Monday night.


Acca’s Galore!

Norwich v Man Utd

Bolton v Barnsley

Gillingham v Morecambe

Newport v Hyde


Crystal Palace v Derby

Crawley v Walsall

Scunthorpe v Notts County

Northampton v Wycombe

Grimsby v Braintree

Man Utd

Bolton

Gillingham

Newport

Man City

Crystal Palace

Crawley

Notts County

Northampton

Grimsby

4/9

8/15

4/7

1/2

1/5

19/20

8/13

7/5

5/6

8/15

Betfred Goals Galore Banker Coupon

Burton v Dagenham

Portsmouth v Doncaster

Rochdale v Bristol Rovers

Shrewsbury v Crewe


Bolton v Barnsley

Man Utd - Win - 4/9Bolton - Win - 8/15

Gillingham - Win - 4/7Newport - Win - 1/2

Weekend Long Shot

10-fold pays 132.13/1

6-fold pays 28/1 4-fold pays 4.22/1

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