Saturday Saturday Saturday

SATURDAY 29TH DECEMBER

The early kick off sees Sunderland host Tottenham, both teams come into the match after recording good wins on boxing day.  I fancied Sunderland to test Man City at home and my prediction proved correct with a 1-0 victory.  Tottenham on the other hand beat Aston Villa which I also posted could well happen especially if Bale was in the starting lineup.  Last year Martin O'Neill played a very defensive system against Spurs in this match and I can see a similar game plan this season.  I wouldn't anticipate a high goals total in this match up and would suggest a possible draw or away win.

Aston Villa host fellow strugglers Wigan at home, both teams have been in terrible form recently and will be desperate to try and get the points in this six pointer.  Villa have one home win in their last six home matches whilst Wigan also have one win in their last six away.  If Villa are to win this then a early goal will prove vital, the longer this match stays level pressure from the home crowd will favour Wigan.  I believe Villa will get a possible a win but at least a draw in this match.

Fulham with one win in their last eleven matches play the graceful Swansea who boast only one defeat in the last six away matches.  Last year Swansea won three nil at Craven Cottage and they will again fancy their chances of victory.  I wouldn't be so confident to back the visitors but I have noted a change in plan away from home this year.  Keeping their away matches tight and looking to poach goals has proved successful at the Emirates and St.James Park already this season.  A hard match to call but Fulham could perhaps return to their usual strong home form here.

I doubted West Brom on boxing day and they proved me wrong collecting the points at Loftus Road but travelling to Old Trafford will be a step to far.  Even thoe their away form has been strong their inability to keep a clean sheet will prove costly.  Facing a Manchester United team that scraped to a win against a poor Newcastle United I can only see a home win.  I would see United wanting to produce a strong home performance to wipe away their previous game.  The Man Utd defence has been very generous this season and I wouldn't bet against West Brom scoring.

Norwich City suffered their first home defeat in five matches against Chelsea, I can see them proving to be a very difficult test for Manchester City on Saturday.  Norwich have been able to grind out results at home against the top teams this season.  This plan went out the window when Chelsea scored a early goal and this could prove to be vital if City are to win.  If City are to win they need to score early, if Norwich can keep the scores level then they will hope to pinch a goal as the visitors push forward.  City have been indifferent of late on the road but I would suggest they can at least collect a draw here.  As always what will proved vital is the players and system Mr Mancini decides to start with.

West Ham who have suffered a slight dip in the last few weeks travel to Reading.  It will be interesting to see if or how Reading cope with the power and strength of West Ham.  Again these two teams have had their share of 0-0 results this season.  Reading could well get a result here but it will completely depending on them keeping their organisation, something they have sadly struggled to do in most matches this season.

Stoke face Southampton in what I can only see as a home win, Stoke have been exceptionally strong at home since they returned to the top flight.  Southampton have sadly leaked goals all season and I severely doubt they can cope with aerial threats and a intimidating atmosphere.  Like them or not Stoke have a method and they are well drilled and organised.

The late kick off matches Newcastle travelling to the Emirates, Newcastle truly surprised me with their performance at Old Trafford.  They have been poor in most of the matches I have seen this season and with their injury problems I definitely did not see them scoring three goals away.  With that in mind I wonder which Newcastle team will turn up against Arsenal.  I would suggest this matches should see goals depending if Newcastle show the same attacking setup.