Day of destiny

ASTON VILLA v WEST HAM

The battle of claret and blue is the early kick off on Sunday and the most surprising part of this game is that West Ham have been in worse recent form than the villa. Both of these teams have large powerful strikers that their attacks are based around with West Ham slightly more direct in their play than Aston Villa. One of the big problems for Aston Villa this season has been their lack of experience and knowledge but if they can manage to survive they could well see the long term benefits of playing such a youthful team. Paul Lambert would of desperately liked to reinforce during the window but he made it plain there were no funds available and I hope the villa board do not regret that decision come the end of the season. West Ham invested in several players including Joe Cole & Marouane Chamakh in the hope of boosting their goal returns. Currently that has not happened with them still averaging less than a goal per game in their last five matches. They have now lost eight of their last ten on the road. Looking at the home side Villa have lost four of their last five at home and have only managed to score in one of these matches. Villa have been very weak recently to set plays and aerial threats within their penalty box and they could not be facing worst opposition with this in mind. Looking at historical records West Ham have not record a victory at Villa park in their last five attempts but I do believe they can come away with something from this match. This could well be a close match with two teams low in confidence but if villa are to make a bid for safety they need to take points from this match. Sadly I don’t think villa will get the victory they need and may well be forced to accept a draw.

MANCHESTER UNITED v EVERTON

The late game features two teams pushing hard for success at the top end of the table. Few will forget last years match where inform Everton came back from three one down to draw four four at Old Trafford. Will this years match be as entertaining probably but I won’t be predicting the same score. Manchester United that day and also on their trip to Goodison park struggled with the presence of Marouane Fellaini and the finishing of Jelavic. Coming into this match Jelavic has not hit the same heights as last season which has hindered Everton really pushing for the top four. Manchester United have a near perfect home record this season and averaged over two goals per match. Everton also come into the match in form with just one defeat in their last ten this against Chelsea. Their away form has contained many score draws and this must be mildly frustrating. Everton has a tough second half of the season ahead with trips to Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. If they are to reach the champions league then they will be forced to do it the hard way. They have lost on three of their last five trips to Old Trafford and drawing the two other matches. There is a trend for these matches to be closer than expected and I believe this match could follow this trend. Much will depend on how the Manchester United defence cope with the aerial threats posed to them which they didn’t against Reading recently. I believe Manchester United will win and I would expect this match to feature goals.


Thanks for reading and good luck !!!!