Premiership Predictions

Saturday, 9 May 2009
Blackburn v Portsmouth, 15:00
Both sides are almost safe considering the sides beneath them but both could do with the reassurance of three points.
1-1

Bolton v Sunderland, 15:00
These sides are in a similar position with Sunderland being the more desperate of the two. The home side might just demonstrate their slight superiority.
2-0

Everton v Tottenham, 15:00
It would be an embarrassment for Spurs were they to finish in the bottom half of the table. That looks unlikely but here they face the ever resolute Everton.
2-0

Fulham v Aston Villa, 15:00
Have just avoided relegation last season after inheriting Lawrie Sanchez's haphazard squad, Roy Hodgson has worked wonders put Fulham in contention for a European place - Everton are guaranteed a place in next season's Europa League by virtue of their place in this year's FA Cup Final so seventh place will also gain entry.
1-1

Hull v Stoke, 15:00
Hull's precipitous progress has continued unabated since Phil Brown conducted his half time time talk on the pitch against Man City. At least his moustache was for charity, that act made him look like a pillock who may come to regret it as he looks up from The Championship next season.
1-1

West Brom v Wigan, 15:00
It's still mathematically possible for West Brom to stay up if all four relegation candidates from the North East pick up zero points in the remaining three games. With Boro playing Newcastle, at least one of them has to pick up some points. Despite The Baggies' precarious position they have continued to demonstrate a zest for playing football which is to be admired. However, no amount of admiration can secure a place on the Premiership. Wigan are safe so could well turn off the gas.
2-0

West Ham v Liverpool, 17:30
If Liverpool fail to gain anything but three points the title race will be well and truly over. West Ham have lost seven times at home this season so a victory is not beyond the in form Liverpool.
1-2

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Sunday, 10 May 2009
Arsenal v Chelsea, 16:00
Both teams showed themselves up midweek: Arsenal for their lack of experience and Chelsea for their lack of dignity. If Liverpool lose on Saturday, victory for Chelsea would still keep them in third place due to Liverpool's superior goal difference. Therefore, it's possible we might see two sides going toe to toe in an attempt to regain the respect of their peers.
3-2

Man Utd v Man City, 13:30
Home advantage will surely tell in what is likely to be a combustible fixture, especially if United know they have to win. City would love to upset the apple cart and take the title advantage away from their cross city rivals.
2-1

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Monday, 11 May 2009
Newcastle v Middlesbrough, 20:00
Both sides are in the bottom three with 31 points. Southgate has surely spent too long in his first job as manager and Shearer might be thinking that he shouldn't have taken the job in the first place. This is too close to call.
0-0

Premiership Predictions

Saturday, 2 May 2009
Chelsea v Fulham, 15:00
The West London derby. Fulham are safe and Chelsea could yet steal second place from Liverpool and guarantee themselves Champions League football next season. Therefore, Chelsea to win.
2-1

Man City v Blackburn, 15:00
Blackburn are not strictly safe from relegation but showed enough fight at the weekend to give their fans the encouragement that Rovers will be playing at Old Trafford and Anfield rather than Vicarage Road and Portman Road. That said, Man City are so unpredictable. Robinho seems to be flourishing again now that we have something resembling summer.
2-0

Middlesbrough v Man Utd, 12:45
United are top of the league and reigning champions but have hardly enthralled all season but it's hard to see them being concerned about a visit to the Riverside. Middlesbrough can turn it on against the better sides and a win for them would re-enliven the race for the title but they are so out of form.
0-2

Portsmouth v Arsenal, 15:00
Victory for Pompey will cement their place in the Premiership next year and Arsenal will be more focused on Tuesday's Champions League game.
1-1

Stoke v West Ham, 15:00
Few people outside Staffordshire expected Stoke to be playing for anything more than pride at this stage of the season. Furthermore, did anyone expect Zola to have such a successful first season as manager? Games such as this are hard to call at this stage of the season because other than absolutely guaranteeing another season in the Premiership, Stoke have nothing to play for and West Ham won't gain a European place.
4-3

Tottenham v West Brom, 15:00
Redknapp will no doubt blame someone else if his side come unstuck here. They are only playing West Brom so his excuse will have to be pretty big. The game could swing on West Brom accepting their fate, relaxing and catching a complacent Spurs off guard.
1-1

Wigan v Bolton, 15:00
Wigan outplayed Blackburn last week and lost 2-0 at home. The chance of redemption in the North West comes quickly. It won't be easy against Megson's sluggers but Wigan should have the quality to see them past such obstreperous opposition.
2-1
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Sunday, 3 May 2009
Liverpool v Newcastle, 13:30
"Alan Shearer - the worst caretaker since Ian Huntley" Or so they've been saying in some corners of Tyneside. The press have been reading the last rites to the Geordie Messiah this week, knowing that they face a difficult task against title contenders Liverpool. Liverpool have scored more goals against Newcastle than any other team. The omens are not in The Magpies favour.
3-0

Sunderland v Everton, 16:00
Everton lost one of their key players, Phil Jagielka, to injury this week. Their place in Europe next season is guaranteed from both their league position and their place in the FA Cup Final. It would be understandable if they were to take their foot off the gas here.
1-0

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Monday, 4 May 2009
Aston Villa v Hull, 20:00
Villa are in a similar position to Everton. European football is guaranteed and they have no chance of catching Arsenal is fourth. Hull are not yet safe.
1-2