Premier League Predictions: Match Week 17 – Part 1
We are getting closer to the half way point of the season and a quick look of the table shows how competitive the league has been. In previous seasons, the gap between top four and the relegation zone would be at least 20. However, it’s City in 4th with 29 and Wigan with 15 in 18th which puts them only 14 points apart.
Bettor.com will as usual make predictions for the upcoming Premier League matches and this time we will start off with our game at Villa Park:
Aston Villa vs. West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa are completely out of sorts at the moment and Gerard Houllier is running out of excuses for his team’s dismal performances week in week out. With 3 defeats on the trot and sitting only 2 points away from safety, anything other than a win can take them into the drop zone.
West Brom have recently emerged out of their miserable run of form with 2 wins in as many games. Their surprise 4-1 mauling of Everton at Goodison was followed by a comprehensive 3-1 home win over Newcastle United last weekend.
Injuries have played their part in Aston Villa’s recent slump but West Brom present a decent opportunity for the Villains to get back to winning ways. Star man, Ashley Young, who missed out on their trip to Anfield last Monday, due to suspension, will return to the fold and will have to be at the top of his game if Villa want to get something out of this game. It promises to be an exciting encounter.
Agbonlahor is still missing and West Brom will wait until the last minute to check on the fitness of key personnel, Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie.
Prediction: 2-2
Everton vs. Wigan Athletic
Everton just can’t seem to get all three points at the moment. No matter how well they play, the best they get is a draw. Everton have only picked up 4 points (4 draws) from their last 6 games. They must have got a real rollicking from David Moyes after their 4-1 home loss to West Brom. They were real value for their efforts at Stamford Bridge and could and should have taken all three points against the champions.
Wigan too did really well last weekend, when they came from behind to salvage a point against an in form Stoke side. However, Wigan remain one of the most unpredictable teams in the league and even though Charles N’Zogbia keeps on showing his class, it’s difficult to look further than an Everton win here.
Another defeat will keep them in the bottom three and three points for Everton can take them as high as 12th in the table.
Prediction: 2-0
Fulham vs. Sunderland
Fulham’s relatively less poor goal difference keeps them out of the drop zone but at the moment, they don’t look like pulling away from it any time soon. Fulham have drawn far too many games and they desperately need to keep three points here. With just 3 points from a possibly 18, Mark Hughes is under pressure to get Fulham’s season back on track sooner rather than later.
Sunderland, on the other hand, are looking comfortable in the league, sitting a pretty 7th in the table with 23 points. They have picked up 11 from their last 6 and Steve Bruce has got them playing some really good football.
Jordan Henderson who has been a revelation this season will again be the key man and will be looking to add to his winner from last week.
However, Sunderland will have to wait to check on the fitness of record signing Asamoah Gyan, who suffered a toe injury last weekend. Goal Keeper Craig Gordon is also a doubt for this match.
Considering the form of two teams, a Fulham win is highly unlikely but Mark Hughes is a master of getting draws and this one might be another one.
Prediction: 1-1
Continued in http://www.senore.com/Premier-League-Predictions-Match-Week-17-Part-2-a47378...
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