Premier League predictions: Match week 23 – Part 2
We continue with our predictions here in part two, with four more games to look forward to.
West Brom v Blackpool
If anyone saw the way Blackpool completed the double over Liverpool in midweek, they would know how difficult it is to play against them. Like Stoke, they have a set system and play to their strengths. Blackpool use the diagonal play to a very good effect
and spread the ball beautifully. This is one reason why Charlie Adam is so important to them. He makes them tick from the centre.
His partner in crime David Vaughan does not get his fair share of credit but has been equally influential. With 3 wins from their last 5 games, Blackpool are looking safe and will probably avoid a relegation scrap towards the end of the 2010-11 season.
West Brom meanwhile need to do something about their disastrous form. A defeat against Seasiders will be their 6th consecutive in the league. They are just a point off relegation zone and need to start picking up points sooner rather than later.
This one will be an interesting encounter but with Blackpool players tired from their game against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809, West Brom should at least get a point.
Prediction: 1-1
West Ham United v Arsenal
The speculation over Avram Grant’s future has dragged on for ages now. The one-week ultimatums are not doing any good to the team. There is far too much uncertainty at the club currently and players can be excused for a less impressive showing.
However, Scott Parker recently backed his manager saying that the players are behind him and they showed that with their midweek win in Carling Cup over Birmingham City.
Arsenal will be a totally different test for the Hammers though and a point will be very much welcomed by the West Ham faithful. Arsenal will be hoping that United drop points against Tottenham Hotspur and they can win this one to close the gap at the top.
It should be three easy points for the Gunners, but nothing can be taken for granted in this League, so Arsenal have to be wary of Scott Parker and company, as they may spring a surprise.
Prediction: 1-3
Wigan Athletic v Fulham
We keep on saying that Wigan are one of the most difficult teams to predict but they have shown some consistency recently. They have drawn 4 of their last 6 matches but at the same time they have so many players being linked with a move away from the DW
Stadium.
This has been their policy. They buy unknown players from far-off places, develop them into decent Premier League footballers, and sell them off for a profit. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Charles-c8808 N’Zogbia is one player who is likely to leave the club in the current transfer window.
Fulham have managed two wins from their last three games which have eased the pressure off Mark Hughes, at least for the time being.
Only a point separates these two teams and a win for Wigan will take them out of the relegation zone and as high as 14th place in the table. Meanwhile, a win for Fulham will take them above both the Merseyside clubs, at least until Sunday.
Prediction: 1-1
Birmingham City v Aston Villa
Aston Villa are expected to be without two of their starting eleven players. Both http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Bentley-c10435 a start in this game.
Although both teams are struggling at the bottom half of the table, we do not expect either of the teams to be relegated come the end of the 2010-11 season. Villa boss http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Houllier is in the market for a central midfielder and is likely to sign Lyon’s
Jean Makoun.
Birmingham have signed Bentley on loan until the end of the season and might add a striker by the end of the transfer window.
This will be a close contest with few goals in it. Both teams will be happy with a draw and most probably go for it.
Prediction: 1-1
Continued in part 3…
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