Premier League Predictions - Week 9

There are some massive games this weekend. The early kick off sees Man United play away at Everton, which will be an enticing fixture. The question is, can Man United get the perfect response after last week's mauling against a traditionally tough Everton side. But 45 minutes later, Chelsea host Arsenal, which is arguably the biggest game of the weekend. Chelsea will feel they must win this weekend’s game, not only to get back to winning ways, but to prove Chelsea are the real deal this season.

This week, our predictors are Paul Boyham of Anfield Index and Doron Salomon of Stretford End.

Fixture	Ibby Akkas Prediction		Paul Boyham Prediction		Doron Salomon Prediction		Actual Score
Everton v Man United	2-1		1-3		1-2		0-1
Chelsea v Arsenal	3-0		2-0		3-1		3-5
Man City v Wolves	5-0		4-0		5-0		3-1
Norwich v Blackburn	1-1		2-1		1-0		3-3
Sunderland v Aston Villa	0-2		1-1		1-1		2-2
Swansea v Bolton	3-1		1-2		1-1		3-1
Wigan v Fulham	0-0		0-2		2-2		0-2
West Brom v Liverpool	1-3		1-3		1-2		0-2
Tottenham v QPR	3-1		2-0		2-0		3-1
Stoke v Newcastle	2-0		2-1		3-2		1-3
Total Correct Scores	Correct Results - 2	Perfect Results - 2	Correct Results - 5	Perfect Results - 1	Correct Results - 5	Perfect Results- 0

The Results

Paul Boyham - 8 points

Ibby Akkas - 8 points

Doron Salomon - 5 points

After an unpredictable weekend in the Premier League, Paul and Ibby finish joint top with 8 points, while Doron comes in with a reasonable 5 points!

Take a look at this season’s Prediction Challenge League Table.

Paul has most kindly given The Football Front his explanations for his predictions:

Everton vs Manchester United

After forcing extra time against Chelsea midweek, Everton’s small squad will be pushed for this early kick off. After last weekend’s embarrassment in the Manchester Derby, I just can’t see Ferguson dropping any points here. They don’t lose back to back league games…do they?
Prediction: 1-3

Chelsea vs Arsenal

A supposedly finished Arsenal have actually won 7 out of their last 8 games. Additionally, they have only failed to score in two matches this season (their opening two league games). However, I suspect Chelsea will be too much for them and they should get a home win.
Prediction: 2-0

Manchester City vs Wolves
Manchester City are averaging 3.67 goals per game so far this season and are looking comfortable at the top of the table. Whilst I think they might throw it away over the course of the season, they should comfortably beat Wolves this weekend.
Prediction: 4-0

Norwich vs Blackburn
The only two sides without a clean sheet in the league this season meet at Carrow Road this weekend. Norwich have impressed a lot of people with their style of play and fully deserve to be occupying 8th place in the table. Blackburn, meanwhile, are impressing very few.
Prediction: 2-1

Sunderland vs Aston Villa
Both managers have been under pressure recently, but for different reasons. Sunderland fans are worried about their team’s stagnation under Steve Bruce, whilst most Aston Villa fans never wanted Alex McLeish as manager. Aston Villa have recorded more draws (5) than any other team so far this season.
Prediction: 1-1

Swansea vs Bolton

Bolton have lost more games (7) and conceded more goals (24) than any other team so far this season. Swansea have failed to score in 4 Premier League games, a record they share with four other teams. Bolton have suffered with injuries so far, but Owen Coyle will have to start picking up wins soon or he will be under serious pressure.
Prediction: 1-2

Wigan vs Fulham

After losing their last 6 games (7 in all competitions), Wigan will be desperate against a Fulham side who haven’t started well either. These two share the unwanted record with Blackburn of the fewest league wins this season (1).

Prediction: 0-2

West Brom vs Liverpool

If there is one man that knows how to make Liverpool lose, it is Roy Hodgson. Completely out of his depth at Liverpool, Hodgson is now managing a side more at his level, where his methods (which have served him well for 30, years you know?!) are more accepted. Liverpool fans will be desperate to get one over their former manager, especially after a 2-1 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season. One goal from 29 shots wasn’t enough against Norwich last week but Liverpool are creating chances and are due to give someone a hiding.
Prediction: 1-3

Tottenham vs QPR

Tottenham have won 5 out of their last 6 games in all competitions, whilst QPR come into this one on the back of an enthralling 1-0 win against rivals Chelsea. Both teams have had good starts to the season, under their old fashioned managers but Neil Warnock’s QPR might just find Tottenham’s attack too much to handle.
Prediction: 2-0

Stoke vs Newcastle

Newcastle have undoubtedly had a brilliant start to the season but this trip to Stoke is perhaps their toughest challenge yet. This will be Stoke’s fourth game in ten days, but their squad is much stronger than in recent seasons and Tony Pullis has cleverly rotated his strike force. This will be a tight game, but the home advantage might be enough to end Newcastle’s unbeaten start to the season.

Prediction: 2-1

Make sure you follow both predictors on their Twitter accounts. Paul Boyham can be found at: @PaulBoyham while Doron Salomon can be followed at: @DoronSalomon

Check out the fantastic Anfield Index where Paul is a regular contributor: www.anfieldindex.com

Doron’s is also a regular contributor at: www.stretford-end.com

Take a look at this season’s Prediction Challenge League Table.

Find out here how last week’s predictors did!

For more information on The Predictions Challenge check out this page.