EPL Round #8 Fearless Predictions

The international break during the domestic campaign is a tricky endeavor. No one really knows how to jump back into the swing of things. For myself, I am still surviving a turkey overload from Canadian Thanksgiving and the roller coaster ride that is Greece's qualification to Euro 2012. Regardless, the EPL is back and here are this week's fearless predictions. As always enjoy with a grain of a salt and a cold beverage, although I would recommend two or three.

Liverpool - Manchester United (2-0)

This is probably the biggest game in Liverpool's resurgence. LeBron James, a minority owner at Anfield, will even be in attendance. On the other side of the ledger, Wayne Rooney will attempt to bounce back after his second red card while playing for England that will have him suspended for the the first three games of Euro 2012. I really have nothing to say about this, except the English, always without fail, and excuse my French, fuck things up before a big tournament. On the pitch, I am backing King Kenny and his band of merry men for a victory over United. This is their cup final. 

(How does Fabio Aurelio feel about LeBron taking his jersey? Just wondering!)

Aston Villa - Manchester City (1-2)

Did you know that Aston Villa are undefeated in the EPL thus far? Albeit they have a tied a lot of games, but they still have yet to taste defeat this year. However, they have yet to play a team with any real  substance. Well, time to queue the big guns for this coming Saturday as the light blue side of Manchester pays a visit. Even though City will be without Aguero and Tevez, two goals will be more than enough for the three points.

Norwich City - Swansea City (1-0)

Norwich played so well before the international break at Old Trafford and honestly, probably deserved a point for their efforts. In this relegation six-pointer always go with the home team, and let's go with the Canadian, Simeon Jackson, to grab the winner.

QPR - Blackburn Rovers (2-0)

My dad used to tell me stories about going to Loftus Road, the home of QPR, during his days at Imperial College, and watching QPR play our home town team, AEK Athens, in the UEFA Cup. Not to keep the readers in suspense but AEK advanced on penalties, 7-6. In regards to this week's match, let's enjoy the magic of Loftus Road and go with a comfortable home victory against the EPL's version of the Boston Red Sox. The similarities only apply due to their robust connection to chicken.

Wigan - Bolton (1-2)

Fire up the hot seat for Mr. Owen Coyle, who I actually had the pleasure of running into last year, when his team was in town for a friendly against Toronto FC. Bolton are struggling while Wigan are in a constant state of struggle, so in this instance, it is time to go with the more desperate team, so book the Trotters for the away victory.

Stoke City - Fulham (2-2)

After a slow start to the season Martin Jol has Fulham finally playing to their capabilities. This should be an intriguing match pitting Stoke's physicality against Fulham's artistry. By artistry, Fulham have probably one or two players more than Stoke that are capable of one extra millisecond of magic. The game is a draw, yet not a dull and boring draw that has affected so many of the matches during the early stages of the campaign.

Chelsea - Everton (3-1)

For some peculiar reason Everton have always been a thorn in the side of Chelsea. Whether it is the FA Cup, EPL or Carling Cup, Everton are extremely comfortable at Stamford Bridge. However, there is just too much skill on display for AVB's men and look for some moments of magic generated by another Spanish wizard, Juan Mata.

West Brom - Wolverhampton (1-1)

Wolverhampton Wolves has to be one of the better names for a football squad. The subtle combination of the letter w and wolves is brilliant. Enough about names though, let us remember that the action is typically on the pitch. However, I wouldn't bother catching this early Sunday game, as it will end in a draw.

Arsenal - Sunderland (2-0)

Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on the type of Sunderland fan you speak to, Steve Bruce will be on the hot seat after a loss to Arsenal at the Emirates. Many Sunderland supporters have been disappointed by Steve Bruce's performance as a manager and that his teams have under performed in comparison to the amount of resources that have been allocated to him. However, they never point out that Sunderland finished in one of it's highest league positions in 50 years excluding the Peter Reid era. Regardless, Arsenal and their make shift back four will settle for a shut-out and a comfortable two goal victory.

Newcastle - Tottenham (2-2)

I do not think that Newcastle can continue their good run of form forever in the EPL or else we would be welcoming them to the Champions League next season, but I have to admit that they have been playing some outstanding football so far to start the new campaign. On the other hand, Tottenham will be looking for goals and creativity from their midfield maestro's RVD and Luka Modric. Another draw is on the cards.

OVERALL RECORD
39-30