EPL Round #9 Fearless Predictions

Hands down the most frustrating part of being a football fan in North America is being stuck at the office during the midweek European matches. Honestly, refreshing a computer screen does not quite get the juices going if you know what I mean. Regardless, the EPL's quartet of teams went 4-4 in Champions League play while Fulham were the only team to drop points in the Europa League, not a bad day's work for, in this author's opinion, the most balanced league in Europe.

Wolverhampton Wolves - Swansea City (2-0)

Things aren't as rosy for Wolves as they have gone without a win in their past six games and are currently dropping faster than a dictator in the Middle East. First fearless prediction and our first horrendously timed joke on Mr. Gadhafi. Regardless, Swansea have yet to register a point away from home and their drought will continue for at least another week.

Aston Villa - West Brom (3-1)

Our first derby of the weekend sees Aston Villa and West Brom clash at Villa Park for bragging rights in Birmingham. The key to this game is whether Gabby Agbonlahor and Darren Bent can capitalize on their chances in the final third. As long as Bentlahor, a clever take on two players, is in top form, Villa should be able to beat West Brom by a couple goals.

Newcastle - Wigan (2-1)

Newcastle did very well last week in battling back against Tottenham at St. James' Park. I believe the reemergence of Ben Arfa from the physio's room will be a vital component of Newcastle's attack. By combining his flair and creativity with the speed of Gabriel Oberton there should be enough opportunities created for Demba Ba and Leon Best. As for Wigan, losers of five straight matches, their season doesn't begin till the new year when they begin their annual climb up the table to avoid relegation. 

Bolton - Sunderland (1-1)

In this week's edition of the Clash of Embattled Managers, Owen Coyle and Steve Bruce bring their teams to the Reebok in search of a victory and a stay of execution. Sunderland, on paper, have the more talented squad, but no manager will leave the match satisfied as a dull draw will be a fair result for two teams who are afraid of defeat.

Liverpool - Norwich City (2-0)

Norwich City, only recently, went to Old Trafford and scared the hell out of Manchester United and in some circles were unlucky to not grab a single point. Liverpool, on the other hand, should be disappointed that they did not capitalize on their own match with United by securing three points. If Norwich grabs an early goal to shock the Kop, then I would not be surprised if they held on for the point, however, they will not grab that early goal and Liverpool should be line for the victory due to another Suarez goal.

Arsenal - Stoke City (2-0)

I don't think that Aaron Ramsey's 93rd minute winner at Marseille is the proverbial tipping point for Arsenal's season, but I do think that the Gunners enter their match against Stoke with some new found confidence. Therefore, with that in mind, RVP continues his run of form with two fantastically taken goals to continue Arsenal's climb up the table.

Manchester United - Manchester City (3-2)

Derby day in Manchester, as the red of United battles the sky blue of City in a top of the table clash. Both teams have yet to taste defeat in the league, so a victory by either side would go a massive way towards separating one's self from the chasing pack. Ignoring the Champions League, because that is an entirely different animal, City have yet to play anyone of note in the league. Therefore, in these instances it is best to back the home squad. Look for one or two of the major officiating decisions to go United's way, as they score a late winner to win a thrilling match.

Fulham - Everton (1-1)

Everton's London swing continues with a visit to Craven Cottage and Fulham. Both teams have started the season in less than spectacular form and while both teams wouldn't be considered favorites for the drop, three points will go a massive way to erasing any doubts this early in the season. However, as mentioned in the Bolton-Sunderland match, both of these teams are afraid of losing, and when you are afraid of losing, no one wins, so chalk up another draw.

Blackburn - Tottenham (1-2)

Tottenham take out their frustration for dropping points against Newcastle with a well deserved victory against Blackburn. One would be wise to wager that this is probably Steve Kean's final match in charge of Blackburn as unrealistic owners drop the axe on a manager who was given no resources or more importantly, time, to construct his own team.

QPR - Chelsea (1-2)

Chelsea have been in blistering form since their defeat at Old Trafford, and one cannot expect anything less than three points against their London neighbors, Queen's Park Rangers. QPR, and I would not be surprised, could shock Chelsea with an opening goal, but will struggle to control the game from that point, as Chelsea will score two second half goals to grab the three points to close the gap on one of the Manchester teams.

OVERALL RECORD

45-34