EPL Round #13 Fearless Predictions

A year ago, in my first attempt at the art of fearless predicting, I was 56-64, eight matches below .500, with no hope at a winning record. I was merely trying to break even. Fast-forward to today and I am 15 matches above .500, sitting at 67-52 and laughing. Ignoring my propensity to gloat, I believe you should start the countdown till my inevitable downfall. So here we go with this week's fearless predictions.

Stoke City - Blackburn (2-2)

Stoke have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions and without a doubt the Europa League has taken a toll on Tony Pulis' squad. On the other hand, Blackburn have drawn their last two away matches in the EPL. Therefore, using simple logic, a draw is on the cards. Just don't ask me to explain simple logic.

Chelsea - Wolverhampton (3-0)

The AVB watch is officially on. After losing to Arsenal, Liverpool and Leverkusen recently the new 'Special One' isn't really that special. Chelsea are the definition of a team in transition, their best players from years past are slightly older, while their younger players aren't quite good enough. In my opinion, I would start the youth and begin the Chelsea transformation. Wolves, well, they are just a lost cause. Expect a heavy defeat to keep the dogs away for another week for AVB.

Manchester United - Newcastle (2-0)

Sir Alex really is baffling with his rotation policy. In a critical Champions League match, he leaves out Hernandez and Rooney and starts the phenomenon known as Berba. Granted the Berbs grabbed a goal, but Manchester dropped two points and will probably settle for second place. As for their match against Newcastle, well they are undefeated in their previous 17 league encounters, so a comfortable victory is on the cards.

Sunderland - Wigan (2-0)

In this week's edition of the Clash of Embattled Managers, we see Wigan travel to the Stadium of Light to taken on Steve Bruce's Sunderland. Sunderland have been disappointing this year and granted they were dealt a blow with Asamoah Gyan's last minute transfer to the Middle East, but with the talent at their disposal Sunderland are a mid-table team and should not be languishing near the relegation zone.

Bolton - Everton (2-2)

Struggling with their cash flow, both teams failed to make significant investments in their squads during the summer transfer period. Bolton, and it shocks me to say this, but are really missing the services of Stuart Holden in the middle of the park. The US international adds an extra dimension to Bolton's play that has been lacking this season. This game is difficult to handicap, so I will take the easy way out and go with a draw.

Norwich City - QPR (3-2)

All three of the league's new boys have been punching above their weight so far and there is a strong possibility that all three could avoid relegation. While Norwich have not won a game in their previous four matches they have played well in defeats at Arsenal and against Aston Villa. One can only assume that they will grab the three points at home against QPR, who have a couple players missing due to injury.

West Brom - Tottenham (1-2)

In my opinion Tottenham have been flying under the radar thus far in the EPL. I know it is hard to do so when you are third in the table, but more people are focused on the two Manchesters, the resurgence of Arsenal, the fall of Chelsea and the yo-yoing of Liverpool. However, the Spurs have been playing consistent football all season long. Adebayor has been such an upgrade at striker in comparison to Crouch and RDV has been scintillating all season long. I think the run continues for another week with three points away to West Brom.

Arsenal - Fulham (3-1)

The superlatives for Robin van Persie do not do him any justice. For years, RVP was considered injury-prone and incapable of performing on the big stage. However, in the past year he has scored the most goals in the EPL and is the primary driver for the turnaround in Arsenal's season. Look for RVP to take center stage as Arsenal grab three points at home to Fulham.

Swansea City - Aston Villa (2-0)

Swansea deserved a point in their recent match against Manchester United. If Scott Sinclair could have maintained his balance on his second half chance I think we would have seen a 1-1 game. However, that is just not how football works. Villa, on the other side of the ledger, have to be the worst team in the EPL when it comes to defending set pieces. It is absurd that on a consistent basis they allow a goal a game from a set-piece.

Liverpool - Manchester City (2-1)

I think Napoli, in their midweek Champions League match, showed the rest of the EPL the appropriate game-plan on how to defeat City. Congest the middle of the park and look for the counter-attack. Even though this game is at Anfield, I would suggest to King Kenny, to allow City to have the lionshare of possession and look to exploit their lack of speed on the counter. This will be a tight match and I do expect one or perhaps two red cards. But Liverpool, at the end of the day, will hand City their first loss of the season.

OVERALL RECORD

67-52