Ahhhhh, Friday night and honestly it has been a while since I have spent some time sitting on my couch prepping for this weekend's EPL matches. There are some key clashes on tap for Round #9 of the EPL with most of the attention focused on the Chelsea-Manchester United clash. But remember we have the first derby from Liverpool as well as what hopes to be an entertaining game between Manchester City and Swansea. So let's jump right into it.
Aston Villa - Norwich (2-0)
Paul Lambert faces Norwich for the first time this season since he made the jump to Villa Park. Norwich, who will be riding high after beating Arsenal last weekend, will look to grab successive wins for the first time this season. However, Lambert will have his team prepared against his former club and I see Villa grabbing a comfortable victory.
Arsenal - QPR (3-1)
A mere two weeks ago this very publication, I doubt we can actually call it a publication, was lavishing praise and plaudits to Arsenal. Fast forward to today and after consecutive losses to Norwich and Schalke in the Champions League, coupled with a poorly timed AGM and Arsenal are reeling. However, the tonic for such despair is a visit by QPR, so with that in mind, expect the Gunners to cruise comfortably and fight off the critics for at least another week.
Wigan - West Ham (1-1)
I really do not have a lot to say about this game. Both Wigan and West Ham are performing above expectations, so in essence this is not that critical a match for both teams. Regardless, I see a game with a couple goals, one for each side, as both teams settle for a solitary point.
Reading - Fulham (2-1)
Reading jump back into winning form with a home victory against Fulham. These are the type of matches where Reading need to secure three points in order to fight off relegation.
Stoke - Sunderland (2-2)
Stoke were unfortunate not to grab a point against Manchester United last week, but in reality one cannot expect to grab any points at Old Trafford. On the other hand, all Sunderland can do is draw matches. So let's give Stoke the point they deserved from last weekend.
Manchester City - Swansea (4-2)
On the cusp of being knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage for the second year in a row, Manchester City must begin to focus all of their energy on retaining their EPL crown. Mancini's men bounce back with a strong performance against Swansea that will feature plenty of goals.
Everton - Liverpool (3-1)
Right now Everton are better than Liverpool, it is purely that simple. Further compounding Liverpool's problems is the return of Maroune Fellani to the Toffees starting eleven. If David Moyes is able to ensure that his squad avoid the ill-timed red card I see Everton comfortably winning the derby.
Newcastle - West Brom (2-0)
Sandwiched between the Merseyside Derby and Chelsea-Manchester United is a rather dull game between Newcastle and West Brom. Therefore, when in doubt, go with a home a victory.
Southampton - Tottenham (2-3)
There will be goals in this game because both teams like to play expressive attacking football and also because both teams have crap defenses. Hugo Lloris will backstop Spurs to a come from behind victory against the Saints.
Chelsea - Manchester United (3-1)
And finally we have arrived at the main course for this weekend's set of matches as Chelsea will take on Manchester United. Chelsea have already beaten Arsenal and Tottenham away from home and with a victory against United they would give a clear and loud signal that the boys in blue from London are title challengers. Meanwhile, United have had the weirdest start to their domestic and European campaigns. Sir Alex's men are big fans of falling behind by a goal or two before mounting a furious second half comeback to win the match. I am not quite sure that will work this weekend, although with David Luiz on the pitch anything is possible.
OVERALL RECORD
45-34
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