Arsenal v Tottenham
Is the North London Derby just what the doctor ordered to stop the rot at Ashburton Grove? It’s obvious that without Henry the Gunners face an even more severe test. But how will his comrades perform after the misery of their last tow outings? Is it just a rot or a true crisis? Jol had his lads up for this fixture last campaign and there’s no better time than the present for Spurs to pick up an away win in this juicy local derby. A wounded beast Arsenal may be, but the beast appears to have been declawed.
0-2
Blackburn v Fulham I like the Rovers here, simply because after their big win against Arsenal the trip north will be difficult for Fulham. Ewood Park is tough for the London sides and I can’t see Fulham replicating the stellar form they showed at Craven Cottage a couple of days later on the road.
3-1
Portsmouth v Aston Villa
Villa were humbled last time out and a trip to the south coast won’t be smooth sailing. That said, I like Martin’s Men to pick up a point. They’re still draw specialists in my book and I think Pompey have been overachieving just a smidge too much of late. ‘Arry’s due a disappointment in the form of two lost points.
2-2
Reading v Bolton
Reading have been awfully consistent this campaign and I think Bolton might show some fatigue after facing Arsenal and Chelsea in succession. I like Reading at home here – they’re proving to be the strongest of the promoted sides and appear to have the necessary components to avoid the drop.
2-1
Sheffield United v Charlton
It’s another excellent opportunity for United to pick up all three points with Charlton coming to town. I still don’t see the wisdom in dropping Ian Dowie so soon but the backroom antics may have been too much, who knows? Still, it’s only Darren Bent that can knock them in with any regularity for the Addicks and that won’t be enough on this trip. Look for Sheffield United to do the business.
2-1
Wigan v Liverpool
This is a tough fixture for Liverpool at a time when their injury list requires extra hard drive space. It’ll be a patched squad for them at the JJB but they’ve still got the quality to snatch a draw. I remain impressed with Paul Jewell’s work – his men always bring their game. It’ll be no different against the Reds.
1-1
Middlesbrough v Manchester United
Might a trip to the Riverside trip up the table toppers? Chelsea lost here already and Sir Alex has had trouble with Boro over the years. Boro are like James Bond’s morning shower: first ice cold and then burning hot. It’s never in between with these lads. It’s an intriguing fixture that offers more than you would think at first glance. I like Boro for a point.
3-3
Everton v West Ham
West Ham seem to have turned things around but the blue side of Liverpool has become a tough place for opposing squads to visit. This will be a grind it out affair, with a dubious call from the ref the possible decider.
1-0
Manchester City v Watford
Suddenly City are rolling and Watford will feel the pain. Not many have come to Eastlands and left with something, and Watford will be no different. They just aren’t scoring and with City suddenly in the mood, it could be a long afternoon for Bothroyd’s Boys.
3-0
