Sanford's Premiership Predictions

Manchester City vs. Newcastle United

As poor as Citeh has been I can’t bring myself to pick Newcastle, especially away from St. James’ Park. This match has all the makings of a draw that both sides will soon look to forget. This season has the making of one both of these teams will soon look to forget.

0-0

Portsmouth vs. Fulham

Fulham have stayed up over the last few campaigns based on home form, and home form alone. Flip the coin and Fratton Park is the only reason Portsmouth still graces the top league in England. I see a few going in on the south coast.

3-0

Chelsea vs. Watford

It’s tough to ever go against Chelsea, especially at home. Watford have given a good account of themselves so far but will be no match for the galacticos at Stamford Bridge.

2-0

Sheffield United vs. Bolton

United grabbed their first win of the campaign last weekend and while I don’t see them repeating that feat, I do fancy them to get a point. Bolton have been exceeding expectations for a long time and I think they might be tiring a bit.

1-1

Everton vs. Aston Villa

I can’t imagine anything but a draw here. Playing at Goodison will only help the Toffees but both of these squads are draw specialists. Almost all of the action in this contest will take place in the midfield and whichever team can assert some superiority might be able to win but I don’t fancy it.

0-0

Wigan vs. Charlton Athletic

Even though Ian Dowie appears to have righted the Charlton ship after a tumultuous beginning, Wigan will win here. Paul Jewell has done a remarkable job shuffling his new recruits into a competent side that can play with anyone. Darren Bent gets a goal but Wigan gets two.

2-1

Middlesboro vs. West Ham

I’m envisioning a letdown for the Hammers here. Southgate’s charges are under fire after some ridiculously lackluster performances and I think they’ll do the business at the Riverside. West Ham have been in some emotional matches of late and it’ll tough for the lads to get up for this trip to the northeast.

2-0

Blackburn vs. Manchester United

Fergie's former underlings (Robson, McClaren, Bruce, etc.) usually do well against their old mentor, and I’d love to see Sparky pull one over on his old gaffer, but I don’t see it this time around. Blackburn is smarting from key injuries and Sir Alex has the Red Devils on a roll. Under different circumstances I could see Rovers grabbing a point but not this weekend.

1-2

Reading vs. Tottenham

I don’t have much confidence in Reading right now. The squad doesn’t have enough spine to compete against the big boys and Spurs are acting like big boys at the moment. I could see Reading being in deep trouble come February. They're just not getting the goals at the moment and the defense has been suspect.

1-3

Arsenal vs. Liverpool

The Gunners always get up for the matches against top opponents and after their slow start, Liverpool is again back to playing at their accustomed high level. But Wenger has a great record against Rafa, especially at home. This is a tough one to call but I’ll give The Arsenal the edge at home. A loss for the Gunners and the battle for the title becomes a two-horse race.

1-0