Sanford's Premiership Predictions

Sunderland v Tottenham

Roy Keane jumps right into the fray as he welcomes Spurs to the Stadium of Light and I don’t think it’ll be pretty. I still need to be convinced that Tottenham will defend better this campaign, but I’m quite certain of the quality of firepower they’ll have up front. Even with the long trip up north and a few of their lads ailing, Spurs will still have too much for Keano’s new boys. Look for the Black Cats to get on the board but be overwhelmed. Spurs have looked solid in the run-up while Sunderland will need some time to get their feet wet.

1-3

Bolton v Newcastle

It’s the return of Big Sam to the Reebok to face Little Sam. At least that’s what the tabloids would have you believe. It’s really about overachievers versus underachievers, each with a new gaffer. Expect plenty of nasty fouls and crunching tackles. And a snarl from Alan Smith. And I’m going with Big over Little by a nose.

0-1

Derby v Portsmouth

The Rams top most lists for a quick return to the Championship and I can’t say that my list reads any different. Playing at Pride Park Saturday will help, but Portsmouth have really strengthened this off-season as ‘Ol ‘Arry went and splashed the cash about. The likes of John Utaka, David Nugent and Sulley Muntari add another level of quality to Pompey, and should make them one of the more exciting sides in the league for the neutral. I can’t see Derby handling this well. The question for the Rams is, “Where will the goals come from?”

0-3

Everton v Wigan

Not one for the neutrals this, as Wigan travel to Goodison Park in what I think will be a dull affair. Look for Everton to simply have much class for Wigan. Plus, at home the Blues are a tough nut to crack.

2-0

Middlesbrough v Blackburn

This has draw written all over it. Normally I’d lean to Mark Hughes’ side to pull it out, but I think Boro will have enough at the Riverside to claim a point. I worry for them over the long haul, though. There’s just no steel in the middle of the pitch. And if they lose Yakubu, all bets are off.

1-1

West Ham v Manchester City

A tale of two teams throwing the cash around. Which will come out on top? I can’t see either squad being settled enough to create any sort of flow. Usually, that spells doom for the defense and I think we’ll see the nets bulging at Upton Park.

3-3

Aston Villa v Liverpool

Liverpool have got loads of questions to answer this season. Primarily, how will all those guys Rafa has purchased play? And how will Torres handle the pressure while leading the line? Over in Birmingham Mr. O’Neill has reshaped the Villa squad but I still don’t see them as anything other than a strong mid-table team. With the amount of cash in the league these days their return to the "glory years" as a "big club" will have to wait. Indefinitely. This one goes down at Villa Park so let’s say it results in a draw.

1-1

Arsenal v Fulham

Even with all their kids, the Gunners remain tough to be at home, whether it’s Highbury or the Emirates. Fulham (a.k.a. Northern Ireland with some USA on top) will find the going tough this year, and they’ll begin their campaign with a loss.

3-1

Chelsea v Birmingham

Can you say two-nil?

2-0

Manchester United v Reading

The Champions look terribly strong and even though reading should have another decent year, they won’t start off with a win. The addition of Tevez could take ManU to the top of Europe this year and after a dominating pre-season, their solid form will continue.

3-1