Predictions Week 36

Yes, yes, yes, I'm back to 50% finally. After weeks of promises I have delivered and now I intend to maintain form over the last three rounds and prove that I indeed do know the prediction game. It feels good to be king!

Season-to-date: 160 from 320 = 50% (47 bulls-eyes)

Blackburn vs. Portsmouth

Getting rolled by a schizophrenic Man City club isn't going to ease relegation fears however the mathematics are simple - win and barring a collapse of ridiculous proportions, Sam Allardyce has done the job required of him when he replaced, Paul Ince - keep Rovers in the Premiership.

Portsmouth had enough chances last week to hurt Arsenal but in all fairness that couldn't hit a barn door with a sledgehammer. Peter Crouch was wasteful as was John Utaka but at the end of the day they may just escape the drop due to the woefulness of those below them.

Blackburn 2 - 1 Portsmouth

Bolton vs. Sunderland

Only four points separate these teams but it feels like the size of an ocean. Gary Megson knows that one point from his final three matches will be enough so I expect a performance much like the one produced at the JJB last week. They'll be no football played however they'll be lots of perspiration spent.

It really is now-or-never for the Black Cats. After having backed them for weeks to get out of trouble, I'm reluctant to leave them now but they have that smell about them. The sell-by-date has expired and they've been tossed into the 50% off shelf. If they can't get a point here it'll come down to the Portsmouth fixture.

Bolton 0 - 0 Sunderland

Everton vs. Tottenham

I keep thinking Everton will take an eye of the Premiership and save themselves for the FA Cup however David Moyes doesn't subscribe to my way of thinking. They were basically at full strength last week and they'll probably be a full strength this week, which means a steady diet of high-pressure football.

Other than the Man Utd hammering, Tottenham, has been in excellent form. With the Harry Redknapp fire-sale just weeks away, the rumor mill is working overtime around White Hart Lane about who will go and who will stay. This starting XI may answer some of those answers.

Everton 1 - 2 Tottenham

Fulham vs. Aston Villa

From certain relegation fodder to a possible place in the Europa League must go down as one of the biggest turnarounds in English football. It just goes to show you what an experienced coach can do when given the second most precious commodity in football, namely time. I hope other owners around the country and in particular the Premiership have paid attention.

Wow...it was ugly but finally Villa get a win after months of heartache. What Martin O'Neill has been going through, one can only wonder, however the Irishman does have character and belief. Now it's about finishing well and keeping the core of his side intact because the vultures are circling ready to pick off his best talent.

Fulham 2 - 2 Aston Villa

Hull vs. Stoke - The $100 Million Match Part I

That gurgling sound you hear coming from the KCS could well be Hull's last Premiership breath. They gave everything against a struggling Villa and came away with nothing - now is the last home stand. If ever Yorkshire grit was needed this is it because the men in white coats are standing by to take Phil Brown off to the funny farm.

Despite the surprising home loss to the Hammers, Tony Pulis can break out the champagne, caviar and plan that nice little retreat to the Costa Brava. With the pressure off I feel the Potters would like nothing better than to nail their fellow promoted club right back to the Championship.

Hull 2 - 2 Stoke

West Brom vs. Wigan

The Baggies have one thing in their favor, the Latics have already switched off and that may buy them another week of dreams about collapses, miracles and escapes. Anything other than a win though and the dream becomes reality and a nightmare meaning relegation back to the Championship.

Professionalism will be the key word for Steve Bruce and his Latics however it will be awfully tough to achieve as safety has been assured. I expect a half-hearted display but that might be enough.

West Brom 2 - 1 Wigan

West Ham vs. Liverpool

West Ham owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmudsson, has dents of over $550 million and has stated his desire to sell the club ASAP! Despite this turmoil, Gianfranco Zola's team keeps ticking along picking up valuable points. It's not so hard to imagine them as a real threat if Zola was given a war chest the size of a Aston Villa.

At this point all the Reds can do is keep winning and hope that United slip up. Their recent football has a fizz about it and I can't but help wonder that a early European knockout might have focused them more fully to the prize that really matters. Rumors about the sale of the club keep popping up along with rumors of a new partner for Fernando Torres - who will it be - answers on a postcard please.

West Ham 1 - 3 Liverpool

Sunday

Arsenal vs. Chelsea

The look on the Professors face as Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's greatest footballer, drove a stake through his heart was painful to experience. It consigned Arsenal to another season without the most important commodity in football, silverware. The board must by now see the writing on the wall and know that unless they back their manager to the tune of many millions in the transfer market, Arsenal will continue to go backwards.

Talking of pain, what the Blues experienced on Wednesday night was plain wrong. They were robbed just as they were tasting a saucy spaghetti and sipping a frisky Chianti outside the Coliseum - at least they have the FA Cup Final to fall back on as a booby prize. For Guus Hiddink, his luck has run out and he'll have to think about adjust his tactics for a London rival that plays similarly to Barcelona.

Arsenal 1 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester United vs. Man City

High-octane football is a trademark of Man Utd and I must say, I'm feeling a little heady from the fumes. With Ronaldo destined to be leaving Old Trafford, the Portuguese flyer will want to end it all on a high. I think he'll turn the derby into a masterpiece as a special thank you before heading off to the Bernabeau. With the Champions League final booked, Ferguson, will have tunnel vision as number 18 looms.

City are finishing with a little flourish and would love nothing more than to repeat last year's victory at the home of their biggest rivals. Perhaps the rumors of a 'special' arrival from Milan and I'm not talking Kaka has the players thinking about their futures. With nothing to play for Mark Hughes' men should have the ability to perform with total freedom - Ronaldo vs. Robinho, Madrid future legend vs. Madrid reject...mouthwatering.

Man Utd 3 - 1 Man City

Monday

Newcastle vs. Middlesbrough - The $100 Million Match Part II

The winner survives in the Premiership - the loser goes down!

The fear of relegation has a vice like grip on the Magpies and this fixture really is the last chance. With rumors of a dressing room split and the stench of Joey Barton lingering far too long into the biggest week in the clubs history, perhaps going down would be their best bet. At least they could rebuild from scratch, get back to basics, ship out the dead wood and restore pride to a Northeast institution.

Middlesbrough has been in freefall for weeks, which makes the victory of Liverpool even more remarkable - just where did it come from? I fear for the Teesiders that when they go down (they are), they'll not bounce straight back. If I were chairman, Steve Gibson, I'd look to the future and hire a manager that has a proven track record - Gareth Southgate needs to go back to the reserves.

Newcastle 1 - 0 Middlesbrough

Until then, I'll see you at the far post.

Looking at my predictions from last week left me feeling pathetic, humiliated, humbled and gasping as to how low I could possibly go. Football kicked me in the teeth, I mean a blind monkey could've done better and as for Nostradamus, the less said the better. I'm going to give myself the 'hair-dryer' treatment and emerge from this slump.

They'll be no boasting from me as 50% for the season looks like a mirage in the Sahara - lovely but not realistic bah!

Season-to-date: 153 from 310 = 49% (46 bulls-eyes)

Chelsea vs. Fulham

Chelsea may not have appealed to the purists in Catalunia in the 0-0 draw with Barcelona however you can't argue against the effectiveness of their tactics. I don't expect to see two holding midfield players today but I do expect to witness the power that the Blues typically display against clubs that they consider inferior to them.

Fulham have got to be the feel good story of the season as they've moved from the outhouse to the penthouse over the last twelve months. Much of this can be put down to the injury free campaign that the Cottagers have enjoyed and the wily coaching of many pundits favorite for manager of the year, Roy Hodgson.

Chelsea 1 - 0 Fulham

Man City vs. Blackburn

Perhaps Mark Hughes has been reading the tabloids about his imminent demise because somehow he fired up his team to actually perform away from home last time out. It must be frustrating supporting a club like City as you never know what to expect. On paper they should stroll to victory however once they get on the green stuff it's another story.

Sam Allardyce will know that 3 more measly points will be enough for safety however points in the BPL are the toughest find when you desperately need them. They look to have good spirit though and that along with Benni McCarthy's goals will carry them across the finish line.

Man City 2 - 1 Blackburn

Middlesbrough vs. Man Utd

Football in the northeast of England is more than a sport, it is life itself. The last time vibes were this gloomy Boro almost disappeared from the game and were only saved by the determination of Steve Gibson and the fans. It's hard to predict where they'll go from here but echoes of Leeds United's collapse abound. From UEFA Cup finalists three years ago to the scrapheap.

That 15 minute spell against Tottenham was one of the most breathtaking spells of football I've ever witnessed. It reminded me of walking down the street as a Ferrari passes by and then decides to open up the throttle. The roar, the power, the wow as the hairs on your neck stand to attention and to think, at half-time I was patting myself on the back for having predicted a draw...doh!

Middlesbrough 0 -2 Man Utd

Portsmouth vs. Arsenal

Portsmouth have clawed their way out of relegation quicksand and now have the good luck to meet an Arsenal team with more than one eye on another competition. Defensively they've been excellent under Paul Hart thanks in a large part to David James and Sol Campbell who'll have plenty of motivation for this one.

Let's be honest, 4th is all but guaranteed, so what's the point in sending out anyone but the reserves for this fixture. Arsene Wenger cannot afford any injuries with a 2nd leg semi-final date versus United just three days away.

Portsmouth 1 - 1 Arsenal

Stoke vs. West Ham

If Roy Hodgson is MOTY, Tony Pulis must run him a very close second. The January window transfer of James Beattie has to be the buy of the season because the combination of Beattie and Ricardo Fuller has been sensational. In conjunction with one of the best home records in the BPL, Stoke, fully deserve another season with the big boys.

Gianfranco Zola looks like a very ambitious manager so I'm a little flummoxed as to why he would sign a four-year deal with a club that is in such a perilous financial state. Then it came to me - Chelsea will swoop in at the end of Hiddink's tenure and then be forced to pay West Ham a tidy sum of money in compensation - finally some smart business at Upton Park.

Stoke 1 - 0 West Ham

Tottenham vs. West Brom

Watching Howard Webb celebrating down at the Stretford End with Ronaldo & co must've really stuck in Harry Redknapp's throat - okay I'm joking but who knows what would've happened had the pen not gone United's way. This will be a nice little rebounder for the Londoners and they'll need to display some character.

Where an earth did that Sunderland destruction come from asked Tony Mowbray on Sunday morning - if only we knew Tone because some of that spirit four months ago would see you in mid-table instead of holding up the trapdoor. It could be officially over after this round, so Baggie fans, enjoy every minute of it.

Tottenham 2 - 1 West Brom

Wigan vs. Bolton

As pitiful as my prediction powers were last week, I did get Wigan spot on. Joining them on the deckchairs this weekend and supping Margaritas are Bolton. You might have to let the punters in for nothing at the JJB or we could see an all time Premiership low attendance.

Wigan 1 - 1 Bolton

Sunday

Liverpool vs. Newcastle

'What if' are the two words that begin every sentence for Liverpool supporters. What if we hadn't tied Fulham, West Ham etc.  What if we hadn't lost to Boro . What if Torres hadn't been injured.  Unfortunately we'll never know 'what if' however if I may suggest a new tactic, namely 'next season...'

I wonder why so many of us get sucked into this 'Messiah' business. I'll hold my hand up and say guilty. Maybe its because we remember what once was...Liverpool/Newcastle, the match of the decade. Today, its just another nail in the coffin of a proud club. The Toon Army weeps.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Newcastle

Sunderland vs. Everton

The only satisfaction Sunderland has at the moment is that Newcastle is in worse shape than they are. To get rolled over by the Baggies was pathetic and sums up all that is wrong with the Black Cats - they have no heart and the faithful know it. How do you cheer for a team like that?

Luckily for the Mackams, Everton will be thinking more about the FA Cup Final and trying to avoid injuries, which they couldn't do last week losing Phil Jagielka than the Premiership. With a place in Europe guaranteed, if I were David Moyes, I'd do a 'Fergie' and call up the reserves.

Sunderland 0 - 0 Everton

Monday

Aston Villa vs. Hull

I almost feel like we have to step back in time to black & white television for this one. Do you remember when the Villains and Tigers were the darlings of the division. These clubs would swagger into the Emirates and walk off with the max (the only 2 teams to do so). Martin O'Neill and Phil Brown were innovative and daring managers. 

Now what do we think about the teams and the managers? Football is at times a cruel, unsophisticated game that ultimately measures itself with a table, a table that requires only one thing...RESULTS!

Aston Villa 3 - 0 Hull

Until then, I'll see you at the far post.

I wonder how Michel de Nostredame aka Nostradamus would fare in the game of Premiership predictions?  For over 500 years the French seer has enjoyed near mythical status as the man with all the answers before anybody knew the questions. One thing is for sure, there is no way he would have predicted Liverpool 4 - 4 Arsenal on Tuesday night!

In 1555 he published Les Prophities ("The Prophecies"), on April 24th 2009 I join him with my own version, "The Premiership Predictions, Round 34."

Season-to-date; 149 from 300 = 49% (45 bulls-eyes)

Saturday

Bolton vs. Aston Villa

The Trotters can see the finish line however they've got blisters, cramp and are severely dehydrated, in fact, they're staggering. That six point between them and the drop zone must in turns feel massive and then miniscule depending on results going on around them. Set pieces will never be more important as they dream of hitting the big four-oh.

Like the Trotters, Villa have simply hit the wall but they've broken into a million pieces. They've not won anywhere since...February 7th, a staggering run when you think about the plaudits they were once garnering. Martin O'Neill will look at his squad size but he must also look at himself and wonder 'what would Cloughie have done.' It's time to take the team down to the pub and get them relaxed, if you know what I mean!

Bolton 1 - 2 Aston Villa

Everton vs. Man City

Part of me thought that Everton would take it easy at the Bridge but then that isn't David Moyes' style however it doesn't bode well for an exciting FA Cup final. I think he'll look to keep the team ticking over for the next few weeks - pick up points here & there, stay injury free and secure sixth spot for a job well done.

In the 'real' world Man City would be playing for pride, their manager and a realistic shot of 7th but let's not get carried away. City have been nothing short of shameful on their travels and I can't see why they'd get motivated to change that perception unless we're talking about highly paid professionals!

Everton 1 - 0 Man City

Fulham vs. Stoke

Fulham couldn't be more consistent could they? Played 33, won 11, tied 11, lost 11, scored 33 however they do deserve their place in the top ten especially when you consider where they were a year ago. It'll be interesting to see what happens in this off-season with Al-Fayed making noises about selling the club again. Buy low-sell high eh!

All hail Tony Pulis and his Stoke side as they're surely safe after a superb first season in the Premiership. They've really proven themselves to have grit along with character and it hasn't all been about Rory Delap either. No doubt this weapon has caused problems galore but they have played some decent football along the way. Road form is terrible though so they'll get nowt today and build for next week.

Fulham 2 - 0 Stoke

Hull vs. Liverpool

The Tigers have impersonated a lead balloon since that infamous half-time chat on the pitch at Eastlands. I wonder if Phil Brown has regretted treating his players like school children because since then they have repaid him by throwing the mother of all tantrums. Has there ever been a larger meltdown in the history of the Premiership - from 5th in December to near relegation certainties four months later.

Three matches played, twelve goals scored, victories one! It doesn't sound possible, plausible or even feasible but hey, that's why they play the game on the park and not on paper. It seems a shame that Liverpool will more than likely end up with nothing this campaign after participating in the most memorable back-to-back sequence of matches I can ever recall but that as they like to say 'is football.'

Hull 0 - 3 Liverpool

Man Utd vs. Tottenham

The Quintuple is over much to my surprise and it all ended rather meekly. I know better than to question Sir Alex but one does wonder what his reasoning was for fielding Man Utd reserves against Everton at Wembley. I suppose if the Premiership and Champions League trophies end up back at Old Trafford, it will all be a mute point. I still expect them to win the title but they do look tired.

Tottenham have developed a mean streak defensively, which is fantastic except that it comes eight months too late. With a mass clear out at White Hart Lane rumored to be coming in the summer most of the playing staff are fighting for their futures.

Man Utd 1 - 1 Tottenham

West Brom vs. Sunderland

Mathematically it could all be over by the time the final whistle blows at the Hawthorns. I hope the Baggies board doesn't punish Tony Mowbray with the ultimate penalty though - he got them up once, he can certainly do it again.

If Ricky Sbragia doesn't see this fixture as three-points, he is in big trouble. Seriously a win and the Black Cats could be just about in the clear however it seems as though the new gaffer can't inspire his troops. I've got a feeling they might choke on the pressure, as West Brom has nothing to lose.

West Brom 1 - 1 Sunderland

West Ham vs. Chelsea

It's becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the off field shenanigans at Upton Park which makes Gianfranco Zola's decision to look for a new contract a tad suspect. With no money down the pipeline this feels like an audition of sorts for the former Blues icon.

Chelsea looked mighty stale against Everton and I think that performance will have convinced Guus Hiddink to prioritize. Number one, Champions League, number two, FA Cup and number three, Premier League. Don't be surprised to see a weakened Blues trot out in a fixture they usually win without breaking sweat, lose.

West Ham 1 - 0 Chelsea

Sunday

Arsenal vs. Middlesbrough

I mentioned earlier in my piece that I've learned not to question Fergie - Arsene Wenger after four trophy-less seasons is another matter. Does anyone know why the Professor kept Andriy Arshavin on the bench at Wembley in a FA Cup semi-final that carried the possibility of silverware and then played him at Anfield in a contest that basically meant nothing? Answers to FFF@foxsoccer.com please. 

Boro are so lucky that Arsenal have United on Wednesday and if they have any stones whatsoever, they'll tear into them at the Emirates. In all honesty though, they'll be gripped by fear and be happy with a scrappy point, which I think is within their grasp depending on Wenger's starting XI.

Arsenal 1 - 0 Middlesbrough

Blackburn vs. Wigan

What a stinker of a fixture as the two worst supported clubs in the Premiership meet in prime time Sunday afternoon. Blackburn will win because Wigan have already staked out their favorite spot on the beach, eyed the local talent and know the bartending staff by first name terms.

Blackburn 2 - 0 Wigan

Monday

Newcastle vs. Portsmouth

When you have a club with the tradition of Newcastle, it seems like the height of hyperbole to suggest that this is the biggest match in their history...but it is! With the wage bill they're carrying, relegation could cripple them beyond recognition - and check this out, even with a victory, they'll remain in the bottom three. Dire times indeed however Warren Barton is guaranteeing me a win.

Pompey have Bob Hope and no hope and Bob just left the building. If ever a point was the golden carrot, this is it. I expect a match that barely resembles football; in fact, the first team to string three passes together probably wins it.

Newcastle 1 - 0 Portsmouth

Until then, I'll see you at the far post.

 

As the season nears its climatic end, I find myself wishing that I was as consistent as the 'B4'. They have owned the BPL since its inception and of course stand 1, 2, 3, & 4 in the all-time list. I meanwhile flame out on long shots, hunches and of course the curse of predictors the world over...last minute goals.

 

With every goal and match now magnified ten-fold I've upped the ante on myself. The wife gets dinner at the restaurant of her choice if I can't hit 51% by May 24th.

Season-to-date: 143 from 290 = 49% (46 bulls-eyes)

Saturday

Aston Villa vs. West Ham 

It hasn't been pretty for Martin O'Neill but at least Villa didn't lose last time out against Everton despite trying their very best. There is a silver lining is they're back to scoring goals and seemingly enjoying their football. With the Toffees all over them like a fly on WBA three points will never feel so good.

With mid-table mediocrity assured, I've got a feeling that the deck chairs and umbrella cocktails may have broken out a tad prematurely for GFZ and his Hammers. With one place worth almost a million dollars, the Londoners should keep looking over their shoulders though - that post-season trip to the exclusive Caribbean getaway could quickly become a fortnight at Circus Circus, Las Vegas.

Aston Villa 2 - 0 West Ham

Middlesbrough vs. Fulham

Wow...pigs finally flew at the Riverside as Boro discovered that a football is round, is played on a pitch and is enjoyed by 11 men who actually know each other's names! Okay they were playing Hull but a win-is-a-win-is-a-win and with separation just four points they have a feint pulse.

I didn't think Fulham had it in them to spank Man City at their gaff but as usual, I was wrong. What I haven't been wrong about is the magnificent job that Roy Hodgson has done at Craven Cottage - it is a shame that only the title winner is generally considered for manager of the season.

Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Fulham

Portsmouth vs. Bolton

After dropping points at home to the Baggies, Pompey knows that the last of the three point freebies has bolted the barn. Can the thoroughbreds show their class and take them to the finishing post? I'd like to see what David James has planned for next season because that will be the indicator.

If you can score three goals in eight minutes against Chelsea, you can surely go to Fratton Park and come back with more than fish & chips. With one of the most under-rated forwards in the Premiership, Kevin Davies, leading the line I fancy a bruising afternoon on the South coast.

Portsmouth 2 - 1 Bolton

Stoke vs. Blackburn

What is bigger than the World Cup final? Ask around Stoke-upon-Trent and they'll tell you the next ninety minutes. The key for the Potters is simple, stay unbeaten with the teams around you while winning their remaining home matches against West Ham and Wigan.

Sam Allardyce had his wits about him when he allowed his team to get trounced by Liverpool last weekend. His attitude is save it for the matches that matter. This one though is beyond anything Rovers have played since they came back up. They'll take a tie and like it.

Stoke 1 - 1 Blackburn

Sunderland vs. Hull

I can't help but feel that the loser of this match, if there is one, is going down.

Firstly, lets give credit to the Black Cats for taking it to United last time out. Now they have to use exactly the same tactics against Hull, but in a strange way, that calls for bigger stones because there is so much more riding on these ninety minutes. Surely there is too much class in this Sunderland side?

The Phil Brown jokes get crueler every week as the Tigers manager slips into the condition known as 'relegation insanity'. There is only one known cure and unfortunately for Phil, his insurance ran out at the Riverside. It is time to conjure up that heady evening at the Emirates.

Sunderland 2 - 1 Hull

Sunday

Man City vs. West Brom

I can't say I was surprised to see City flame out of Europe last night however they did show more heart than they demonstrated against Fulham the previous weekend. Usually on home turf the Mancs are tough to beat however with their season over for another year, one wonders how much motivation they'll have.

Until it becomes a mathematical certainty, the Baggies will keep fighting for points and that IS the testament to a system that promotes and relegates (are you listening MLS!).

Man City 1 - 0 West Brom

Tottenham vs. Newcastle

You've really got to admire the brass of footballers sometimes. Roman Pavlyuchenko has been pine riding recently - so what does he do - he gets his agent to say 'play me or I might be off.' What happened to fighting and earning your place in the side while still pocketing close to 100 grand-a-week - unbelievable! Tottenham should win this but with kind of attitude floating around the squad, a banana skin awaits.

The key for Newcastle is can they play football when the pressure is at its greatest. So far this season the answer has been no but Alan Shearer has given the club a lift. With that lift comes belief, with belief comes confidence and with confidence comes the ability to express oneself and play football.

I'm stepping to the precipice on this one.

Tottenham 1 - 2 Newcastle

Tuesday

Liverpool vs. Arsenal

What an emotional week its been for LFC and it doesn't get any easier with the visit of Arsenal, who, 20 years ago did what many thought would be impossible (win by 2 goals to pip LFC for the title). With the title now their only hope of glory, Rafael Benitez can for a change focus all his energies on taming the English game.

Despite being the team of the moment, Arsene Wenger knows that he must prioritize. With Villa's challenge subsiding, 4th looks safe and I expect the Frenchman to rest some of his prized assets.

Liverpool 1 - 0 Arsenal

Wednesday

Chelsea vs. Everton

The Blues can still claim a remarkable treble and with the character they displayed against Liverpool last Wednesday, you'd be a fool to write them off. With Petr Cech having an almighty wobble though anything on target has the potential to go in - Guus Hiddink has shown that he can be brutal, will he bench his number one?

So much will depend on how Everton performed at Wembley. I have a sneaking suspicion that they might squeak past United in the semi and then the final will become their focus. Even if they lose, they'll in all likely-hood still qualify for the Europa Cup, as the winners of the FA Cup will be playing in the Champions League. In other words there's nothing to play for except pride.

Chelsea 1 - 1 Everton

Man Utd vs. Portsmouth

Sometimes when managers drop the clich