We at Fansshare pride ourselves on being 83.5% accurate with our English Premier League Predictions. This week has thrown some tough matches up but we will do our best to guide you through.
Liverpool v Manchester United: Captain marvel Steven Gerrard looks set to make his first start for Liverpool since March and with no fresh injury concerns and the return of Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio, Liverpool have a full strength squad. Tom Cleverley and Rafael Da Silva are the only concerns for United as Smalling is fit and Vidic should be set to return to the heart of defence. With Liverpool having the home advantage and the crowd on their side this could be a close match but Manchester United seem to have a spark about them this season and should nick it.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester City v Aston Villa: Sergio Aguero is nearing match fitness for City but will not start against Aston Villa. Mario Balotelli is back to fitness but is likely to start from the bench while it is rumoured that Owen Hargreaves could make his first league start. Gabriel Agbonlahor has recovered from his back injury and should start while Stephen Ireland, Barry Bannan, James Collins are all available for selection. Aston Villa have had a decent start to the season but expect their unbeaten record to go as Manchester City look to dominate in an impressive home performance.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Aston Villa
Norwich City v Swansea City: Andrew Crofts and Steve Morison should both be available for Norwich after recovering from injury. Swansea welcome back Leon Britton who is set to start from the bench. Once again Swansea only have two available centre backs in Ashley Williams and captain Garry Monk. The battle of the new boys is set to be a close one and while Norwich have been fighting hard, Swansea have been playing some good football. If Swansea had a fully fit side they should nick this one but their injuries along with Norwich home advantage make this one a draw.
Prediction: Norwich City 1-1 Swansea City
QPR v Blackburn Rovers: After their last Premier League outing, a 6-0 embarrassment against Fulham, QPR will be looking to return to form and prove themselves. Blackburn have been less than average this season so it could prove a tough test for them away to Rangers. Expect a fairly open game with a goal or two and QPR to win by a comfortable margin.
Prediction: QPR 3-1 Blackburn Rovers
Stoke City v Fulham: Stoke seem to have hit a bit of a disappointing patch in the league recently whereas Fulham, and Andrew Johnson in particular, seem to have hit top form. Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson are doubtful while Matthew Etherington is set to have an injection to hopefully see him through the game. Fulham see the return of Aaron Hughes but Bryan Ruiz and Philippe Senderos are both out. Stoke’s home advantage could give them a helping hand but Fulham are looking good of late. Fulham to just edge this one and maybe even late on.
Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Fulham
Wigan Athletic v Bolton Wanderers: Wigan are without Hugo Rodallega and James McCarthy is looking doubtful but will face a late fitness test. Jussi Jaaskelainen will be back between the sticks for Bolton and Gael Kakuta is once again available after missing out against his parent club. Ivan Klasnic and David Wheater are also available again for Bolton following suspensions. Wigan have failed to win in their last four league outings and Bolton will be looking to bounce back after being destroyed by Chelsea. Expect Bolton to continue Wigan’s woes.
Prediction: Wigan Athletic 0-2 Bolton Wanderers
Chelsea v Everton: There are no two ways about this, Chelsea will walk all over Everton. Despite people questioning whether Chelsea’s ageing stars have what it takes to compete for the title this season, they will still have too much for Everton. Fernando Torres serves the second of his three match ban while Michael Essien is still injured but expect Chelsea to put on a show, especially if Tim Cahill doesn’t make the starting line up.
Prediction: Chelsea 4-0 Everton
West Brom v Wolverhampton: This is a tough match to call as both teams have been fairly inconsistent this season. However Wolves have looked the more promising and unfortunately for West Brom, Peter Odemwingie looks bored and is also believed to require surgery. However, Roy Hodgson will not be happy with the poor start and will make his players fully aware that a result is needed here. Expect a close game but the Baggies to steal the 3 points.
Prediction: West Brom 1-0 Wolverhampton
Arsenal v Sunderland: Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny are both available again for Arsenal in the centre of defence. Bacary Sagna is out until the new year, which could see Carl Jenkinson return to the starting line up, although there are other options. Phil Bardsley is set to complete his 4 match ban for Sunderland while Nicklas Bendtner cannot play against his parent club. Expect Arsenal to start strong to try and prove a point but expect a strong battle from Sunderland but Arsenal should prove too strong.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur: Newcastle have been in fantastic form this season and still remain unbeaten in the league. Tottenham will still be buzzing from their local derby win over Arsenal 2 weeks ago. If Newcastle continue to play how they have so far this season and can stop the Tottenham danger men from linking up they could well get something from this game. However, if Spurs do manage to get the ball down and play then it could be a long afternoon for Newcastle. We’re going to sit on the fence here and call it a draw.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
