WEEK 13: EPL PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

They put four past Newcastle, then lost at Cardiff. They put four past Manchester United, then lost at Aston Villa. They put seven past Norwich, then lost at Sunderland. But there is a sense that this inconsistency may be coming to an end. It has to, surely.

When Manchester City play like they did against Tottenham on Sunday, it looks as if the league is theirs for the taking. It can only be a matter of time, surely, until they put a run of wins together and surge to the front.

Loic Remy has now scored eight goals in his last eight league appearances for the Magpies this season – and, like the rest of the team’s French contingent, is flying. The former Marseille star is giving Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge a run for their money in the Premier League top scorer race.

The French striker is quick, moves intelligently and, most importantly is something of a predator in front of goal.

The English Premier League enters Week 13 this weekend and this round begins the infamous December fixture pile-up in England. I think it’s safe to say that this is the juncture where the men will be separated from the boys. With seven matches to negotiate in the next four weeks, the league table should have a more definite shape by the start of the New Year.

ASTON VILLA vs SUNDERLAND

Villa are unbeaten in three matches and this fixture provides an opportunity for them to put a strong run of results together.

The Black cats have been quite unlucky with refereeing decisions this season and Gus Poyet will hope his team doesn’t continue to suffer from these errors. They were in the game at Hull City until two red cards ended the match as a contest and West Brown’s unjust sending off at Stoke City last weekend ensured Poyet’s side were handicapped for most of the match.

If Sunderland can have 11 players on the field for the entire duration of this fixture, they will give Villa a good run for the points on offer.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW (1-1)

CARDIFF CITY vs ARSENAL

It was not pretty against Southampton but Arsenal won. Make no mistake; Arsenal might not have won this war of attrition at other times in the eight years of their trophy drought.

I can’t emphasize enough the heart the Bluebirds have shown this season in the top-flight. They do not possess star names in their squad but there is this apparent cohesion and will to play for each other. They will give their all and nothing less.

Expect another fight from Cardiff but there’s a reason why the Gunners are top of the league (consistency) and I think Arsenal will pick them out easily.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ARSENAL WIN (0-3)

EVERTON vs STOKE CITY

Everton are not just about passing for the sake of it, as some critics suggest. They have balance, but are brave and ambitious with the ball. But the Toffees are facing seven matches in the next four weeks, as they look to establish themselves in the race for a top four place, losing Leighton Baines until the New Year is a blow.

Stoke City have been better recently and are unbeaten in three league games. Another plus for the Potters is that they have found their scoring boots.

However, Everton have a swagger that is difficult to ignore. I’m not sure the Potters will be able to live with them.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: EVERTON WIN (2-0)

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WEEK 5: EPL PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

Every week at Carrington brings new hurdles for David Moyes as he comes to terms with the task of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. On Tuesday, he led his team out for the ‘first’ time in Europe (and passed the test); it’s another ‘first’ this Sunday – the Manchester derby – Moyes’ first as Manchester United manager.

The Manchester derby is the last tough hurdle of what has been a hell of a start for David Moyes as Manchester United manager and a win for the Scot will answer many questions about his credentials to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson.

Stadium of Light boss Paolo Di Canio is under mounting pressure with his side bottom of the Premier League after taking just a single point from their first four matches this season. Di Canio is the favourite to be the first Premier League manager axed this season.

Despite all the lingering imperfections and talk of a crisis, Arsenal have registered five consecutive victories in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. No doubt, Arsenal’s season is now up and running. Arsene Wenger’s team has responded with some distinction to the harrowing defeat against Aston Villa on the opening day of the season.

With Mesut Ozil finding his feet straight away in the Arsenal team (expectedly anyway), there is a growing feeling at the Emirates stadium if this is the year they finally end their trophy drought.

Jose Mourinho is feeling the heat after two consecutive defeats (make it three if you take the Super Cup reverse into consideration); it’s not happening for the ‘Happy One’ right now and who says he can’t be the ‘jobless one’ soon?

Only two teams have failed to win in four matches this term – West Brom and Sunderland – and they go head-to-head on Saturday.
Alright then, let’s get into the analysis of this round of matches featuring the MANCHESTER DERBY on Sunday.

NORWICH vs ASTON VILLA

These are early days and it should not be overlooked that Aston Villa played Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in their first three matches but it was still alarming to see Paul Lambert’s side put on such a poor performance at home to Newcastle United. They were short of ideas going forward and fragile at the back. Take Christian Benteke out of the team and it is hard to imagine where the goals will come from.

Aston Villa have failed to keep a clean sheet in 26 league matches. They won’t win many matches if Paul Lambert doesn’t plug the holes at the back and Okore’s season-ending injury hasn’t helped in that regard.

Norwich bank on their home form for survival, and with summer signing Gary Hooper fit to start, the Canaries will make life difficult for the Villains.

Christian Benteke is never far from a goal and that’s why I am going for the share of the spoils here.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

LIVERPOOL vs SOUTHAMPTON

Liverpool gained a point at the Liberty stadium on Monday to stay top of the League. It means the Anfield club has suffered just one top-flight reverse in 16 league matches – 3-1 at Southampton in March – since February. I hope Brendan Rodgers will ensure his players don’t get carried away but they are showing impressive qualities of a team ready to gatecrash the top-four party come May.

The problem for Mauricio Pochettino is finding a way to accommodate the fans’ favourite, Paul Lambert, and the club’s record signing, Dani Osvaldo, while ensuring that Southampton’s attack does not lose its balance. Pochettino might have to accept there is not room for both. Tough decision for the Argentine…

Liverpool will miss Coutinho’s (ruled out for six weeks) tactical awareness and ability to play in a variety of midfield and attacking roles. But with Suarez due to return in mid week, the picture looks better.

Last season, the Reds imbibed a funny habit of underperforming against sides they should beat, which makes Southampton a dangerous opponent.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: LIVERPOOL WIN

NEWCASTLE UNITED vs HULL CITY

Newcastle might not have added quantity to their squad in the summer, but they’ve certainly added quality – in Loic Remy.
Newcastle have Hatem Ben Arfa returning to fitness and to his best, plus the power of Moussa Sissoko, the leadership of Fabricio Coloccini, and having retained the skills of Yohan Cabaye — well things look a good deal brighter than some gloomy forecasters predicted. If only these players can stay fit for a big chunk of the season…

This is a good opportunity for the Tigers to steal a point on their travels but Newcastle showed a new spirit and verve last weekend, I can see only one result.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: NEWCASTLE UNITED WIN

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