THE SCORE LINE – THE MOST IMPORTANT STAT

Via @Mr_Eto

Jack’s amazing goal vs Norwich City

……Cazorla to Wilshere, Wilshere back to Cazorla, Cazorla to Giroud, Giroud to Wilshere, Wilshere back to Giroud, Giroud to Wilshere again ; GOAL!!! That was orgasmic. Pure Entertainment! That’s the kind of one touch football fans have come to love. The kind of football, purists (whoever called them that) call: attractive football.

Purists– for those who don’t know the term – are creatures who love attractive football (who doesn’t?). pfft! The best definition, I think, is: creatures who hate negative tactic. E.g: Pep Guardiola, Arsene Wenger, Brendan Rodgers, Johan Cruyff and every other person always against negative tactic. (Football fans included).

Wenger – after the invincibles era – it seemed, unearthed a brand. A playing brand. A brand not quite familiar with the EPL. The Arsenal team would keep possession of the ball for most parts of a game. It wasn’t about keeping possession; it was the manner in which they did. Transition play was different from the norm – kick and follow (whoever came up with all these terms, lol). It was indeed attractive football.

Then, came Senor Guardiola and his men (Barcelona). They took it to a whole new level. They were more ruthless in front of goal, than the Arsenal team. Teams were dazed with the swiftness of their game. I think their ruthlessness made this brand pronounced globally – Tiki-Taka! It really fascinated many.

This “invention”, I believe, changed the mindset of football lovers – Fans, Managers, Club Owners alike. Fans’ expectation of their beloved team (and football) sort of metamorphosed… Fans began to expect more than just a win from their team (even Stoke and West Ham fans? Funny!). Everybody wanted to play the “Barca-way”.

“You cannot say it is football anymore. It is more rugby…” – Wenger’s comment on Stoke City, in 2010. “They virtually played from the off with a back six with wingers coming back” – Rodgers, after his team lost to Chelsea, last year. These comments are examples of another tactic these purists love to employ. The “blame your opponent’s style of play for not winning” tactic. They believed fancy possession keeping tactic is perfect – at least, their comments seem to suggest that. To them, any other tactic that disrupts them from expressing themselves……well is negative. Such Arrogance. Pfft! Just Disrespectful! The irony of this is: you never see their opponents complain about their attractive football tactic.

“This game confirmed that Jose Mourinho is a negative coach. He only cares about the result…” – Cruyff after a Clasico in 2011. Durrrh! Mr Cruyff, what else matters?

Celtic – Barcelona: Goals [2 – 1], Possession (%) [27 – 73], Total attempts [5 – 24], on target [4 – 14]. At the end of that game in Nov, 2012, the Glasgow outfit were the happy side. Why? The score line was in their favor.

Chelsea were UCL champs, in 2012, because the score line was in their favor. Nothing else mattered, really. For all Bayern’s possession, they lost 4 – 0 to Madrid, last year. Once again, nothing else mattered, but the score line. These purists need stop this delusion. Stop complaining! Not everybody can play attractive football. Coaches/managers have a duty. They have a boss they respond to. They have bills to pay. And they will do whatever it takes, as long as it is legal, to get a result.

What is “negative” in a tactic, if it produces a positive result?

Of what use is studying hard throughout a semester if you can’t make it count in Semester examinations? If you can’t break down a team in a game, you simply were not good enough, on that day. Accept it!

Until FIFA says otherwise, the score line remains the most important stat of a game.

On which side are you? Let’s continue the disussion on twitter @Mr_Eto or @Osesax and you can as well use the comments box below.

WEEK 22: EPL PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

The Premier League party at the top of the table continues.

Whatever Europe thinks of the quality of the Premier League, and there were no English-based players in the Fifpro team of the year, the entertainment value of England’s elite competition cannot be doubted.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea continue to trade places at the top of the table after each team’s fixture – it says a lot about the dogged fight ensuing for the right to the Premier League title this season.

Manchester City have scored more times already this season, in all competitions, than the whole of the last campaign. If City continue at this prolific rate they will beat Chelsea’s record in a Premier League season – 103 goals – and they will also surpass the tally of 102 achieved by Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Madrid in his one remarkable campaign at the Bernabeu.

City’s free-scoring football, the improvement of their away form and the return of Vincent Kompany and Joe Hart to the defence has added to the belief that this campaign cannot only end in silverware but in gaining it in more than one competition.

The fight for survival continues this weekend too. Sunderland are finally off the base of the table after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Fulham last weekend. That win will mean little if they fail to build on it at home to Southampton this weekend – where in truth, they don’t win many – especially in the league.

SUNDERLAND vs SOUTHAMPTON

The return of Arthur Boruc and a clean-sheet in the home win over West Brom last weekend wasn’t a coincidence. The Poland goalkeeper has played a big part in the Saint’s excellent season so far, but missed all of December after he fractured his hand in the defeat at Chelsea. His return to action will definitely improve Southampton’s results.

Only six points separate eleven teams – from Hull in tenth down to bottom club Crystal Palace – so the margin for error is wafer-thin for the relegation warriors.

Gus Poyet’s team seems to be gathering momentum at exactly the right time. The 4-1 victory at Fulham was only Sunderland’s second win in 10 league games but after victories in the other two cup competitions, Poyet’s side appear to be on the rise.

It will be tough but Southampton won’t lose.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

ARSENAL vs FULHAM

Monday’s game at Villa Park was potentially a tricky fixture, particularly as Arsenal suffered a surprise defeat to Villa at the start of the season. With breathing space at the top of the table so hard to find, Arsenal had to win – and they did. They are next home to Fulham, then away to Southampton before a forbidding February that includes games against Liverpool at Anfield and Manchester United at the Emirates.

March brings trips to Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea before the visit of Manchester City. Surely the entertainment upon us will be nothing compared to what we’ve seen so far.

For Fulham’s Rene Meulensteen, there seems to be an undeniable feeling that his side has taken a significant step backwards after putting daylight between themselves and the bottom three in the first few weeks of his reign. Fulham now sit just one point above the relegation places and have received a painful reminder that a long, hard battle lies before them.

Arsenal have done well to take care of the small teams and continue ticking the win column every weekend, I don’t see Fulham putting up much resistance.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ARSENAL WIN

CRYSTAL PALACE vs STOKE CITY

This fixture will see Tony Pulis go up against his former team in Stoke City and I don’t think this is one either team will want to lose. I see a share of the spoils at Selhurst Park.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

MANCHESTER CITY vs CARDIFF CITY

City’s 2-0 win at Newcastle is a huge one – another pointer to their growing confidence away from home. The quietly inspirational Manuel Pellegrini must be applauded for making Manchester City so attractive to watch this season, after all, City have now obliterated last season’s total of 92 goals in 52 games (including the Community Shield). Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo’s goals against Newcastle on Sunday made it 94 and counting so far in 32 matches this season.

Joe Hart’s confidence has been restored by Pellegrini’s judicious handling of the England keeper’s brief loss of form. Hart, arguably, looks an even better keeper now – no doubt the Chilean has been vindicated for dropping the English number one last year.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t have the start he would have wanted as Cardiff City manager last weekend as his new team went down to West Ham at home. The Norwegian won’t get any reprieve as it’s a trip to the Etihad up next.

Cardiff City’s task is to be the first team this season to leave the Etihad with at least one point in a league match. It’s a tall objective for the Bluebirds and for City, a chance to improve their mind-blowing goal statistics.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

Read more here http://www.osesax.com/BlogDetail.aspx?bId=132

WEEK 14: EPL PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

As people attempt to pick holes in Arsenal’s title challenge and come up with reasons as to why they cannot win it, maybe it is about time they were offered a bit more respect and people looked at why they CAN win it.

They are rock solid in defence as the whole back four is playing well, Szczesny is in terrific form, Ramsey took his tally to 13 for the season and even when £42m record signing Mesut Ozil has a quiet game, he sets up goals.

Arsenal are turning the heat, question is can the rest of the Premier League keep up?

Aaron Ramsey‘s goals on Saturday made it 10 in the league this season, a flurry that has marked the Welsh out as one of the players of the campaign. That Arsenal are now four points clear at the top is due in no small measure to Ramsey’s insatiable appetite and great energy.

Alongside Aaron Ramsey, summer signing Mesut Ozil, Oliver Giroud, Per Mertesacker, Wojeich Szczesny and other top performers this season, Arsenal have got a pool of players ready to step up when necessary.

In seasons past, the Gunners always looked up to one or two players to decide matches and when those two players are having an off-day, the team comes unstuck but it’s different this season.

Arsenal have got not two; but about five players who take responsibility during matches. This is brilliant for the team and even though I still can’t vouch that the Gunners will win the title; it’s fun finding out what this team is capable of every weekend.

Week 14 begins a frenetic, action-packed 29-day period of Premier League football offering seven rounds of matches in quick succession. With the matches now coming thick and fast, this is where the top team’s squad-depth would be tested and teams who can’t keep up could find themselves in trouble in a matter of days.

CRYSTAL PALACE vs WEST HAM UNITED

The Hammers rediscovered how to win after five league games without victory – against Fulham on Saturday. The result moved them three points clear of the relegation places, but there can be no complacency in this one.

Tony Pulis’ first game as manager of Crystal Palace (vs Norwich) was promising in the quality of football that his team produced, but he witnessed at first hand the lack of a cutting edge that has restricted them to seven league goals this season, the lowest total in the Premier League.

Palace remain bottom of the Premier League with just seven points from 13 matches. Pulis has never suffered relegation during his 21-year managerial career but he faces a tough battle to save Palace.

Tony Pulis will hope to pick up his first win for his new club but West Ham will frustrate him and his team.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

ARSENAL vs HULL CITY

The Gunners retained a comfortable four points lead at the head of the Premier League table after their hard-fought victory in Wales over Cardiff. Arsenal are contenders for the title; I’m sure the doubters have been silenced now.

It’s a tough-looking schedule for Arsenal in a few days with Everton, Napoli, Manchester City and Chelsea to come. Arsenal will do well to ensure maximum points in this one before turning their sight to the big ones.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ARSENAL WIN

LIVERPOOL vs NORWICH CITY

Liverpool looked shambolic at times against Hull City – an embarrassing result; one that shows the lack of depth at the club and proves they are one or two players getting injured away from a mid-table side. Daniel Sturridge’s unavailability for up to EIGHT WEEKS is a massive blow for Liverpool.

Liverpool face a run of seven games in 29 days during the festive period, including trips to Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea. It’s going to be a daunting Christmas for the Reds during which their top-four credential will come under further scrutiny.

It’s money-time for Brendan Rodgers and his squad; time to walk the talk and prove they are serious top-four contenders. Norwich must be dispatched without fuss.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: LIVERPOOL WIN

MANCHESTER UNITED vs EVERTON

Romelu Lukaku is certainly not the only Everton loanee who has it all. Gerard Deulofeu was brilliant against Stoke on Saturday. The Spaniard has got a very high speed of thought, an admirable quickness of feet, and some of his brazen runs were a great sight. Roberto Martinez is a lucky man to have two exciting young talent to unleash on Premier League teams.

And also, Roberto Martinez is a smart man to have worked out loan deals for Romelu Lukaku, Gerrard Deulofeu and Gareth Barry – three players who have arguably been Everton’s top performers this season.

What would Manchester United have done without Wayne Rooney this season? The squad seem short of quality but the shadow of the English striker alone papers over the cracks in the team that come to the fore every week.

Especially in the absence of Robin van Persie, Rooney is thriving with the responsibility of leading United’s attack. Rooney is a player at the peak of his powers right now and he’s central to everything Manchester United do well.

Good thing for David Moyes is that many teams are equally inconsistent – a couple of bad results for the table-toppers and Manchester United would be right back in the mix for the title.

David Moyes comes up against Everton for the first time since swapping Goodison Park for Old Trafford; I’m sure his old charges will need little motivation in this one.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

Read the rest here http://www.osesax.com/BlogDetail.aspx?bId=110

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)

Read more here http://www.osesax.com/BlogDetail.aspx?bId=109

WEEK 4 EPL PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

The biggest transfer of deadline day in the Premier League seems a fitting place to start this week’s preview. The waiting and waiting…and waiting for Arsene Wenger to fork-out the funds for a big-name and big-impact signing has finally ended.

A known successful player at club and international level has joined the Gunners in Mesut Ozil. A turning point and progressive movement from the North London side for the season ahead. The midfield options of Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky and the German wonder that is Mesut Ozil, strikes fear into Premier League opposition as the Gunner’s of old did.

If a victory over local rivals, Tottenham wasn’t enough, then this is certainly the jackpot in the change of fortune for Arsene Wenger’s beloved Arsenal. They have certainly caught the attention of the whole of England with their transfer deadline day splash.

It all looks to be coming together for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and especially with star player Luis Suarez giving them one more year then there’s a chance they could give the better-resourced teams a run for their money this season.

Aston Villa conceded 69 goals last season – their worst defensive record since 1987 – and failed to keep a clean sheet in 22 league matches, going back to the goalless draw against Stoke in December. They’ve conceded four in three matches this season. If Paul Lambert is to avoid another relegation battle this season, he must plug the apparent holes in the Villa defence.

Hull showed more than enough organisation and enterprise against Manchester City to suggest predictions of a swift return to the Championship might be premature.

For Paolo Di Canio and his Sunderland work-in-progress, there is a lot done but a lot more to do.

While we were all watching the best of International football in every part of the world, Premier League managers were counting up the air miles their players clocked up ahead of another weekend in domestic football. Too bad they can do nothing about it.

Here’s my preview of Match day 4 in the Premier League…. My first stop is at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED vs CRYSTAL PALACE

David Moyes is still looking for his first win at Old Trafford

Crystal Palace have not looked so bad, certainly better than I and most other pundits thought they would be in the top flight. They were undone against Tottenham by a penalty and managed to open their Premier League scoring against Stoke City. Their win over Sunderland was certainly convincing and has now made most people sit up and have a change of heart about them.

Manchester United have already dropped five points in their first three games and the transfer window was a chance to address the deficiencies that have conspired to see them make such a faltering start. It was an opportunity missed and Manchester United fans can only hope the naivety of Ed Woodward and his cack-handed performance in his first real test does not hinder their chances of success this season.

The Eagles looked decent in the final third last week, but Ian Holloway’s men allowed Sunderland too much space in their own half and David Moyes’ side will take advantage of this on Saturday.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

Read the rest of the preview here http://www.osesax.com/BlogDetail.aspx?bId=71

Week 37: English Premier League Preview and Predictions

Congratulations to SIr Alex Ferguson and Manchester United

There are just two rounds of matches to go and every result has big implications. The race for a TOP-FOUR spot is turning out to be a belter. After the result on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, we’re set for a big climax next weekend.

TOP-FOUR RACE: Chelsea and Arsenal have got their destiny right on their palms. Six points from the last six available will hand them tickets to play in the UEFA Champions League next season irrespective of Tottenham’s results.

Andres Villas-Boas’ side on the other hand will require Chelsea and/or Arsenal especially to drop a couple of points in their remaining two matches but they would still have to cover their own bases by winning their own fixtures. They are a point behind Arsenal, but with hugely inferior goal difference, going into Sunday’s trip to Stoke City and a season-finale at home against a Sunderland side that could need a result to avoid relegation.

RELEGATION BATTLE: Wigan beating West Brom pulled four clubs back into the relegation equation. The Lactics are now 18th on 35 points, Sunderland 17th on 38, Newcastle 16th on 38, Norwich 15th on 38 and Villa seemingly safe in 14th on 40. Norwich in particular seems to be heading in one direction but they can breathe again after Wigan lost at home to Swansea City on Tuesday. Newcastle’s game at QPR could be their get out of jail card, while Sunderland – in Paolo Di Canio’s words – have got a ‘Champions League final’ against Southampton this weekend.

Here we go this weekend………..

ASTON VILLA vs CHELSEA

Paul Lambert’s young men took a huge step towards Premier League safety with that win at Norwich City last weekend. The win took them to 40 points. Gabriel Agbonlahor’s two goals put breathing space between them and their relegation rivals, including Norwich who face a nervous finish. Perennial escapologists Wigan are sure to have a final say in the matter, but it appears to be onwards and upwards for a revitalized Villa team.

Rafa Benitez will go into this fixture with one eye on the Europa League final in Amsterdam on May 15. Make no mistake about it, the Europa League trophy is one the Spaniard covets; probably even above a third-place finish in the Premier League. He will definitely shuffle his pack and his selections will determine how much he wants the maximum points at Villa Park.

Aston Villa have won their last two games and lost just twice in the last eight games. A win here will confirm their Premier League status for another season. Paul Lambert will impress it on his team the importance of getting a result on Saturday before next weekend’s trip to the DW stadium to face Wigan Athletic. They will ask questions of this Chelsea team who I feel will be distracted by next Wednesday’s final against Benfica.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ASTON VILLA WIN

STOKE CITY vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

A run of one win in 14 games had seen the Potters tumble into the thick of the battle for survival and panic was setting in at the Britannia Stadium. But seven points from the last nine available has hauled Tony Pulis’ men out of trouble.

The task is crystal clear for Tottenham. Get six points from the remaining two matches and see where that takes you. It might not be enough; only time will tell. Going by their performance at Chelsea on Wednesday, Stoke City shouldn’t prove too difficult to crack but it’s the Potters’ celebration of 150 years and you sense the home team will put in a performance for their supporters.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

EVERTON vs WEST HAM UNITED

With just two games remaining and a five-point gap over the Reds, the Toffees are virtually guaranteed to finish above their neighbors for the second successive season. The goalless draw with Liverpool on Sunday means David Moyes is on the verge of achieving something that no Everton boss has done since Harry Catterick.

His records at Everton are nothing but miracles

David Moyes has done a commendable job in his 11-year tenure at Everton, turning them into a strong Premier League force on a meagre budget, with an average net spend per season of £803,000, compared to Aston Villa’s average of £10.8m over the past decade, Stoke’s £7.8m and Sunderland £7.6m, all of whom find themselves in the bottom half of the table.

Everton may not have Liverpool’s resources, but they are clearly not just ‘the second team on Merseyside‘ any longer. With David Moyes does leaving this summer, (to join Manchester United) that is not a bad farewell present. Yes, a trophy would be good, a Champions League place or even a spot in the Europa League would be even better; but realistically, this is probably the best he could have managed this season with Everton punching so far above their weight.

Everton should win this easily….

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: EVERTON WIN

FULHAM vs LIVERPOOL

Nothing on the line in this one…but I’m picking the Reds to get maximum points. If Reading can score four times against Fulham at the Cottage, they should be mincemeat for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: LIVERPOOL WIN

NORWICH CITY vs WEST BROMWICH ALBION

It is just two Premier League wins from 19 games for the Canaries. And a win for Wigan against Swansea on Tuesday would have seen the Lactics leapfrog Norwich on goal difference with just two games to play, leaving Chris Hughton on the brink. This is a very huge game against West Brom on Sunday and any other result but a win could have huge ramifications.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: NORWICH CITY WIN

QUEENS PARK RANGERS vs NEWCASTLE UNITED

Newcastle United, who looked safe a month ago, are suddenly back on the brink. When Alan Pardew signed most of those French players in January there was an instant lift. But the longer the season has gone on, the more fractured that has looked.

This is a MUST-WIN fixture for Alan Pardew’s team. With Arsenal waiting next weekend, the magpies wouldn’t want to go into the last round of matches still needing a result.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: NEWCASTLE UNITED WIN

SUNDERLAND vs SOUTHAMPTON

Sunderland collected a highly valuable point against Stoke City on Monday to haul themselves from fourth bottom to 15th. That puts Norwich and Newcastle under extra pressure.

The Black Cats will be without Craig Gardner, Stephane Sessegnon and injured Stephen Fletcher, for the run in, plus Danny Rose for the final game at Spurs, the club he’s on loan from. It’s money time for Di Canio; this is where he proves his mettle.

Southampton are not entirely safe yet and still need a win to get them to 42 points.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

MANCHESTER UNITED vs SWANSEA CITY

This is a dead-rubber.

I’m especially looking forward to the trophy presentation after the match and watching Sir Alex Ferguson take his last bows at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ Old Trafford. What a rare gem; his contribution to Manchester United and football at large will NEVER be replicated. How do you replicate 49 trophies?

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

ARSENAL vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

For Wigan Athletic, it’s two do-or-die Premier League games against Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Wigan once again showed they are masters of the Great Escape after the win away at West Brom last weekend but the Lactics completely blew their chance of full redemption when they somehow contrived to lose at home to Swansea City at the weekend. With two games to go, Wigan seemed to have sucked the life out of their bid to stay in the ­Premier League for a ninth successive season. Two years ago, a win at Stoke on the final day of the season kept them up. Last season, they won seven of their last nine games – including victories against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool – to survive. This season though, they will need a miracle to stay up as they will require a host of other results to go their way in the next two rounds of matches to stand any chance of playing top-flight football next season.

Arsenal don’t play until next Tuesday and by then, they could be in fifth position which would mean that only a win will do. Most especially if Chelsea and Tottenham win their fixtures this weekend, it will be interesting to see how Arsenal handle the pressure.

Arsenal were the big winners on Wednesday following the result at Stamford Bridge but one slip, and it could mean Europe’s second tier.

Wigan have the FA Cup final to take care of before this trip to the Emirates. They would give their all at Wembley and I doubt there would be anything left in the tank to beat Arsenal at home for the second successive season.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ARSENAL WIN

READING vs MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City last season scored 93 goals in 38 matches. With two games to go in this Premier League campaign, the runners-up elect have found the net 62 times. The average of 1.74 goals per game is below champions Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal – and the same as Tottenham. With Mario Balotelli gone, the combination of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Dzeko, who cost a combined £90million, have scored only 35 between them. Michu, Christian Benteke and Rickie Lambert have all scored more as has last summer’s target Robin van Persie – whose goals arguably won Manchester United the Premier League title.

The Royals are down and out, but after their surprising 4-2 win at Fulham last weekend, they certainly want to leave a better impression on the Premier League than their previous performances this season.

The ‘former champions’ have the second spot signed, sealed and delivered; Chelsea won’t catch them again so this fixture is inconsequential to both teams but Roberto Mancini’s men have far greater quality and they should win.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

He bows out on a high……………

And Sir Alex Ferguson retires…….. Football; Bloody Hell!

He dominated English football in the Premier League era, winning the title 13 times and also lifting the Champions League in 1999 and 2008. In addition, he won the FA Cup five times, the League Cup four times, plus the FIFA Club World Cup, Intercontinental Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

It’s difficult to imagine Manchester United without Sir Alex Ferguson. The old Scot has always preached the “no one is bigger than the club” mantra. And it’s great credit to him that he has packed it in while the ovation is loudest; leaving his successor with a young team and a lot of time in the summer to make his mark. The timing no matter how you look at it couldn’t have been better.

Sir Alex won an unprecented 49 trophies in total and his final match will be against West Bromwich Albion on May 19, his 1500th game in charge of Manchester United.

Legend is an understatement; words can’t describe Sir Alex Ferguson enough… I’m going with PHENOMENON.

Here’s wishing the old Scot a happy and successful retirement.

And that’s a wrap for the penultimate weekend of the 2012/2013 Premier League season. What do you think of my Analysis and Predictions? Do let me know by making use of the comments box below and if you enjoyed the piece, could you kindly make use of the share buttons below? Thanks. You could also check back on Tuesday night to see how I fared with my predictions.

You can use this easy copy and paste summary to write your own predictions and share it with the readers in the comments section. Some day someone will guess all ten correctly, I hope.

1. Aston Villa v Chelsea

2. Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur

3. Everton v West Ham United

4. Fulham v Liverpool

5. Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion

6. Queens Park Rangers v Newcastle United

7. Sunderland v Southampton

8. Manchester United v Swansea City

9. Arsenal v Wigan Athletic

10. Reading v Manchester City

Best Weeks: 8/10 (Week 20 and Week 35)

Last Week: 7/10

Season Total: 193/370 (52%)

Follow me on twitter – @Osesax

Week 17: English Premier League Preview and Predictions

It’s a very congested top half of the Premier League table at the moment. Only four points separate the teams in the 4th to 12th places. The race for the Champions League spots is as tight as it can ever and consistency seems like a very important quality that could just make all the difference.

Roberto Mancini and Alan Pardew – two managers who had successful Premier League campaigns last term are struggling this season and Arsene Wenger – Arsenal’s most successful manager – seems to have lost his way.

Roberto Mancini might have his team second on the Premier League table but it remains a curious season for the reigning champions as UEFA Champions League elimination at the group stage for the second season running, combined with a failure to match their explosive start to last term, has led to a peculiar sense of disenchantment around the club and consequently rumours of the Italian’s imminent sack.

Alan Pardew has watched his team fail to match the heights attained last season. They are 14th on the Premier League table, just three points above the relegation zone. Newcastle have won just once in ten matches in all competitions and have five defeats in six games in the Premier League. Since the Englishman signed a new EIGHT-YEAR deal that keeps him at the club till 2020, his team have secured just nine points from a possible 33. Unlike Mancini though, Pardew is allowed ‘a bad season’ – according to Newcastle MD Derek Llambias. I feel Mancini MUST defend Manchester City’s Premier League title or he will get the boot and with that in mind, it’s important his team have shaken off last weekend’s disappointment when they file out Saturday afternoon at St. James Park.

Arsene Wenger’s position at Arsenal is becoming untenable after every passing loss by his team. The latest at Bradford – certainly the biggest upset of his 16 year reign – has led to further cries that the manager resigns from his position. I think the Frenchman should at least keep his position till the end of the season but unless he is ready to tow the line of change, he should honorably walk away and let another man work with the team. Something needs to change, and needs to change quickly at Arsenal. Either the manager changes his attitude to transfer policies, stringent wage structure and tactics or else he should be changed.

Here goes my preview for this weekend’s Premier League matches…

NEWCASTLE UNITED vs MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City have won eight of the last nine matches against Newcastle United.

Newcastle United are just four points above the drop zone – a surprising turnaround considering they almost secured a top four place about seven months ago. With Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal all coming up this month, Alan Pardew faces the toughest spell of his reign after celebrating two years in charge at Tyneside on Sunday.

I personally believe it’s a good think we don’t have to talk about an unbeaten run again. Roberto Mancini’s men can now solely focus on winning matches and getting maximum points rather than trying to stay unbeaten. I also feel it’s a plus they are out of Europe outrightly as they can now channel all their efforts at retaining their Premier League crown.

The reigning Champions need to react after their agonizing loss at the hands of their bitter rivals last weekend. Manchester City’s next games are away at Newcastle, followed by matches with Reading, Sunderland and Norwich and it’s important they get all 14 points on offer.

The magpies jointly occupy the base of the form table (with QPR) after earning just three points in their last six outings. They are out of sorts at the moment and I think the fixture list has chosen a wrong time for them to host a wounded Manchester City side.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

LIVERPOOL vs ASTON VILLA

Brendan Rodgers last weekend proved his Liverpool team can play, score and win without their most influential player and top scorer Luis Suarez as the Reds fought back gallantly from a 2-1 first half deficit to clinch a 3-2 win in the end. The win puts them back into the top half of the table and just four points off the Champions League places, but it’s still hard to say where they actually are as a team. Was this win an illustration that they have finally turned the corner or a mere aberration? Nevertheless, to win and score so many goals without Luis Suarez, for me is a very big positive.

Villa are unbeaten in four Premier League games and will definitely be buoyed by their midweek 4-1 win over Norwich City in the League Cup but the Reds have shown some promise in the last two matches and that’s difficult to ignore.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: LIVERPOOL WIN

MANCHESTER UNITED vs SUNDERLAND

Manchester United ended City’s 37-match unbeaten run on home soil last weekend to go six points clear at the top. There is nothing like a derby win to spark a club’s season into life and the Black Cats are in for a tough evening on Saturday.

Sunderland have just three Premier League victories in 23 attempts. Manager Martin O’Neill and his team did well to at least quell the growing pessimism at the stadium of Light with their 3-0 win over Reading in a rescheduled Premier League game on Tuesday night. But I seriously doubt their chances of building on that victory as they face a Manchester United team looking to keep their lead at the top of the table intact.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

NORWICH CITY vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

Norwich extended their unbeaten run to ten games with a thrilling win at the Liberty Stadium last weekend but few days later, they were dumped out of the League Cup in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa. For most of the start of the season, the Canaries couldn’t buy a win to save their lives but they have now lost just once in TWO MONTHS and credit must go the way of Chris Hughton for turning the situation around.

With Gary Caldwell and Maynor Figueroa both suspended and Antolin Alcaraz and Ivan Ramis injured, I expected Wigan to be picked apart by QPR but the Lactics did amazingly well nonetheless holding out for a share of the spoils.

The Canaries are in such good form at the moment in the Premier League as they are becoming increasingly difficult to beat.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: NORWICH CITY WIN

QUEENS PARK RANGERS vs FULHAM

Not since Sheffield United in the 1990/91 season had a team gone so many games into a campaign without breaking their duck and Rangers set an unwanted Premier League record last weekend as they had to settle for a draw against Wigan that made it 16 games without a victory for Harry Redknapp’s side. With Wigan’s problems in defence, QPR should have won and I must say they are in one big trouble. The last three matches were winnable games but the Hoops could only account for just three points.

Martin Jol’s men ensured their winless streak would not stretch to an eighth match with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Monday night.

QPR have not shown much to show they can get out of the mess they have found themselves and I feel they will be at the dreaded bottom by Christmas. The stats are against them too in this fixture as they have never beaten Fulham. In the six times these two have met, Fulham have 5 wins and there has been 1 draw. Can they stop this trend and get their first win ?

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

STOKE CITY vs EVERTON

The Potters have the stingiest back line in the Premier League after conceding just 12 goals in 16 games.

The Toffees ended a dismal sequence of seven draws in nine Premier League matches last weekend courtesy of a 2-1 win over Tottenham – extending their unbeaten home league record to 12 matches.

Darron Gibson’s return to the Everton squad after missing three months with a thigh surgery couldn’t have come at a better time with the fixtures coming thick and fast. The Ireland international was at his passing best last weekend, dictating the pace and direction of his team’s attack and isn’t it a curious statistic that Everton have only ever lost one league game with him in the side, and it may not be a coincidence as his cross created Jelavic’s winner last weekend.

Stoke City have taken 14 points from their last six games to take them up to ninth place on the table. Only Manchester United have done better in the same period.

The Potters are on top form at the moment and they have not lost a Premier League game on home soil since February and Everton are about to find out why this weekend.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: STOKE CITY WIN

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs SWANSEA CITY

Can the Swans record a double in north London ?

Andres Villas-Boas and his Tottenham side (again) threw away all three points last weekend at Goodison Park. Having led till the 90th minute, two goals in two minutes for Everton ensured Spurs left Merseyside with nothing and ended their run of three consecutive Premier League wins. If Premier League games finished after 80 minutes, Spurs would be top. Instead, they are fifth, having conceded ten goals in the final ten minutes of their 16 league games. The two they conceded in the 90th and 92nd minutes at Goodison Park must have been particularly difficult to take.

The Swans travel down to north London for the second time in eight days and would be hoping to get as much joy as they did on their last journey back to Wales. Michael Laudrup’s men have lost just once in nine Premier League games and Tottenham must be careful so as not to suffer the same fate as their north London rivals.

Tough one to predict, the Swans are definitely good to get something here but if Tottenham have Gareth Bale available, they will win.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR WIN

WEST BROMWICH ALBION vs WEST HAM UNITED

The Baggies have now lost all last three matches to halt their fine start to the season. This is Steve Clarke’s first serious managerial test and he must ensure his team bring their A-game on Sunday as West Ham won’t just roll over.

West Ham have Mohamed Diame out with a hamstring injury until next year. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce described his unavailability as a ‘crushing blow’ for his club. With the likes of Alou Diarra, Ricardo Vaz Te, Jack Collison, Yossi Benayoun and Andy Carroll already out injured, Diame’s absence is no doubt a big loss to Allardyce.

I am sticking with the home team here.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: WEST BROMWICH ALBION WIN

READING vs ARSENAL

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a victory over West Brom at Emirates Stadium last Saturday but the team sunk to another low in midweek when they lost to a League two side in Bradford in the League Cup and have another hope of a trophy go down the drain . The fact that Wenger broke his long-held rule and fielded a full-strength side in the League Cup made the loss even more humiliating and left Wenger facing more questions about the direction of his team.

For Reading there is only a tale of woe too. Five defeats in a row and seemingly no way out of the bottom three soon. They face Arsenal and Manchester City next and unless they become more convincing at the back and positive in front of goal, they are doomed to an immediate return to the Championship.

Arsenal are without a win in their last four away matches but the Royals sit at the base of the form table and Arsene Wenger’s men wouldn’t get an easier game to bounce back from their latest disappointment.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ARSENAL WIN

That’s it for this weekend’s Premier League matches. What do you think of my Analysis and Predictions? Let me know by making use of the comments box below and if you enjoyed the piece, could you kindly make use of the share buttons below? Thanks. You could also check back on Tuesday to see how I fared with my predictions.

Follow on twitter ———>>>>> @Rednym @Dejitinubu @JrizeoguRDS @Osesax

Week 16: English Premier League Preview and Predictions

Attention shifts back to the Premier League after an exciting couple of days in Europe.

Manchester United and Reading were at the centre of a SEVEN-GOAL THRILLER last weekend, Roberto Mancini must be sick of the sight of Everton and David Moyes as they continue to be a thorn in his flesh, Swansea City had a great result last time out scoring twice at the Emirates to condemn Arsenal to a home loss, Stoke City won at West Brom and Jermain Defoe can’t stop scoring as he got another brace last weekend to help Tottenham win away at Fulham.

West Brom would be hoping to do a Swansea when they make their trip to the Emirates on Saturday, Rafa Benitez needs a Premier League win and he will hope some luck shines on him and his team at the Stadium of Light, Liverpool travel to east London without Luis Suarez while Harry Redknapp will hope his Rangers side finally get their first win of the season at the 16th time of asking.

It’s the MANCHESTER DERBY on Sunday and both teams are separated by THREE POINTS. A win for the ‘comeback Kings‘ would see their lead at the top extended to SIX points and of course Manchester United fans must be dreaming of such scenario. But Manchester City clawed back a bigger deficit on their way to winning the title last term so I will advice they don’t dwell on the gap too much if it happens.

Let’s head over to the Emirates, shall we?

ARSENAL vs WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Both teams seem to have lost their way…

The Gunners are 10th and Wenger surely must know that is not good enough. The midweek loss to Olympiakos in the Champions League left Wenger facing more questions about the direction of his team – who have now not won in the last four games.

Albion’s run of four successive victories and Champions League dreams have been replaced by two defeats in four days and they have now dropped down to fifth place. Steve Clarke’s men have not turned bad overnight. The loss to Swansea I think was ‘one of those matches’ and even Stoke boss, Tony Pulis can’t understand why his team continue to win against West Brom.

I think it is almost inconceivable to think the Gunners will lose to Swansea AND West Brom in back-to-back HOME games. Arsenal’s margin of error has been greatly curtailed and nothing but THREE POINTS will do this weekend.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: ARSENAL WIN

ASTON VILLA vs STOKE CITY

Stoke City have won three successive Premier League matches and consequently find themselves in the top half of the table. Tony Pulis’ side have taken 13 points from the last five games to take them up to ninth place on the table.

Five points from the last nine available has seen Paul Lambert’s side move away from the relegation spots and up to 15th on the table.

Tony Pulis’ men got their first away win from their Potteries fortress for almost a year last weekend but they have drawn with their hosts on their last two visits to the Villa Park. Both teams don’t score many goals and I will be surprised if we have a winner in this one.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

SOUTHHAMPTON vs READING

It’s 18th vs 19th !

Both teams will most probably be stuck in the relegation spots all season and so a win here could be crucial come May, 2013. The Royals are unbeaten in three matches at St. Mary’s and I’m tempted to side them but the Saints are unbeaten at home in three Premier League matches, so I’m sticking with them

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: SOUTHHAMPTON WIN

SUNDERLAND vs CHELSEA

Chelsea’s run of seven league games without a win represents the club’s worst run of form since 1995, when Glenn Hoddle’s team went 10 winless matches between December 10 and February 11.

Rafael Benitez’s Chelsea nightmare continued as West Ham inflicted his first defeat in charge and extend his winless start as interim manager. Already the first boss of the Roman Abramovich era not to oversee a victory in his opening two games under the Russian, it got worse for Benitez at Upton Park Saturday afternoon as the Blues made it seven Premier League games without maximum points.

Sunderland are just one place and one point above the relegation zone and Martin O’Neill must surely be worrying about his job now as this was the sort of run his predecessor, Steve Bruce embarked upon that got him the boot.

Rafa Benitez needs a Premier League win badly as his Chelsea team are now 10 points adrift of leaders Manchester United. The Blues have won on each of their last three visits to the Stadium of Light and I think they will just about edge it this time around too.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: CHELSEA WIN

SWANSEA CITY vs NORWICH CITY

Swansea are now seventh after a superb win at the Emirates last weekend. They showed Arsenal how to play football and ran out 2-0 winners in the end – even Arsene Wenger had no complaints about the result – fully deserved.

Swansea are unbeaten in seven Premier League games and are still playing their entertaining brand of football. As long as they don’t let these results get into their head and continue the hardwork that has got them here, a top eight finish is very much possible.

Norwich City sit comfortably in 12th place and made it nine matches without losing on Sunday in a 2-1 win over Sunderland. The Canaries are becoming increasingly difficult to beat but a tough one awaits them this weekend.

Norwich City won both fixtures against the Swans last season but Michael Laudrup’s men have got a swagger about them in recent weeks that cannot be ignored.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: SWANSEA CITY WIN

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Harry Redknapp side could only manage another draw last weekend, this time at home to Aston Villa. The draw means the Hoops remain at the foot of the table and are still searching for their first Premier League win. QPR are the only club in the top four divisions without a victory this season. And their failure to beat Villa meant they equalled ­Swindon’s Premier League record of 15 games without victory, set in 1993-94. They have the worst goal-scoring record in the division, with only 11 goals in 14 matches and this is clearly the root of the problem.

Monday night’s performance at Newcastle United would undoubtedly have made Wigan boss Roberto Martinez proud. His team showed some impressive ball retention and remained positive even after the sending off, proving that, if they maintain their level of performance, another season in the Premier League seems likely.

Wigan will win this one.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: WIGAN ATHLETIC WIN

MANCHESTER CITY vs MANCHESTER UNITED

After 15 games Manchester United have scored nine more than Roberto Mancini’s team this term – but still don’t have a better goal difference, you know why? Sir Alex Ferguson’s men just can’t defend! And it is 10 times now they have found themselves fighting to come back after conceding the first goal of a game. Manchester United have conceded 32 goals during their opening 22 games in all competitions — their worst record at this stage in over a decade. Another three were shipped last Saturday against Reading and in the top half of the league only Tottenham have a worse defensive record. While they might have dug out the topsy-turvy battle at Reading by ending up winners, Ferguson surely must wonder how many more times it can happen.

Manchester City preserved their unbeaten start to the season in the Premier League last weekend with a 1-1 draw against Everton and prolonged their run of home games without defeat to 37, a sequence stretching back to a loss to Everton two years ago. This has been a curious season for City. They remain the only team still unbeaten in the top four divisions in England and sit second in the table, just three points behind Manchester United. But Champions League elimination at the group stage for the second season running, combined with a failure to match their explosive start to last term, has led to a peculiar sense of disenchantment around the club. In time, they may find the lack of European action assist them in their title defence but they must get the disappointment out of the system quickly before Sunday afternoon.

The one consolation for Manchester City fans, given their own team’s inconsistencies this season, is Manchester United are finding it equally hard to develop any kind of form. At this stage last term, Roberto Mancini’s side had scored 49 goals and conceded 15 to open a five-point lead over Manchester United. This time around they have scored 28, conceded 11 and trail United by three points.

Unrivaled Passion

There is nothing like a derby to spark a club’s season into life and both managers would know victory over their arch-rivals can strike a potentially significant psychological blow in what is looking increasingly like another all-Manchester title race.

Sir Alex Ferguson endured the embarrassment of losing twice to Manchester City last term and I feel he’s been itching to put things right since then. His players might be defending like ‘cartoon characters‘ but their strength lies in attack where the strikers have regularly found the back of the net – 37 in the Premier League, nine clear of the next best — Manchester City and Tottenham.

Manchester City’s 6-1 win was the first defeat for United in the 2011-12 campaign. Now, it is City who come into this fixture as the home and unbeaten side in 37 matches and I have a feeling this streak will end on Sunday evening.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

EVERTON vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Tottenham got their third win on the bounce last weekend with Villas-Boas’ team now level with third-placed Chelsea in the table, and given current form, it seems only a matter of time before the Portuguese moves ahead of the club who sacked him in March.

A seventh draw in nine Premier League games has put a dampener on Everton’s impressive start to the season and they stay sixth on the table.

Andres Villas-Boas has done a job on this Tottenham side. Jermain Defoe seems to be enjoying his game under the Portuguese’s guidance, Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey have settled in well and are providing the ammunitions in midfield, while Tottenham’s width stretches opposition defences bare. Everton have got their hands full this weekend and an exciting, end-to-end stuff awaits at Goodison Park.

Everton haven’t kept a clean sheet in 11 games but are very difficult to beat at home. Tottenham are in very good from and are scoring freely but I think their commitment in Europe would have taken something away from them so I see both teams scoring. But with Gareth Bale likely to miss this one, I think Everton will win this.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: EVERTON WIN

WEST HAM UNITED vs LIVERPOOL

Daniel Agger helped the Reds to only their third home win of the season and back-to-back league wins at Anfield for the first time since September 2011. But in truth it should have been far more comfortable than it actually was, which is a familiar story where Liverpool have been concerned recently.

The restoration of Lucas Leiva to the Liverpool team as defensive midfield linchpin after a three-month absence with a thigh injury should transform the side immediately, freeing both Steven Gerrard and Joe Allen to play higher up the pitch in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

After defeats at White Hart Lane and Old Trafford, Sam Allardyce needed a response, and his team gladly obliged him last weekend running out 3-1 winners over Chelsea. The win would most definitely increase the team’s confidence as they welcome Liverpool to Upton Park.

Luis Suarez has scored more than half of the Reds’ Premier League goals this season but the South American was booked for handball during the 1-0 victory over Southampton last weekend and will now miss this match after reaching five bookings this season. It leaves Brendan Rodgers without a recognised centre-forward for the visit to east London.

Liverpool will have the ball to themselves for long periods but they have no one to put the ball in the net, I expect West Ham to win.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: WEST HAM UNITED WIN

And on MONDAY NIGHT…..

FULHAM vs NEWCASTLE UNITED

Newcastle United ended a run of four successive Premier League defeats on Monday in a 3-0 home win over Wigan. I wouldn’t read too much into the result as Alan Pardew’s men were aided in no small part by the controversial 12th-minute dismissal of a Wigan defender. But they got the win and would now look to climb up the table.

Newcastle have been given a boost with the news that Hatem Ben Arfa could return from injury in time for this fixture and that should be some relief for Alan Pardew.

Martin Jol’s men are out of sorts at the moment as they sit at the base of the form table with just three points from a possible 18. They have lost the last two matches at their Craven Cottage home but can take confidence in the fact that they have won four of the last six matches against the magpies including a 5-2 home win in January.

Tough one to call but I have a feeling Fulham are about to turn a corner.

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: FULHAM WIN

Tuesday 11th December 2012

SUNDERLAND vs READING

This game is in no way part of Week 16 round of matches and is actually a rearranged fixture from the second week of the season.

Both teams will be coming off losses if my predictions are correct and this would be a MUST-WIN for both teams, especially Sunderland.

With Sunderland at home, they have got to win but Reading are no pushovers and I feel they would get something in the end

OctopusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

That’s it for this weekend’s Premier League matches. What do you think of my Analysis and Predictions? Let me know by making use of the comments box below and if you enjoyed the piece, could you kindly make use of the share buttons below? Thanks. You could also check back on Tuesday to see how I fared with my predictions.

Follow me on twitter – @Osesax

HAVE A SUPER WEEKEND AND MERRY CHRISTMAS IN ADVANCE

Week 15: English Premier League Preview and Predictions

Three matches in 10 days might not be the best for the English Premier League players but for fans who have always had to wait six days between each round of matches, it doesn’t get any better than a two-day interval between three rounds of matches.

Chelsea lie seven points behind leaders Manchester United and six behind Manchester City, do we have a two-horse race on our hands? I believe so! The two Manchester teams I have always felt would go head-to-head again just like last season. They are the two most consistent teams in the Premier League and it should be another enthralling tussle for the Premier League title.

Tottenham moved above Everton and Arsenal into fifth after two consecutive home wins, Chelsea are back in third place but only on goal difference while West Bromwich Albion dropped to fourth after their 3-1 reverse at the hands of Swansea. At the other end, Southampton, Reading and Queens Park Rangers occupy the bottom three places but it’s crystal clear Rangers have a huge fight on their hands if they are to keep their Premier League status.

WEST HAM UNITED vs CHELSEA

How long before Chelsea regret giving him a job?

Two games without a goal, barely a shot on target and even less entertainment, add up to four points from a possible 18 and a seven-point gap from the top. I think the Chelsea fans have got a right to air their frustrations at their new manager after paying their hard-earned money to watch their team struggle to a second successive draw at home. Holding the Premier League champions to a 0-0 result seems like a good outcome but failing to see off a Fulham side who are notoriously known to gift three points on their travels is just not good enough and if the performances in the past month is anything to go by for Chelsea, then my pre-season prediction that the European Champions would struggle to get a top four spot this term looks very much on the cards.

West Ham United matched Manchester United for long periods in their match on Wednesday, a Robin van Persie first minute goal proved to be the difference and on another night the Hammers could have left Old Trafford with a draw. I think the players and Sam Allardyce would be very confident gong up against a Chelsea team that is winless in six Premier League games. Sam Allardyce especially enjoyed some interesting and sometimes volatile match-ups against Rafa Benitez while the Spaniard was Liverpool manager so it promises to be a very close encounter.

West Ham at Upton Park is a daunting prospect for any Premier League side, least of all one with a new manager still trying to find his feet. If Rafa Benitez gets Mikel Obi and Juan Mata back in the starting eleven, I think they can win but without these two, Chelsea fans should be prepared for another labored performance.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

MANCHESTER CITY vs EVERTON

Manchester City extended their unbeaten top flight run to 20 matches on Wednesday night grounding out a 2-0 win at Wigan’s DW stadium.

A sixth draw in eight Premier League games has put a dampener on Everton’s impressive start to the season and they have now dropped to sixth place.

This should be a very interesting one, Roberto Mancini’s men would have to be on top of their game in this fixture and I think they will just about edge it.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

WEST BROMWICH ALBION vs STOKE CITY

There was a first loss in five Premier League games handed out to the Baggies as they were cut to size on Wednesday night at the Liberty stadium in a thumping 3-1 defeat to Swansea City.

Stoke City have not lost a Premier League game on home soil since February and this record was in danger on Wednesday night but the Potters dug deep to come back from a one-goal deficit and eventually won Newcastle United 2-1.

West Bromwich Albion will be looking to bounce back at home as they try to stay among the big boys at the top of the table and on a ground where they have won all their matches but one (against Manchester City), Stoke City would do well to even leave with a point.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: WEST BROMWICH ALBION WIN

NORWICH CITY vs SUNDERLAND

The Canaries are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions and came away from Southampton with a deserved point. Sunderland are out of sorts at the moment and I can see only one result here.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: NORWICH CITY WIN

FULHAM vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Tottenham recorded their second home win in four days in a 2-1 win over Liverpool on Wednesday night, all thanks to Gareth Bale’s sublime start on the night.

Tottenham are showing form at the moment with Gareth Bale (10 goals for club and country this season) and Jermain Defoe (seven League goals so far) on top form. Andres Villas-Boas should hope the duo stay fit for much of the season as I feel they will be important to Spurs’ top four aspirations.

Fulham have not tasted a win in their last five Premier League games and with a confident looking Tottenham side up next, I don’t think this will change.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

ARSENAL vs SWANSEA CITY

Why won’t Arsene sign him up?

Swansea City got their fifth win of the season against the Premier League’s surprise package, West Bromwich Albion. The Swans are now unbeaten in five games and no doubt will be very confident making their trip to the Emirates stadium.

A point at one of the toughest venues in the Premier League I believe is no bad result but with everything happening with Arsenal’s other top four challengers, it’s important the Gunners get back to winning ways starting with this match against Swansea.

Swansea City are on a run of just one defeat in their last nine games and I feel they will get a point on Saturday, Arsenal just don’t seem to be up for it quite yet.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

LIVERPOOL vs SOUTHAMPTON

Southampton are now unbeaten in four Premier League games and defensively they have looked solid as a team in the past one month. The Saints are fast becoming tighter at the back, giving their fans plenty of hope that their club can climb away from the bottom three soon.

Liverpool’s defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday night brought an end to the Reds’ eight-game unbeaten run. The Reds looked a good team for most part of the game as they were only hard done by a poor start on the night. Even Andres Villas-Boas conceded Liverpool deserved a draw.

It all seems to be coming together for Liverpool but they must start winning matches and a record of just two Premier league wins at Anfield is poor.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: LIVERPOOL WIN

QUEENS PARK RANGERS vs ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa’s third win of the season against Reading on Tuesday night moved them out of the Premier League bottom three. Paul Lambert’s insistence to not include Darren Bent in his second consecutive match day squad is a big surprise for me and one I can’t seem to get my head around. This is a player who was signed two years ago for a lot of money and he scored the goals that kept Villa in the top flight. Whatever is the problem going on behind the scenes between Lambert and Bent, I feel it’s important the former gets him into his plans as soon as possible as Bent is a player that has goals written all over him once the service is right.

Rangers showed plenty on Tuesday night to suggest that there could be some light at the end of the tunnel for them. The Hoops put up a spirited display at Sunderland to earn a clean sheet and a point as well.

This is a MUST-WIN for Rangers and I see Harry Redknapp matching his first match at Loftus road with a win.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: QUEENS PARK RANGERS WIN

READING vs MANCHESTER UNITED

I think Manchester United had a great defensive display on Wednesday night at home to West Ham United. The home fans might grumble about the performance as it lacked the excitement and electricity generated when Manchester United have thrillingly fought back from a deficit but all those traveling to the Etihad stadium on December 9 will understand that with a fine defensive performance, the top two positions could remain unchanged till the new year when Manchester United are known to kick into gear.

This looks pretty straight-forward on paper but Sir Alex Ferguson’s men must be careful so as not to fall into the same trap like they did on their last Premier League away match at Norwich City.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

NEWCASTLE UNITED vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

Newcastle United were handed their fourth consecutive loss on Wednesday night for the first time since September 2008. The reasons for this bad trend are very simple and that’s the Toon’s participation in Europe and their big injury list which includes stars such as Yohan Cabaye, Steven Taylor and Hartem Ben Arfa.

The statistics on Wednesday night against champions Manchester City did not reflect a fine performance from the Lactics who will play a lot worse and pick up points.

The magpies are missing a number of key players at the moment and until a few of them return, I think they will find it difficult to win games.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

That’s it for this weekend’s Premier League matches. What do you think of my Analysis and Predictions? Let me know by making use of the comments box below and if you enjoyed the piece, could you kindly make use of the share buttons below? Thanks. You could also check back on Tuesday to see how I fared with my predictions.

Follow me on twitter – @Osesax

HAVE A SUPER WEEKEND AND MERRY CHRISTMAS IN ADVANCE

Week 14: English Premier League Preview and Predictions

Manchester City’s scoreless draw at Chelsea moved them within one point of new leaders Manchester United, leaving West Bromwich Albion third and Chelsea complete the top four places. Reading, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers currently occupy the relegation spots which must be very uncomfortable sight for their teeming fans.

The pick of this round of Premier League matches is at Goodison Park on Wednesday, Manchester City and Manchester United have relatively easy matches on their hands, Southampton will look to make it three back-to-back wins when they host Norwich City while Harry Redknapp will hope to get a win on his Rangers bow.

SOUTHAMPTON vs NORWICH

Adam has been immense for the Saints in the past couple of weeks

Nigel Adkins whose position has come under great scrutiny in the past few weeks, oversaw a second successive Southampton win on Sunday in a 2-0 win over Newcastle United. It was a first clean sheet of the season for the Saints and three points to propel them out of the relegation zone.
Another encouraging result for Norwich City at Everton last weekend and after their win against Manchester United a fortnight ago, they now sit in 13th place. The Canaries are now unbeaten in six games and must go to St. Mary’s confident they are good enough to get all three points.

Very difficult one to call as both teams are right on top form at the moment but with the Saints playing at home, I think they can make it three successive wins.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: SOUTHAMPTON WIN

SUNDERLAND vs QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Harry pointing the way forward to his QPR team

For QPR this is the worst Premier league start any side has made after 13 games.

For Sunderland, just two wins in 19 attempts, stretching back to last season.

New manager Harry Redknapp must be wondering how his Rangers side have got just four points from 13 games after their very impressive display at Old Trafford last weekend and although his team ended up losing, it’s a performance that would definitely have given Harry and the Hoops’ fans some hope that their team can find a way to get out of the hole they have dugged themselves.

Rangers face three of the five teams not far above them on the table starting with this fixture away ay Sunderland, Aston Villa at home and Wigan away — No points out of any of these games and they are certainly doomed
.

Defeat at the hands of West Brom left Martin O’Neill’s side just outside the drop zone after another display full of mediocre individual displays. The way things are shaping up, it’s going to be a long season for the Black Cats fans and any result other than a win against another struggling side in QPR would leave manager Martin O’Neill under massive pressure. Will there be a third Premier League team with a new manager shortly? Keep your eyes on the Stadium of Light if Sunderland lose this one.

This could swing anywhere, I feel it will depend very much on the team that wants it more on the night.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

EVERTON vs ARSENAL

Having defeated North London rivals Tottenham 5-2 last weekend, the Gunners were expected to pile the pressure on Aston Villa but they didn’t turn up. Everton were held at home at the weekend so this fixture is all set up nicely.

The Gunners have taken only one point from their last three away games and Everton will provide a much tougher prospect than Aston Villa but the but the Toffees themselves are not any good at the moment with just one win in their last seven Premier League matches suggesting they have lost that early season spark.

The Gunners have won at Goodison Park on each of their last three visits but Everton are unbeaten at home all season and in fact you have to go back to March for their last defeat at Goodison Park.

Arsenal are very unpredictable (just like Wigan) and much rests on their attitude going into a match, if the Gunners turn up on the night looking up for it, then they stand a chance but on a cold, Wednesday night at Goodison Park, it’s really going to be tough. I will be bold here and predict an Arsenal win.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: ARSENAL WIN

ASTON VILLA vs READING

Aston Villa dug in and held their own against Arsenal last weekend and they deservedly earned a share of the spoils. After facing both Manchester United and the Gunners in their last two home Premier League matches, Paul Lambert must be relieved to finally welcome a mid-table side to Villa Park.

Reading were unlucky to leave the DW Stadium with nothing despite scoring two away goals. The Royals have improved for some matches now as they are becoming increasingly difficult to beat and I think they will get something against Aston Villa.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

MANCHESTER UNITED vs WEST HAM UNITED

Manchester United found a way to stage another of their many comebacks to beat Queens Park Rangers 3-1 on Saturday. Defensively, Manchester United are supposed to be getting stronger personnel wise but worryingly, they are still conceding. That said, Manchester United’s character simply must be commended as they fell behind for the ninth time in 13 games this season but still won at the end, stuff of Champions you say? The visit of West Ham United to Old Trafford provides another opportunity to gain another set of three points and I see them getting it no matter how difficult Sam Allardyce sets his side up.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

CHELSEA vs FULHAM

Rafa Benitez didn’t enjoy a good welcome from Chelsea fans but he did manage to mastermind their first clean sheet in 11 matches. The Spaniard might have shored up the Blues’ leaky defence but he has his work cut out to get them playing the scintillating football demanded by billionaire owner Roman Abramovich – and to get Fernando Torres scoring.

Fulham are winless in their last five Premier League matches, losing the last two and that’s no good preparation for a derby against Chelsea.

This fixture is always closely fought and I don’t expect any less on Wednesday but Chelsea should win.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: CHELSEA WIN

STOKE CITY vs NEWCASTLE UNITED

Newcastle United have won just one of their eight Premier League matches since Alan Pardew was awarded an eight-year deal. The magpies have continued to struggle as their best players are currently out injured (Steven Taylor, Hartem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye the most notable absentees) but the good news is that Coloccini will be available and if that will be enough to keep them from losing remains to be seen.

Stoke City are now unbeaten in 13 games on their own turf, stretching back to February. They rarely score more than once but they keep it tight at the back and they are incredibly difficult to beat at their Brittainia home ground.

Until Newcastle’s form improve, it will be hard for me to pick them for a good result.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: STOKE CITY WIN

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs LIVERPOOL

Tottenham’s win over West Ham on Sunday was their first in four Premier league games. They now lie seventh on the table (on goal difference behind rivals Arsenal) and in Jermain Defoe, they have got a natural goal scorer that can propel them higher on the table. The Englishman is on top form with seven goals in his last 11 games (3 in his last 2).

Red Hot Defoe

Brendan Rodgers saw his side put up another of their many promising performances against Swansea on Sunday but had to settle for just a point. If the Reds had managed to have their number of draws (7) in the win column, they would be very much higher up the table and will be contesting for a top four place.

Tottenham seem to always have the upper hand when both teams file out at White Hart Lane but Liverpool are unbeaten in eight Premier League matches and should get something in this one too.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: DRAW

SWANSEA CITY vs WEST BROMWICH ALBION

The Baggies are the toast of the Premier League at the moment after their 4-2 away win at Sunderland continued their incredible start to the season and now find themselves THIRD on the table. They have won their last away matches and with confidence sky-high, they will take some stopping at this point in time.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: WEST BROMWICH ALBION WIN

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs MANCHESTER CITY

Wigan did well for themselves to get a much-needed three points in their last match against Reading on Saturday. I don’t think they will be fighting for survival in May, 2013 as they have a pool of players who seem up for it this time.

Champions Manchester City are unbeaten and I see their winning streak continuing after this match.

OctupusSaxy’s verdict: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

That’s it for the midweek Premier League matches. What do you think of my Analysis and Predictions? Let me know by making use of the comments box below and if you enjoyed the piece, could you kindly make use of the share buttons below? Thanks. You could also check back on Thursday to see how I fared with my predictions.

Follow me on twitter – @Osesax