English Premiership Correct Score Predictions: Week 17 – 26/12/09

Note: These matches have already been played. For this weeks games, click here.

Saturday, 26 December 2009

Birmingham v Chelsea – Birmingham’s run of five straight wins ended with the weekend draw at Everton. The point was still enough to lift the Blues into seventh position, one above Everton’s Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Alex McLeish’s side are now unbeaten in nine, and remain unlikely contenders for a European spot. Chelsea missed the opportunity to go six points clear with a 1-1 draw at struggling London rivals West Ham. Indeed, the leaders were fortunate to register a point, needing a debatable penalty decision to take a share of the spoils. Verdict 1-2.

Burnley v Bolton – Burnley slipped down the table with a 2-0 defeat at Wolves, a result which extended their poor run of away form to just one point from nine matches. Owen Coyle’s men will want to make home advantage count against fellow strugglers Bolton, who will have the chance to overtake the Clarets with Monday’s late game against Wigan. Verdict 3-2.

Fulham v Tottenham – Fulham took full advantage of an injury ravaged Manchester United side, to record a 3-0 win over the reigning Champions at Craven Cottage. Bobby Zamora furthered his claim for an England start with Fulham’s second goal – his tenth of the season. Spurs continued their top-four push with a 2-0 win away at Blackburn. Harry Redknapp’s side remain in fifth, just four points off of Manchester United. Verdict 1-1.

Liverpool v Wolverhampton – Liverpool’s season went from bad to worse with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of bottom-placed Portsmouth. Mascherano saw red in an ill-disciplined Liverpool display which has heaped renewed pressure on manager Benitez. Liverpool will now need to put in a strong run of form if they are to achieve Champions League football next season, starting with the tea-time fixture at home to Wolves. Wolverhampton remain within touching distance of the relegation zone, but managed to distance themselves with an impressive 2-0 win over Burnley. Verdict 4-0.

Man City v Stoke – Manchester City followed a thrilling 4-3 win over Sunderland with a statement confirming the sacking of manager Mark Hughes. Despite his side suffering just two defeats this season, Hughes found his services surplus to requirements, with the announcement that Roberto Mancini will take charge in time for the visit of Stoke. Stoke remain in mid-table after a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, a result which means that Stoke have scored just four goals in nine away games. Verdict 3-0.

Sunderland v Everton – Sunderland suffered their second successive defeat after their part in a 4-3 thriller at the Eastlands. More damaging was the red card awarded against defender Michael Turner, which may see him ruled out of the Christmas programme. Everton remain in trouble after a 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham, although the Toffees are hinting at an improvement in their performances. Verdict 1-2.

West Ham v Portsmouth – West Ham edged a point closer to safety courtesy of a 1-1 draw with leaders Chelsea. The Hammers were unlucky not to take all three points, with Chelsea drawing level thanks to a dubiously awarded penalty. Portsmouth added to Liverpool’s woes, as they registered just their fourth win of the season. The 2-0 victory over ten-man Liverpool was not enough to lift Pompey off of the bottom, but it means that they remain in touch with the teams above. Verdict 1-1.

Wigan v Blackburn – Wigan will have chance to move clear of the relegation zone with Monday’s late game at home to Bolton. That match is followed by a further home fixture against Blackburn, who slid back down the table after a 2-0 defeat at home to Spurs. Blackburn have now failed to win in six, and have lost seven of their nine away games. Verdict 2-1.

Sunday, 27 December 2009

Arsenal v Aston Villa – Arsenal closed the gap at the top of the table with a 3-0 win over Hull. The win keeps Arsenal in third, and still in the title race after Chelsea and Manchester United both slipped up. Villa held on to fourth spot with a 1-0 win over Stoke, but may lose striker Emile Heskey over the festive season after he suffered a groin injury in the first half. Verdict 0-0.

Hull v Man Utd – Hull continue to flirt with relegation, having failed to score in their last three games, suffering two 3-0 defeats in the process. The Tigers face a Manchester United side ravaged by injuries, and facing a real fight to retain their crown after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham. Verdict 0-1.