English Premiership Correct Score Predictions: Week Four 12/09/09

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

Saturday, 12 September 2009

Blackburn v Wolverhampton – Blackburn have suffered a terrible start to the new season, sitting in the relegation zone with just a single point to show for their opening three matches. A home win against newly promoted Wolves will be a necessity if Sam Allardyce values his job. That result will not be a formality against a Wolverhampton side who sit in thirteenth after an opening day win against Wigan, and a 1-1 home draw against Hull. Verdict 1-1.

Liverpool v Burnley – Liverpool showed great desire to get their season back on track, with a hard fought win away at Bolton. The Reds twice came from a goal down to eventually win the match 3-2. That match will still have given their critics plenty of ammunition, with two weakly conceded goals, straight from set pieces. They also face the prospect of the majority of their team returning from international duty just days before this Anfield encounter. Burnley will be looking to add another top four scalp to their collection after a surprise win over Manchester United; although they will be keen to avoid another match like the one they endured at Stamford Bridge. Verdict 2-0.

Man City v Arsenal – Manchester City are one of three teams defending a 100% winning record, after beating Portsmouth, Wolves and Blackburn. All three of those teams sit at the wrong end of the table, with both Blackburn and Portsmouth in the relegation zone. Mark Hughes’ expensively assembled squad will face a sterner test at home to Arsenal, who followed two wins with an unlucky defeat away to Manchester United. Verdict 1-1.

Portsmouth v Bolton - The only two teams without a point in this years campaign face each other at Fratton Park, meaning that one, if not both, will get off the mark this weekend. Bolton would appear to be slight favourites, having been narrowly defeated in their last match against Liverpool, and only conceding the decisive goal after being reduced to ten men. Portsmouth have offloaded a number of their star players due to their financial plight, and are already looking like favourites to finish the season fighting for Premiership survival. Verdict 0-1.

Stoke v Chelsea – Chelsea will be looking to defend their 100% winning record against a Stoke side who sit a creditable fifth in the fledgling Premiership table. Four wins from four see the London club top of the table on goal difference, with a plus eight tally to support their twelve points. Stoke have picked up points in the right places, their only defeat at the hands of Liverpool. Chelsea will be another side potentially weakened from the midweek internationals, but should still have enough in reserve. Verdict 0-2.

Sunderland v Hull – Hull have started to find a little form after a poor start to the new season, with a draw and a win in their last two games, coupled with victory in their Carling Cup second round match. They have bolstered their forward line with the acquisition of former Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, and he should go straight into the squad to play at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland are likely to field Hull old-boy Michael Turner, who moved between the clubs in what was reported to be a £6million deal. He will be hoping to help his new club get back to winning ways after defeat at Stoke. Verdict 2-1.

Tottenham v Man Utd – Second placed Spurs defend their 100% winning record against last season’s Champions at White Hart Lane. Spurs have been the surprise package of the current campaign, winning all of their opening four fixtures. Manchester United have provided a few surprises of their own – most notably an away defeat at the hands of newly promoted Burnley. Both teams have already beaten big-four opposition, with United narrowly defeating Arsenal in their last fixture. Verdict 1-1.

Wigan v West Ham – Wigan and West Ham are separated by a solitary point, but several positions in the league. Wigan have had a torrid time of late, conceding five at home to Manchester United, before being dumped out of the Carling Cup by Blackpool. That was followed by defeat to an Everton side who had failed to notch up a point before that game. West Ham have not fared much better, but are still in England’s second cup competition after a 3-1 defeat of fierce local rivals Millwall; a match which erupted in unsightly crowd violence and pitch invasions. Verdict 1-2

Sunday, 13 September 2009

Birmingham v Aston Villa – The local midlands derby is back following Birmingham’s promotion to the Premier League. Villa are currently ahead in the league placings, with victories in their last two games. Birmingham sit on four points, with a win, a draw, and two defeats to show for their opening four games. Form often goes out of the window for derby matches, in what should be an open and entertaining game. Verdict 2-2.

Fulham v Everton – Fulham and Everton are tied on three points, both teams having played three matches. Both teams have qualified for the Europa league, and will be wanting to transfer their performances for that European competition to the domestic league. Fulham have lost their last two Premiership fixtures 2-0, and have bolstered their front line with the signing of Swedish striker David Elm. Verdict 2-1.