English Premiership Correct Score Predictions: Week Six 26/09/09

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

Saturday, 26 September 2009

Birmingham v Bolton – Birmingham moved to mid-table with a slender 1-0 win over Hull at the weekend. Garry O’Connor’s second-half header earned the Blues all three points at the expense of a Tigers side who have now lost their last four games. Birmingham’s ability to beat the Premiership’s struggling sides will be key to their survival, and after beating both Portsmouth and Hull, they will relish a home fixture against the Trotters. Bolton were lucky to leave Stoke with a share of the spoils on Saturday, Matt Taylor’s late penalty rescuing a point for the away side. Bolton have managed just four points from their opening five games – their only victory also coming against pointless Portsmouth. Verdict 1-1.

Blackburn v Aston Villa – Villa’s surprise opening day defeat seems a long way away now, after four wins on the spin. Their last fixture saw Martin O’Neill’s team brush Portsmouth aside with goals from James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor - the Villa defence keeping a third successive clean sheet. Blackburn have gone from bad to worse, and sit in the relegation zone after a 3-0 defeat away to Everton. Sam Allardyce will need to start picking up points soon, or else he may find himself the first managerial casualty of the new season. Verdict 0-2.

Fulham v Arsenal – Arsenal got back to winning ways in style, with a 4-0 demolition of Wigan. Goals from Vermaelen, Eduardo and Fabregas helped erase memories of two successive defeats, but Gunners fans will be concerned that their team is only picking up points against the Premierships weaker teams. Fulham would currently appear to be one of those teams, and after a promising start, their form has started to falter. A 2-1 defeat at Wolves has left them fourteenth in the table, with six points from their opening five games. Verdict 1-3.

Liverpool v Hull – Liverpool moved onto twelve points with a 3-2 victory over West Ham at Upton Park. Despite controlling the game throughout, Benitez will be concerned at the defensive errors that have crept into his sides recent displays. Fernando Torres will be looking to add to his tally of five goals in five games, against a Hull side who have lost their last four games. The Tigers suffered defeat at the hands of Birmingham in their last outing, and have just four points from their opening six games. Verdict 3-0.

Portsmouth v Everton – Portsmouth have suffered a terrible start to the season, with defeat in all six matches. A 2-0 defeat in their last game against Aston Villa makes Pompey the first top-flight side to lose their opening six games in over a quarter of a century. Everton have not fared much better, but a 3-0 victory against fellow strugglers Blackburn will have boosted their fragile confidence. Two goals from Louis Saha, and one from Joseph Yobo gave the Toffees a rare taste of success, moving them up to thirteenth in the table. Verdict 1-2.

Stoke v Man Utd – Stoke were pegged back to a draw through a late Matt Taylor penalty in their last outing, away at the Reebok. They looked to be continuing an impressive start to the season until Bolton’s equaliser a minute from time. The Potters have already proven to be a tough team to crack at home, nearly holding Chelsea to a draw, and will go into this clash full of confidence. United were lucky to scrape a win in their last fixture, courtesy of a Michael Owen goal well into stoppage time. The 95th minute winner decided a thrilling Manchester derby, which the Reds had looked to be finishing with a draw, after several defensive errors had let City in three times. Verdict 0-1.

Tottenham v Burnley – Spurs have been brought down to earth with a bump following their excellent start to the season. Defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea in their last two games have seen them concede six goals, and slip to fifth in the table. Harry Redknapp’s men will want to avoid making it three defeats from three at home to a Burnley side who have won three of their opening five games, the last being an impressive 3-1 victory over Sunderland. On loan striker David Nugent bagged two second half goals, and will be pushing for a starting spot in the Clarets side. Verdict 2-1.

Wigan v Chelsea – Wigan remain on six points after being outclassed by a rampant Arsenal side. The Gunners inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Wigan, a mauling which leaves them with a minus eight goal difference. This game will not be any easier for the Latics, with opponents Chelsea defending the leagues only 100% record. A comfortable 3-0 win over rivals Tottenham made it six wins out of six for new boss Carlo Ancelotti, although that victory saw striker Didier Drogba carried off the pitch with an ankle injury. Verdict 0-2.

Sunday, 27 September 2009

Sunderland v Wolverhampton -Sunderland were stunned on their last outing by new-boys Burnley, who came out 3-1 victors at Turf Moor. This weekend, they face another newly promoted side at the Stadium of Light, and will hope to return to the form that has seen them collect nine points from their opening six games. Wolves managed their first home win of the Premiership season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham. Goals from Kevin Doyle and Dave Edwards gave them all three points in a match which will have strengthened their fans belief that Wolves can avoid a swift return to the Championship. Verdict 2-1.

Monday, 28 September 2009

Man City v West Ham -City were incredibly unlucky to taste their first defeat of the season in their last match at Old Trafford. A late equaliser from Craig Bellamy looked to have ensured a draw, until United scored the winner deep into time added on. The in-form striker should get another run out, with Adebayor still suspended. West Ham put up a valiant effort against Liverpool in their last match, being undone by another in-form hitman, Fernando Torres. The Hammers suffered a number of injuries in a defeat which left them hovering above the relegation zone on three points. Verdict 3-1.