TheCable

You could agree with Shakira and say hips don’t lie.

It’s not that straight forward, though, with stats.

As Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield in this weekend’s star match in the Barclays Premier League (BPL), here are some of the stats, according to Opta.

• Liverpool have won just two of the last 12 BPL matches against Man City (W2 D6 L4).
• Manchester City have scored two or more goals in each of their last six league games against Liverpool.
• When these two sides met back in August, City scored with three of their four shots on target.

Before you say “Up City”, check out these other stats:

• Man City have won none of their last 11 league trips to Anfield (W0 D4 L7).
• Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 10 BPL games (W7 D3); the best record of any side over the last 10 games.
• Liverpool have had 14 different scorers in the Premier League, the joint-most along with Arsenal.

Our soccer analysts are aware of these stats, but does it lie or tell them the truth?

Find out their views and predictions about this game and the other fixtures.

Welcome to BPL preview!

WEST HAM UNITED V CRYSTAL PALACE

West Ham have a better head-to-head against Palace. Of the 28 games played between the sides, 12 have been won by the Hammers and six by Crystal Palace, while the rest have ended as draws. Aisha, do you see this trend continuing?

Aisha: The Hammers were distraught not to get all three points in their last encounter with Tottenham Hotspur as Harry Kane scored another stoppage time goal to end the game 2-2. Crystal Palace were also unlucky not to get at least one point in their 2-1 loss to Arsenal as they hit the post deep into stoppage time. But I think West Ham will be stronger at home and should win this game 2-1

Kayode:  The Hammers have dropped in form and it has impacted on their league position which is on downward mobility. Palace on their own part have woken up from slumber after the arrival of Alan Pardew. But lack of meaningful activity in January transfer window and injuries could make it difficult for them to sustain the momentum. I see them losing this game 1-0

Sunday: Although West Ham’s form have dropped, they still carry considerable threat and they were seconds from claiming a priceless win at Spurs last weekend. At home, they’d play with considerable freedom with Mark Noble leading from the middle. If their strikers are in tune, Palace may be in for a hiding on Saturday. Pardew’s cosmic dust has vanished and the boys look ordinary in recent times – a trend which would continue at Boleyn Ground. 2-1

BURNLEY V SWANSEA CITY

Burnley have won just one of their last 10 BPL matches (W1 D4 L5) while Swansea have won just two of their last 11 (W2 D3 L6). Kayode, who are tipping from these two teams not used to winning?

Kayode: I will go for Burnley mainly because they are playing at home. But they must be careful of trying to push the game too far when they take the lead. They must be patient and try to keep the ball as much as possible as Swansea can pass a side into submission when they are on form but they won’t in this game. 2-0

Aisha: I don’t think anyone gave Burnley any chance of getting a point at Stamford Bridge last weekend but they managed to achieve that albeit in controversial circumstances. The Swans on the other hand were impressive in the 2-1 win over Manchester United. I guess this will end in a draw. 1-1

Sunday: Burnley caused the shock of last weekend drawing 1-1 at runaway leaders Chelsea. They do have grit and determination to get stuck in and Swansea would do well to keep possession in their ever-present passing game. They came from behind to defeat a subdued Man United and with such confidence, they could snatch a win. Burnley’s determined approach will curtail the Welsh side and this game might actually be devoid of much entertainment and the points would be shared. 1-1

MANCHESTER UNITED V SUNDERLAND

Manchester United have won 10 and lost just one of their 13 BPL home games against Sunderland (D2). Kayode, your team should win this. No?

Kayode:  United’s bid for a top-four finish suffered a blip after the 2-1 loss to Swansea. With Arsenal, Southampton, and Liverpool also jostling for a Champions League place, the Red Devils cannot afford to drop points against 16-placed Sunderland. So far this season, they have been enjoying a good form at home dropping just 7 points in 13 matches at Old Trafford. I see them maintaining this good run against the struggling visitors. 3-0

Sunday: Van Gaal’s methods are stalling United from having a good season but Sunderland’s coming would be a welcome respite for the Red Devils. The Mackems aren’t impressive away and United are something of a home champion. A straight forward win to placate the fans. 3-1

Aisha: United were disappointing in the loss to Swansea and I expect a reaction when they host Sunderland at Old Trafford. This should be a 3-1 win for the Red Devils.

NEWCASTLE UNITED V ASTON VILLA

Newcastle have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 BPL games and won just three games in that run (W3 D4 L7). But Villa are without a win against the Magpies in their last seven league games (D3 L4). Sunday, this should be a straight forward win for your team, right?

Sunday: This encounter has a history to it. John Carver remembers Villa as the team that sent the Toon Army down to the Championship some seasons back and he is looking to do same to Villa. Tim Sherwood had a debut to forget and the former Tottenham manager should stop feeding the media goons to have a chance of stopping the rot in his Villa side. The home fans would be instigated in this encounter and the hostile environment won’t bode well for the Villains who are the league’s worst scorers. 2-1

Aisha: Newcastle suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of champions Manchester City last time while Aston Villa fell 2-1 at home to Stoke City. I don’t think both sides have sufficiently recovered from the losses so I will settle for a 1-1 draw.

Kayode:  Like the moderator said, Newcastle have a good recent record against Villa and they should win this as well. 2-1

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STOKE CITY V HULL CITY

After a run of winning just two of 17 BPL games (W2 D5 L10), Hull City have won their last two league games. Kayode, three on the trot for the Tigers?

Kayode: Their return to form won’t last and I can’t see Hull winning this match! Stoke are difficult to beat at home which Vincent Kompany recently reiterated before Manchester City’s game with Barcelona. I see Stoke all the way. 2-0

Sunday: Hull City have improved in recent weeks but an away game at Stoke City who burst Villa’s impeding bubble and have managed to stop the rotten form of late is not the ideal fixture for Steve Bruce’s boys. Mark Hughes has Nigeria’s Victor Moses back to compensate for the injured Bojan and the lads will edge this physical encounter‎. 2-1

Aisha: Stoke City must be feeling very confident right now after their decent away win over Aston Villa but Hull City also enjoyed a good win over QPR. But one has got to fancy Stoke being the home team. 2-1                     

WEST BROMWICH V SOUTHAMPTON

There have only been 13 goals scored in the nine Premier League games between these sides. Aisha, are you expecting another low score line?

Aisha: It seems Southampton are finally beginning to feel the pressure of being in the top half of the table and are starting to slide. They are still in a very good position but the 2-0 home loss to Liverpool last weekend may cast some doubt on their self-belief. West Brom are good at home and should be confident of at least a draw. 1-1

Kayode:  Both sides badly need the three points at stake. A win for the home team would go a long way towards putting some distance between them and the teams below them. But, Southampton are staring at the Champions League position and wouldn’t mind to gate-crash the party and spoil the fun of the usual suspects. I will go with Aisha’s prediction of a 1-1 draw.

Sunday: Steve Pulis’ idea is being bought by the players and the visit of Southampton is another opportunity for them to show their manager some guts. Ronald Koeman’s Saints were left disappointed by ‎a rampant Liverpool who picked them apart, and as previously seen this season, a tactically astute coach is the antidote to Southampton’s mojo. A crucial home win for Pulis. 2-1

LIVERPOOL V MANCHESTER CITY

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last premier league games (W7 D3), the best record of any side over the last 10 games. Kayode, can they sustain this run?

Kayode: Liverpool are only three points behind third-placed Arsenal after a run in which they have lost just once in 18 matches and won five of their last six games. It would be a different ball game against the champions but I see the home side winning this 1-0

Aisha: The biggest fixture of the weekend. Both teams are in very good form in the BPL right now and should serve up a cracker in this encounter. Liverpool are charging towards Champions League qualification, while Man City want to get as close to Chelsea as possible with the league leaders not playing this weekend due to their Capital One Cup final engagement. This ought to be an explosive game which will end 2-2

Sunday: Match of the weekend. Coming at the end of a European nightmare for both teams, especially Liverpool. Rodgers can still call on a fresh Sturridge; others cannot be vouched for however after suffering for 120 minutes on Thursday at Besiktas. City have also had a day more to rest and I see Wilfried Bony starting and winning this encounter to keep the pressure on Chelsea at the top. 1-2

ARSENAL V EVERTON

Two of their last three meetings at the Emirates ended in draws – 0-0 in April 2013 and 1-1 in December of that year. Aisha, are you expecting this match in March to end in another draw?

Aisha: Arsenal are playing well at the moment and could also grind out results as they showed in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. Everton have not been ambitious this season and seem content to hover in mid table. I think it will be difficult but Arsenal will win this 2-1

‎Sunday: Gunners had a nightmare in midweek, as they were picked apart by Monaco. A response is what Wenger would request and that’s exactly what he’s going to get against Everton that also starred in the Europa League on Thursday. Respite for the Gunners. 3-1

Kayode: I see Arsenal winning this which would now be their sixth win in seven league matches as they look to strengthen their Champions League position. 1-0

 WEEK 26 PREDICTIONS

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