BY Victor Akhidenor
It’s too early to predict who wins the Barclays Premier League title.
Our analysts are well aware of this and so in their usual style, it is one game at a time.
Welcome to this week’s BPL predictions.
Sunday Omeike (SO): Harry Redknapp’s QPR are a game from being singled out as the first official relegation candidate and Stoke could contribute to it. Their manager, Mark Hughes had his worst managerial record at the London club and still holds a grudge. Expect Stoke not to lose! 1-1
Aisha Falode (AF): QPR suffered a heavy defeat to Manchester United last weekend while Stoke surprisingly lost at home to Leicester City. I expect a cagey affair which will end 1-1
Kayode Tijani (KT): QPR, still smarting from the thrashing by Manchester United at Old Trafford must capitalise on this game against a Stoke City without the strikers capable of deciding games but Stoke will naturally fight to the end. QPR, back to the EPL will know it’s best to win this so they are not starring relegation in the face at the end. The team with most desire wins this and I disagree with you guys because it won’t end in a draw. 2-1
SO: The magic for Villa has been the stingy defence and a strong fighting spirit attributed to assistant manager, Roy Keane. The Irishman is known for the big games; therefore I expect his team to give a fearless performance against underwhelming Gunners. 1-1
AF: You are right Sunday, Aston Villa are absolutely flying at the moment and they will be full of confidence after beating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield. But Arsenal are also yet to lose a game in the Premier League this season although they were poor losing 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. We may be in for another explosive encounter. 2-2
KT: Which Jack Wilshere comes to the party? This is a crucial must win away game for the Gunners as a loss will see them slide lower in mid-table while Aston Villa will solidify their second position on the league table. A draw is not an option for Arsenal. Bear in mind Villa have conceded only one goal this season. 1-1
KT: Burnley are condemned to win this at home if they don’t want to have regrets later in the season. Sunderland are not a team to fear but Burnley hardly score goals too – their last goal was 344 minutes. Game for survivors. Lukas Jutkiewizc may find goal form for Burnley. 2-1
SO: Burnley need a win… and fast! Sunderland could do with one also, meaning this game could be one for the neutrals! 1-1
AF: Two sides that are really struggling. But Sunderland are slightly better and should nick this. 1-2
SO: I keep on asking, where will our goals come from? I have never been a fan of Alan Pardew and I never will be! So I hope this games buries his already nailed coffin (PARDEW OUT!!! They all scream). Steve Bruce would be a worthy replacement (he is a Geordie) and a return home should renew fans hope. 1-2
AF: Sure Sunday, Alan Pardew knows that if he doesn’t get a win here he may be the first BPL manager to be fired this season. I’ll go for a home win. 2-1 (winks at Sunday, the only Newcastle fan in Nigeria)
KT: Another game of survivors. Newcastle are having a disastrous season this early, with the worst being the unexpected heavy defeat to Southampton past weekend. But Hull City are struggling too with two home draws. All Geordies, including our dear Sunday, would cherish a win. 0-1
AF: It’s 3rd versus 4th as two sides that have outperformed themselves go head-to-head. The Swans lost their 100% record to Chelsea last weekend but I’ll back them to return to winning ways. 2-1
KT: I back them too but it’ll be a game to cherish. Both interestingly top four teams. Both lost just once. Southampton will bank on Graziano Pelle to continue his goals form while Swansea will be consistent with their delightful style with Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer in scoring mode. Bear in mind Swansea interestingly are yet to win a game against Southampton in four, with Ronald Koeman. Cracking game. 3-2
SO: Two attacking teams about to rain down the goals in this match! Swansea’s bubble have burst and so it begins, a long journey to mid-table. 2-3
SO: Sam Allardyce’s side is a formidable force at home but Liverpool always find a way to concede. However, coming from midweek UCL action, they should be excused for being lethargic in this game but their talent pool should ensure The Kop do not walk alone. 1-2
AF: Liverpool were disappointing in their home loss to Aston Villa and struggled to beat Lodogerets in added time at home in the Champions League. Sam Alladyce will try and make his team difficult to beat. 1-1
KT: Brendan Rogers must have realised he made a huge blunder leaving Raheem Sterling on the bench in Liverpools last game against Villa. Liverpool lost, played very badly and thus really need three full points against West Ham. West Ham will hope to dominate physically but Liverpool are condemned to win this. Indeed, The Kop will not walk alone! 1-3
SO: Van Gaalacticos are around to dish it out again. Although not tested by QPR, a solid Leicester team would be crushed by United’s imperial attack. Another Di Maria assist and Falcao to score! 0-3
KT: Sunday, enough said about the amazing firepower of Manchester United’s strikers, this game is extremely crucial for United to stabilise but it won’t be a tea party. Leicester are formidable and have lost only against Chelsea this season, while drawing both Arsenal and Everton. This will be tough game as Leicester will hope to capitalise on United’s unsettled defence but the Red Devil’s strikers will way too much for them. 1-3
AF: Manchester United displayed that brilliant brand of attacking football that they are famous for in the 4-0 win over QPR however defensive problems persist. I think they will win this. 1-2
SO: Weep not for West Brom for North London is not the place to be when things are not going your way. A battering for the Baggies, and hopefully Ideye can grab their unlikely consolation goal. 3-0
AF: It won’t be wrong to say you are your Ideye’s keeper! Tottenham have been inconsistent this season but West Brom have been very poor. This should be a comfortable home win. 2-0
KT: Tottenham have experienced all the highs and lows within four weeks. They really have no choice than to beat WBA, a team really struggling in spite of big money buys. End of story. But will this be the week WBA rise to the occasion? 1-2
SO: A kind fixture for Everton after showing off in the Europa league. Warnock should set Palace up to frustrate the home side but Martinez’s wards should prevail. 2-1
AF: The spring is back in Everton’s step and I see them being too strong for Crystal Palace at Goodison Park. 3-1
KT: Crystal Palace are yet to win a game this season and it’s all too easy to write them off, but before you do, remember they defeated Everton five months ago at Goodison Park. Everton have started really badly till last weekend, they really have no choice than to win this but they can’t afford to take Palace for granted. 2-0
SO: I was pretty much disappointed in both teams’ Champions League performance and hopefully they were saving their energy for this blockbuster. No Mourinho mind games to work here as City would want to get the show on the road. Chelsea to lose their 100% league record for sure! 2-1
AF: Manchester City can’t afford to let Chelsea win this one because victory for Jose Mourinho at the Etihad may well mean the title race is over for City. Chelsea on the other hand will at least want to maintain their 5-point lead over the champions. Both sides couldn’t win in the Champions League on Wednesday and I doubt if they have enough left to go for a win in this game. This one is a draw except if Mourinho comes up with another master class like he did last season. 1-1
KT: Chelsea are the most-in form team thus far and look unbeatable but going away to a Manchester City struggling and who lost their last game means we have a WAR on our hands. Chelsea looked a bit vulnerable drawing in the Uefa Champions League. I see this as a draw with plenty of goals. 3-3
MATCH | KT | AF | SO | RESULT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arsenal v Man City | 3-1 | 2-2 | 2-2 | 2-2 |
West Brom v Everton | 1-3 | 1-2 | 1-1 | 0-2 |
Sunderland v Tottenham | 1-4 | 1-1 | 1-2 | 2-2 |
Stoke v Leicester City | 1-0 | 2-0 | 2-0 | 0-1 |
Southampton v Newcastle | 1-3 | 2-2 | 3-1 | 4-0 |
Crystal Palace v Burnley | 2-0 | 2-1 | 2-1 | 0-0 |
Chelsea v Swansea | 3-1 | 2-0 | 3-1 | 4-2 |
Liverpool v Aston Villa | 3-0 | 3-1 | 3-1 | 0-1 |
Man United v QPR | 5-1 | 3-0 | 4-0 | 4-0 |
Hull City v West Ham | 2-0 | 1-1 | 2-1 | 2-2 |
PUNDIT | CORRECT RESULT (1PT) | CORRECT SCORE (2PTS) | TOTAL POINTS | CUMULATIVE POINTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aisha Falode | 6 | 2 | 8 | 20 |
Sunday Omeike | 4 | 4 | 8 | 15 |
Kayode Tijani | 3 | 0 | 3 | 11 |
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