Who's Playing Who?

Another bumper round in the EPL this week, which kicks off a mad rush of games leading into the New Year.

Sunderland vs Bolton

Matt’s Tip – Draw. A big game in the context of European spots, with both teams performing above expectations this year. Sunderland at home will be hard to beat, but Bolton will be confident after a win last start, and should take a point away from the Stadium of Light.

Adrian’s Tip – Sunderland. An interesting match up kicks off Gameweek 18, with these two sides just bellow Spurs on the ladder. That being said, I can just see the home side getting up in this one, but only just.

Wigan vs Aston Villa

Matt’s Tip – Aston Villa. Villa got away with a good win at home last week but are stuck at the bottom of a mid-table log jam. They need a win here away from home to push for the top half, and should grab all three points despite the impending return of Wigan goal-scorer Hugo Rodallega.

Adrian’s Tip – Draw. I really can’t split these two- if this was at Villa Park, then it would be a different story, but I’m feeling that Wigan can snatch a draw here and try and edge themselves out of the relegation zone.

Arsenal vs Stoke

Matt’s Tip – Arsenal. Despite losing last week, they fought hard against a quality Man Utd side. They should have too much class for an improving Stoke, who had a poor loss at home last week to Blackpool.

Adrian’s Tip – Arsenal. After their loss last week, I can see a very determined Gunners outfit with a point to prove turning up here. They’re back at the Emirates, who would back against them?

Birmingham vs Newcastle

Matt’s Tip – Newcastle. Newcastle are coming off a good win over Liverpool last week, and with the scoring form of Andy Carroll, should continue their ladder surge under new manager Alan Pardrew.

Adrian’s Tip – Newcastle. The Magpies are deceptively high up on the ladder- I didn’t even realise they were going so well! That being said, I really like their chances in this one. So much so, you should back them as well.

Blackburn vs West Ham

Matt’s Tip – Draw. Blackburn are in turmoil following the shock sacking of manager Sam Allardyce. Despite sitting in 12th place with an alright playing roster, ‘Big Sam’ was given the boot, and West Ham should take advantage of that and try to move off the bottom of the ladder.

Adrian’s Tip – Blackburn. Despite the aforementioned decision to show Sam Allardyce the door (which left me quite confused, incidentally), I still think that the Rovers can get up here. Their squad is decent, and the players should all be looking to put in a big performance to show their TBA incoming manager why they should be part of his roster.

Liverpool vs Fulham

Matt’s Tip – Liverpool. Despite a poor away performance last week, Liverpool should be too strong for Fulham this week. Fulham are struggling to get wins, and Anfield is not the place to be when this is happening.

Adrian’s Tip – Liverpool. It would be very surprising if Fulham got the draw here, let alone a win. Even with Schwarzer in goals, he alone can’t win them games, so the men around him really need to step up.

West Brom vs Wolves

Matt’s Tip – West Brom. West Brom have been impressive this season, and despite going down to Villa last week, they should turn it around, and overcome an in-form Wolves who themselves toppled Birmingham last week.

Adrian’s Tip – WBA. Wolves got up last week, much to the delight of my tips, but I can’t see them notching two wins in a row. West Brom have begun to slide a little, so if they want to be back where they were, a win is crucial here.

Blackpool vs Tottenham

Matt’s Tip – Tottenham. Blackpool did get up last week, but they face a much harder task this week against Tottenham, who scraped a 1-1 draw last week against fellow Londoners Chelsea.

Adrian’s Tip – Tottenham. Spurs will be looking to close the gap between themselves and the Top Four, so a win here is a must. And thankfully for them, it’s looking likely.

Chelsea vs Man Utd (Podcast Match of the Round)

Matt’s Tip – Man Utd. The home side may be favourites, but they failed to put away Tottenham last week, and Man Utd played below their best but got the points at home against Arsenal.

Adrian’s Tip – Man Utd. How can I back against my own side, especially with the great year they’ve had? I can’t see Chelsea turning it around here. Berba didn’t get a run against Arsenal, so I’d hope that he’ll start. He’s a big game player, and besides, I need some more points for my Fantasy team. But what of our man, the “Prized Cow”? Will he finally get a Premier League goal that will break the drought? Or will it be a case of waiting another week? Rooney, do yourself a favour and score!

Man City vs Everton

Matt’s Tip – Man City. Everton have been incredibly disappointing this season, and could find themselves in a relegation scrap if they don’t start performing. Tevez returns for Man City, and despite a supposed feud with Manager Mancini, he has been in great scoring form.

Adrian’s Tip – Man City. City have amazing depth, but hey, that’s no surprise with the amount of spending they’ve been up to. With their disgruntled captain returning, they should put the Toffees away, especially at home.

That’s it for the Premier League- remember, if you agree or disagree with us, leave a comment below!