Premier League Preview 07/03/08

We are back again for a slightly bizarre weekend of English Premier League football. There are only six games taking place this weekend, but don’t be fooled - if you want your players to score for the midweek games next week, they need to be in your team 15 minutes before Saturday’s first kick off!It is also worth taking note of the FA Cup clash this weekend between Manchester United and Portsmouth. This game will not count towards YTM points, so any players from those teams this weekend will be redundant. Here is the preview:

Saturday, 08 March 2008

Blackburn v Fulham

Fulham are starting to get desperate for results as they are staring the strong possibility of relegation straight in the eye. Blackburn on the other hand are aiming for a European place and will be relentless on the day. Blackburn should be able to hold off Fulham at Ewood Park. The men from the Cottage may be able to muster up the slightest of challenges, however I think that they will fade out towards the end of the game and will end up losing out. So far this season Blackburn have been good at seeing off the opponents late on in the game, expect no different here.

Bentley and Dunne will play a commanding role in the midfield and the strength of Roberts up front, be it from the start or off the bench will be overpowering for the Londoners. For Fulham watch out for Jimmy Bullard who has been a revelation since returning from a knee injury.

YTM Player to watch: Gamst Pederson. After playing way under his potential for almost all of the season, Gamst tasted the glory of goal scoring for the first time this season two weeks ago. I think he might just get that taste again.

Prediction: Blackburn 2-0 Fulham

Liverpool Vs Newcastle

Kevin Keegan graced the field at Anfield as a Liverpool hero up until 1977. He now returns as a manager of the struggling Newcastle team. Liverpool have managed to pull their act together after some average results had them close to losing their 4th place to Everton. Newcastle on the other hand have been sinking. Currently 13th place, but only three precious points from the top team in the relegation zone, every game from now on in is going to be a must win for the Toons.

Fernando Torres is on a rich vein of form having scored his third hat-trick of the season during the midweek clash against West Ham. Another former Liverpool star, Michael Owen may start the game will want to crown his 250th premier league cap with a goal to boost his team and help Keegan claim his first Newcastle victory in the new era.

YTM Player to watch: Dirk Kuyt has not been on the score sheet for the Reds for way to long and will be looking to rectify that fact.

Prediction: Liverpool 3 -0 Newcastle

Reading Vs Manchester City
After making such a promising start to the season Sven’s team has dropped off the radar in recent games, having won just one game in their last seven. Reading secured a vital win against Middlesbrough last week ending their record eight losses in a row record, and not a match too soon either as they have slumped into the relegation zone.

Although this is a must win game for both teams, I predict a slow paced game with a lack of goal scoring opportunities. Surprisingly over 21 000 of you out there have still got Micah Richards in your team, even though he is out with injury for the next few weeks. It might be time to use some of those transfers!

YTM Player to watch: Fiery haired Dave Kitson who has not scored since December will look to get his team out of trouble.

Prediction : Reading 1-0 Manchester City

Sunday, 09 March 2008

Sunderland Vs Everton

It is never the envious task to travel to the Stadium of Light and try to secure points. Sunderland have won seven at home, yet have not won a single game away yet. Everton are on good form and have some excellent players at their disposal. The last time these two sides met, Everton slammed Sunderland 7-1 and will be hoping for a similar result here.

Tim Cahill’s celebration last week to his imprisoned brother fortunately did not result in any sort of ban, as Everton will need all their stars to salvage a point from this one.

YTM Player to watch: Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta has drifted off the scene a bit after the return of Australian Cahill, but he has my backing for this game.

Prediction : Sunderland 1-2 Everton

Tottenham Vs West Ham

[tWest Ham are reeling after their double header week in which they lost 4-0 twice in the space of 4 days. Tottenham did not fair much better as the also conceded four goals against league strugglers Birmingham. Ramos may have let the team out for some celebrations after winning the Carling Cup, but all celebrations will have been thwarted last week. It is back to business as usual.

West Ham are suffering with a number of injuries, including Etherington, Bowyer, Bellamy and Quashie. The team will do well to gain a result against Tottenham.

YTM Player to watch: Freddie Ljungberg to score the Hammers solitary goal.

Prediction: I am going to remain on the fence for this one, Tottenham 1-1 West Ham

Wigan Vs Arsenal

Arsenal’s title hopes were dealt a slight blow last weekend as they drew to an in form Villa side. The pressure is all on them this weekend with Manchester United tied up in an FA Cup tie. It is almost like taking the first penalty in a shootout. Score and you are in control, miss and you are in trouble. Wigan held Man City to a draw last week, but I dont think it will be enough this weekend.

Arsenal’s midweek performance against AC Milan was unstoppable, the Gunners took complete control and never looked like they even knew how to lose. If they can carry that form into this game, expect a big score.

YTM Player to watch: Alexander Hleb. Yes.

Prediction: Wigan 0-3 Arsenal

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Tags (click to view more!): Blackburn, Fulham, Ewood Park, Bentley, Dunne, Roberts, Jimmy Bullard, Gamst Pederson, Kevin Keegan, Liverpool, Newcastle, Fernando Torres, Michael Owen, Dirk Kuyt, Sven, Reading, Middlesbrough, Micah Richards, Wigan, AC Milan, Gunners, Alexander Hleb