Week 7 Preview

Week seven has rolled around in no time and with the YTM transfer window wide open each game is attracting more interest than the last as YTM managers are searching for the ultimate team to take them to Football glory.
Saturday 22nd

Reading Vs Wigan

Wigan’s excellent start to the season has waned ever so slightly as they lost their early top 4 spot, but they can still be happy with their performances thus far, but the injury blow suffered by England front man Emile Heskey will definitely hurt the Latics. Reading have been blowing hot and cold after their first week draw against Man Utd. and need to form some sort of consistency in order to be contenders to the middle of the table.
Prediction: Wigan 2 - 1 Reading
Player to Watch: Jason Koumas - Scored a goal last week to secure a point for Wigan and will be looking for many more.

Arsenal Vs Derby

Possibly a bit of a no-brainer here. It is similar to when Liverpool took on Derby - it is all about guessing how many the Gunners will shoot home. If Fabregas can keep up his current form expect a lot of goals, but be aware of Adebayore and van Persie as well.
Prediction: Expect a lot of cheers erupting from the Emirates. Arsenal 4 - 0 Derby
Player to Watch: Robin Van Persie - Provided he takes his chances, Christmas may come twice for Van Persie.

Middlesbrough Vs Sunderland

A clash of the lower middle table. Expect a game that will not live up to expectations. Both teams seem to be struggling to find their groove. Southgate’s men will have the advantage of playing at home which may just be enough to encourage another win.
Prediction: Boro 1 - 0 Sunderland
Player to Watch: Stewart Downing - Boro’s top midfielder is looking solid at the moment.

Liverpool Vs Birmingham

Liverpool’s Daniel Agger has recently injured his metatarsal and is out for at least 6 weeks. This will probably not have to much of an affect on the result of this game judging my Raffa’s depth. Liverpool are looking really strong at the moment, and if they stopped giving away penalties and using the rotational system, many more YTM managers would be smiling.
Prediction: Liverpool 2 - 0 Birmingham
Player to Watch: Ryan Babel - a young Dutch talent with hordes of skill.

Fulham Vs Manchester City

Fulham are another one of those teams that are blowing hot and cold at the moment, and Manchester City have got one of the best defensive records so far this season. Expect another rock solid performance at the back for Sven’s men and a Fulham team which try as they might, just won’t be able to break through.
Prediction: Fulham 0 - 1 Man City
Player to Watch: The entire Man City defence. To choose one - Richard Dunne.

Sunday 23rd

Newcastle Vs West Ham

Newcastle suffered a major shock to the ego on Monday when they lost to Derby. One can only hope that the confidence has not been too badly shaken. They will be looking to bounce back against West Ham who have been performing really well of late.
Prediction: Newcastle 0 - 0 West Ham
Player to Watch: Dean Ashton - after getting his first goal for the Hammers he will be thirsty for more.

Aston Villa Vs Everton

Everton’s midweek 1st round UEFA match was a shambles. Effectively two penalties missed and only securing a draw against 9 men will hurt the Toffees not to mention Arteta has a possible foot injury. Villa will be looking for a win to help boost them into the top half of the table
Prediction: Aston Villa 0 - 0 Everton
Player to Watch: Gareth Barry - Villa’s solid captain to be harder than a rock. A rock that can play football.

Blackburn Vs Portsmouth

Rovers host Portsmouth in an evenly matched battle, both teams will be looking to impress. Hughes will have prepped his boys well for the a tough and brutal game. Portsmouth are fresh off a goalless draw with Liverpool a good result for any team in the premiership.
Prediction: Blackburn 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Player to Watch: Morten Gamst Pedersen - He is due a good game after only securing 3 yellow cards in 5 EPL games.

Bolton Vs Tottenham

So far the Premier Leagues biggest two under-performers, this should be a really good game. Both teams have the ability to score hoards of goals, and neither seems to put up much resistance. It is like two middle weight boxers just smacking each other punch after punch after punch…
Prediction: Bolton 1 - 2 Tottnham
Player to Watch: Gareth Bale - 2 goals in the last 2 games, and sterling performances to go with them.

Man Utd Vs Chelsea

Yes, there will be players on the field, but many eyes will be drawn to the sidelines where Avram Grant will be temporarily filling some very big shoes. The Mourinho era is over. Who can stop Sir Fergie now? Watch this space. Back to the pitch - this will be a cracker. Football’s giants come head to head again, expect a fast paced game full of action.
Prediction: Man Utd 1 - 1 Chelsea
Player to Watch: Carlos Tevez - with the return of Rooney, Tevez will want to prove his worth. What better way than against Chelsea?

Lata,

Chris @ YTM