Wind of Change (Weekend Preview)

Going, going, going…. gone.

Martin Jol has finally parted company with Spurs, while Bolton have appointed Gary Megson to replace Sammy Lee.

Will the changes reap dividends? We’re only in October, and the circus that is the Premier League has already seen three job changes - with Jose Mourinho galloping into the distant memory. Here’s the weekend preview…

Saturday

Birmingham v Wigan

This has the makings of a 6-pointer. Both teams have struggled to gain points recently, and both will approach the game with high hopes of taking the maximum. Wigan’s early season form has completely capitulated (say that after a pint), and with a number of injuries to key players they might have to play second best again.

Prediction: Birmingham 2 - 1 Wigan… YTM Player to watch: Sebastian Larsson

Chelsea v Man City

It seems an eternity since Mourinho left his post. If he hadn’t gone, this would be a managerial clash to savour. Sven’s start at City has been awesome, but Avram Grant has got the Chelsea ball rolling. His impressive start has somewhat slipped under the radar, but a victory here would gain him deserved plaudits.

Prediction: Chelsea 2 - 1 Man City… YTM Player to watch: Didier Drogba

Man Utd v Middlesbrough

Look at you lot. YTM Managers’ eyes have lit up like bonfire night. For those of you looking for a whipping this weekend, the prime location looks to be Old Trafford. Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Giggs and chums will look to fill their boots against David Wheater, Emanuel Pogatetz, Tuncay Sanli and friends. Boro could face an uphill battle from relegation this season. They’re just not that good.

Outrageous Prediction: Man Utd 5 - 0 Middlesbrough… YTM Player to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo 

Reading v Newcastle

Newcastle = 13 points at home, 4 points away. This stat is not to be ignored - the Geordies are poor travellers and even lost to Derby. Reading’s defence leaves a lot to be desired, which will offer the Toon some hope, and so this one could be booked for an entertaining draw.

Prediction: Reading 2 - 2 Newcastle… YTM Player to watch: Kevin Doyle

Sunderland v Fulham

Is Roy Keane Irish? The nation that traditionally favours fortune’s eye has had no effect on Sunderland recently. Surely they are due a slice of luck, but against Fulham they might not even need it. Stick with Keano to bag another three points, and stick with Kenwyn Jones (£2.5m in YTM - bargain) to grab smash in some more goals.

Prediction: Sunderland 3 - 1 Fulham… YTM Player to watch: Kenwyn Jones 

Portsmouth v West Ham (17.15)

Harry takes on his former club at Fratton Park, where Portsmouth’s impressive start will be put to the test again. Fellow old-school managerial graduate Alan Curbishley is slowly getting a tune out of West Ham, but it’s not nearly loud enough to get anything here.

Prediction: Portsmouth 2 - 0 West Ham… YTM Player to watch: Sylvain Distin

Sunday

Bolton v Aston Villa (13.30)

Gary Megson’s Premiership record with West Brom: Played 48, Won 7. So, he really must be the man to turn it all around?! Personally I think it could be as effective as trying to extinguish a raging fire by throwing petrol on it…. Or better yet, using the ejector seat in a helicopter. Football’s a funny game though, so who knows?

Prediction: Bolton 1 - 1 Aston Villa… YTM Player to watch: Gareth Barry

Derby v Everton (14.00)

Battle of Scotland on the touchline. Evertonians are still outraged by last weekend’s refereeing calamities - they could take out their frustration on Derby as a result. Even I will admit that Billy Davies’ team have improved. They are now only ‘rubbish’, compared to early season’s description: ‘really rubbish’.

Prediction: Derby 0 - 1 Everton… YTM Player to watch: Tim Cahill 

Tottenham v Blackburn

Is it me or has everyone missed a blatant fact with Martin Jol? Tottenham have an extremely expensive squad, assembled with the best part of an extortionate £40m. They are in the relegation zone after more than a quarter of the season, with a pathetic 7 points. They concede a goal from every set piece they (try to) defend, and their star striker is unsettled to say the least. Did he not deserve the sack? He spent £16m on Darren Bent - that’s enough to sack anyone in my book. Side with Blackburn to inflict more misery on the Spurs faithful. Rant over.

Prediction: Spurs 1 - 2 Blackburn… YTM Player to watch: Christopher Samba

Liverpool v Arsenal (16.00)

We finish the weekend with an enormous clash between two heavyweights in this season’s title hunt. The Premier League’s only remaining undefeated sides go head to head in what should be a very informative game. Are Liverpool up to it? Or are Arsenal the real deal? Will Sami Hyypia make it three own goals in three games? The giant Finn, although a legend on Merseyside, is simply over the hill. He turns like a tank. Anfield has been a friendless ground for Arsenal in recent years, and the Kop can rule again on Sunday, providing Sami isn’t up to his recent tricks.

Prediction: Liverpool 2 - 1 Arsenal… YTM Player to watch: Fernando Torres

Controversial? Have you got a bee in your bonnet? Leave a comment and let it off your chest…

Good luck this weekend.

Matt H @YTM