Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 13/09, 14/09 & 15/09

Thank goodness it's back, the Premier League returns into our lives this weekend in all it's sparkling glory. Scraping through an usually easy watch in the international break, we saw our nation final begin to pose a bit of class and finesse meaning that wise old Roy finally got a little bit of much needed praise. This being said, it's great to see club football gracing our screens once more and the fact that we get the chance to spectate on all the transfer window, cliffhanger signings makes it that much more interesting. I'll never understand why FIFA work the way they do, I mean, why leave every single Premier League fan on edge with the deadline day being just before an international week off and whats more important, the players have a risk of snagging up with an injury for example, Ramsey for Wales and Sturridge in England's training session. Fresh, ready and raring to go, the teams from all over England will be wanting to get September off to a flying start and get the season underway once and for all. August was full of thrills and the outcome saw many teams shine through; Swansea under Gary Monk picked up three unassailable wins and top the the table, not forgetting to mention his manager of the month nod and also a few of the team getting player of the month nominee's. No doubt about it, the biggest talking points this fixture week will be Manchester United and there cash splash squad but take nothing away from the rest, this weekend should be another corker.

I couldn't think of a more monstrous yet amazing thing that could prize you from your bed on a Saturday brunch time, a game of football may just get you up and rock your socks but this week its something spectacular. Arsenal versus Manchester City at the Emirates, 12:45, its happening. Poor Wenger never gets the rub of the green and has worse luck than Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad, as his players just fall injured left, right and centre. Losing all forms of a front line attack, Arsenal had to resort to enticing in Manchester United's Danny Welbeck on a deadline day loan deal; maybe the young, English striker can make his break here and put his name on the score tally once and for all. If his performance is anything to go by after Monday night, Danny could be a super steal which would leave a sour taste in United's swollen pallet. Man City definitely will have something to say about Arsenal getting back on track and will guarantee to continue their title surge. After slipping on a banana skin at home against Stoke in their previous game, Pellingrini's boys probably won't hold back on demolishing the Gunners and three points at the Emirates is certainly going to be vital for the blue side of Manchester.

My 15:00 highlight for Saturday is undoubtably the square up between Swansea and Chelsea. The two unbeaten teams in the division go at it logger heads and one team, or maybe even both's, winning streak is going to end. Personal opinions say that Chelsea are going to walk all over the title race this year and I can shout with great confidence that they haven't disappointed. Signing's of the summer have to go to Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas so far and with Mourihno grabbing the reigns with both hands, you can't really deny them praise. Last game, the Blue's were part of the match of the season as they blasted six past Tim Howard in the nets of Everton and it goes without saying, they can tot up the goal tally a notch or two but can they do it again against the lads from Wales?. Heading to the Bridge in superlative form we have Gary Monk's Swansea. One of my badly predicted teams to struggle this year, Swansea have stunned everyone around the nation and carry on to perform to a top standard week in, week out. Easily a mid table team, they have a bright future ahead of themselves and with players like Nathan Dyer, Ashley Williams and Sigurdsson you can see why. They've left highly graded squads licking their wounds already and I honestly think the mastermind tactics may leave Chelsea shaken up as well. All in all, this game just has goals written over it, not just in the Swansea net but the Blues goal too. Put your bibs on and plate up for this goal buffet.

If you aren't already too overloaded from all of the Saturday afternoon football madness, we've got another toe tingling fixture for the evening. At Anfield, Liverpool welcome in Aston Villa ready for some more big balling action. Super Mario Balotelli can make his home ground debut here and after what we saw of him in the fixture previous against Tottenham, the showman hasn't changed. What better way to begin to write your story as a Liverpool legend than to score a screamer in front of the Kop on your first home game. Surely it has to be written in the star's, after all it is always him but more importantly Brendan Rogers wants to create a rendition of last season meaning that three points is top of the priorities list. Sterling is evermore posing as the light at the end of England's tunnel and for Liverpool, hopefully the lad can switch on his jet like heels and nail a few goals. Aston Villa on the other hand, haven't come off too shady either. Paul Lambert snuck into a surprising manager of the month nomination position for August and reflecting back, it's a fair call. Seven points out of a possible nine, Villa give off decent displays of footballing ability and shouldn't be written off in the slightest. Austrian forward, Andreas Weinmann stealthily snatches goals in the six yard box and if the wobbly Liverpool back line don't pick him up early, they could be in serious trouble.

Well this Sunday is going to be an emotional one to say the least, first of all I'm moving into uni which isn't all that tear jerking but most importantly there is only one super Sunday fixture, absolutely heartbreaking. After stuffing up on your Sunday lunch you can settle in to the most greatly anticipated games of the calendar to date with a fixture between Manchester United and QPR. These ninety minutes could well be when we see United finally turn on the black hole that Mr.Moyes dug them into and begin to give off the aroma of the Red Devils of old. Two points out of three games was enough to understand why Van Gaal needed to bring in the world class caliber of players he did and to say other teams shouldn't be scared is a massive lie. Falcao, Di Maria, Blind, Rojo to name just a couple of Old Trafford's new arrivals, will be linking up in a freshly uniformed United squad on a mission. Everyone around the globe will have their beady eyes peeled on this fixture and I'm expecting some stellar soccer from Van Gaal's revolution. You've got to feel a sorry for Harry Redknapp in a way but in all honesty, he has the chance to throw a giant spanner into the works in front of the world, causing floods of tears to show Manchester United are really dead and buried.

Weekend over with, its down to the final game of the English League showdown's where West Ham travel to the midlands to face Steve Bruce's Hull in a Monday night match. Underrated, Hull City go about their weekly business just cruising for season long survival but no one saw them being one of the teams to make some of the best transfers of the term. The KC Stadium is now the brand new nest for some of the worlds finest players and on Monday night they'll be out there working the fans. Uruguay's World Cup starlet Abel Hernandez snubbed a move to Benifica in the chance to play for the Tigers in the Premier League and let us not forget the superb signature of Southampton's Gaston Ramirez, both of which would slot neatly into any top four team. Once Bruce gets the squad glued together, these boys will easily pass Premier League survival and may even push the top half. Onto the Hammers and big Sam still has some work to do. Ever since last year, the east Londoners have lost faith in their manager and relentlessly pelt him with pessimism. With time not ticking on his side, Allardyce has to make magic fast and a win at Hull would certainly help him in his craft. Three points on the tally is average but you can't get any insight from it, hopefully for the bubble blowing Hammers Alex Song can sing when he is winning.

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS:

Saturday 13th September...
Arsenal 1-2 Man City
Chelsea 2-0 Swansea
Crystal Palace 3-1 Burnley
Southampton 2-2 Newcastle
Stoke City 1-2 Leicester City
Sunderland 1-1 Tottenham
West Brom 0-2 Everton
Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa

Sunday 14th September...
Man United 3-0 QPR

Monday 15th September...
Hull City 2-1 West Ham

WORTH A PUNT:

All Twenty Premier League Teams to Score this Weekend, 500/1...

Okay, I know what everyone may be thinking, this isn't going to happen and you've probably got more chance of being eaten by a shark in an aqua park but don't be too pessimistic. five hundred to one makes you a grand up off of two golden nuggets but it'll even pocket you a smile cracking, two hundred and fifty pounds off of that loose fifty pence. The last time the division witnessed every team score was back on the weekend of 27th and 28th of November 2011 and it could occur again, maybe even this weekend, so go for it, have a little flutter. Just think of the experimentation that squads will be stating this week and the goals that'll be leaking in, you'd be the king of the Weekend celebrations and next weekend, you'd have a hell of a party. Paddy Power can be your forever friend and its undeniable that this bet is worth a hefty toe punt.

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 30/08 & 31/08

The weeks are absolutely steaming by, its as though you blink for a minute in the football world and you miss everything; we are already heading into the third game stage at the top flight. Transfers, England and Europe have all been the key subjects of discussion but for now it's premier league o'clock and we certainly have some blockbuster ball games lined up. Last Saturday's showcase made spectacle for some blinding results that made waves in and around the league. Highlighting but a few of the unpredictable accumulations we had Manchester United fail to get their opening win when they drew even in a goal piece game against Sunderland, Liverpool were also stumped, given a slap back to reality as Man City turned on the charm walking over the Scouser's 3-1. Shaky starts have also proven to be a trend for premier league new comers as between Leicester, Burnley and QPR they only have a single point not forgetting about fellow strugglers Crystal Palace who, like two of the newbies, are yet to post a point on the board. The dark cloud continues to lurk over Selhurst Park from Pulis' recent departure, then after appointing Neil Warnock as his successor it would seem to me that they have just opened the flood gates; no top flight experience, an extremely poor record and a outspoken personality can only spell disaster for Palace, Warnock is not the one. So what can we expect this week? a few more revelling results? or an average week in the English league life?.

Whip up your bacon butty, place your feet up and enjoy Saturday's lunchtime kick off between Burnley and Manchester United. There is nothing more welcoming to a freshly sprung Championship side than playing two of England's finest squads in your opening three fixtures, both of which at home in front of your own fans; poor lads couldn't have written a worse opening script. The newbies could rewrite the history books though as last time the Red Devils headed to Turf Moore they lost by a measly late goal, if this happened again I think Louis Van Gaal might just flip his calm and collective lid. Still in search of their first three points of the year, the newly strengthened United team have a point to prove yet again. I'm expecting experimenting, creative play and a lot of eyes to be fixated on the next number seven, Angel Di Maria. Argentinian's will be vital to the clean slate United as fellow countryman Marcus Rojo is strengthening up the leaking Red defence. Manchester are out to cause chaos but I don't think the claret and blue of Burnley are just going to roll over and take it. My 15:00 highlight has got to be at St.James Park in the game between Newcastle and Crystal Palace purely on the fact that Palace have so much at stake, so early on. A new manager behind the reigns with an abysmal reputation, this could cause serious disaster and equal the end of a fruitful Premier League spell, I just genuinely hope for their sakes it goes better than predicted. The Toon army have been thoroughly impressive up until this point and you wouldn't have thought it with just a point on the table. Against Man City they were valiant putting up a solid performance and last weekend at Villa Park they were bigger majority, its just up front they lacked a goal scoring predator. Ginger Pirlo, Jack Colback is a key signing and his recent call up to the England squad has surely boosted his confidence; it would be heartbreaking if the lad went and done a young star stereotype where he flopped harder than a soggy kebab on Friday night. In the Saturday evening showdown Everton are hosting a superb Chelsea and this game has all the right signs for feisty fixture. Goal hungry Costa is looking likely to miss out on this important game after recently taking a knock, the big spaniard seems to have already adapted to English life nailing a sterling two in two games. Everton on the other hand, ploughed into Arsenal last weekend taking a two goal but then threw it all away in a final fluster where the Londoner's came back to snatch a point.

Once again the football heavens have listened to us because for the second week on the bounce we have not one, not two but three super Sunday fixtures. Hull City, still creaking from the Thursday night Europa League game, are going to have to oil up and get back on the saddle as they to travel to Aston Villa. Tired legs and sore heads are going to take a serious toll on the Tiger's but to make it as a consistent top team, they are going to have to deal with it. Last Sunday Villa played in a not so memorable match against Newcastle, I'm seriously dreading this game is going to be another bore draw from two mid table teams. Let us not forget the other 13:30 kick off between Spurs and Liverpool, the Red men of the Mersey put up a severely lack luster display on Monday night against the champions and they lost a lot more than they wanted to from the game. In the final third of the game Liverpool postured a lifeless display and a few of the first team players fell like flies to injury; this week Rodgers is mustering up a plan that is going to be somewhat different from previous scenarios as the enigma, Balotelli is now up on the team sheet. Quietly but competently little old Spurs, who haven't delegated in much business this summer, have snuck in two wins out of two and are top of the league, Pochettino looks as though he's got the sparks finally flying at White Hart Lane. All in all this game is certainly going to be a cracker with no clear victor coming out on top for my predictions, can Balotelli burn holes back in the premier league or will a high flying Tottenham rub salt into an already injured Liverpool team. Finishing off the weekend of football, all ready for the international break, we have Leicester facing off against the Wenger boys, Arsenal. Not a single striker in sight for Arsenal, the gunners are literally scraping the barrel for a goalscorer after losing Olivier Giroud to a brutal injury. The big Frenchman is down and out until January 2015, so any tactics made around him are going to drastically change. My favourite of the promoted squads, Leicester have started brightly and give off an extremely comfortable ora in top flight life. As I mentioned in the introduction paragraph, the Midlands men are the only one of the Championship crew to posses a point and against Arsenal they'll be looking to break some hearts. Wenger shouldn't underestimate the power of his opponents and should dig in for a hard fought win, this year their are no easy games in the premier league.

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS:

Saturday 30th August...
Burnley 1-2 Man United
Man City 4-0 Stoke City
Newcastle 2-0 Crystal Palace
QPR 1-1 Sunderland
Swansea 2-0 West Brom
West Ham 0-1 Southampton
Everton 1-2 Chelsea

Sunday 31st August...
Aston Villa 1-1 Hull City
Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool
Leicester 1-3 Arsenal

WORTH A PUNT:

Angel Di Maria to Score First Against Burnley, 7/1...

What a headline that'd be, the fresh, superstar signing, donning the famous number seven shirt on his Manchester debut, nailing the first goal on United's revival journey. Van Gaal will be playing about with the formation and its undeniable that a lot of the play is going to mould around the Argentine. Some might say that he's just going to be another transfer regret where as others think that this late business could hint at the signing of the summer. One things for sure I'll be backing Angel and its certainly worth a gamble on him scoring first. At 7/1 he's a real steal for a nifty profit, three golden nuggets can snatch a smooth £21 from your chosen bookie, so don't back down on this deal.

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 23/08, 24/08 & 25/08

What a week for football, chaos has erupted all over our nation of soccer and we are absolutely loving it. The spawn of this years season kicked off last weekend with some spectacular matches stealing the headlines not forgetting to mention the rise of a few, clear new clubs to look out for in the coming year. Newcastle, Palace and Southampton certainly gave off promising signs which is stunning seeing with the state these clubs have showcased in previous years and even bouncing back from selling out in this summer window. All football aside, my favourite trend of the week has to be the ALS ice bucket challenge; so simple but what entertainment. We've seen heroes from Sky Sports' Jim White to all time great David Beckham being nominated and drenched in ice water all in the name of raising money for charity; one word, brilliant. Talking transfers and its all getting rather warm towards the end of the market, with little under two weeks to go the premier league totaliser has already smashed last years transfer millions and it definitely isn't going to hold up. After last weeks shenanigans Manchester United surely looked as though they needed to tighten up the back line so the signing of the Argentinian Rojo should help them severely, then you have Liverpool. The red side of the Mersey have added depth to their squad this summer but are still needing to fill that hole up top left by Suarez. Will the deal with Balotelli go through? and can the Italian Stallion do the business for Brendan Rodgers?.

Punting in on Saturday's lunchtime crunch time, we have a game where Paul Lambert's Villa welcomes in the Toon Army for a match that won't be short of picturesque highlights. Newcastle put up a prominent, brave battle last weekend against the champions but unfortunately they didn't quite have enough to stop them sneaking through although this being said it genuinely seemed as though they've made signings of the summer in Cabella and Riviere. Villa on the other end, pulled through and snuck in a one goal win against a, normally solid, Stoke side. All in all these two are full of confidence, which is enough fuel for another top flight cracker but after last weeks flip turn performance Newcastle are undoubtably a new team giving them the advantage. The next highlight on another beautiful soccer Saturday is Chelsea's luck of the draw being against another newly promoted side in Leicester. Monday night was the birth of the Blues title bid and the Londoners were gifted a premier league opener against Burnley which they bossed 3-1. Diego Costa bagged then and now he has the chance to do it again but this time on home turf; surely everyone is going with a Chelsea win over Leicester here? unless the midlands men can cause a London a tear jerking upset. Finally the last of Saturday's fixtures is a spicy encounter between Everton and Arsenal. It was all so close, but yet so far for the Toffees last Saturday as they only managed to reel in a draw against newbies Leicester and Arsenal didn't look too much to write home about either. Wenger forgot to park his Wenger bus leading to Crystal Palace snatching the lead but lucky for the Londoners they managed to pull the game back and take all three, valuable points. A toughie to call but I'm going with an away win purely because Everton don't seem a shadow of there previous selves. 

Super Sunday is treating us hardworking football lovers to three fixtures for our long bank holiday weekend and they'll certainly be appreciated. Only one of the three catch my beady eye however and that is the four o'clock kick off where Sunderland host Manchester United. Louis Van Gaal took a massive shock to the system at the hands of Swansea in the week previous and to be honest he's toned down a lot since reality has hit home. It's clear to see that he definitely wasn't expecting that start and now has to prove his mustard otherwise he'll be getting a one way ticket down Moyse Street. Unquestionably the Manchester men needed to buckle up and buy some players and with Rojo now touching down at Old Trafford they may just have that extra strength they need. Take nothing away from Sunderland but it would seem Manchester United already have something to prove so I'm expecting a serious romping; easy away here. 

Where do I begin here? the second monday night football of the year and already we have a fixture such as Man City and Liverpool to feast our eyes upon. I can't hide my excitement for this,  my blood is pumping, my reminder is set, I'm just like a fat kid at a buffet. Last years first place and second place are  locking horns in what will be one of the games of the season, who knows, it may even decide the title so early on as now. Imagine if Balotelli were to sign in time for this one? The big, bad Mario, returning to the Eithad only to don a Liverpool jersey and leaving his old captain stuck in the grass; you can just picture it now and can see the papers racking up the headlines. Back to reality and these titans are going to go at it no holds barred, Man City so superbly strong in defence with the ability to turn nothing into a goal face the pass masters and speed in Liverpool squad. It's the new SAS versus Kompany and Co. and both teams are truly going to be battling for the title; buckle up because this ones going to heart pounding. Final result... Liverpool win.

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS:

Saturday 23rd August...

Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle 

Chelsea 3 -1 Leicester

Crystal Palace 1-0 West Ham

Southampton 2-1 West Brom

Swansea 1-1 Burnley 

Everton 0-2 Arsenal

Sunday 24th August...

Hull City 0-0 Stoke City

Tottenham 1-0 QPR

Sunderland 1-3 Manchester United

Monday 25th August...

Man City 1-2 Liverpool

WORTH A PUNT:

Liverpool to beat Man City 2-1, 12/1...

The new big spenders are in town and they are seeking a revenge on last years title robbery. Oh, so sore, the agony has been left and the wounds of every man associated with Liverpool football club have freshly healed meaning they are ready for war once again. On Monday night the mighty reds keep the revival up and travel to the Etihad in search of the victory that can prove they are the better team. It's undeniable Man City won't just roll over but I feel the passion steaming in from Anfield can knock City for six, giving them the all in important three points. Rodgers and his boys are steaming off the back of a win and I'm expecting another, 2-1, have a bang on that and settle yourself a couple of extra quid for a few bank holiday beverages.

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 16/08,17/08 & 18/08

Ein, uno, one. So it begins, the first week of what is set to be a sparkling premier league season hits us up this Saturday and my oh my, do we have toe tingling fixtures that will make your soccer cravings water. The championship has brought us meat fresher than from the arbetoir in the form of the three promtee's but it's no doubt that they'll have a rough weekend; Leicester, Burnley and QPR are all seeking to kick start their top flight life with a win. So much speculation and mind games have flown in already this week on the league winner predictions but nearly every manager has modestly mentioned that six teams can lift this years trophy; Everton and Tottenham were stamped with the belief of that ability. Without further or do, who will it be? Can a new team lift the trophy or will the top four dominate once more?. 

A new look Liverpool take to the stage at Anfield this weekend, only to host the team that they bought most of in the transfer window. Sterling and co. are still feeling the bruises from last years brutal ending meaning they are going to be relentless against The Saints on Sunday. A sure shot for a home three points. One to look out for this year is the revival of the Red Devils as Louis Van Gaal has seemedly put the Moyes Murder to bed and dragged United through the rough, then coming out the other end like a burning phoenix. They kick off the whole season this weekend in the 12:45 Saturday showdown against Swansea in a game where I'd expect an easy win for the Manchester men. 

What a way to introduce Burnley to the big time, an overlooked championship team so tender and unrated, pushed in the deep end in a game against the title favourites, Chelsea. Monday night football is back and so is the banter between the pundits which is going to be as funny as the full time result, let's just hope Gary Neville is on form. Diego Costa, Fabregas and the returning Drogba are going to feast on the feeble defence of Burnley and a goal buffet it's going to be served; unlucky for the newbies but that's just the way the cookie crumbles. The final match highlight I want to address is the bone crunching Sunday funday match between the Toon Army and Man city. After doing more business than a food truck outside an American school, Newcastle look refreshed. They have infact, finally got over the French Revolution and began to sign more players from around the globe having currently signed the most players for any club in the prem this summers window. Man City on the other hand are just bouncing back from a rather poor, rather weak pre season and by the looks of it, the title will slip their grasp this year. The players might be signing new contracts but the team hasn't moved mountains so I'm expecting a score draw from this game. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: 

Saturday 16th August...

Man United 3-0 Swansea

Leicester 1-2 Everton

QPR 1-1 Hull city

Stoke City 2-0 Aston Villa

West Brom 0-1 Sunderland

West Ham 2-2 Tottenham

Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace

Sunday 17th August...

Liverpool 3-1 Southampton

Newcastle 1-1 Man City

Monday 18th August...

Burnley 0-4 Chelsea 

WORTH A PUNT: 

Diego Costa to Score a Hatrick - 18/1...

This Spaniard may have one of the worst world cups to date, but let's be honest, he's one of the main reasons Atletico Madrid snatched La Liga last year. After reeling him in during the summer transfer window, Mourinho has had the chance to mould his team around Costa during pre season and he's certainly mustered up some magic with the striker nailing in a bag full of goals. Place a golden nugget on him to score a hatty and pocket yourself a tidy £18 in return; not a bad bet considering the boys in blue are only playing Burnley. 

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 11/05.

And so this is it, the finale, the conclusion, the final paragraph in the chapter of a superb season of premier league football. Sunday will sum up a historic soccer year with pleanty of crunching fixtures and amazingly the title has still yet to be clinched. After Liverpool's Monday night mis-hap at Selhurst Park, they head into the last day hoping that West Ham can beat title favourites Man City. At the bottom end, Norwich City can only survive the drop if they can win by an impossible eighteen goals, it's more than certain that the Canaries will be joining Cardiff and Fulham in the Championship next year. 

Every last top flight game will be kicking off at 3:00PM Sunday and don't even for a second think about switching off this intense day. Although it would seem some teams have nothing to play for, fear not as these footballing face offs will be as fierce as all season because as I say, no one plays to lose. Everyone's eyes are going to be at the Eitihad and Anfield because the title can only go to one of either team. Man City host a recently triumphant West Ham squad, who feature some ex red men in Andy Carroll and Stuart Downing; one point for City here will see them seal the trophy for a second time in three years but one slip and Liverpool could snatch it. At Anfield, Liverpool are going to be relentless as they play Newcastle, three points could see the scouser's steal (a phrase often used) the trophy off the blue side of Manchester, however this is a must win scenario on the hope City lose. A quick drop to the bottom of the table see's Norwich welcome Arsenal to Carrow Road, as the table shows, the boys in Yellow may as well already have the red stripe with R next to their name as eighteen goals are required to survive. Looking at the seasons goal tally and the underperforming strike force, it's looking like they will need a miracle or infact one ginger pele back at the nest to pin back relegation for another year. Finally, Ryan Giggs shall be kicking his last ball in Man United colours this Sunday as he heads off for a luxury life of retirement or possibly the stress of management. After a career that may never be repeated again, the Welshmen will wave goodbye to his fans and followers, let's hope we see him sign a contract controlling a team soon. 

SUPER SUNDAY PREDICTIONS: 

Sunday 11th May...

Southampton 1-3 Man United

Norwich 1-2 Arsenal

Man City 3-2 West Ham

Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle 

Cardiff 0-3 Chelsea

Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace

Hull City 2-1 Everton

Tottenham 3-2 Aston Villa

Sunderland 2-0 Swansea

West Brom 1-1 Stoke City 

WORTH A PUNT...

Every team in the premier league to score on Sunday - 75/1...

As it's the last day in the prem and every team is squaring up in a no holds barred, slug out Paddy Power have come up with this rough diamond of a bet. Logic is telling us that eighteen teams have nothing to play for so imagine the players are already in holiday mode, putting their boots up until the World Cup; this can only mean one thing.. goals. Leaking defenders and strikers looking to poke in one last goal, this Sunday could stage the ultimate goal feast and with only a golden nugget you could seal yourself a tasty seventy five pounds by backing this. 

Thanks for Reading and I'll be back with my World Cup Weekly in June!!! 

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 03/05, 04/05 & 05/05 

Just two weeks ago the nation was treated to a lovely long weekend and wait no longer as another big weekend bank holiday has landed. What better way to spend the three day lounge fest than by putting your feet up with an ice cold beverage to witness a footballing spectacular?. Saturday, Sunday and Monday are giving us some premium fixtures as the premier league teams head into their final two fixtures. Unfortunately next Sunday (11th May) is the end of an epic yet historic year as the final games take place.

We have a super seven lined up for Saturday's soccer showdown and their are certainly some special fixtures to highlight. It won't be the tubes that stop London from functioning this weekend, it will be the football with tomorrow lunchtimes fixture being a bolstering West Ham side inviting Tottenham to the Hammers House; surely big Sam has seen the east Londoners safe but another point would secure survival for another season. Ryan Giggs will be seeking another strong win as Sunderland are travelling to Manchester at three o'clock; last week we applauded as the Man United of old look to have been revived by a boost from the welsh man, because of the steam rolling they gave Norwich. The Mackems won't be willing to drop the winning run though as points are as valuable as gold at the bottom end of the league and they are anything but safe. Finally our evening shootout is a match up between champions league contenders Everton and title seekers Man City. Both the red and blue sides of Meryside will be backing the toffees to put Man City in a sticky patch as a win would see Liverpool take back the title advantage; Everton fans seem to be split on this though as they feel that fourth is lost and Martinez should field a weakend side. 

Unfortunately this Sunday we are only given two helpings of Sunday kick offs, fear not though because they are both set up to be classics. At the one-thirty square up Wengers boys host the Baggies who have been a massively unpredictable side all year. Last Monday, Arsenal again proved why they were menacing so early on in the season as they tanked Newcastle and with the likes of Ramsey and Özil sprinting back into stride they are playing slick football. West Brom on the other hand, still aren't safe so they may be putting in serious movement to gain that all important point. As the roast bubbles away in the oven Chelsea will welcoming Norwich to the Bridge. In midweek the blues European hopes were crushed for another year by revellers Atletico; this proving bad news for the Canaries as they only thing Chelsea have to contend for is the league as they are far from out of the chase. Norwich need all the points they can get with the Championship looming and the whispering of regulation becoming much more a reality, with only two games left and in the drop zone, unfortunately the East Anglian crew will be shedding a few tears soon. 

Don't be sad because the long weekend has come to an end because Monday night football has reunited with us again, showcasing a fearsome fight between Crystal Palace and Liverpool. It could only happen to one man and one man only, with last week Liverpool's captain Steve Gerrard literally slipped up to hand contenders a glimpse at the trophy. The red men will surely have to win the remaining games and hope for a miracle that Man City fall short because otherwise they can kiss the cup goodbye; Palace who have done amazingly well to prize themselves up this year are going out to treat the fans so the win will be set in their sights. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: 

Saturday 3rd May...

West Ham 1-3 Tottenham

Aston Villa 1-1 Hull City

Man United 3-2 Sunderland

Newcastle 0-1 Cardiff 

Stoke City 1-2 Fulham

Swansea 2-2 Southampton

Everton 1-3 Man City

Sunday 4th May...

Arsenal 4-1 West Brom

Chelsea 3-0 Norwich

Monday 5th May...

Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool

WORTH A PUNT: 

Man United, Man City, Chelsea & Liverpool all to win - 3/1...

Paddy power are offering up this weekend football acca special with the "Big Guns" all to come out on top in their games. With little room for error, the so called big boys will be pulling no stops in this weekend bonanza meaning that we could see rival teams falling to the chop. Man United want to build on previous wins and look to beef up enthusiasm in camp whilst the other squads in question are all slugging it out for a taste of the title. A phenomenal weekend of football can be iced and topped with a cash shaped cherry if you back this diamond I a punt. 

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 26/04, 27/04 & 28/04 

After last weeks over indulgence of Easter chocolate and furious football, we shoot back into the premier league for, what many are calling, the great decider. Within the seven days just passed, we witnessed some of the most shocking headlines, making footballing history for years to come; not only did Liverpool almost secure the league but also Moyes felt a swift boot out of Old Trafford's gates. Finally we saw something more sour than a gone off grape, as a new personality of Jose Murinho shined through; ungracious in defeat and unfaultess for the loss, the menacing man child sulked in a press conference, only to earn himself a nice little charge from the FA. 

Get ready for a lunchtime crunch tomorrow as at 12:45, future England stars at Southampton host a determined Everton side. You can almost see the grimace in the faces of Lakaku and Co with the weeks passing, as they try to claw back fourth spot for the first bite in Europes top flight since many blue moons ago. At Craven Cottage, Fulham can build up the power to fly out of the bottom three if they win against Hull tomorrow; if all results go in favour of the Londoners they will be floating above the drop in a all but comforting seventeenth. With the fans wishes finally granted at Man United and the disappearance of one Mr.Moyes, the Red Devils look to steam roll a Norwich team which look to be on the up. Last week the Canaries put up a massive struggle, giving the title leaders no easy route to a win, unfortunately they were overpowered, leaving them with even more sweat on the brow. In this evening fixture expect classes, bloody, sweat and passion as both teams have golden insentives, one with a red dragon on the throne. 

Disagree with me all you want, but ever since Christmas, Sunday's have been my favourite day's of the week. Most weeks have given us the highest quality games, with crucial cup points flying here, there and everywhere; this week shows no sign of letting up. Once again we have been treated to not one, but three important fixtures which can kill off both the title race and part of the relegation war. At 12:00 two teams in the bottom three square up in Tyneside as Sunderland invite the Vincent Tann's troops to Stadium of Light. If Cardiff win this fixture I feel that they have given themselves a glimmer of hope for an extra season at the top, however in Sunderlands recent great escape scheme they might not pull away with the points. Murinho might have been playing mind games all season but will we see them make any difference? A lengthy journey to Anfield builds up to a 14:05 kick off between the top two with Liverpool hosting the Blues in a fiesty footballing frenzy. Some breath whispers of this being a cup final whilst others say the Meryside men have both hands on the title, one things for sure, they can surely start engraving the name if Liverpool nab this. The finale upon our Sunday evening is between Crystal Palace and Man City where Pellegrini will try to clinch onto any form of title success. Palace have been on solid form recently, dropping few points, this surely securing their place in the Prem next year; expect no walk in the park for Man City but the same goes for the London boys. 

Monday night football is back once more with a showcase showdown between Arsenal and Newcastle at the Emirates. Last Sunday, Wengers men cruised over Hull, showing a personality of the Arsenal we once saw at the start of the season; with Ramsey and Ozil back in form goals will be a pleanty making it a great watch for neutrals around. Newcastle have been struggling severely ever since they lost the talisman in Cabye, so the goal drought may continue until next year when they can sign a new star. My opinion is that Arsenal fans and players deserve fourth spot and the FA cup because of the brilliance they staged at the start of the year. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: 

Saturday 26th April...

Southampton 1-3 Everton

Fulham 1-0 Hull City

Stoke City 2-2 Tottenham

Swansea 1-2 Aston Villa 

West Brom 2-1 West Ham

Man United 1-2 Norwich

Sunday 27th April...

Sunderland 3-1 Cardiff 

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City

Monday 28th April... 

Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle

WORTH A PUNT: 

Ramsey to Score First - 6/1...

The little Welshman is back in action, causing more midfielding chaos and cute passing than we can stomach. After being injured for so long, it's clear what Arsenal have been missing in the past months as the youngster springs so much life into the play at the Emirates. All that a side, it can't go without a mention that the maestro likes to bag himself a goal or two as well as assisting a his world class hitmen, being one of the top scoring mid men in the league. As Newcastles defence is weaker than a larger shandy expect the Gunners to rein fire upon them, with (fingers crossed) Aaron Ramsey nailing the net first. 

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 19/04, 20/04 & 21/04

Have no fear, football fans, the bank holiday Easter weekend is here and it's ressurecting the Premier League once again with some spectacular fixtures. There's more footballing action than Suarez can sink his teeth into this break and no doubt we'll see pleanty thrills as the penultimate clashes continue. Not only are the soccer God's treating us to games Saturday, Sunday and Monday, they are also nursing our back to work hangovers with midweek Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday. Oh, how I love football.

This Saturday showcase's six Easter fixtures of joy as we witness the scrap for survival and the title race draw to an ever nearing close. At 12:45 Tottenham are looking to rebound off their recent abismal form in a London derby clash against the escapologist's Fulham; last week saw The Cottager's clinch three points in a one goal win, digging their top flight survival chances further into the turf. Welshmen Cardiff are hoping to give Vincent Tan something to throw his money about for, in a bid to secure a celebration party for staying up, it's undeniable that recent results are surely sending them down, so they must win against the always solid Stoke tomorrow. Sunderland can spoil the trophy party twice in a week tomorrow as they travel to Stamford Bridge in the evening kick off. After giving Liverpool the chance to wrap a hand round the title midweek, Sunderland again look to gain a result which could put Chelsea further behind and Poyet a chance of getting off the bottom position.  

Lamb in the oven? Check. Relaxing refreshment? Check. Feet up, remote in hand, indulging in a tremendous soccer Sunday? Double check. Right in the middle of our bank holiday sandwich, on what should be a fine Easter Sunday, we have a tantalising treble of matches. After last weeks potential moment of history, Liverpool seek to steam forward to steal the trophy by securing a win against Norwich. With Gerrard's drive alongside Suarez's record against the Canaries, we could see a cricket score, however the men in Yellow have something to prove under the new man Adam's and will want to cause an upset to the Red revolution. Next stop on the goal bus, Hull are hosting Arsenal in the 14:05 kick off. After regaining the last Champions League spot and limping through to the FA cup final, Wenger and his men could finish the season how they once started in ridding the curse of unsuccesfulness  that has been loomed over the Emirates trophy cabinet for so long. Fans of the club will surely be questioning if they do fail to gain European football next year?. The final fight in the top of the table mash up brings David Moyes back to Goodison where Man United can cripple Everton's dreams. Once a man, who failed to ever get close to the top four with Everton, can bring round his unpopularity on Sunday by solidating three points for the Red Devils, if he does so, The Toffee's blood will be boiling blue, generating more hatred for Mr.Moyes, but only from his old club.

Unfortunately Monday night can only mean one thing, time to wrap up the Easter eggs and wipe the chocolate from around your mouth, as the daily grind is looming over a nights sleep. Don't worry too much though, as the men in the high guard of the footballing world have spared a thought for you as Monday night football is upon us. Man City seem to have lost, not only the talisman that is Yaya Toure, but also belief. A loss last Sunday to league leaders Liverpool kick started the anxiety, then pressure was applied to the wound midweek when Sunderland struck after robbing a point. On Monday the blue men invite a West Brom side who drew last weekend; for me I can see City wanting to clear the system, so a serious back ache could be in order for the Baggie's keeper. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS:

Saturday 19th April...

Tottenham 1-1 Fulham

Aston Villa 1-2 Southampton

Cardiff 2-0 Stoke City

Newcastle 0-3 Swansea

West Ham 2-2 Crystal Palace

Chelsea 2-1 Sunderland

Sunday 20th April...

Norwich 0-4 Liverpool

Hull City 1-3 Arsenal

Everton 1-1 Man United

Monday 21st April...

Man City 6-1 West Brom

WORTH A PUNT:

Suarez to Score a Hatrick - 15/2...

It's well known all over the footballing globe that Suarez isn't really the best liked bloke (unless you're a Liverpool fan) and one man that probably hates him more than anbody in the world is John Ruddy. This hatred probably goes further than a fat kid and vegetables as the Liverpool striker has bagged three hatrick's against the Canaries and a gut busting eleven goals in the past four games. You'd be a fool not to tap up this gem and in Suarez' current form, he's a dead cert for a goal feast on Sunday. 

Premier League & FA Cup Preview

Premier League and FA Cup Semi Final preview for 12/04 & 13/04 

Some are calling it the title deciding weekend, whilst others are calling it the start of something new. This early April affair will showcase the beginning of the final five games for some teams whilst we also get treated to a thrilling double in the FA Cup semi final. It's worth taking note that all the games will be kicking off seven minutes later than usual due to marking the tragic Hilsborough disasters' 25th anniversary. 

Saturday starts up our Premier League passions with six super games, all kicking off at 15:07. Most of tomorrow's action will be settling some differences at the bottom of the table as we bare witness to the bottom three slugging it out against fellow rivals. First off we have Fulham looking to build upon their fight for survival at home against neighbouring strugglers Norwich. Last Sunday saw the Canaries make a desperate move by sacking manager Chris Hughton, but will it pay off? In the last five games against Fulham, City haven't won any, meaning that new manager Neil Adam's has a tough job on his hands. Everton are seeking to secure a shock champions league place after beating Arsenal last week; tomorrow they face off against an extremely poor performing Sunderland side, who, with losses building up, are nearing the drop ever more so. My final highlight for Saturday is the first of two FA Cup games that are on this weekend, as Arsenal look to snatch the last chance they have at silver ware this year. At Wembley we see Wigan wanting to defeat Wenger's men to reach the final, where they can defend their current FA Cup crown and with Arsenal seeming losing all passion this year, this could well happen. 

To describe Sunday's football as super would be a complete understatement; if you're a fan or neutral of the Premier League and you're not witnessing, I really question your priorities. The mighty Man City with two games in hand on leaders Liverpool, travel to Anfield where the title showdown will take place. Liverpool's form has been outstanding in the last two  months seeing Manager Brendan Rodgers taking manager of the month along with two of his players taking joint player of the month, giving the team a real boost going into the fixture. On the other hand, Man City have looked unnerved all season as consistency has ran through the squads veins, comfortably polishing off teams left, right and centre. Some are saying that the Red men won't be able to deal with the pressure as they haven't been in the position for so long and it started to show last Sunday as they narrowly scraped a win against a mid table West Ham; Man City are comfortable when it comes down to the final days as we remember with Aguero's last minute title strike. It's certainly going to be a fanatical display and I will certainly be watching on the edge of my seat this Sunday at 13:07. The next of the two Premier League Sunday slug out's brings Champions League semi finalists' to Swansea. Bouncing back from a wonderful win mid week against PSG, also looking to chase down the title still, Chelsea can surely drum the Swan's away as everything is to play for. The welsh men are still looking to solidate top flight football next year as everyone's relegation battle looks bleak at the minute but I can't see them beating a valiant Chelsea side. Our final fixture is back in the FA Cup where Hull City look to creep through to the final against the League One side Sheffield United. Neutrals would love to see the magic of the FA Cup swirl again as everybody loves to see the underdog do well and with Sheffield being only a mid table team, energies behind the boys will be running high.

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: 

Saturday 12th April...

Crystal Palace 2-1 Aston Villa 

Fulham 1-1 Norwich City

Southampton 3-1 Cardiff

Stoke City 2-0 Newcastle

Sunderland 1-3 Everton

West Brom 2-2 Tottenham

WIGAN 1-2 ARSENAL

Sunday 13th April...

Liverpool 3-2 Man City

Swansea 0-3 Chelsea

HULL CITY 0-1 SHEFFIELD UTD

WORTH A PUNT:

Liverpool to Win, Sturridge to Score (wincast) - 3/1...

This Sunday, I really fancy Liverpool to win the game. Imagine the uproar of the Anfield crowd and The Kop getting behind the team, surely this is enough to fill any man with fear along with passion for the team they are behind. It's been so long since an underdog has come through and snatched the title off the so called big boys, it reminisces a Robin Hood tale. Not only is my money on the men in red but Sturridge is due a goal as it's been a few weeks since the young man netted to add to his tally, him and Suarez with be causing chaos with Demachalis leaving him standing more times than one. 

Premier League Preview... Grand National

Premier League Preview for 05/04, 06/04 & 07/04

The weeks are seeminglessly flying by as each day we are heading deeper into the summer but heading towards the end of an emphatic season. Midweek saw Man United put up a valiant fight against Bayern but overall it ended up being another depressing week for English teams in Europe as the German giants snatched an away goal, also London boy's Chelsea got turned over in Paris. Hopefully the second leg will see a comeback for both English clubs but one things for sure, it's certainly going to be tough. 

We are in for some real treats this weekend as not only do we have some sublime premier league action, we have the Grand National, the greatest horse race on earth. In my "Worth a Punt" segment I'll be saying who my money is on.

Kicking off Saturdays fixtures we have worthy title contenders Man City who host a solid Southampton team; I think this lunch time scrap will provide pleanty of goal action, seeing Southampton proving tough opposition as they have been all season, striking fear into all big clubs title hopes. Man City often seem to get the good rub of the green but I can sense a stumble tomorrow. Key area's where positions and points alike will be won and lost is at the foot of the league, as Norwich are fighting in a must win game against the Baggies, as well as Cardiff taking on Palace at the City Stadium. Last weekend we saw the Canaries struggle to take flight away from home yet again as they were dealt a crushing defeat at the hands of Swansea; Hugton has a must win situation on his hands or we could potentially see the Carrow Road boy's back in the Championship. Cardiff will also be looking for them vital points as they have only nabbed to home wins since Christmas. 

Sunday is staging the theatre for fourth place with a big game between Arsenal and Everton, the winner here will have a great advantage for the final champions league spot going into the seasons final games. Liverpool then fend off mid table West Ham in a bid to sustain the too spot in a Sunday afternoon special. We also have Monday night football to look forward to in Tottenham versus Sunderland; Sherwood really needs to get his team working or they might not even get a Europa League position. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: 

Saturday 5th April...

Man City 1-2 Southampton

Aston Villa 1-1 Fulham

Cardiff 2-0 Crystal Palace

Hull City 1-3 Swansea 

Newcastle 2-2 Man United

Norwich 2-1 West Brom

Chelsea 3-0 Stoke City

Sunday 6th April...

Everton 1-0 Arsenal

West Ham 1-3 Liverpool

Monday 7th April...

Tottenham 2-2 Sunderland

WORTH A PUNT:

Chelsea to win 3-0 - 7/1 

Chelsea match up against a seriously physical Stoke side this Saturday and I'm forseeing a goal fest. After an embarrassing loss in the Champions League to PSG and a drop in points last week, Chelsea will be seeking revenge, aiming mainly to get back on track to league success. With nothing to play for, Stoke really aren't going to be to lively so expect a seriously sore back for Begovic. The skill of Hazard and Co will leave the Stoke boys in tatters, causing slips and trips in the area meaning only one thing... Penalties. 

GRAND NATIONAL PUNT: 

Triolo Dalene - 16/1 

This horse is a real gem and is certainly worth an each way bet at a decent 16/1. Irish jockey Barry Geraghty is hoping to steer this steed to victory, which would be his second Grand National victory in his career summing up what has been so far a successful year. Not only do we have a superb jockey on board but the horse has been put through it's paces by well known trainer Nicky Henderson; last month Triolo was sent out in a Gold Cup warm up at Cheltnam where Henderson gambled on the stallion succeeding, unfortunately it drew up short, ending the race just behind his opponents. Take this as experience gained though as the killer combo of champion jockey and supreme trainer may pay off like in many years gone by. 

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 29/03, 30/03 & 31/03

Just seven weeks remain in what has been an amazing premier league campaign, meaning we are drawing ever closer to finding out who will be crowned champion and who's going to face the dredded drop. The slightest slip up in these coming weeks could set the difference between the true title contenders, so the top four team's will be out looking for those vital three points whilst praying their opposition will draw blank. All excitement isn't at the top half though, as the foot of the table will be slugging it out to further their chances of survival with many teams still having to prove their place. 

Last weekend alone was one of the most exciting fans have seen yet, as we saw a whopping fourty-two goals scored, three of which were easy contenders for goal of the season. Hopefully this weekend can continue the choas and can give pleanty of thrills but not too many spills, as refereeing blunders seem to be a popular trend at the moment with the red card wrong doing and penalties galore in overseas El Clasico. 

We have some seriously good action to look forward to this weekend with title favourites Man City travelling to Arsenal for an evening kick off in a must game for both sides. Clearly out of form, The Emirates men are seeking their first win in a few games as we saw them struggle midweek against Swansea and dominated last week at Chelsea, where as Man City are looking to strengthen their title hopes by enforcing pressure on the top two. Moyes must bounce back this week as he and his team host Villa in a midday matchup at Old Trafford; on Tuesday we witnessed another abismal performance at the theatre of dreams causing fans to drain more enthusiasm from Moyes and his men. Aston Villa are still in search of survival security and with a win tomorrow, they will be sitting pretty in the mid table. 

A Mothers' Day match up tickles our taste buds because of an exciting four o'clock fixture with Liverpool's SAS looking to punish a struggling Spurs side, as Londoner's travel to the Kop. Now with twenty goals a piece the dynamic duo are well up for a Premier League medal, but a drop of points could see the Red's crushed, so this is more than a must win. Monday night states a survival showdown as we see Sunderland invite West Ham to the Stadium of Light. After suffering a bad loss to Norwich last week at the hands of Alex Tetty's wondergoal, Sunderland are looking to bat off Championship football by gaining an essential win. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS:

Saturday 29th March...

Man United 2-0 Aston Villa

Crystal Palace 1-4 Chelsea

Southampton 3-0 Newcastle

Stoke City 1-1 Hull City

Swansea 0-1 Norwich City 

West Brom 2-1 Cardiff

Arsenal 2-5 Man City 

Sunday 30th March...

Fulham 1-3 Everton

Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham 

Monday 31st March...

Sunderland 2-0 West Ham

WORTH A PUNT: 

Norwich City to win - 7/2 

Taking on board Norwich's away form hasn't been ideal this year, I feel the Canaries have had a final ear bashing in the dressing room which has worked some magic. Last week proves this as we saw Hughton and his boys cruise past strugglers Sunderland in a 2-0 victory, giving a major boost all round Carrow Road. They will be hoping to build on this and solidate top flight football before their relentless last games of the season, where they face Arsenal, Liverpool and United to name a few. Another key factor to take on board is The Yellows always seem to perform well in Wales as the previous game at The Liberty saw Norwich win 3-2. Overall I'd definitely say don't be shy of putting a few quid on this one because I think Hughton has the three points in his suit pocket. 

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 22/03 & 23/03 

After an exciting week in Europe, football returns to home soil this weekend in the form of the Barclays Premier League. This season has clearly proven to be one of the tightest yet with a four 'horsed' title race and multiple teams battling to beat the drop. As the weekends go on, the season is drawing to inevitable close in which we will see an emphatic end no doubt, creating history as it does so. But who will be crowned champions and who will fall short of premier league survival? All we know is this weekend vital points could be won and lost. 

Current leaders Chelsea face of with fellow Londoners Arsenal in a decicive game that could twist the title race, not only that but can the blues bounce back from the loss last week at Villa Park?. Fulham can continue the great escape with their new manager at weekend with a win over a valiant Man City; unlikely, but they won't go down without a fight. We also see Liverpool travel to Cardiff where 3 points could see them enforce massive pressure on the top spot and also secure more European hope which they have missed out on for so long. Finally could a loss for Norwich at Carrow Road against strugglers Sunderland send the Canaries into a downward spiral? Both teams are seeing this one as a must win.

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS:

Saturday 22nd March...

Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal

Cardiff 1-3 Liverpool

Everton 3-0 Swansea

Hull 1-0 West Brom

Man City 2-0 Fulham 

Newcastle 1-1 Crystal Palace

Norwich 1-0 Sunderland

West Ham 1-2 Man United

Sunday 23rd March...

Spurs 1-1 Southampton 

Aston Villa 2-1 Stoke 

WORTH A PUNT: 

E.Hazard, First Goalscorer - 6/1 

Although the Belgian's form has been on and off most of the season, I can see him really shining through in the London derby. After a strong performance midweek for Chelsea, Hazard's confidence is surely at a high so I can see him giving the Gunners defence the real run around. At 6/1 to score first it's worth a little dabble as I've got a feeling he will pull through.