Flutterama blog

October 20, 2011

English Premier League Gameweek 9 Preview

In a season where the weekly accumulator had already seen some early success, last weekend's four selections loaded a heap of icing onto an already tasty cake with a hugely satisfying return of more than 11/1. It was one of those occasions where the results were never really in doubt as each of our sides scored between three and seven goals for the most comfortable of victories, and I look forward to re-investing some of the winnings on another accumulator this weekend. More of that following a look at the coming weekend's Premier League action, which has thrown up a rather uninspiring line-up on Saturday, but one which should provide a most entertaining Sunday afternoon's viewing.

1) Wolves v Swansea: Some of the most worrying records in the top flight will be tested further in this match as Wolves' five match losing streak comes up against Swansea's five successive away defeats in League and Cup. Making chances hasn't necessarily been a problem for either team, but taking them certainly has, as Wolves have scored just three times at home, and Swansea just twice away, so this match could come down to who makes the most defensive errors, and is extremely difficult to call. However, if Steven Fletcher is able to return for this one, I may just prefer the chances of a home win.

2) Aston Villa v West Brom: As most people expected, Villa lost their unbeaten tag in spectacular style last weekend, and all of a sudden, five draws from eight matches looks more like a worrying statistic than one to be proud of. The opposite can be said of West Brom, whose recent form is now being described by their fans as one defeat in five matches rather than one somewhat fortunate win in four. With such mixed conclusions to draw from recent form, I fully expect this match to end all square which, taking into account the fact that The Baggies last won a League match at Villa Park on the day that Margaret Thatcher celebrated one week as Prime Minister, is probably the most the visitors can expect.

3) Bolton v Sunderland: I find the recent history of meetings between these sides rather surprising, given that Sunderland have won five and drawn the other of the last six encounters in League and Cup. I doubt that there is a Premier League side boasting a worse recent record against Steve Bruce's side than that, but I can't imagine that they will be able to add another victory to that run here. They still have just one victory to their name, and although Bolton's tally of no points from home matches, and the return of Nicklas Bendtner to the Sunderland team provide further encouragement for the visitors, I fancy a hard fought draw on Saturday.

4) Newcastle v Wigan: If football matches lasted 72 minutes, Wigan would have recorded back-to-back victories at St.James's Park in the last two seasons rather than extending their record of never having won there at all. Unfortunately, at least 90 minutes will be played on Saturday, and Demba Ba will probably add to his five goal haul from his last three games to anchor Wigan in the bottom two.

5) Liverpool v Norwich: This could be a very interesting match indeed given the sides' current form, and I fancy Norwich to at least give their hosts a bit of a scare on Saturday, just as they did at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford. Liverpool have been embarrassed at Anfield by several newly-promoted sides over recent years, and despite the scoring return of Steven Gerrard, they will need to be wary of City's increasingly confident side. Ultimately, though, the role of Norwich as gallant losers may be perpetuated here.

6) Arsenal v Stoke: Stoke's poor League performances following Europa League matches may give home fans hope for this game, but despite victory over Sunderland last weekend, there are still very few signs of a convincing Arsenal recovery this season. There are other factors in their favour heading into Sunday's match though, not least of which is the fact that Stoke have lost on their last nine visits to Arsenal. City have also registered just two goals away from home so far, while Arsenal have won all three home matches since Liverpool beat them at the Emirates in August. So, while I'm not prepared to stick money on it, a home win should be the outcome.

7) Fulham v Everton: Despite a generally shaky start to the season, Fulham have yet to lose at home this season, and Everton will not be relishing their third match against West London opposition so far, having lost the first two. They have also lost ten of their last twelve visits to Fulham in League and Cup, and I can't see them being up to gaining more than a point here.

8) Man.U. v Man.C.: United's team selection and tactics were a bit mystifying at Anfield on Saturday, and it is open to question whether they will be able to recover top form in time for this encounter, particularly as they face a trip to Romania in midweek while City stay in Manchester for a home clash with Villarreal. I'm not sure that looking at past results of this fixture holds much significance regarding Sunday's match, as City have never had a side anywhere near as powerful and effective as their current line-up, so we really need to concentrate on both teams' most recent League form, which leads me to believe that City can open up a gap at the top with a victory, unless of course Roberto Mancini decides to shut up shop and play for a draw as he has been known to for similar matches in the past. An intriguing match nevertheless.

9) Blackburn v Tottenham: Rovers currently occupy bottom place on merit, and a draw at QPR will have done little to placate their fans last weekend. They have also won just one of Tottenham's last seven visits to Ewood Park, and that sole victory only came courtesy of two very late goals following a red card for Wilson Palacios. Tottenham's only defeat on the road in any competition this season came at Old Trafford, and victory here by one or two goals should help their cause in attempting to consolidate their position as European regulars.

10) QPR v Chelsea: I'm fully aware that every season at least one newly-promoted side upsets one or more of the title contenders, but try as I might, I really can't come up with even the remotest reason why this match should result in anything other than an away win, and a heavy one at that.

Just three selections for you this week as we try to follow up last week's outstanding result, but the potential return is still very healthy. A successful £10 treble on Newcastle, Southend and Arbroath would return £57.05 with Paddy Power.

Good Luck! 
Posted by Nick