Bolton v Tottenham Prediction 0 - 2
Bolton continue to improve under Owen Coyle and I have been impressed with them this season. The same can be said about Tottenham who produced a stunning team perfomance in midweek to beat the current champions Inter Milan and to put themselves within touching distance of qualifying from the group stages. Although it was a great team performance, Gareth Bale's stunning perfomances on both games with Inter have got everybody talking. I wouldn't go as far in my praise of him as some have but I certainly feel that he is a very talented individual with a bright future. One thing for sure is that Bolton will have to keep a close eye on the flying Welshman and do a little more to deal with the threat he poses than Rafa Benitez did. However, even if Bolton do keep Bale there are plenty of other players who Harry Redknapp can call upon. Luka Modric, Rafa Van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon all played very well against Inter with Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch also getting on the scoresheet. Some may say that Spurs will be jaded after their European exploits but I think that it will give them a big boost in confidence and I think we will see a comfortable Tottenham win.
Birmingham v West Ham Prediction 1 - 0
David Gold will be banned ffrom the directors box at St Andrews for this one and the former Birmingham owners should except a frosty reception. On the field, I expect a close game with Birmingham struggling to socre many despite having an excellent home record. West Ham are still struggling and I can't see them beating a resilient Hammers outfit.
Blackburn v Wigan Prediction 2 - 0
I expect another comfortable home win and another disappointing away day for unpredictable Wigan. Wigan are struggling and were beaten comfortably by Fulham at Craven Cottage last week. Sam Allardyce's side aren't having a great time of things either but I expect that they will register some much needed points on Saturday.
Blackpool v Everton Prediction 1 - 2
Everton continue to move up the table after a typically slow start. Yakubu, in particurlar, is finding his form and will hope to add to his goal against Stoke last Saturday. Blackpool won't be quite as fresh after their Monday night clash with West Brom but the confidence that they will gain from a win over an ill-disciplined Baggies side will be a big boost to Ian Holloway's men. They always seem to have goals in them but Everton are a resilient and experienced Premeirship side who I expect will edge this encounter.
Fulham v Aston Villa Prediciton 1 - 1
This should be an interesting and tight encounter at the Cottage. Mark Hughes' men recored a much needed and well deserved victory over Wigan last weekend and will hope to build on that. However, Houllier men will have different ideas as they show signs of improvement.The news that Marc Albrighton has committed his future to Villa for the next 3 years will also be a big boost. However, I think the points will be shared in this one.
Man Utd v Wolves 3 - 0
Wolves defeated one half of Manchester last weekend and will be hoping to defeat the other half this weekend. However, City are going in to a sticky spell whereas United are definitely on the up. United's controversial win over Spurs was followed by a comfortable result in Turkey in midweek. They could close the gap between themselves and Chelsea to just 2 points on Saturday with a winand will be desperate to do so.
Sunderland v Stoke Prediction 1 - 0
I don't know whether Sunderland's recent 5 - 1 loss to rivals Newcastle will be a good thing or a bad thing for Stoke as they make the trip to the Stadium of Light. Stoke are tricky opposition and difficult to beat making it unlikely that Sunderland will be able to respond to their doubters with a big win but the omens don't look good for Stoke who are on a losing run and haven't scored away at Sunderland since their promotion.I think Sunderland might edge this one and get their season back on track.
