The battle for Liverpool reconvenes this weekend when Liverpool take on Everton at Goodison Park. In terms of derby matches, the battle of the scousers is one of the most hard fought. It has produced 16 red cards in the Premiership era, the most of any matchup. The teams are separated by seven places, but only three points and the match should not disappoint. To the predictions.Saturday
Liverpool at Everton: Steven Gerrard has 99 goals for Liverpool, and I would put a few quid(bucks) that he'll get his 100th this weekend(if gambling were legal). Everton has been leaking goals at the back, and there is no reason to believe this will change against Liverpool.
Liverpool 3-2
West Ham at Fulham: Another derby, but of a lower profile. Both teams have been inconsistent and Ashton's injury hinders the Hammers. Bullard and Fulham need to control the midfield to stop the West Ham counter attack, and there could be some goals.
Fulham 3-2
Bolton at Man U: This game should be over in the first few minutes. With Ronaldo getting better with each game, Man U should be able to run around the hard tackles of Bolton. Elmander could return for the Wanderers, which would help their direct game, but without a clean sheet they won't get any points.
Man U 3-0
WBA at Middlesbrough: Middlesbrough do well at home, and with both Mido and Alves fit they should be ready for this game. James Morrison, a product of the Boro academy, will make his return to Riverside and try to get some personal vengeance.
Middlesbrough 2-1
Blackburn at Newcastle: If there was any side Newcastle needed to see at home it was Blackburn. Paul Robinson is injured for Rovers, and Obafemi Martins is out for Newcastle, which is a shame because Martins probably would have scored on Robinson. Newcastle have finally got a manager, and they might finally get a victory as well.
Newcastle 2-1
Chelsea at Stoke: Stoke won't be expecting much from this match, but they may be in luck. Joe Cole is injured and Scolari played a number of first team members in the Carling Cup victory over Portsmouth in his desire to bring home some silverware. Stoke might get off easier by Portsmouth, but not by much.
Chelsea 3-1
Sunderland at Aston Villa: It's hard to see this being much of a game, as Martin O'Neill will want to show that his team's exit to QPR was an aberration. Roy Keane's side has impressed at times, but they lack consistency and will find Villa Park a daunting place to play. With Nosworthy injured, their back line will have trouble coping with the Villa atack.
Villa 3-1
Hull at Arsenal: Arsenal could probably run out their youth side and win this game. Look for their rested "veterans" to shine, and as long as they don't spend all their time looking for the perfect goal they could run up some numbers.
Arsenal 4-0
Sunday
Tottenham at Portsmouth: Two teams who were expected to do big things this season, but have failed to meet expectations. Portsmouth have been strong at home in the past, and Tottenham have looked like a bunch of guys who just met each other(many of them have). I could see any number of scenarios playing out here, but Ramos will need at least a point.
Tie 1-1
Man City at Wigan: Man City should have a number of rested players looking to score some goals, but Bruce's side has impressed this season. With Cattermole back from suspension, they'll try to stop the richest team in football(soccer). Expect the fresh legs of Robinho and SWP to run riot.
Man City 3-1
One Liners
- Joe Kinnear named coach of Newcastle, immediately favorite in sack race
- UEFA Cup reformatted and renamed UEFA Europa League, competition still expected to suck
- CAS say they are unlikely to hear West Ham's appeal, Hammers wondering how much they can get for all their injured players
- UEFA shows faith in Poland and Ukraine for 2012 Euro Cup, fans expected to bring their own folding chairs
- Ramos said he could do little to prevent Defoe leaving for Portsmouth, besides actually playing him
