Friday, August 12, 2011

And they're OFF !!

It has long been an idea of mine to put my predictions for upcoming matches down on paper, and explain my reasoning. This for the purpose of having proof after the result ends up the way I predicted it would. There is no way one can accurately predict outcomes of sporting fixtures consistently, and even more so for this years installment of the English Premier League, which will definitely be one to remember.


So I begin with the first round of fixtures. With the youth in England running riot everywhere, an stocking up on there latest brands and electronics for free, there was much speculation as to if the matches would be postponed, and luckily for most, only the Toffees vs Spurs match was in fact pushed back.


Blackburn Rovers vs Wolves (10:00am Trini Time)


Surely not the most eagerly anticipated match up for the round, this game will be a scrap fest, with Wolves running at the Rovers defence at pace, and Blackburn making good use of set pieces, with Mr. Pedersen being the main culprit of creating any goalscoring opportunity. I predict a 1-2 loss for the Rovers, who are likely to be without Samba or Nielsen, which leaves a weakened back line having already lost Phil Jones to United. Wolves looks a bit stronger in my opinion with Johnson coming in to boost the back line of the team. You can expect Hoillet to cause some problems and even get on the score sheet, whereas a good bet may be to look at Fletcher and Jarvis to put 1 in the goal column.


Fulham vs Aston Villa (10:00am Trini Time)


Two hard working teams to battle it out at the Cottage, with a return to the EPL on the cards for John Arne Riise. Fulham who in my opinion always look impressive will not have an easy game by any means, but the home field advantage, and absence of Young and Downing will definitely make things a little easier. Given in goal is always going to be a huge boost to a team, but with the lack of attack going forward he may be under more pressure than he would want for the first game of the season. I believe however that this match will be a 1-1 draw. Many fantasy leaguer's would have already picked up N'Zogbia and he can easily find himself on the score sheet, along with Bobby Zamora or Dempsey for Fulham.


Liverpool vs Sunderland (10:00am Trini Time)


This match up is between two completely new teams so to speak. With Sunderland making 10 additions to their team, and Liverpool adding an entirely new midfield, there is surely great interest from football fans, to see how these "new teams" will fare. Liverpool have gone on the offensive in the transfer market after they relinquished their throne as England's most successful club to rivals Manchester United. With Adam, Downing, Henderson and Doni coming in, few would bet against them posing a major title challenge. I however am more interested in Sunderland. I believe that this match will be a 3-2 win for Liverpool with the strength of their Attack being too much for a weak Sunderland back line to deal with. Sunderland will have the chance to cause an upset however, with their own midfield and striking revamp.


Qpr vs Bolton (10:00am Trini Time)


New boys QPR test their might against Wanderers. This is going to be a shocker, but I will put money on QPR to come away with a win from this one. DJ Campbell is a great addition to the attack, and Taarabat in the midfield pulling the strings will make it an easy time for QPR to get one in the win column. They will run out 2-0 winners on the day and set the tone for the promoted clubs.


Wigan vs Norwich City (10:00 Trini Time)


No need to get into a lenghty debate for this one. A draw is on the cards in my opinion with Norwich playing their hearts out in an attempt to stamp some sort of respect for the rest of their campaign. Only problem is that taking points from Wigan wont scare many teams just yet. 1-1 final score.


Newcastle vs Arsenal (12:30 Trini time)


Both these teams have a wealth of riches, and have made no substantial purchases that have made their fans happy. Newcastle being the busier of the two, signing 4 French boys and Ba, still look a weakened team without the likes of Carrol an Nolan, as well as impending departure of Enrique. Arsenal seem to be left wounded with the departures of Nasri and Fabregas in the works, but i however feel this can do more positive than harm. Fabregas was almost non existant last season as he continued to sulk about being unable to move to Barcelona. Nasri was in fine form and will be missed, but lets not forget Ramsey, Wilshire, Asharvin, Rosiky, Eboue, Diaby, RVP, Gervinho, Chamakh, Walcott are all in attack still and can play the Arsenal game. Arsenal will take this one 3-1.


Stoke City vs Chelsea ( 8:30 Sunday Trini Time)


Easy to decide as Chelsea will find it tough to break down the rough an tough Stoke team. A 1-1 Draw will be a shock to behold, and will steal headlines as no one would have expected Stoke to take points from the prem big boys. But this will happen, as Chelsea will be without the likes of Essien and Torres for the occasion.


West Brom vs Manchester United (11:00 am Sunday Trini Time)


The reigning champions will have an easy test on the opening day against WBA, and should have no problems dispatching them at the Hawthorns. The pace of Young, Nani, Rooney, Welbeck, Anderson will be all too much for WBA, and will be unable to prevent a 3-0 victory for the Red Devils. Cleverly will be used in the event that Carrick cannot make, and will be given an opportunity to showcase his talent.


Manchester City vs Swansea ( 2:00 pm Monday Trini Time)


City will overpower the new boys and will look good, but be powerless to cause problems for a strong City defensive line, and overpowering attack. Mario, Dzeko, Aguero and Silva will cause the most problems on the day, and Toure will pull the strings in the midfield. An easy 3-0 victory will be on the cards in my opinion. Look out for Routdledge to cause a bit of a menace, and Lita to be imposing on the defence however.


Again, my opinions are just that, and I open the floor to anyone who may have reasons why they believe the scores will be any different. I just hope my predicitons are correct, and that this season lives up to the hype as one of the most exciting yet!

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