Match to catch
Amid one of the most exciting and unpredictable Premier League seasons in years, one match stands out as promising more than any other — the Manchester derby. Sunday sees this campaign’s first running of the crucial match-up between City and United, which last term saw the Blues rack up two decisive victories on the way to their unforgettable title win. Roberto Mancini’s side’s 6-1 win at the Etihad marked them out as genuine contenders and they could do with a similar lift this weekend as they recover from their abject Champions League exit. Both teams have been a long way from producing their best form this season, but still second-placed City have a seven-point cushion over the chasing pack. Prediction: Home advantage to swing it for City.
Keep an eye on
Everton take on Tottenham at Goodison Park on Sunday in a battle between two of the sides chasing the league’s European spots. The Marouane Fellaini-inspired Toffees are much improved this season while Spurs are showing some promising signs under Andre Villas-Boas, although they will be severely hampered this weekend as they were in Europa League action as recently as Thursday night. Prediction: Everton.
For the purists
Stoke City have produced a series of good results in recent weeks, winning four and drawing one of their last five matches, but as always it’s been far from stylish. They have scored just six goals in their last seven, instead using their uncompromising defence as the base for them to get results — such as last week’s impressive 1-0 win at West Brom. Aston Villa have been even worse in front of goal — just one in their last four matches – so the chances of a goal-filled thriller when the two teams meet at Villa Park on Saturday are almost non-existent. Prediction: Draw.
Showing form
Michu — surely already confirmed as the signing of the season following his bargain £2 million (Dh11.78 million) arrival in the summer — continues to show his class on a weekly basis. The composure he showed when handed a pair of chances against Arsenal last week was truly remarkable, as twice he coolly picked his spot and beat Wojciech Szczesny to give his side a brilliant win. The 10-goal frontman on Saturday turns his sights on Norwich City, who have also been in good form of late. Prediction: Swansea.
Need a win
The vultures are circling above the Emirates as fans and pundits alike begin to write off Arsene Wenger and his side following a run of just two wins from nine games in all competitions, including last weekend’s poor 2-0 home loss to Swansea. The stadium will again be nervy when West Brom come to town on Saturday and a poor start could see the crowd quickly turn on the Gunners. Despite all the quality at his disposal, Wenger just can’t seem to make the team click on a regular basis these days – and the Baggies have the ability to cause an upset. Prediction: Draw.
Last week’s predictions
The Gulf News crystal ball has been returned to the souk from whence it came as a result of last week’s wholly misleading predictions. Its replacement is guaranteed 100 per cent accurate, or so the salesmen told me as he pocketed the cash, stifling a snigger. We’ll see.
