Dave Pundit's Predictions 14/03/09

Hi, I'm Dave Pundit. If music be the food of love then football is probably some kind of dessert. Or a starter. Actually it's the main course, what did Shakespeare know? Let's face it if you had a choice between reading Hamlet and Steven Gerrard's autobiography we all know we'd choose Stevie G's book. Hamlet was foreign for a start. I imagine he'd be a diver.

Man Utd v Liverpool
Going on form alone I'd have to lean towards Liverpool. They beat Real Madrid 4-0 for God's sake. Man Utd have a good English spine but they could only put two past Inter. But European form counts for nothing in the Premier League. Luckily Liverpool have a manager who really respects the domestic competitions. Then again so do Man Utd. However United just don't have Liverpool's pedigree. Have they won the league 18 times? No. And I can't see them doing it any time soon.
Verdict 0-1

Arsenal v Blackburn
When Big Sam was the Bolton manager he had a great record against Arsenal. And that was for one reason and one reason alone; grit and determination. Since Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell left Arsenal haven't liked it up them. Big Sam is an advocate of big, hard tackles and if they can penetrate Arsenal's rear I think they could have some joy here.
Verdict 1-2

Bolton v Fulham
Gary Megson has got Bolton playing dull, workman-like hoofball. And I for one love it. Fulham have lost a bit of form and I think it's down to the fact that they've been trying to play football recently. There's just no place for that in the English game.
Verdict 1-0

Everton v Stoke
In the past Stoke relied heavily on Rory Delap chucking a ball as far as he can. This was a very effective tactic but I think teams have worked it out now. If they want to stay up they'll have to find something new. A good old fashioned long ball game should suffice. However even with astute tactics like that I believe Everton will be too strong for them.
Verdict 2-0

Hull v Newcastle
This is a real northern ding-dong. And as everyone knows the north is heart of England. Unfortunately Newcastle have spent far too much time playing like southerners. However with Michael Owen returning to fitness I think Newcastle will have a strong run in, which will please Joe Kinnear after his recent illness. If Newcastle went down I think it would break his heart.
Verdict 0-1

Middlesbrough v Portsmouth
Pompey have been playing like the southerners they are. And as everyone knows the south is the colon of England. Middlesbrough however managed to beat Liverpool at Anfield so they must be having the season of their lives. I just can't see Portsmouth getting anything here.
Verdict 0-0

Sunderland v Wigan
At this stage of the season every point is vital. This will literally be a dogfight. Two teams giving everything to win, no quarter asked, no quarter given. Whoever loses will be devastated. However, I believe both teams have enough points to be safe now, so dropped points here won't be vital, and anyone who suggests otherwise is a fool.
Verdict 1-1

Chelsea v Man City
In many respects Man City are the new Chelsea. They have lots of money. However what they don't have is John Terry. Maybe if Manchester could produce someone of his calibre they'd be able to produce a successful team.
Verdict 2-0

Aston Villa v Tottenham
A lot of people are predicting Villa to collapse but I just can't see it happening. How can a team as English as them fail? However Tottenham also have more than there fair share of Brits. Woodgate, Jenas and Keane. With a spine like that even Villa will find it hard to break them down.
Verdict 1-1

West Ham v West Brom
I have nothing but respect for West Brom but let's face it they're crap. Even a team managed by an Italian shortarse should be able to defeat them.
Verdict 2-0