Dave Pundit's Predictions 14/01/12

Hi, I'm Dave Pundit. Many people asked why I didn't make any predictions for the FA Cup, well the truth is I've fallen out of love with the cup, the romance has gone. Nowadays there doesn't seem to be any of the old magic. Where are the ding dong battles between rivals? The dubious sendings off? The memorable goals? The cameos from players long since thought past it? Or lower league teams knocking out Premier League clubs? None of that happens anymore.

Aston Villa v Everton
I think the signing of Keane was a canny one for Villa. Yes he's been playing abroad but that won't have knocked the British grit out of him. He'll be up for this, an old-fashioned mid-table clashes where neither team is in any real danger of relegation but are unlikely to be getting a European place either. In my day these were ten-a-penny, turgid, dull affairs with little passion aside from the odd nasty tackle or personal grudge. Thank God those glorious days aren't gone completely eh?
Verdict: 0-0

Blackburn v Fulham
Fulham destroyed Arsenal in their last Premier League match but this won't be such an easy ride for them, Blackburn aren't some pansy bunch of foreigners you know. Blackburn are British through and through. Except for their owners I suppose. But their manager is Scottish and I can't see Scotland becoming a separate country any time soon so that's something. Fulham on the other hand have a foreign manager but a good old British owner. What's more British than Harrods? This one'll have to be a draw.
Verdict: 1-1

Chelsea v Sunderland
It's no surprise to me that Martin O'Neill has got Sunderland playing well, what sets him apart from his predecessor is that O'Neill learnt his trade under Brian Clough, a true legend of the game. If only Steve Bruce had a role model of that ilk he might have made a better fist of management. Sunderland will still lose here though. They may be good but being good will only get you so far. John Terry didn't get where he is today by being good.
Verdict: 2-0

Liverpool v Stoke
This really is a clash of the Titans. But with Stevie G back and at his brilliant best for Liverpool there can only be one winner here. He's the sort of player that really gets the team running hard, chasing his passes, having to control his Hollywood balls, you can't relax when Gerrard's on your team, oh no. He's the sort of guy who can pump the ball 50 yards upfield and make things happen, Stoke don't have anything to match that I'm afraid.
Verdict: 3-0

Man Utd v Bolton
It's the sign of a good team that they can play badly and win and Man Utd are masters at it. Whereas Bolton this year are only half way there. I think United's win against City in the cup will be a real shot in the arm, especially as they now have a derby game in the next round to look forward to, which should finally bring some excitement to the cup. I can't see Bolton getting anything here.
Verdict: 3-1

Tottenham v Wolves
I've just been watching an interview with the Wolves owner Steve Morgan which was really encouraging. They asked Morgan why he never comes out and talks about his manager Mick McCarthy and he said: "Why would I want to do that and destabilise the club?" I think he was right to come out and talk about not coming out. It's difficult for a manager when your Chairman comes out, you just have to bend over and take it, so kudos to Mr Morgan for not coming out. Still he can not come out all he likes; it won't stop Wolves getting a good, hard rogering from Tottenham here.
Verdict: 3-0

West Brom v Norwich
This is a hard one to predict. Mainly because I couldn't care less about it.
Verdict: 1-2

Newcastle v QPR
I think it's a real shame that Neil Warnock got sacked, he was a proper English manage in this league full of foreigners. It's a crying shame that one of them didn't get the sack instead. Warnock didn't waste time with all that tactical nous and training he just shouted at his players and told them they were crap. That's what man-management is all about. Hopefully Mark Hughes will carry on his sterling work. It's always a lift for the players when a new boss comes in so I can see QPR getting something here.
Verdict: 2-1

Swansea v Arsenal
You have to ask yourself where the goals are going to come from for Arsenal. They just have no pedigree up front. Swansea aren't a good team, they're Welsh, but even they are more British than Arsenal. I just can't see this being a game worth watching at all I'm afraid.
Verdict: 3-3

Wigan v Man City
Do you know what I hate about Martinez? He's always whinging and moaning about things. He should take a leaf from Mancini's book, things are tough for the Man City manager right now, a loss of form, a threadbare squad and the realisation that they're no match for the mighty Liverpool have all knocked him for six but do you hear him moan about his lot? No. Let's hope the best man wins this one.
Verdict: 0-2