More inaccurate predictions are in store, as this weekend sees Premier League action, as well as the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. :D

Firstly, the FA Cup! (Football Association Cup)
FA CUP (numbers beside team name state which division the team is playing in)
(1)MIDDLESBROUGH 2-1 CARDIFF CITY(2)
Boro crashed to a dismal 1-0 home defeat to Reading in their last match. They could struggle against their second-division opponents as doubt starts to creep in their minds. However, they should still be able to squeeze through to a Wembley appearance.

(1)MANCHESTER UNITED 3-0 PORTSMOUTH (1)
The Red Devils booked a place in the Champions League quarterfinals during their midweek fixtures, but with such a huge squad, one can expect many changes. The last time Pompey visited Old Trafford, they were comprehensively defeated, and the same may again happen here as United continue their chase for a Treble.

(2)BARNSLEY 1-3 CHELSEA(1)
Barnsley shocked the world with a 2-1 win at giants Liverpool in the last round. However, they will struggle to repeat that stunning feat against a well-organised Chelsea side. Still, expect the minnows to fight bravely and give their supporters something to cheer about.

(3)BRISTOL ROVERS 1-1 WEST BROMWICH ALBION(2)
(Replay required)
Bristol Rovers are the lowest-ranked side left in the FA Cup quarterfinals. It is their second-ever FA Cup quarterfinal appearance, and while they are not expected to reach the semifinals, they could well secure a replay, and a valuable cash boost, with an inspired home crowd backing them up.

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BLACKBURN ROVERS 2-0 FULHAM @ Ewood Park
Blackburn managed a fortuitous 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James Park thanks to a last-minute goal from Matt Derbyshire. They should fare better against the hapless Cottagers, who are on the route to self-destruction with several poor displays matching their disastrous results. Blackburn should win this comfortably.

LIVERPOOL 3-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED @ Anfield
Liverpool routed West Ham United 4-0 at Anfield in midweek, and Newcastle United are next up on the chopping board. Several insipid displays have seen the struggling Magpies drop to within 3 points of the much-feared relegation zone. Unless Kevin Keegan can turn things around, Newcastle will be dragged into the relegation battle. Not this match, however. Liverpool are in fine form and it will be a real shock if the visitors get anything from this match at all.

READING 1 MANCHESTER CITY 1 @ Madejski Stadium
Reading managed a valuable 1-0 away victory over Middlesbrough to climb to within goal-difference of 17th-placed Bolton. Man City are poor travellers, and have won just 2 of their last 7 games to drop well out of the race for an European spot. An inspired Reading display could just see them earn a valuable point in their bid to escape relegation.

SUNDERLAND 1 EVERTON 1 @ Stadium of Light
Sunderland generally have a decent home record, while Everton suffered a deflating 0-2 defeat to Italian side Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup. That could inspire the Black Cats to play above themselves and haul themselves away from the relegation zone.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 WEST HAM UNITED 1 @ White Hart Lane
Spurs have suffered two shocking defeats since lifting the League Cup, being thrashed 1-4 by struggling Birmingham and losing 1-0 to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Cup. Manager Juande Ramos will be lecturing his players after those poor displays. Their opponents, London rivals West Ham, are faring no better. They suffered terrible back-to-back 4-0 defeats against Chelsea and Liverpool. That could well sap their confidence, and provide Spurs a platform to win this crucial match.

WIGAN ATHLETIC 1 ARSENAL 2 @ JJB Stadium
Wigan managed a valuable away point in a 0-0 draw with Manchester City, while Arsenal stunned AC Milan 2-0 to progress to the Champions League quarterfinals. Arsenal could well carry the momentum forward to preserve their measly 1-point lead at the top of the league table.

(Midweek fixtures)
PORTSMOUTH 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 @ Fratton Park
In this midweek fixture, Pompey will be tired after playing their FA Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United. Birmingham could well profit from this, as well as from high confidence in their camp, following several good results recently. Think 2-2 against Arsenal and 4-1 against Spurs, anyone?

ASTON VILLA 3 MIDDLESBROUGH 1 @ Villa Park
Villa will seek victory here to continue their push for at least an UEFA Cup spot. They could well do it against an exhausted Boro side who are feeling the strains of a relatively small squad. Villa should sweep through this fixture comfortably.

CHELSEA 4 DERBY COUNTY 0 @ Stamford Bridge
The Blues will be in no mood to spare the hapless Rams any mercy. Derby have not won since September, an amazing underachievement. They are almost certainly doomed for relegation, and are easy meat for even the weaker teams in the Premier League. Expect a thrashing inflicted onto them by Chelsea.

A total of 9 fixtures being predicted! FA Cup predictions do not count. Enjoy your holidays =x

Joel at 3/07/2008 08:01:00 PM :: link

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