A small update on the Omok Cup before I move on to my weekly soccer predictions!

OMOK CUP SEMIFINALS @ OMOK CUP ARENA
OC ZAPPLED 3-0 OMOK SUKI CLUB
ATC 1-1 UNORTHODOX (Match in progress)

FINALS
OC ZAPPLED V ATC OR UNORTHODOX

On to soccer!
Barclays Premier League March 01/02 2008

Predictions
ARSENAL 2 ASTON VILLA 1 @ EMIRATES STADIUM
The Gunners have not won in 3 matches in all competitions, while they had to endure a horror week after seeing Eduardo da Silva break his leg. They will definitely find high-flying Aston Villa tough competitors. On their day, Villa will definitely be able to match Arsenal and either team could just scrape a victory here, or share the spoils.

BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 @ ST ANDREWS
This match is definitely a very tough match to predict. Birmingham received a confidence boost with a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, while Spurs picked up the League Cup in their most recent match. Juande Ramos has turned his side into a force to be reckoned with, and his tactical nous should see him emerge victorious against his Birmingham counterpart.

DERBY COUNTY 0 SUNDERLAND 0 @ PRIDE PARK
This match is definitely heading for a low-scoring bore draw or a scrappy 1-0 victory for either side. Derby have not won since last September, a run stretching an incredible 5 months, an eternity in soccer. Sunderland meanwhile have not won away from home all season long. How the hell do you predict a scoreline here? ._.

FULHAM 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 2 @ CRAVEN COTTAGE
Fulham are on the brink of disaster, as new manager Roy Hodgson has failed to turn things around in his short spell in charge of the club so far. They will not fancy facing the rampant Red Devils, who crushed hapless Newcastle United 5-1 away from home in their last fixture. The Red Devils will look for three points to put the pressure on the table-topping Gunners. Expect Fulham to be put to the sword, mercilessly.

MIDDLESBROUGH 2 READING 0 @ THE RIVERSIDE STADIUM
Boro were considered rather unfortunate not to get a point at Anfield last week, as individual errors and a ridiculous red card by the referee cost them at least a draw. They are up against the disastrous Royals who have lost their last seven games. Reading find themselves trapped in relegation trouble, and they will not have things any easier against Middlesbrough, who are looking to bounce back from that away defeat to Liverpool.

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 @ ST JAMES PARK
Newcastle will surely get an ear-lashing from manager Kevin Keegan following their disastrous performance in an abysmal 5-1 defeat to Manchester United. Keegan has struggled to turn things around at the Magpies following his second spell in charge. Blackburn crushed Bolton 4-1 in their last fixture, a rather flattered scoreline as they did not exactly play well. Newcastle will be urged to play well and put on a show to satisfy some of their home fan's expectations.

WEST HAM UNITED 1 CHELSEA 1 @ UPTON PARK
Another London derby is in stall for us as Chelsea travel to West Ham. The Blues are hurting from a League Cup final defeat to hated rivals Spurs. West Ham will be confident of taking advantage of Chelsea's woes to move closer to an European spot. And why not, as they have managed home victories over the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool. Expect Chelsea to be pushed to the maximum by their eager London rivals.

MANCHESTER CITY 1 WIGAN ATLETIC 1 @ CITY OF MANCHESTER STADIUM
City have managed a measly 7 points out of their 7 last games, en route to dropping way out of the race for an European spot. Their once impenetrable home record has been shattered in recent weeks, thanks to defeats to Arsenal and Everton, and many many more draws against weaker opposition. They will not find it easy against Wigan, who are busy battling against relegations. The Latics may be out to prove a point, and get a point. (Pun unintended)

BOLTON WANDERERS 0 LIVERPOOL 1 @ REEBOK STADIUM
Bolton have struggled to score since the departure of star striker Anelka to Chelsea. They have a solid defence, but somehow conceded four in a 1-4 defeat to Blackburn in their last fixture. Their visitors, Liverpool, finally ended their disastrous winless streak and will be keen to continue their form. Bolton will just barely be sacrificed for the Reds' charge up the table.

EVERTON 2 PORTSMOUTH 1 @ GOODISON PARK
This will definitely be an interesting match in the EPL this weekend. Everton are unbeaten in 2008, including an impressive 2-0 victory at City in their most recent fixture. Portsmouth are difficult to break down, but the Toffees' impressive form should see them just edge this encounter, and remain firmly in the race for the final Champions League spot.

Joel at 3/01/2008 05:44:00 PM :: link

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