Picking Premier League matches is hard work and frankly, I’m crap at it.
But I love the banter and figure at the very least I can provide you with some fodder to tear me up with in the comments.
So let’s get it on.
UPSET SPECIALS
West Ham United v. Sunderland (Sat 10:00am ET on Extra Time; Upton Park)
A bottom-of-the-barrel barn-burner with both sides desperate for a win. With Kevin Nolan suspended, Guy Demel and James Collins sick, and a number of key injuries for West Ham (James Tomkins, Stewart Downing, Winston Reid, Andy Carroll, Ricardo Vaz Te) I think Sunderland gets its first away league win of the season.
West Ham United 0 Sunderland 1
Hull City v. Stoke City (Sat 12:30pm ET on NBC; KC Stadium)
As the two former Manchester United managers battle it out on the pitch keep your eye on what happens around the ground and in the stadium as Hull City fans are distraught about their owner changing the name to ‘Hull Tiger.’ Could be interesting scenes at the KC Stadium.
Hull City 2 Stoke City 1
SQUEAKY BUM TIME
Manchester City v. Arsenal (Sat 7:45am ET on NBCSN; Etihad Stadium)
The league’s highest scoring offense (City, 41 goals scored) meets the best defense (Arsenal, 11 goals conceded). Combine this with City’s stunning home form (having won all seven matches played at the Etihad) and the extra day of rest the Citizens have following their Tuesday night victory against Bayern Munich and the writing is on the wall: City wins.
Manchester City 2 Arsenal 1
Cardiff City v. West Bromwich Albion (Sat 10:00am ET on Extra Time; Cardiff City Stadium)
One point separates 15th place West Brom from 16th Cardiff City meaning this match should prove more exciting than first blush may prove.
Cardiff City 2 West Bromwich Albion 2
Newcastle United v. Southampton (Sat 10:00am ET on Extra Time; St. James’ Park)
Despite injuries to a number of key players at Southampton (Artur Boruc, Morgan Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama, Nathaniel Clyne) the Saints gave City of full-blooded thriller last week.
Can they do it again this week at Newcastle? It won’t be easy but with Yohan Cabaye serving a suspension, I think they can snap a point.
Newcastle 1 Southampton 1
Norwich City v. Swansea City (Sun 8:30am ET on Extra Time; Carrow Road)
The sleeper match. Literally.
Norwich City 1 Swansea City 2
Tottenham Hotspur v. Liverpool (Sun 11:00am ET on NBCSN; White Hart Lane)
The Luis Suarez Show makes its way to White Hart Lane. The man’s been on fire lately and with injuries to Jan Vertonghen and Vlad Chiriches, I’m not sure the Spurs defense will have an answer. Then again, with Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge also sidelined with injury, it should all balance out.
Tottenham Hotspur 2 Liverpool 2
CAPTAIN OBVIOUS
Chelsea v. Crystal Palace (Sat 10:00am ET on NBCSN; Stamford Bridge)
Who’s more likely to continue their streak: Crystal Palace winning their third straight or Jose Mourinho extending his league unbeaten at the Bridge to 68 league matches?
Bit of a disparity, there.
Chelsea 4 Crystal Palace 0
Everton v. Fulham (Sat 10:00am ET on Extra Time; Craven Cottage)
A surprisingly telling match for this Everton side. After beating Manchester United and drawing with Arsenal last week, the Toffees will need to dig deep to avoid a letdown. But the motivation should be there as earlier this year it was Fulham who knocked Roberto Martinez’ men out of the League Cup.
Everton 3 Fulham 2
Aston Villa v. Manchester United (Sun 8:30am ET on NBCSN; Villa Park)
Fortunately for United this match being at Villa Park is essentially a home match for the Red Devils.
Aston Villa 1 Manchester United 3
