English Premiership Gameweek 21: 9 January, 10 January, 11 January 2010

Hull City vs. Chelsea
Think back to the opening fixture of the season. Yes, the one where Chelsea survived a scare at home against a pretty lively Hull team. The Tigers were always going to come screaming out of the starting blocks – just look at last season. Problem is, they’re slumping, and are already threatened with relegation. Hull City have not won since November 25, so I just cannot see anything but a Chelsea win. The Blues proved again last week, against similarly weak opposition in the FA Cup, that they can come out firing.
Prediction: 1-3
Saturday 9 January 2010
Kickoff: 14:45 / TV: 14:30 – 16:45 (SuperSport 3 Live HD)

Arsenal vs. Everton
I would’ve had some concerns backing Arsenal to win this had they played their make-up game against Bolton on Wednesday. But while Everton may be lucky enough to find the net once, you can be sure Arsenal will win this. And by a decent margin too.
Prediction: 3-1
Saturday 9 January 2010
Kickoff: 17:00 / TV: 16:45 – 19:00 (SuperSport 3 Live)

Burnley vs. Stoke City
Burnley are managerless after Owen Coyle’s departure. But, they named Steve Davis as caretaker even before Coyle left for Bolton. Stoke did very well at home against Fulham on Tuesday, completely outplaying them in the first half. Burnley, though, save their energy for home games – one need only look at their record to figure that out. I would not be surprised if Stoke sneak a draw, but Burnley should take three points.
Prediction: 1-0
Saturday 9 January 2010
Kickoff: 17:00 / TV: 16:55 – 19:00 (SuperSport 5 Live)

Fulham vs. Portsmouth
An appealing encounter, made all the more interesting with Fulham’s long list of injuries from their game at Stoke on Tuesday. Portsmouth have more problems though. Players were paid their December wages a few days ago – a week late. Fulham for me.
Prediction: 2-1
Saturday 9 January 2010
Kickoff: 17:00 / TV: 23:00 – 01:00 (SuperSport 7)

Sunderland vs. Bolton Wanderers
Bolton have a new manager in Owen Coyle. We’ve seen the effects of this in the Premier League this season, and in years past. Players suddenly seem to get their act together when a new boss appears. Sunderland have been struggling for form over the past few months. This is anyone’s game. I’ve a soft spot for Sunderland, but wouldn’t put my money anywhere near this match.
Prediction: 2-1
Saturday 9 January 2010
Kickoff: 17:00 / TV: 16:55 – 19:00 (SuperSport 7 Live)

Wigan Athletic vs. Aston Villa
Wigan’s yo-yo season continues. They shock when you least expect it. And I mean both ways. When you expect them to struggle, they fire in a handful of goals. When you expect them to dispatch of their peers, they make hard work of it. Villa though have been solid for most of the season. I can’t see anything but an Aston Villa win.
Prediction: 1-3
Saturday 9 January 2010
Kickoff: 17:00 / TV: 19:00 – 20:55 (SuperSport 7)

Birmingham City vs. Manchester United
Hmmm… Now here’s an interesting one. Birmingham are the form team. And they’re playing at home. Manchester United are struggling. Two things can happen. Manchester United can continue stuttering, or the whole team gets Fergie’s hairdryer treatment and they bounce back and annihilate their opposition. My money’s on the latter, but these are dangerous times. Man Utd cannot lurch from crisis to powerhouse every week – especially with Champions League knockout rounds coming up.
Prediction:
Saturday 9 January 2010
Kickoff: 19:30 / TV: 19:00 – 21:30 (SuperSport 3 Live HD)

West Ham United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
West Ham are a far better team than their log position suggests. Wolves are one of the many relegation candidates this season. The Hammers almost shocked Arsenal in the FA Cup last weekend. Wolves toiled against a lowly team in the same competition. I fancy West Ham to get three points.
Prediction: 2-0
Sunday 10 January 2010
Kickoff: 15:30 / TV: 15:00 – 17:30 (SuperSport 3 Live HD)

Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur
The game of the weekend. Liverpool are going to struggle to meet Rafa Benitez’s target and finish fourth to secure their place in the Champions League. Spurs are similarly struggling to maintain their high standards set with their flying start to the season. I don’t think Liverpool will lose this at home, they’ll fight to the end. This has draw written all over it – not quite the best result for either team.
Prediction: 2-2
Sunday 10 January 2010
Kickoff: 18:00 / TV: 17:30 – 20:00 (SuperSport 3 Live HD)

Manchester City vs. Blackburn Rovers
The Manchester City revolution continues. Short and sweet: I think City will be far too strong for Blackburn Rovers. Three points to Mancini’s men. Sam Allardyce shouldn’t be too worried, there will be ample opportunity for his side to grab points against other opponents.
Prediction: 3-0
Monday 11 January 2010
Kickoff: 22:00 / TV: 21:45 – 00:00 (SuperSport 3 Live HD)

*All times Central African Time.