Gunny's Premier League Predictions for August 10-11
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This weekend the Premier League returns to action so I thought I would have a go at looking at this weekend's matchups.
Saturday August, 11
Sunderland v sp*rs
Everyone says sp*rs are going to actually do something this season. I just don't see it. Sunderland return to the Premier League after promotion from the Championship and the Stadium of Light should be filled with supporters. Roy Keane makes his Premiership managerial debut for Sunderland as well. All in all the stars seem to be aligning for Sunderland in this one. My pick: Sunderland 1-0
Bolton Wanderers v Newcastle United
A quick return for Big Sam Allardyce to the Reebok as his new club Newcastle face Bolton. That alone should be enough inspiration for either team to go out and grab this one. However, I think some of the losses that Bolton had in the off season will have an adverse effect and it may take them some time to get it right. My pick: Newcastle United 2-1
Derby County F.C. v Portsmouth
The strong attacking team that Harry Redknapp has assembled will be too much for the Premier League newcomers to handle. My pick: Pompey 2-0
Wigan have a new manager and should face a tremendous battle to stay in the league this season. With the game being at Everton's home ground Goodison Park it should be an easy one for the Toffees. My pick: Everton 2-0
Middlesbrough v Blackburn Rovers
This could be one of those games that completely bypasses the midfield. I foresee a great many long balls being played and many strong tackles from those Blackburn fellows. Middlesbrough will need to combat the physical style of Blackburn. My pick: Draw 1-1
West Ham United v Manchester City
The debut of Sven Goran Eriksson as City manager in this one. He still has not settled on a first choice goalkeeper. Add to that he has brought in many new players who may not have completely settled in at City. With the match at Upton Park it could be a tough debut for the former England manager. My pick: West Ham United 1-0
Villa park sees the debut of this Liverpool side which has added a lot of goal scoring depth, Fernando Torres, Andriy Voronin and Ryan Babel to name a few. Villa have been less active in the transfer market than I expected this summer considering that they now have the financial backing of that fellow who owns the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. My pick: Liverpool 3-1
Sunday August 12
Many pundits are down on Arsenal's chances to compete for a major trophy this season, I still believe they can do it. Robin Van Persie now has the mantle of being the main go to guy for goals and has responded well in the preseason. New manager for Fulham Lawrie Sanchez will get the Cottagers tails up but it won't be enough because Arsenal know they have to improve on results against teams from the lower part of the league. My pick: A good old fashioned One-Nil to the Arsenal.
chelscum v Birmingham City
ech.....scummers 1-0
The Champions take on the surprise of last season at Old Trafford. The quality in United's lineup has improved over the off season so Reading may make a game of it for a time but the quality of United wins out in the end. My pick: United 3-1
