English Premier League 2012 Preview: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Predictions
Newcastle comes into this match against Aston Villa on a high note. Let's see if they can dominate them from the start.
Newcastle United Preview
Should Newcastle be happy with a draw? Absolutely. But I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the club's return to European football, considering it was a reasonably flat 1-1 draw
The purpose of this game was nullification, not dominance. The best result they could have achieved was to balance removing Atromitos's home advantage with arriving in London with all guns loaded.
While a draw isn't an ideal result, the away goal gives United a clear advantage. Atromitos keeper Charles Itandje didn't look particularly confident, so there's no reason the English club can't score at home.
Imagine if one or two of the starting XI are used in the return leg. You'd back United to win comfortably and still have enough energy left to be competitive against Aston Villa
Aston Villa Preview
Aston Villa opened their season of promise with a drab 1-0 loss to newly promoted West Ham—not exactly what the doctor ordered.
Some predict Villa will go down this season and this result only lays credence to that theory, yet all signs during the game point to progress made by the claret and blue side.
Two players from Villa's central midfield absolutely ran the game. Forgotten man Fabian Delph recorded 72 successful passes from 78 attempts (94 percent), while Karim El-Ahmadi made 77 from 91 (85 percent).
While few were of cutting edge, the control exercised by these two was Barcelona-esque. Delph was deployed in a quarterback role in front of Ron Vlaar and Ciaran Clark, while El-Ahmadi roamed just in front of him.
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa Predictions: Newcastle United 2-0 over Aston Villa
Newcastle comes into this game on a positive note while Aston Villa really needs to find their identity. I see Newcastle dominating this game from start to finish
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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Liverpool vs Arsenal Predictions
Look for Liverpool to bounce back from their last week's loss and put a lot of pressure on Arsenal this week.
Liverpool Preview
Despite huge levels of preseason expectation and hope, Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool FC's season has begun in the worst way possible after West Brom inflicted a 3-0 defeat upon the Reds in the opening game of the season.
Going into the game the ex-Swansea boss would have wanted a minimum of a draw to start his campaign in earnest. However, lethargic play, naive player selection and an opponent who did not read the script all combined to leave Rodgers and Liverpool under severe pressure right from the off and facing a huge uphill battle to finish in the top six come May.
The result—Liverpool's worst opening day defeat since 1937, a 6-1 defeat to Chelsea—came thanks to defensive errors through undisciplined marking, lackadaisical play across midfield and defence, questionable team selection from Rodgers and poor finishing from Luis Suarez.
Arsenal Preview
So often the metronome in midfield for Arsenal last season, Mikel Arteta was strangely silent on Saturday.
That has to do in part with the ubiquitous display from Cazorla, who ran this way and that—particularly during the first half, when the former Malaga man was positively sublime.
Whether or not that affected Arteta's own contribution to the game is difficult to say, but like Diaby, Arteta will need to rediscover his ability to impact games in the coming weeks.
Liverpool—Arsenal's next opponent—are likely to adopt the defensive approach employed by Sunderland. Should the Gunners hope to crack those hardy opponents, they'll need far better play from their other two central midfielders.
Liverpool vs Arsenal Predictions: Liverpool 2-1 over Arsenal
This time we will see Liverpool bounce back and play a livelier game against Arsenal. I see them controlling more of the tempo in this one.
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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers Predictions
Queens Park will look to see if they can bounce back from their defeat last week let's see what Manchester City will have to say about that.
Manchester City Preview
Manchester City's engine room has been imperious for the club for the last two seasons, and this year isn't likely to be any different. The defensive midfielder's ball distribution will be important if City are to release their more attacking players, and his ability to break up play is vital to preventing QPR from even creating chances.
A patchy display by Joleon Lescott against Southampton last weekend will have to be improved upon if Manchester City are to be confident of their chances against Liverpool. Lescott has formed one of the soundest centre-back partnerships in the league with Vincent Kompany, and the 30-year-old's understanding with his defensive partner is an integral part of City's success.
Queens Park Rangers Preview
The Rangers have several veteran players capable of filling the traditional striking role. Djibril Cisse, Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson will all see time in a position that they know extremely well.
Surrounding the strikers, Junior Hoilett and Park Ji-Sung's versatility will greatly benefit the team. Both players can play on the wing or sit in behind the strikers and pressure the opposing team's centre-backs.
Out of the wing, the team will be looking to Adel Taarabt to have a strong season, and to Jamie Mackie to turn in quality performances.
Mark Hughes has several talented attackers, who excel at exposing different parts of team's defense. This will give the ability to tailor his lineups for each opponent, and he will always have a substitute ready to make an impact.
Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers Predictions: Manchester City 3-0 QPR
Man City is the obvious favorite, but QPR has been proven as resilient prey. Man City can win this as easy as it can get, though in the off-chance QPR might surprise everyone. However, it’s just a surprise – probabilities aren’t based on unexpected outcomes.
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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Predictions
Stoke City will look to bring the noise against Wigan Athletic.
Wigan Athletic Preview
After watching the opening day match against Chelsea, it is clear that no matter who Wigan is playing, they seem bound and determined to deliver the most exciting matches of the Premier League season.
Even if their crowd could be confused for the guest list at a funeral parlor, Wigan play an attacking style of football that no one else is currently brave enough to attempt in the EPL.
Roberto Martinez has his 3-4-3 system implemented well already this season. It has its ups and certainly its downsides, as the Chelsea match showed in full.
Within the opening seven minutes, the Blues were already two goals to the good after Eden Hazard had run fellow debutant Ivan Ramis into a tizzy.
But after Frank Lampard’s penalty, Wigan began to settle down and boss the match. Part of this was due to Chelsea beginning to back off, but at least part of it had to do with Wigan’s concept of attacking play.
Stoke City Preview
Debutant Michael Kightly opened the scoring on 35 minutes after some poor goalkeeping from Adam Federici saw his deflected shot squirm through the Australian's hands and came out with a 1-1 draw against Reading
Stoke dominated for large periods of the game, but when the lively Garath McCleary was clumsily brought down by Dean Whitehead, who was sent off for the challenge, Adam Le Fondre coolly slotted home his first Premier League goal to snatch an unlikely point for the Royals a minute from time. Stoke were keen to build on their one-goal cushion as they pressed on, and Walters went close again. Begovic had launched a free kick far up the field, and after receiving a flick on, the former Ipswich striker fired from a tight angle, but this time Federici was equal to it.
Wigan Athletic vs Stoke City Predictions: Stoke City 2-1 over Wigan Athletic
Stoke City will have an advantage in the sense of their disciplined defense. I see this being close but, Stoke City pulling this one out.
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English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Predictions
West Bromwich will come in this game with their balanced attack against a banged up Everton.
West Bromwich Albion Preview
Steven Clarke formerly Denny Dalglish's assistant a tLiverpool, has taken the helm.
Given Albion's first performance under their new boss—a 3-0 waxing of that Liverpool side that finished two spots above them in the league standings last season—fans have every right to consider a charge toward a top-eight finish a very feasible possibility.
The win marked the first time the side, in the top flight for three years running now, had ever won its EPL opener.
“I spent all week telling the players to believe in themselves and be confident coming into this game because they had no reason not to be,"
The new manager wants his team to play attractive football, and his team formation to start Saturday's match—a 4-2-1-3 formation with plucky Irish striker Shane Long up top, and the midfield anchored by Youssouf Mulumbu (both of whom were fantastic against the Reds)—showed certain vestigial imprints of Hodgson's tenure, while integrating some sublime passing movements Clarke is sure to have worked on this preseason.
Mulumbu was excellent in central midfield for Albion. Michael Regan/Getty Images
Mulumbu was terrific in a holding midfield role, and while Albion were subjugated to an attacking deluge from Liverpool in the first half—Luis Suarez ran riot for the first 45 minutesthey never broke
Everton Preview
Kevin Sheedy returned to the football consciousness this week, with the sad news the former Everton midfielder has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Sheedy's plight reminds us that life is unpredictable and sickness indiscriminate. It also reminds us just how fine and imaginative a footballer he was, and how much those who knew his talent miss watching his left foot paint pictures on the pitch.
Sheedy played the game you wanted to on the playground. He could pick a pass, beat a player and finish—and do it all with style. He was also a masterful free-kick specialist—able to opt for the subtle or savage, and capable of putting the ball anywhere he wanted to.
West Bromwich Albion vs Everton Predictions: West Bromwich 2-0 Everton
West Bromich new formation will definitely make them a team to deal with. I see West Bromich dominate this game from start to finish
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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City Predictions
Norwich City looks to bounce back from their loss. Can they do it against Tottenham.
Tottenham Hotspur Preview
This game is Tottenham's to win or lose, and that will seemingly all come down to whether or not they can get their attack going. If they can start to "gel," you'd have to think that West Brom don't really have much of a chance in this one.
Tottenham have made big signings over the summer transfer window up front—namely Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City and Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim—which will help their attack throughout the season.
However, for mine, the biggest move they made was keeping both Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart at White Hart Lane—agreeing on new contracts with both of them. If Bale can get going down the wings, Spurs are always a tough team to beat.
Norwich City Preview
Norwich, it is the first time that new manager Chris Hughton will present his squad in front of the home fans.
Hughton put an emphasis on defense in the offseason by bringing in Michael Turner and Steven Whittaker. In the wake of Norwich's defeat, Hughton has done what any manager whose club gets beaten by five goals in their opener would do, and that is to bring in more defenders.
Former Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong was signed this week and Lazio left-back Javier Garrido should join the club on loan in the next few days.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City Predictions: Tottenham 1-1 Draw Norwich City
This game will be evenly balanced. Norwich is looking to bounce back from a tough loss last week. So, I’ll expect to see a much different team
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English Premier League 2012 Preview: Swansea City vs Sunderland Predictions
Sunderland will depend on the signing of mid fielder Steven Fletcher to aid their offensive attack against Swansea City .
Swansea City Preview
Michael Laudrup stepped into some tough shoes to fill after Brendan Rodgers vacated his office at the Liberty Stadium for the greener grass of Anfield.
But to give credit where it is due, Laudrup has come in and has carried on using the same philosophy and system as Rodgers but has added his own greater knowledge of Spanish football to the mix. Namely in the acquisition of Michu who impressed from central midfield with two goals on his debut as the Swans won 5-0 over QPR.
Sunderland Preview
O'Neill has one of the most underrated defences in the Premier League with converted left back Kieran Richardson, ex-Manchester United star John O'Shea, new signing Carlos Cuellar and Phil Bardsley are all providing cover for one of the best keepers in the league, Simon Mignolet.
Their midfield is typically hardworking, whether O'Neill uses four or five, and it is of little surprise to see the club linked with Steven Fletcher due to their toothless attack.
If he can come in before Saturday, then this game will take a turn on its head as without a recognised striker, despite having the injury prone Louis Saha on their books, the Black Cats will struggle to convert chances.
Swansea City vs Sunderland Predictions: Sunderland wins Over Swansea City 1-2
Sunderland’s defense will not allow Swansea to go buck wild. The pace will be controlled by a sound offense attack hopefully with Steven Fletcher tied in to the mix
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English Premier League 2012 Preview: West Ham United vs Fulham Predictions
Fulham will bring in their high octane offense against West Ham in the English Premier League.
West Ham United Preview
Sam Allardyce's West Ham United—who also got off to a winning start by beating a poor AstonVilla side 1-0.
Big Sam's team come into this game still on the lookout for a striker to lead the line but in the process of providing the foundations for such a move by further strengthening with a £10 million transfer for Wolves' Matt Jarvis expected to go through in the next couple of days.
Should Jarvis sign in time for Saturday he will almost instantly go into a team who have proved extremely hard to break down on their travels. West Ham are unbeaten away from home since last February, but have also struggled in terms of creativity.
Fulham Preview
Fulham enjoyed their best ever start to a Premiership season with a 5-0 trouncing of Norwich City but they travel to Old Trafford in trepidation rather than in temerarious form.
The main reason for this is that Fulham have lost 19 of their last 20 visits to Old Trafford and overall they have only beaten United three times since 1935.
To beat United this weekend, they will need Feguson to make similar selection mistakes and attack across midfield where they can expose United's lack of pace.
They will also need Mladen Petric, Kacaniklic and Damien Duff to continue where they left off last week. Petric scored twice on his debut while Duff became only the second Irish player, after Robbie Keane, to score in 13 Premier League seasons.
West Ham United vs Fulham Predictions: 3-1 Fulham over West Ham
Make no mistake about it Fulham is not Aston Villa. Fulham will once again come in with that high octane offense and dominate this game
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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Deportivo La Coruna vs Osasuna Predictions
La Coruna and Osasuna meet for the first time since 2011 this Monday, August 20.
Deportivo La Coruna Preview
Despite a number five slot in the La Liga table, Deportivo La Coruna has fared better than their five previous games. Their last five matches saw only one victory against three losses and one draw. Having won none of their matches so far they are by far the weakest team in the league. Having won almost none of their matches so far they are by far the weakest team in the league. They have almost no goal scoring capacity and receive just too many goals, especially when playing away.
Osasuna Preview
For the coming match up against La Coruna, manager Camacho wants to rotate some of his players and he is expected to field only four players of his usual starting line-up. With an interest to giving rest to some of the players than winning this match, we will be seeing a much weaker team than usual. So far, Osasuna has fared much better when compared to La Coruna. This is probably due to their best attribute which is their defense. But it contrasts a great deal with their goal making capacity.
Deportivo La Coruna vs Osasuna Predictions: Draw 0-0
Both teams have don’t seem to have that much interest in winning the match. Osasuna will be fielding a sub team and Deportivo will be trying new things. It seems that both teams have their interests more set in defence than attack.
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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Royo Vallecano vs Granada Predictions
Vallecano and Granada square off this August 18 at the EstadiodelRayoVallecano in Madrid.
Royo Vallecano Preview
Being at home court should an advantage for Vallecano or at least be taken advantage of by the aforementioned team. Their five previous match ups were short of disasters mostly on the fact that four losses came in one after another. The most significant losses for this year happened last April 29 against Barcelona when the opposing team scored a whopping 7 points without even once letting Vallecano come in with a goal and the other was against Sevilla last May 5 where Sevilla scored five points but Vallecano however, had managed to get in 2 points during the game.
Head Coach Ramon Sandoval has led a campaign against Granada since their first match up this season last May 13. The game led to a 1-0 victory against Granada and this game was an important factor which can lead to a significant standing for the team in the La Liga table.
Granada Preview
At number eight in the La Liga table, Granada is obviously within the top ten and has proven to be a force against, well at least the lower place teams within the Spanish League. Now this coming August 21 on Tuesday, they will once again meet up with rivals RayoVallecano. The last match up went to the Vallecano side with a 0-1 loss for Granada.
But the defense of Granada is one thing to look at, Granada defense is strong and that can very well be Vallecano’sbrickwall.
Royo Vallecano vs Granada Predictions: Rayo Vallecano 1-0
Sometimes offense can overcome good defense once it finds that opening and that’s just what team RayoVallecano needs to do.
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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview : Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid Predictions
The two teams meet again for the first time since last 2010 on August 20 of this year.
Real Zaragoza Preview
Real Zaragoza has a long battle ahead especially at being on the bottom of the totem pole. An upward battle is inevitable as team is scheduled to meet with Valladolid, who isn’t too far ahead this coming Monday. But this season show’s a good track record for Zaragoza with their five previous games having four wins and one loss. Defense is somewhat better for Zaragoza than last year. Now, the team is averaging at one goal against. They average at 1.5 goals made per game giving them an edge against up coming opponents, Valladolid.
To top it off Ivory Coast powerhouse Romaric is set to join so there are things to look forward to with the team.
Real Valladolid Preview
Real Valladolid has not seen the top half of the table being at number 19 just ahead of Zaragoza by one step. Their last five matches saw one draw, one loss, and three wins, one win including a 3-0 smash against Cordoba CF last June 6. The team is what you can informally categorize as one of the inconsistent. Some games are really bad and some games are really good. This is one of the teams that change their formation as often as Arsenal changes it’s players.
Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid Predictions: Zaragoza 1-0
With a strong defense and satisfactory attack added with a slightly better and more consistent track record for the current year, Zaragoza would have to be the favorites. But one dilemma has got to be Valladolid’s unpredictable nature so anything can happen.
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Hello People is there anyone that would be interested in having a look or signing up to a website where you can predict the score of the premier league. Be the prediction master,do you have what it takes
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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Mallorca vs RCD Espanyol Predictions
Both Teams Go Head Up as the La Liga Race Gets More Congested on August 18, at the Son Moix Stadium.
Mallorca Preview
Mallorca, during their last five games has won twice, tied up twice, and lost once. They currently hold the number 11 spot in the Spanish Primera Division. Mallorca holds an average of two goals per game. Despite their previous match against Real Madrid last May where they lost 1-4, they seem to be at a steady pace towards the top ten and are in better form now than earlier in the year.
One thing that this team needs to do is maintain consistency. Of course it is understood why they lost to Real Madrid, the boys from Madrid have been packing fire power for some time now. Their next match against Espanyol, who stands at sixth in the tables can be a prelude to their rise.
RCD Espanyol Preview
The boys from Espanyol has truly seen better days. Their last game ended in a draw with Zaragoza and the one before that saw a victory against Montpellier. The team has been pretty slow on trying to gain the momentum that they possessed early on. Nevertheless, Espanyol managed to maintain their standing the Spanish Primera. Going up against teams that are fighting for higher standings may be a challenge for the Espanyols. Mallorca seem very determined and with an average of 2 goals against, the Espanyols need to tighten their defences.
Espanyol also has an average of only 0.8 goals per away game signifying a weakness in the offensive side. Their last match up against Barcelona showed no scores while the opposing team gained 4 ended the game with a 4-0 defeat for the Espanyol.
Mallorca vs RCD Espanyol Predictions: Draw 1-1
Both the teams’ track record by far barely differs and while Espanyol has somewhat gained more accomplishments early in the year, Mallorca seem determined to take this game. Well, atleast they should be, this is a turning point for the team as previously mentioned.
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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Sevilla vs Getafe Predictions
Sevilla and Getafe meet this Saturday, August 18 at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Sevilla Preview
In their last five games, Sevilla has gotten only two wins with two losses and two draws. Not much to be optimistic about with a track record like Sevilla’s. But if look at their victories, it’s pretty impressive. Their last win was against RayoVallecano with five goals to Rayo’s two. Considering the losses, Sevilla has managed to tally up an average of three goals a game, but this is mostly due to their dramatic victories. But against more powerful teams such as Real Madrid, whose defense is strong, they do not stand a chance. Last April, they lost to Madrid 3-1.
For a team as inconsistent as Sevilla, there’s really no telling what can happen. They have their bad days and they have their awesome ones too. A victory over Getafe will see them overtake Malaga in fifth place at the La Liga table so this is a deciding factor for the team. Last April, they were overrun by Getafe with a loss of 1-5. Coach Marcelino Garcia look to compensate last April’s embarrassment.
Getafe Preview
Ever since pouncing on Sevilla last April with a victory of 5-1, Getafe seems to head in a downhill trend. Their last five matches saw three losses and two draws. On August 18, Getafe will head to enemy territory visiting Sevilla’s home turf. On average, the team has only 0.8 goals scored per away game.
Against a team like Sevilla, whose inconsistencies seem like a fixture, Getafe might a have a chance at a much need victory. They would just need to choose the right formation and step up their attack.
Sevilla vs Getafe Predictions: Sevilla 1-0
As of right now, Sevilla seems to be in better form. They have significantly more victories and a better track record than Getafe ever since their previous meeting.
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Spanish La Liga 2012 Preview: Celta Vigo vs Malaga Predictions
Celta de Vigo and Malaga go Head to Head on August 18 at the Stadium Balaidos.
Celta Vigo Preview
The team from Vigo, Galicia have currently been hanging in strong with their five previous matches resulting in four wins and one draw. They’ve already fared well having done satisfactorily in 9 games since their last loss. Not bad for a team known for not being a strong offensive. But what they lack in attack, they make up in their defense. Celta de Vigo’s average goal record is only 0.9 goals conceding on average.
For this team to go far in the league, they need to step up their attack mode, especially against bull players like Real Madrid or Barcelona. But nevertheless they seem to be a much stronger team when being compared to Malaga with a slightly better track record.
Malaga Preview
Coming out of Andalusia, Malaga CF in their last six matches, has lost three games, one against Atletico Madrid another with Villareal, and with Barcelona when they were smashed 4-1. They have two wins and two draws as well.
Not much difference in track record with Celta de Vigo regarding things such as goal average, but Celta has more win in their belt so far this season. Malaga looks to be the underdogs in this up-coming match so they need to step up their offense as well as defense. One sure way to beat Celta is to take possession of the game during the onset and maintain that authority throughout. But Celta has a pretty good defense line so Malaga needs to step up and play the aggressor.
Celta Vigo vs Malaga Predictions: Celta De Vigo 3-1
Overall favorites in this match up. Celta has proven to be the more consistent of the two with more win under them. Though both teams’ goal average is roughly about the same, Celta has better defense.
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