By: Josh Ouellette
Weekly Notes– After a stunning win at Old Trafford, Aston Villa leap frogs over Tottenham for the fourth spot in the Barclay’s Premier League. The Villans become part of the Mid Valley “Big Four” for the next week. The Premier League has two games schedule for teams this week. (NOTE: Some games were played earlier today. So those games have been removed.)
1st Place: Chelsea
Chelsea v. Portsmouth (Wednesday)
Chelsea dropped two crucial points at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in a draw against Everton. The Blues inability to defend set pieces allowed an injury-plagued Toffee team to grab a part of the spoils.
Chelsea now must contend with another struggling club in Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. Striker Didier Drogba continues his torrid scoring pace, by netting two more in Saturday’s draw. Anything less than three points would be a blow to their Premiership title run.
Pompey are unbeaten in their last two games and have a 1-1-3 in five previous results. Look for Aruna Dindane and Nwankwo Kanu to lead the way for Portsmouth’s offense.
Portsmouth has relatively little chance of beating the Blues but make it close. Chelsea wins at home 3-1.
West Ham United v. Chelsea (Sunday)
West Ham United has failed to win their last three games, including a loss on Wednesday to Bolton Wanderers. The Hammers are without Carlton Cole, Valon Behrami, Matthew Upson, and Zavon Hine who are all missing matches due to injuries. Presently, West Ham United is on their way to relegation.
Although Chelsea should take three points away from the Hammers at Upton Park, as Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and Drogba should play a big role in an away victory.
Chelsea wins big 4-1, that’s if and only if West Ham’s young forward Junior Stanislas scores. Chelsea sweeps two wins from teams in the bottom of the table and takes away 6 total points to help them stay in first place.
2nd Place Manchester United
Fulham v. Manchester United (Saturday)
Fulham has taken seven points in their last five matches (2-2-1). The Cottagers take on Manchester United at Craven Cottage hoping to steal three points from the league leader. Fulham is hoping that Bobby Zamora continues his hot streak as he has scored in two straight matches.
The Red Devils rebounded nicely on Tuesday with a victory Wolverhampton. Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Antonio Valencia all tallied goals against the Wolves.
Man. U. comes out Victorious 2-1.
3rd Place: Arsenal
Burnley v. Arsenal (Wednesday)
Burnley is winless in their last five matches, (0-3-2) with draws against solid teams like Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Fulham. Embarrassing losses against Portsmouth and West Ham have not helped the Clarets move up the table.
Arsenal was the only “Big Four” team to win last week, improving their chances for a push for the top spot and a Champions League place. Currently six points behind Chelsea, the Gunners must need a perfect week to continue pace.
Combining for 13 premiership goals, Cesc Fabregas and Andray Arshavin lead the Arsenal offense. Burnley has proven difficult opponent for top flight teams.
This one ends in a 2-2 draw. Burnley keeps the un-beaten streak alive against top teams at Turf Moor.
Arsenal v. Hull City (Saturday)
With Robin Van Persie likely out for the season, Arsenal will be without their top goal scorer. This should not stop a talented offense from picking up three points against Hull City at Emirate Stadium. Fabregas and Arshavin have been able to pick up the goal scoring slack.
With their only loss coming against surging Aston Villa, Hull City has taken six points in their last five games (1-3-1). With a balanced scoring attack led by Deiberson Geovanni and Stephen Hunt (3 goals each), the Tigers don’t rely on anyone player to lift them to victory.
The Tigers give the Gunners a tough match but won’t be able to take any points away from Emirates Stadium. Arsenal wins it 2-1.
4th Place: Aston Villa
Aston Villa v. Stoke City (Saturday)
Aston Villa returns to Villa Park after a very successful road trip with victories at Old Trafford (last win 1983) and Stadium of Light. The Villans have only lost once at Villa Park this season, while Stoke City has one victory away from The Brittania Stadium. Aston Villa has been red-hot as of late with a 5-2-1 record since the beginning of November.
The Villans are led by World Cup hopefuls Emilie Heskey, James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor. All three have been key to victories in their previous two starts.
Stoke is going to have to play without starting defender Robert Huth this weekend, but with a balanced scoring attack they will need their top goal-scorer, Matthew Etherington to add to an attack to lessen the hole now left in the defense to even have a shot.
Villa wins big in front of the Villa Park fans 2-0
Current Picks Record: (0-4, Come on two upsets in one week, give me a break!)
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