Russell v Lawro : Week 2

Last week I challenged myself to see if i could compete with Mark Lawrenson in predicting the results of the weekend games of the Premiership.  After a poor performance in week one, with myself only getting 4 results right and no correct scores compared to Lawro's 5 results right and 2 correct scores,  I need do much better this week.

Also here are the scores from last week.

Lawro's predictions Stoke 2-0 Aston Villa Everton 1-1 Man Utd Arsenal 3-1 Bolton Fulham 2-1 Wolves Man City 2-0 Blackburn Newcastle 2-1 Blackpool West Brom 1-1 Tottenham West Ham 1-1 Chelsea Wigan 1-2 Sunderland Birmingham 0-2 Liverpool

My Predicitions Stoke 1-0 Aston Villa Everton 0-3 Man Utd Arsenal 2-1 Bolton Fulham 2-0 Wolves Man City 3-0 Blackburn Newcastle 2-0 Blackpool West Brom 1-2 Tottenham West Ham 0-2 Chelsea Wigan 0-1 Sunderland Birmingham 1-2 Liverpool

Actual results Stoke 2-1 Aston Villa Everton 3-3 Man Utd Arsenal 4-1 Bolton Fulham 2-1 Wolves Man City 1-1 Blackburn Newcastle 0-2 Blackpool West Brom 1-1 Tottenham West Ham 1-3 Chelsea Wigan 1-1 Sunderland Birmingham 0-0 Liverpool

Saturday

Stoke v West Ham 1245 BST ko

Tony Pulis' half time appearance clearly inspired his lackluster Stoke side into winning against Aston Villa.  They were helped by a poor refereeing decision and some blatant diving from new signing Pennant.
West Ham looked poor again last weekend and without Avram Grant this weekend I can't see West Ham turning their form around this week end.  Stoke new signing we make more impact as time goes on and a match against West Ham is exactly what they need to gel together.

Lawro's Prediction: 2-0    My Prediction: 3-1

Aston Villa v Bolton 1500 BST ko
Villa will play under caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald for the last time.  This means they all have to play their best to look good for the new manager Gerard Houllier who will be in the stands.  Bolton looked poor going forward last week against Arsenal they only scored due to poor defending and without their rock at the back Gary Cahill, I see a winning send off for MacDonald.



Lawro's Prediction: 2-0    My Prediction: 1-0

Blackburn v Fulham 1500 BST ko

Blackburn performed strongly last week against Man City getting a deserved draw and they have had a good home record under Sam Allyadce but facing their former manger Mark Hughes' Fulham could be a tough challenge for them.  Fulham are now gelling well under the management of Mark Hughes and are playing better and better but with the loss of Bobby Zamora Fulham will loss some of their potential up front.  I can see this one ending in a draw.

Lawro's Prediction: 2-1    My Prediction: 1-1

Everton v Newcastle 1500 BST ko

Everton looked poor at the back last week against Man United but created enough chances and never gave up and they earned themselves a draw.  Newcastle should been able to beat Blackpool last week and after a slip up like that they will have to perform well this week.  Newcastle would have got something out that game if it was for Gilks they are now coming up against another keeper in form, Howard had a blinder against his former employers.  If he keeps it up Everton should win easily.

Lawro's Prediction: 3-1    My Prediction: 2-0

Tottenham v Wolverhampton 1500 BST ko

Tottenham dropped points against West Brom last weekend and were lucky to come away with a draw.  After a fustrating Champions League match against Werder Bremen on Tuesday and a injury ravaged squad it will be interesting to see how Tottenham cope with the continental hangover.  Wolves have shown they are no pushovers this season but small loses of concentration have cost them vital points, which will have drove Mick McCarthy mad.  Spurs should have enough though.



Lawro's Prediction: 2-0    My Prediction: 2-1

West Brom v Birmingham 1500 BST ko

One of many midland derby's this year, West Brom and Birmingham both picked up good draws last weekend against Spurs and Liverpool.  Both Midlands sides had chances to win those matches and both have looked going forward this season, this is match is most likely to end in a draw but I wouldn't be surprised if someone was sent off.

Lawro's Prediction: 1-1    My Prediction: 2-2

Sunderland v Arsenal 1730 BST ko

Arsenal looked fantastic against a poor Braga side on Wednesday and with the form of Wiltshire and Fabregas in the middle of the park they are gonna be a hard side to get the ball off.  Sunderland have looked good going forward and with the accusation of Asamoah Gyan they will score goals this season and they will pass this Arsenal defence.   But with Cattermole suspended Sunderland look bare at the back. 

Lawro's Prediction: 1-1    My Prediction: 1-4

Sunday

Man Utd v Liverpool 1330 BST ko

Manchester United have drawn the last three of their four games, conceding late goals in a couple of them and that will drive Ferguson mad.  Berbatov was rested against Rangers and United didn't look the same forward threat that they have been so far this season.  Losing Valencia will affect the Red Devils his crossing will be missed and his defensive cover work was brilliant for a winger.  Ferguson will have to choice between the attacking option, Nani and the defensive option, Park.  Liverpool will be looking for a point and with the key players rested on Thursday they may pick up more but I think a third draw in

a row for United is the likely option.

Lawro's Prediction: 0-0    My Prediction: 1-1

Wigan v Man City 1500 BST ko

After a much needed win midweek for City they need to get their Premiership campaign up and running again after dropping 5 points to Sunderland and Blackburn.  If they don't Mancini may face the same fate as the previous manager and be gone by Christmas. But Wigan have been poor this season and are looking like relegation candidates this season and I think they will be the right medicine for Mancini's side.

Lawro's Prediction: 0-2    My Prediction: 1-4

Chelsea v Blackpool 1600 BST ko

Blackpool's Premiership honeymoon is going to come to and abrupt end this weekend, Chelsea's form has basically been unstoppable and I don't see Blackpool stopping them.  Chelsea have looked good at both ends of the field, they have scored 17 and conceded 1.  The question is have Chelsea peeked too soon?  Or are they just beating the sides they should?

Lawro's Prediction: 3-0    My Prediction: 6-0