Another week in the Premier league in which Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates a quarter of a century in charge of Manchester United, in which he has a win ratio of 59.3% from 1,409 games (to date). Sir Alex’s defending champions take on Sunderland, who are under the stewardship of Steve Bruce, who was the captain of the United side who won the first premier league under Ferguson back in 1993.
It’s going to be a hard task for Bruce to win against his former boss, having tried and failed in the last 17 attempts. Meanwhile the stats don’t look favourable for the Black Cats as they have only beaten United once in 20 Premier League match up’s against United at that was at the Stadium of Light back in 1997.
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| Nani To Score? Just a hunch. |
The stats are firmly in favour of the Red Devils. Especially when Sunderland have only won once away on the road this year against Bolton back on the 22nd of October. United should welcome back captain Nemanja Vidic into the fold, and Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher should get his 300thappearance in united colours. Whilst Sunderland will be without be goal keeper Simon Mignolet & former Red Devil utility man John O’Shea who are long term absentees.
The stats don’t really lie on this one. United are undefeated at home and I expect more of the same against Sunderland. I have a sneaky suspicion of a Nani goal for some reason- don’t ask me why and a reasonably comfortable win for Fergie on his 25th anniversary week.
Freeley Prediction- 4-0 United.
Newcastle is another interesting prospect for me come Saturday when they face Everton at St James Park. The magpies are flying high in 4th place at the moment, especially after a strong win against Stoke at the Britannia. You never know on this form they might even get Champions League football.
That prospect right now seems unlikely (especially as an Arsenal fan) as often early season form fades away to a lovely 14th place come May. However I can firmly predict some kind of trouble and strife for the magpies this season. Be that from rotund owner Mike Ashley sacking Alan Pardew for looking at him funny whilst downing a pint, too one of their new signings slapping Geordie legend Alan Shearer firmly round his big beach-ball head it’s almost 100% certain to happen this season at some point. I can imagine the newspaper headlines even now.
Back to the predictions and Newcastle will be without midfielder Gabriel Obertan who looks to be out for three weeks with an infected toe. But could welcome back midfield enforcer Cheik Tiote who missed the victory over Stoke. Royston Drenthe is back for the Toffee’s after serving a one match ban, but loose Sideshow Bob inspired midfielderMarouane Fellaini who serves a one-game ban.
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| Demba Ba has scored 15 goals in 2011 so far, |
Newcastle are unbeaten in the last 13 games stretching back from last season, and our currently on their best run in 61 years in the top flight. Whilst Everton have not kept a clean sheet over 9 games in league and cup. With Demba Ba on sizzling form after his hat-trick against Stoke, and has scored 8 goals in 9 games so far. The Magpies will maintain their early season form against a stuttering Everton team who are enduring a poor run of form. Just wait for the Geordie train to derail around January.
Freeley Prediction. 2-1 Newcastle.
The Villa against the Canaries is my final match to go under my predictions list for this weekend’s action. Currently Norwich are just ahead Villa in the league and the tie at Villa park should be a tight one. The stats certainly don’t lie as 4 of the last 5 past meetings have ended up with a draw. They both have recently drawn their last premier league match up’s and this tie firmly have the makings of a score draw.
Paul Lambert is expected to announce an unchanged side for the 7th game in a row, in what will be his 100th league game in charge for Norwich. Aston Villa should welcome back midfielder Jermane Jenas who has recovered from an Achillies injury and with Barry Bannan’s club suspension being lifted it leaves Alex Mcleish with a few more midfield options.
All the stats point to a score draw, and I’m getting the feeling that it’s on the cards. Norwich adopted a distinct counter attack style when they frustrated Liverpool at Anfield a few week’s ago and should maintain this tactic when heading to Villa Park. Former Barrow hit-man Grant Holt grabbed a header in front of the Kop that day, and I expect him to be on the score sheet once again.
Freeley Prediction. 1-1
