Wednesday night

Ouch, tough night with just the one winner. Pompey kicked away enough chances to win the game never mind draw and Spurs finally clicked, for 45 mins at least.


Manchester City V Newcastle United

You do get the feeling that Man City are due a change in fortune at some stage and it could finally come against a poor travelling Newcastle side on Wednesday. They have been fairly erratic but are capable of decent performances especially at Eastlands where they seem a little more comfortable. The recent signing of Craig Bellamy and Nigel De Jong are big addition’s to the squad and should stabilize things a bit. With all their money there has been plenty of action in the transfer market with a ridiculous amount reportedly offered to Kaka which he refused. Also to add a little spice to this encounter they are supposedly very close to getting the signature of Shay Given. Robinho also has a big point to prove to the fans after going AWOL in Tenerife.
Newcastle are struggling and Kinnear’s honeymoon period is long over. They have failed to score in 3 of the last 4 games and were humiliated 3 – 0 at Blackburn on their last away trip. Apart from Joey Barton and Jose Enrique’s on field argument during the Blackburn match, it is reported that there have been some training ground incidents also which has done little for morale. Sitting 2 points above relegation is a dodgy spot to be and there is pressure on players and staff to start collecting some points.


Verdict
It’s only a matter of time before Man City click and their two new signings could prove to be the inspiration behind a win. Newcastle are unpredictable but I don’t see them causing an upset here.

Pick

Man City – 1 (2.31 @ bet365) 5 points


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Chelsea V Middlesborough

My first thoughts were Chelsea to win this very easy but on reflection im not so sure. Chelsea’s home form has not been so hot and their confidence looks shot since Liverpool broke their unbeaten record. They were very close to being humiliated by lowly Stoke last time out before two very late Lampard goals stole the points for them. 3 points are critical after Man Utd's show at West Brom and Chelsea need to keep up the pace.
It seems like forever since Middlesborough won a game (fa cup aside) and they have now lost 4 on the trot away from home. However, they are a notoriously tricky team to call and ive lost plenty backing and opposing them in the past. They seem to save their best for the big teams and I don’t see Wednesday being any different. Downing is key to them and if his crosses are on target then they could test a Chelsea defence that look shaky at times.

Verdict
Chelsea have been level at the break in their last three games and Boro will come with a defensive attitude. With that in mind it may be worth chancing that Boro will hold Chelsea out until the 2nd half.

Pick
Draw HT/ Chelsea FT (5 @ VC) 5 points



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Blackburn V Bolton

Big Sam returns to his old club and this another game that screams out a low scoring dull affair. Allardyce has introduced some stability and is unbeaten as of yet and faces a Bolton side that has slumped a little recently.
Blackburn have won 3 and drawn 3 since Ince left the club and while they are still bottom they have improved their chances of survival considerably.
Bolton have lost 8 of the last 9 in all competitions but on closer inspection have had to face Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa in that sequence which is a nightmare run of fixtures.

Verdict
This is a derby game so anything can happen but Bolton will be glad to have some very tough games out of the way. This will be tough, uncompromising and we probably wont see too many goals but I fancy Bolton to battle their way to a draw. Kevin Nolan is back from suspension and he will be key.
0 – 0 or 1 – 1 id say

PICK

Draw (3.34 @ pinnacle) 5 points