Week 5

Right all first preview and review of the new year...

Week 5

Newcastle vs Everton

The first fixture of the new year sees leaders Newcastle pitted against an ever improving Everton side. Newcastle, who have already seen off Plymouth at home this year, showed fighting spirit against an unfortunate Reading side who found themselves one nil up after only 3 minutes only to be pegged back by Mexican wonderkid Giovanni Dos Santos. Having restored their lead thanks to a Mark Jones goal before half time, Reading saw a rampant Newcastle second half with goals from Alexsandar Kolarov, who now sees his total up to 6 goals for the season, and Thomas Hitzperger seal a 3-2 victory.

They face an Everton side hot off a 2-1 victory against promotion side West Ham. Two goals from Ricardo Queresma, who has been in fine goalscoring form after a stop-start to his career in England, enough to cancel out Roland Bianchi's 38th minute strike. There are still question marks over Newcastle's defensive capabilities but it would be tough to bet against them at home and unless Queresma can rally his fellow players this looks like being another home win for Newcastle.

Prediction: Newcastle 3 Everton 1

West Ham vs Blackburn

Its safe to say that West Ham have struggled since sealing promotion to the Premiership. A solitary win see's them firmly in the relegation zone, although to their credit they have only conceded 5 goals from the their first 4 games. Rolando Bianchi needs to find his goal scoring boots quickly as the Hammers have only manager 4 goals this campaign, a strikerate that must improve.

They have a Blackburn side on a high after defeating early high flyers Fulham in a tense affair at Ewood Park. A first half Craig Bellamy strike, cancelled out by a Bobby Zamora penalty, saw them go in at the half-time level and it was left to veteran centreback Philippe Christanval to head home to seal all 3 points for the home side.

A tense and close game is in store this weekend with both teams struggling in the goal department and one moment of brilliance could seal it for either side. Wouldn't expect too many goals though.

Prediction: West Ham 1 Blackburn 1.

Fulham vs Villa

Fulham were unlucky last week not to take something from their game against Blackburn and will be anxious to continue what has been a bright start to the season. Arjen Robben though continues to be hit or miss and after a stunning performance during their previous game failed to live up to expectations against Blackburn. He is their key man and if he can find some form again this week Fulham will be difficult to beat. AM Tiago is another one to look out for pulling the strings in the middle of the park and Villa must stop him and the Dutchman to stand a chance in picking anything up at Craven Cottage.

Saying that, Villa have not made the worst start to the season and are the only recently promoted side above the relegation zone. In their ranks they boast proven goalscorer Ruud Van Nisterooy and his first half strike against Manchester United was not enough to help them take something from last week's game. Goals from Rafael Vander Vaart and Alberto Luque enough to seal all 3 points from high flying United. A home win is a must here for Fulham and I wouldn't expect anything less.

Prediction: Fulham 3 Villa 0

Man United vs Man City

The biggest game of the season so far pits local rivals Manchester United against Champions Manchester City. The blue half of Manchester has undoubtedly seen more recent success but it will be tough facing a United side brimming with confidence. 3 wins, 8 goals has led the Reds to 3rd in the table and in Dimitar Berbatov and Rafael Vander Vaart they have 2 players who could cause City some real problems.

However City, hot off a 3-2 win against Birmingham last week thanks to goals from Shaun WP and Frank Lampard, are still a formidable force and have an array of talents at their disposal. Didier Drogba is yet to find his real form for the blues but is always a threat up front and in Frank Lampard they have one of the finest midfielders in England.

Expect this to be a fiery affair and a cracking game. A tough one to call, an even tougher game to play in!

Prediction: Man Utd 2 Man City 2

Birmingham vs Plymouth

This week sees two of the surprise under-performing sides of the season in what is a replay of last year's Cup final. Birmingham were unlucky last week to come up against a rampant City side and despite a brace from Ashley Young could not hold off Frank Lampard from sealing a 89th winner. However, although currently in the relegation zone, its early days in the season and I wouldn't be surprised to see Birmingham bounce back this week, especially with the array of talent at their disposal, especially with Ashley Young in fine form. If Hernandez, Nani and Henderson can fire this week this might prove too tough a task for a Plymouth side who have struggled to gain momentum this season, especially away from home.

However, Plymouth do come to St Andrews hot off a 2-1 victory against a very talented Arsenal side. Goals from Nicolas Anelka, in a return to the side, and Wayne Rooney, who may just be finding his scoring boots, enough to cancel out a 24th minute Andrei Arshavin strike. Much will rely on how much manager Ben Wilson has tinkered with his side and the form of players such as Wayne Rooney and Robinho, who was poor last week, and unless they are firing its tough to see how Plymouth can pick up their first points away from home.

Prediction: Birmingham 3 Plymouth 1


Arsenal vs Reading

The final fixture this week see's Arsenal against bottom side Reading in what must be a must win game for Arsenal. In a side brimming with talent it is hard to see how Arsenal find themselves just above the relegation zone and this week sees the perfect opportunity for them to really kick start their season. Arsenal welcome back Carlos Tevez, who had a superb season last year, and his partnership with Dutch star Robin Van Persie may be crucial for the rest of their campaign. They will be looking to new signings Theo Walcott and Andrei Arshavin to provide the chances and if all four fire Reading could be in for a nightmare of a time.

However, Reading showed some fight last week against a strong Newcastle side and will take heart from the fact that they twice took the lead through goals from Kevin Doyle and Mark Jones. However, a dismal second half display is the reason why they sit rock bottom of the Premiership. They must urgently sort out a defence which has conceded 12 goals already this season if they are to have a chance against Arsenal and its difficult to see how they will get anything out of this fixture.

Prediction: Arsenal 4 Reading 0

"surprise under-performers Plymouth"?!?

Is this the same Plymouth that about 8 people predicted would struggle on the pre-season questionnaire?

Ben Ranieri....

You have a fair point there Rich. I'll have a word with the writer and tell him to sort it out...

Well I was fortunate enough while speaking to Paul, to get my result whispered. After a change in formation.... it brought me a well deserved 3-0 victory over reading. I imagine he's printing n posting turns today. Hopefully I shall receive my turn tommorow for a good read on my day off!

great work again ben,

excellent read, and ur right my flying dutchman needs to up his game, iv tweaked his role slightly in the hope of encouraging the best from him.

its not all about him though, theres 10 others that need to perform to

a clean sheet would be most welcome and well overdue.

Anyone's turns arrives today guys?

Nothing here, but still waiting for the relief postaman, so not expecting much

Relief postman? Is that a porn thing?

They are very accomadating round our way, if not a little disappointing

nothing here

Had my relief and it was disappointment

Postman been here and nothing, however, i didnt manage to even send my turn off so not really that excited about receiving it.

turn arrived this morning

Turn arrived, happy that Aguero finally went through, also happy with a point against Plymouth with my 9 men!

God 9 men, may have got away with that one then against you Rich ( wouldn't have wanted to play against all 11). Either way as I said I'll take a much needed away point! As for Aguero glad to see that finally went though, after I have played you lol!

Aguero, great signing.

He'd better be for £60 million

£60m! OMG he is worth more than the whole of my Blackpool team sheet, 3 times over!!!!

Aguero/Chicharito strikeforce, gotta be goals in that surely! Nani/Young on the wings, Parker holding with a.n.other, defo better than results say.

Your doing a very good job Rich and have some excellent players.

Just a shame that Begovic decided to turn into Taibi as soon as I signed him.....ah well there's always Gomes to call on.....

If ever there was a week to listen to my own advice...this was it. Don't change 4 players at once, and don't "try a new system cos it might work"

Rubbish. I should be fined. The foxes have issues, and they need sorting. I really need a decent mobile ST, I'm overloaded with strapping CF's

In Spain things are looking good though, betis are starting to settle and pick up points. At least two of you try to NEW Isaac Cuenca every week, which I'm enjoying...

And coup of the week was picking up Callejon for £250,000...can't be many of Jose's favourites available for £250k!