English Premier League Predictions: Game Week 25 (2/1-2/2)

Hi everyone! It's a shorter week this week, so I'm only doing predictions and hopefully have the power rankings ready for next week. Let's get to it!

GAME OF THE WEEK

Manchester United 1 Aston Villa 0: This was an incredibly tough game to choose. Villa are playing like they should have been since the beginning of the season. With the addition of Michael Bradley they will be even stronger in the midfielder (an early season issue). In addition, Darren Bent has been great up top for them, and he should continue to deliver goals. Even still, United are great at home. They are at the top of the table for a reason. While there is a possibility of a draw or Villa win, I just don't think it's going to happen.

OTHER GAMES

Arsenal 3- Everton 1: Everton have lost Pienaar, and I don't see them competing with the top of the league anymore. Arsenal are incredibly tough, and they should get all three points at home comfortably this week.

Sunderland 0- Chelsea 2: The Blues have shown signs of returning to form lately, and I think that should continue at the Stadium of Light this week. Sunderland were able to win their first game without Darren Bent, but I don't expect that form to continue. That being said, if their defense remains tough and frustrates Drogba, they might be able to earn a draw.

West Brom 3- Wigan Athletic 2: With Albion's terrible run of form, this match (all of a sudden) has major implications for the relegation zone. Both teams are simply looking to stay in the Premiership, and this match could control their destinies. When in doubt, trust in Odemwingie.

Birmingham City 0 -Manchester City 2: Birmingham are always tough at home. They earn draws, and they are looking to start winning matches in order to hang around the middle of the table. Nevertheless, Manchester City needs to win. All of a sudden, they find themselves six points back of United and have already played an extra game. If they lose again this week (and United win), they will essentially be out of the title race. I don't think Tevez will let that happen. Expect a double from the Argentinian captain trying to keep his team at the top.

Blackburn 1- Tottenham Hotspur 2: Spurs have only two points in their last three matches, and they are now very distant from United. They are pretty clear of earning at least a top six spot, but they are going to be battling for a top four position, which should bring out the best of Harry Redknapp's club. If not, well, it would give the club some real explaining to handle.

Blackpool 1 -West Ham United 2: I am convinced the Hammers will avoid relegation. I'm not sure if that's because of my liking of their inspired play, Grant's style, or of Green Street Hooligans. Regardless, I stand by my belief that the Hammers will avoid relegation, and it starts with a victory at Bloomfield road.

Bolton 2- Wolves 1: The Wanderers are reeling, and they need a remedy. Inviting Wolves to Reebok Stadium is about as good as that remedy can be. Wolves only have one road victory in their last six, which is why they have the fewest points in the league. If Bolton fall this week, their season can be written off as a disappointment. If not, they are only prolonging the inevitable.

Fulham 2 -Newcastle United 1: Neither team really impresses me. Newcastle are extremely inconsistent, which is why I expect them to fall on the road this week. Fulham aren't the greatest at Craven Cottage, but they should play well enough to get three points farther away from relegation.

Liverpool 1- Stoke City 2: It is still unsure whether or not Suarez will play this week. If he plays long enough, he could be effective and score a goal or two. If he doesn't play or if he only plays sparingly, then I think Stoke should earn the three points. The Reds haven't impressed me at all this year, and I believe the disappointment will continue this week.

Last Week: 7-4-2

Season: 93-59-52

That's all I have for this week. Hopefully, I'll be able to get my power rankings ready for next week, but only time will tell. Thanks for reading and feel free to comment!