Premiership Predictions: Round 15

Well, last week was interesting. I recorded a resounding 2/10 getting my predictions for Stoke and Tottenham correct! Hurrah! My worst week yet, but I'm still in the 99th percentile on Facebook's Premier League Picks, and there is a long way to go in the season.

Here's hoping this week's pics will pan out a bit better, eh?

Aston Villa vs Fulham at Villa Park
Having held Liverpool to a goalless draw last week, I'm almost tempted to pick them to come away with something special against the Villains. Almost. However, Villa are also coming off of a draw against a "Big Four" club.

Villa have only lost once at home this season, and Fulham have only won once away from home this season. Don't expect Villa's recent form to falter, but it might be close. Still, Villa to win at home just feels right to me.

Middlesbrough vs Newcastle United at The Riverside Stadium
Newcastle also haven't won a game away from home thus far, and while Middlesbrough have been a hot/cold team in recent form, I don't expect them to lose to Newcastle.

I don't expect Newcastle to win either. Mido is coming back for the home side, while Viduka might play a part for Newcastle. Seems a pretty fair trade off. Draw it is!

Stoke City vs Hull City at Britannia Stadium
Stoke have a good home form as of late, but they are coming up against a Hull side that has only lost once on the road this season. 

Fuller is set to return for Stoke, but I keep thinking Hull are due to snap their recent win-less streak, and this just might be the game in which they do it.

Hull have scored more goals on the road than any other EPL club except for Chelsea. I expect them to bag enough to beat Stoke this Saturday. Hull it is.

Sunderland vs Bolton Wanderers at Stadium of Light
Two points separate these clubs in the EPL standings. I don't expect Sunderland's home defeat trend to end in order to hand Roy Keane his 100th win as manager.

Bolton's recent form is just that much better than Sunderland's, and Bolton have a pretty full squad heading in to this game. On the other hand, Sunderland have too many things going against them for me to pick them winning at home. Bolton's my pick.

Wigan Athletic vs West Bromwich Albion at JJB Stadium
Playing the team at the bottom of the table who have not won a game since I don't know when and who have scored only twice away from home, even Wigan must like their chances.

And having dispatched Everton in their last match, confidence must be high. Wigan it is.

Manchester City vs Manchester United at City of Mcr. Stadium
The local derbies of all local derbies. City are spotty at home, and I don't see them pulling it off against the defending champions, not this time. Ireland has been impressive, but I don't think it will be enough.

This could be a real wide-open slug fest, just like the ManU Arsenal game was. But in that game, ManU missed some real golden opportunities that I don't see them missing in this derby. United should end their poor form against local rivals come Sunday. Devils are my pick.

Portsmouth vs Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park
Tony Adams' side shouldn't be too discouraged about their recent result against AC Milan. They showed real power in that game, but ultimately it was Milan's determination that resulted in a draw.

Contrast that to Ince's Rovers, whose recent form is pretty bleak, two points out of the last six games. I think its time for Adam's first home win. Pompey at home for the win!

Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton at White Hart Lane
Spurs at home vs an Everton squad who were upset last week by Wigan. Too many injuries are going to make it really hard on Everton, and I just can't see them pulling it off against a Spurs revival. Spurs for the win.

Chelsea vs Arsenal at Stamford Bridge
The game of Round 15. Can Chelsea stabilize their home form against an Arsenal team with a lot to prove and a lot to lose? Arsenal usually do well against top clubs.

There is a lot of analysis and talk out there, which I'm not going to add to here. It will be an interesting game, but I wouldn't be a Gooner if I didn't pick my team to win. C'mon Arsenal!

Liverpool vs West Ham United at Anfield
OK, I'm running out of steam. If Gerrard is fit, I expect Liverpool to win. Liverpool have twice as many points as West Ham so far this season, and their home form is almost perfect; just two draws.

Gerrard is fit, the last I checked, so, there you have it. Scouser victory!

And there you have it!