The Predict360 league resumes normal service over the next two days after the FA Cup offered – as it proved – an unwelcome distraction for our UAE armchair experts.
A succession of shock results meant the majority of our teams failed to pick up points, while there were no correct predictions from the weekend.
Both Manchester clubs got the right result so United and City extend their lead over the chasing pack by another point.
With all still to play for, this next round of fixtures could prove vital in our experts’ pursuit of the Predict360 crown. Let’s see what happens…
CURRENT LEAGUE TABLE (after 19 rounds)
Man United (Moe) – 17pts
Man City (Darren) – 17
Liverpool (Obaydah) – 15
Tottenham (Simon) – 14
Chelsea (Shivam) - 13
Everton (Mark) – 12
Arsenal (Ted) – 11
TED TOTSIDIS - @TedTots (Arsenal)
What happened last week? Given the Premier League scalps that were taken at the weekend by lower league teams in the FA Cup, I think things actually went alright for us against Brighton & Hove Albion. It seems as though Giroud and Walcott have found their scoring boots again (a combined 6 goals in 2 matches) while Podolski has rediscovered his tireless work ethic and smarts when approaching goal. My only wish is that this purple patch holds up for our attackers and that our defence can take pride in not conceding soft goals from set pieces... well here's hoping anyway.
Prediction this week: We face old foe Liverpool on Wednesday night, which will be tough no matter which way we approach it. They've been as inconsistent in attack and defence as we have lately and that's all the more reason this match will be hard to predict. I feel the home advantage will work in our favour and that we'll have the fresher legs amongst our first team players, plus the confidence from the weekend's FA Cup win to walk away with all three points and one step closer to a top four spot. Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
SHIVAM MANGHNANI - @ShivamLM (Chelsea)
What happened last week: The performance away to Brentford was horrendous. There was a small part of me that said "okay if we lose Benitez is out" and that was a silver lining but thankfully Fernando Torres scored (!) and has given us more fixture congestion. Benitez's tactics yet again were all wrong and I haven't seen such ineptitude since Ranieri and that night in Monaco, but we should have won that regardless.
The only bright spark from that match was Oscar, who was everywhere. Yet again though a holding midfield combination of Lampard-Ramires just doesn't work and we need Mikel back badly. Another player we missed was Victor Moses, his directness is a rare trait in this Chelsea squad.
This week: The Reading match will be another difficult one with the Royals in good form of late. They will be more willing to attack than Brentford were, which should allow Juan Mata and Oscar to move freely. Hopefully Demba Ba starts, when he came on off the bench against Brentford he grabbed an assist with what was essentially his first touch. It would also be interesting to see both Ba and Torres start otherwise it would mean one of Bertrand or Marko Marin starting which doesn't fill me with much confidence. I want to see Chelsea play like they did in the first half of the win against Arsenal which was wonderful to watch; fluid and fast. We can't have two poor performances in a row so I will edge for a Chelsea win providing Petr Cech starts in goal! Reading 0-2 Chelsea
MARK SCHUMANN - @MarkSchuey (Everton)
What happened last week. The ultimate dilemma.... a prediction of 1-1 in the FA Cup only for Everton to win 2-1 in the dying second. I was primed and ready for a replay and three points in the Predict360 league only for Heitinga to blast a winner. Oh well, I'll always take an Everton win over a Predict360 win, but only just!
This week: We welcome West Brom to Goodison Park and I predict a riot. Revenge for our early season loss to the Baggies will be sweet. West Brom have struggled of late and whilst Everton have been a bit shy in front of goal, I'm going to go for a comfortable Everton win. Ambitious? Maybe, but I'm feeling brave. Everton 3-1 West Brom
OBAYDAH AL-NAMER - @LFCArabia (Liverpool)
What happened last week: This was a game for battlers not bottlers! Brendan Rodgers played three strikers in addition to Sterling and it made for an unbalanced side from the off. And Brad Jones isn't a youngster Brendan! Stevie Gerrard was the only one to perform and the only one to show a passion and desire. Furthermore, I don’t believe in the magic of the cup. Let's face it - it's third on the list of priorities for the better teams at the start of the year. The Europa league is the only trophy we can realistically win!
This week: If Liverpool have realistic ambitions of trying to challenge for a top four spot this season, I feel it will effectively be over if we los to the Gunners on Wednesday. Having said that, I am not confident either side will qualify for next season’s Champions League. The team that defeated Norwich in has the potential to beat Arsenal, and despite the FA Cup shock at Oldham, which we won’t dwell on, I believe Liverpool are due their first win ever at Arsenal’s new stadium. Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool
DARREN BALL - @AbuDhabiDaz (Man City)
What happened last week: The FA Cup weekend proved to be a success for City. Travelling to Stoke and getting a hard-fought win is always pleasing and sees us safely into the next round.
This week: After a great weekend of the FA Cup we see the return of the Premier League with City traveling down to the Big Smoke to face QPR. City face a bit of a defensive problem; Kompany is out with a calf strain, Kolo is on international duty, and Nastasic is struggling with a muscle strain so we could well look to the young and very talented Karim Rekik to slot in alongside Lescott or maybe see the back 3 of Lescott, Zaba and Clichy?
Nasri will be looking to get back in the starting line up as he returns from a virus. I am hoping for Aguero to start alongside Tevez and see them both on the scoresheet tonight. QPR are coming off an embarassing defeat by the MK Dons and could be a tough team to crack. QPR 0-2 Manchester City
MOHAMMED ANABTAWI - @MoeAnabtawi (Manchester United)
What happened last week: Manchester United put in a brilliant performance againsy Fulham on Saturday. Giggs was ageless and Nani showed glimpses of brilliance that hopefully marks a progressive return to form for the Portuguese winger. Anderson bossed that midfield and Carrick was just his usual consistent self this season. 4-1 was an understatement, it could have been more.
This week: Focusing on Southampton, we have rested quite a few names and I expect Sir Alex to still go out on the attack and have our squad score plenty of goals in hope of retaining a five point lead as well as nullifying the chance of a dramatic thriller repeat. We must be hungry and resilient at all times.
Southampton are no pushovers; they drew against Arsenal and Chelsea as well as gave United & City a hard time during the first half of the season. Mauricio Pochettino will want to try prove a point at Old Trafford, but I think his first win will just have to wait until they face Wigan on Saturday. Manchester United 3 -0 Southampton
SIMON THURSTON - @SimonPThurston (Tottenham)
What happened last week: It's been a long time since a correct scoreline prediction, but in our last league match at home to Manchester United I went for a 1-1 draw, and thanks to Clint Dempsey's strike in 'Fergie Time' my prediction was realised. I thought the home team were well worth a point, and but for a couple of outstanding saves by De Gea it could have been all three on the balance of chances created.
This week: The trip to Carrow Road on Wednesday night won't be an easy one. Although Norwich are on a run of five defeats in their last six matches, only picking up one point out of a possible 18, they will want to end that against fourth-placed Tottenham. Spurs have won six of their 11 away matches in the Premier League thus far, and rumour is that new signing Lewis Holtby will make his debut for the visitors, adding some much needed creativity in the middle of the park.
I expect Norwich to adopt the same tactics that many opponents have this season and park the bus, even if only temporarily. This will mean Spurs' pace down the flanks and the impact of Holtby will hold the key if the Lilleywhites are to win this match. And I believe they will, but it will be a close-run affair on a cold night in Norfolk. Norwich 1-2 Tottenham
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