The Six Pointer Weekend Predictions

After a long break from-enforced, it has to be said- the blog is back. And what better weekend to choose than this? (Not like we actually chose it).

Having been knocked out of the Champions league by former employee, Jose Mourinho, Chelsea had some time off this midweek and they will be glad they did, with their rivals losing vital cogs in their various wheels...

The EPL Roundup

Manchester United (1) vs. Chelsea (2): This is obviously a top of the table clash, and one that both sides will be eager not to lose. Anyone that wins will be taking a massive step to the title. You hear of relegation six pointers; this is a championship six pointer.

All the talk preceding this game has been about the absence of a certain Wayne Rooney. But people seem to forget that Manchester United has won the last eight games in his absence, seven wins and a draw since you asked, and his replacement is no dud either. Enter Mr. Dimitar Berbatov, scorer of twelve (yes twelve) goals in nineteen premier league starts this season. It is also worth noting that Chelsea have only scored one goal in four premier league attempts at old Trafford...

On the other hand, they (Chelsea) are seemingly finding top gear after a dodgy period. They’ve defeated Portsmouth and Aston Villa and have scored twelve goals in both games.  Carlo Ancelloti has some problems, albeit problems that every manager would want, having reverted to the 4-3-3 in the last two games, and with both his strikers fit (assuming Drogba comes through), he’d be a dilemma. With a victory here, they’d have their destiny in their own hands...

...Home win.

Sunderland (13) vs. Tottenham Hotspurs (4): Having promised a lot at the beginning a very poor spell ruined their season and being kind of safe, they’d probably be playing for pride. Tell that to Darren Bent, who had a penalty saved at the lane and would like to show ‘triffic’ ‘Arry the stuff he’s made of...

Oh let’s not forget that Spurs are still fourth and a win here will strengthen their hold ahead of a testing time against the top three...

...Away win.

Arsenal (3) vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (14): Having taken part in THAT game on Wednesday, it’s fair to say that the home side will be a tad drained. But never mind, the adrenalin pumping will take away every hint of tiredness. But it is a shame that Arsene Wenger had to risk players on Wednesday, and now that has backfired...

I do not know if Mick McCarthy thinks that a game at the Emirates stadium is winnable, I’d be sure to keep a close eye. It is really obvious that they are better than at least three teams in the division, so they’d just relax and see what happens...

...Home win.

Burnley (19)vs. Manchester city (5): Burnley welcome the team that, sort of, donated a point to their cause (seeing that they’ve lost every other away game) and will have it in mind that anything short of victory will mean that they should start preparing themselves for the step down.

With the Citizens as inconsistent as they are uninspiring, this is quite hard to put a finger on...

...But with Carlos Tevez, You never know...

...Away win.

Birmingham city (9) vs. Liverpool (6): Well. Well. Well. Birmingham City after their really long unbeaten run have come unstuck recently. And with mid table assured, the players could already be in summer (in their heads).

But if they need ANY motivation, how about the team that denied them three very useful points with a dive in the closing stages at Anfield. Good thing Fernando Torres is fit then.

With the battle for fourth (they should give medals for fourth place) now gathering momentum, the reds know they have to win to keep themselves in it, lest they fail to qualify for Europe next season, assuming they don’t win the Europa league...

...Draw.

Liga BBVA Roundup

Barcelona (2) vs. Athletic Bilbao (6): With the return leg of their quarter final tie with Arsenal on Tuesday, they’d look to rest a few of their big guns, as they did at Mallorca last week. But you will be sure to see Puyol and Pique, the Catalan pair is suspended. The absence of key men will mean that this game will be quite close and a hard fought one.

Bilbao are seen in Spain to play English, meaning that they lump the ball up and a big man (Llorente) knocks it down and others go for the scraps. So expect a lot of feisty play.

...Home win.

Almeria (12) vs. Real Mallorca: Almeria are a decent side, not decent enough to make Europe mind, and they play with place and are hard to beat. In Albert Crusat, they have a man who can create something with his pace.

And with Mallorca not showing up in away games, they could be very easy for the home... But then, maybe someone will tell Mallorca that they have a very real chance of making the Champions league and that will make them buck up...

...Draw.

Valencia (3) vs. Osasuna (13): A while ago, I complained that Unai Emery should have chalked up more points for Los Che and I’m sticking with that. He’s got a more than decent first eleven with some solid back up. He really, really should be doing better. With the second leg against Athletico to come, expect some changes to the side...

And since all Osasuna care about is safety, with nothing to fight for, it could be an easy game for the home side...

...Home win.

Racing Satander (16) vs. Real Madrid (1): With Satander staring relegation in the face, they will need a big performance to defeat Madrid and give themselves a shot in the arm. But can they?

Real Madrid aren’t involved in the Champions league and so fatigue isn’t an issue. What they need is for someone to knock out Barcelona and they’d know that they won’t have to endure the scenario of watching Barça win the champions league at the Bernabeu. And they should dispatch Arcing with some ease... Meanwhile, VDV continues his campaign to make Florentino Perez see that even though Ramon Calderon brought him to Los Merengues and Kaka cost a lot more than himself, he really should be in the team ahead of the Brazilian...

...Away win