Premier League Football

This mid-week fixture list features 6 games because of the Europa League and Champions League qualifiers.

Sunderland vs Chelsea

Both sides won at the weekend and both sides are under new management. Sunderland created many opportunities to score and will need to be more clinical against Chelsea’s resolute defense. Chelsea will also look to make the most of their chances as they left it late against Hull.

Prediction:  1-2

Wigan vs Wolverhampton

Wigan got off in fine style against Aston Villa and will be looking for much of the same against Wolves. Wolves lost their opening fixture to West Ham and will need to be better all round if they want to stay up. This is Wigan’s first competitive match at home sine the JJB was renamed the DW stadium

Prediction: 1-1

Birmingham vs Portsmouth

Portsmouth lacked the cutting edge against Fulham but should look to make amends on Wednesday. Birmingham had an away trip to Old Trafford and nearly took something back to the midlands with them as they produced a fine display at the champions.

Prediction: 1-0

Burnley vs Manchester United

The champion’s first away trip is to Turf Moor where they will be hosted by Owen Coyle’s Burnley. Manchester United do very well in picking up points from the ‘lesser’ sides but Burnley are one to watch and could pose a threat. In last year’s league cup they knocked out Arsenal, Chelsea and came within two minutes of knocking out Tottenham and reaching the final.

Prediction: 0-3

Hull vs Tottenham

Hull will be disappointed to have conceded an injury time goal to give Chelsea the points at the weekend but it was a good display from them. I think that Tottenham will be too strong for them though, with them brushing away title contenders Liverpool at the weekend.

Prediction: 0-2

Liverpool vs Stoke

Liverpool lost to Tottenham at the weekend and looked terribly out of sorts lacking the final pass that Xabi Alonso provided. Stoke won against Burnley with two set pieces, something they are very strong at. Stoke managed to draw this fixture last year and I think that they will do it again.

Prediction: 1-1

Post your predicitions and I want to wish the teams involved in qualifiers the best of luck.