English Premier League Round 10 (28/10 - 29/10)

Newcastle United v WBA
Bolton v Everton
Liverpool v Portsmouth
Manchester United v West Ham United


After Round 9, Liverpool have emerged as serious title contenders after breaking Chelsea's 54-month unbeaten home record to take a clear lead at the top. In other games, Manchester United's chase on the leading pack took a tumble after a 1-1 draw against spirited Everton, while Arsenal kept pace with Liverpool after their 2-0 win at West Ham. Onto Round 10, and the games begin to come thick and fast now as we near the hectic Christmas period.

Tuesday, October 28
Newcastle v West Bromwich Albion

Summary: Two struggling sides meet in this key midweek fixture with Newcastle still sitting firmly in the drop zone. There is still a long way to go in the season yet and in recent weeks, Newcastle have begun to show some heart under the direction of caretaker manager, Joe Kinnear. West Brom were proving a hard nut to crack until recently, where they have been dealt severe blows - conceding 4 to Manchester United and even more crushing, 3 at home to Hull City without reply.

Verdict: Newcastle will fancy themselves here after West Brom's poor recent form. West Brom have only scored 1 goal on their travels this season but Newcastle have been porous in defence, so it is possible that we may see a few goals. Joey Barton is likely to feature and Guiterrez likewise for the home side.

Pick: Newcastle to Win (Confidence: 6/10)
Newcastle 2 - 1 West Brom

Wednesday, October 29
Bolton v Everton

Summary: One thing than can be noted about both these teams this season is their consistency...they have been consistently poor. Bolton have won only one game at the Reebok while Everton have failed to keep a clean sheet all season. However, after last week's matches the two teams go into this contest in contrasting moods. Bolton hold the embarassing tag of been the first team to be defeated by Tottenham, losing 2-0 at White Hart Lane. Everton were good value for their 1-1 draw against the champions Manchester United, and could of even snatched the winner if it wasn't for Van Der Sar and the post's intervention.

Verdict: Everton regain the services of goal poacher Tim Cahill from suspension which is huge for the Merseysiders. Bolton will have to make do without the suspended Gavin McCann. Everton's recent results may not be good reading but their form has evidently pick up, with Fellaini, Osman, and Pienaar the main catalysts. Bolton's poor home form and the visitors upturn in form points to a possible win for the team in blue.

Pick: Everton 0 hcp (Confidence: 8/10)
Bolton 0 - 1 Everton

Liverpool v Portsmouth

Summary: League leaders Liverpool will fancy themselves here against a stalling Pompey side. Liverpool had a fine win at Chelsea last time out, breaking the Londoners long home winning streak. Portsmouth let 2 points slip after letting Fulham equalize with virtually the last kick of the game. Top scorer, Fernando Torres, is still out through injury while Robbie Keane is questionable with a groin complaint. For the visitors, Glen Johnson and Sol Campbell are doubts.

Verdict: Liverpool are favourites for this contest with good reason but sometimes a big win can leave a team vulnerable in the next game. Portsmouth are a good footballing side who are in decent form and are undefeated in the EPL in their last 4 contests. With Crouch returning to Anfield and Liverpool suffering a possible Chelsea hungover, the visitors may be good enough for a point here.

Pick: Portsmouth +1.5 (Confidence: 6/10)
Liverpool 1 - 0 Portsmouth

Manchester United v West Ham

Summary: Manchester United's 6-game winning streak in all competitions was brought to an end in their 1-1 draw against a resiliant Everton side. Manchester were made to pay for their wasteful finishing in the first half after creating several guilt edged opportunities. West Ham and Gianfranco Zola's woes continued after losing 2-0 at home to bitter rivals Arsenal. Bad news for the visitors is that Carlton Cole misses out through suspension while Noble is a major doubt. Manchester United's Carrick is a good chance to be included in the squad on his return from injury.

Verdict: West Ham will be fearing for the worst here and so they should. Their away form is dismal with 1 win and 3 losses, and their strikeforce is down to the bare bones due to suspensions and injuries. Manchester's chase of the leading pack met a stumbling block in Liverpool last weekend so they will be eager to send out a strong message that they are still major contenders in the title chase.

Pick: Manchester United -2.0 (Confidence: 7/10)
Manchester United 2 - 0 West Ham