EPL quick picks. Due to time constraints, FULL round analysis will not be available. Saturday, 8 November
Wigan Athletic v Stoke City
Summary: This is a contest between the weakest home team against the weakest away team in the competition. Last time out, Wigan broke a 4 game losing streak with a 2-1 away win at Portsmouth while Stoke continued their good home form with a 2-1 victory over title contenders Arsenal. That was Stoke's 3rd home victory on the trot, impressive stuff for the promoted side. Melchiot is set to return for Wigan after recovering from a virus while long-term injury victims, Liam Lawrence and Andrew Davies are still not match fit for the visitors.
Verdict: Wigan have scored a measley 3 goals at home all season where as Stoke have scored the same amount away from home. Wigan have been kept scoreless at the JJB on three seperate occasions, pointing to a tight and tense tussle.
Pick: Under 2.5 goals
Wigan 0 - 0 Stoke City
West Ham v Everton
Summary: Struggling West Ham face a resurgent Everton here in what is likely to be an interesting encounter. West Ham are now winless in their last 5 encounters after going so close to breaking that streak in their 1-1 draw away to Middlesbrough. Everton are not firing on all cylinders by all means but have recently made a habit of 1-0 wins, recording their second in a row by that margin in their win at home to Fulham. West Ham will have to make do without Noble, Behrami, and striker Cole while the visitors miss out on key man Marouane Fellaini through suspension.
Verdict: Results breed confidence and since that stirring second half fight back against Manchester United (in Round 9, res: 1-1), Everton have strung two wins in a row. West Ham are struggling for confidence and personell, especially in the attacking/creative department. Everton's recent form at the back and the return of talisman Tim Cahill points to an advantage for the visitors.
Pick: Everton +0,0.5
West Ham 1 - 3 Everton
Sunday, November 9
Blackburn v Chelsea
Summary: Blackburn face a tough task against a Chelsea side still licking their wounds after their midweek 3-1 defeat to Roma. Last round, Blackburn picked up a spirited 2-2 draw at West Brom while Chelsea swept Sunderland aside with a 5-0 mauling.
Verdict: Blackburn have only scored 3 goals at home all season while Chelsea have easily been the best performing side on their travels, amassing 14 goals and only conceding 1 in the process. Bad news for Blackburn is that key strikers Roque Santa Cruz and Benni McCarty are not available for selection, depleting their already underperforming strikeforce even further. Chelsea also have their absentees but they have an abundance of depth to compensate for their respective losses.
Pick: Chelsea -1
Blackburn 0 - 2 Chelsea
Manchester City v Tottenham
Summary: Both teams will be in the mood here after scoring solid home wins in Europe midweek. Manchester City won 3-2 against Dutch side FC Twente whereas Tottenham continued their good recent form with a 4-0 thumping of Croatian side, Dinamo Zagreb. Tottenham are now 4 games undefeated in all competitions which goes to show how much of an impact a new manager can have on the players. Benjani is a chance to return for the home side whereas Jenas is a doubt for the visitors.
Verdict: Manchester City have an impressive goal scoring record at the City of Manchester Stadium, scoring at a rate of 3 goals a game. Tottenham have been in rich goal scoring form themselves in recent times, with 12 goals scored in their last 4 games (in all competitions). Historically, this fixture has been relatively high scoring and with both defences always capable of the odd lapse of concentration, it is likely that we will see goals again.
Pick: Over 2.5 goals
Manchester City 1 - 2 Tottenham
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