'GRAND SLAM' SUNDAY - Predictions

Premiership Saturday:

Charlton vs Portsmouth

Pompey, oh Pompey, the only team in England not to have conceded up till this point, I don't mean just in the Premiership, but across all the leagues. Boasting the likes of David James and Sol Campbell, their results have been good so far, especially that 4-0 win over Middlesbrough. But they won't go through the whole season not conceding and I can see Darren Bent scoring against them in this.

Drogballs' Prediction: 1-1

Bolton vs Middlesbrough

Bolton have strengthened their squad with 'Le Sulk' Nicolas Anelka over the summer and he's probably a better striker than Kevin Davies will ever become, so scoring goals might not be the problem, especially against a pretty leaky Boro defence. But Boro too have welcomed Jonathan Woodgate, whom I thought is world class, into the defence and shown that he is up to the task. Their performance against Arsenal was commendable, but I still see Bolton winning this one.

Drogballs' Prediction: 2-0 to Bolton

Everton vs Wigan

Will Everton continue their red hot form against Paul Jewell's Wigan? Probably so, to me. Everton's home form have been great so far and Wigan has had a stop-start first few games and struggled a little to find consistency, so I can't see them stopping the Toffees.

Drogballs' Prediction: 2-1 to Everton

Sheffield United vs Reading

Both the newcomers from the Coca Cola Championships will meet this weekend. Reading had a better start to their season, winning their last game against Man City and I'm also impressed by the way they came back from 2-0 down against Boro to win it 3-2. Sheffield Utd on the other hand, have not found their gear and is struggling to keep pace with the rest of the pack. But this game will be a tight one and I'll sit on the fence.

Drogballs' Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Watford vs Aston Villa

Aston Villa looked set to continue their revival under Martin O'Neil when they face newly promoted, Watford. Watford too, like Sheffield Utd, struggled to kick start their campaign while Villa is in fine form, despite drawing with West Ham last week. I've been impressed by O'Neil's side because of the way the team move, the fluidity in play and defensively organised. I see Villa nicking a win with an odd goal.

Drogballs' Prediction: 1-0 to Villa


'GRAND SLAM' SUNDAY

Chelsea vs LIVERPOOL

This is probably the duller affair of the two 'grand slam' matches. Familiarity breeds contempt and this two teams know each other inside out. Chelsea have beaten Liverpool on their last four league meetings while Liverpool remained unbeaten by Chelsea in all cup games. Liverpool drew first blood after defeating Chelsea in the FA Community Shield, but struggled to find form in the league after a draw with Sheffield United on opening day and the heartbreaking defeat to Everton last week.

Chelsea too have not been at their best, but effective to say the least. Their home form have been immense, haven't lost any since Jose took charge two years ago. They'll be without Joe Cole this time, but Robben should be available. So is it Jose's Blues, or Rafa's Reds?

Drogballs Prediction: 1-1 Draw. Even as a Liverpool fan writing this, I must be realistic and I think a point is the maximum we can get.

Man Utd vs Arsenal

The mouth-watering encounter, more tasty than the pizza that got slammed onto Sir Fergie's face. I for one believe that Arsenal cannot afford to lose this game and must take the game to United. They've so far struggled to score goals in the league and Henry isn't in his best shape, physically and also mentally. Their home form is poor and their away form...horrid.

ManYoo on the other hand have been on fire and they're having thier best league start since 1985. Giggs have been the catalyst to their success but might not be available for the game. But the suspended duo of Rooney and Scholes will be back and I think it'll certainly boost the confidence of the Red Devils, which is already sky high at the moment.

Drogballs' Prediction: ManYoo 2-1 Arsenal. You can't write Arsenal off, but from what I've seen from them lately, comparing it on ManYoo, it's difficult to see them getting anything out of it. Okay, maybe a goal...

Blackburn vs Man City

Both team suffered from the poor start. Nothing between this two teams and I'm sitting on the fence.

Drogballs' Prediction: 1-1 Draw.

Tottenham vs Fulham

Everyone touted Tottenham as the most likely team that will break into the top four this season but their early season form doesn't suggest so. 3 losses in 4 is certainly not very encouraging while Fulham has been alright till the point, losing Bullard will be a huge, huge blow. Is their away form still as stinky as ever? Perhaps..

Drogballs' Prediction: 2-1 to Spurs.

West Ham vs Newcastle

I can see a high scoring and entertaining game in this one. Newcastle being really sh*tty at the back will certainly let in goals while West Ham is an entertaining team to watch. Their acquisition of Tevez and Mascherano have yet to yield anything, but they're class and it wouldn't be long before they start showing it.

Drogballs' Prediction: West Ham 3-2 Newcastle.

Tags: English Premiership, Grand Slam Sunday, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea