Match: Arsenal v Reading
Date: 30th March 2013
Time: 15:00
Competition: Premier League
Form: Arsenal - WLWWW Reading - LLLLL
Last Meeting: Reading 2-5 Arsenal
I think the only way to start off is to welcome Nigel Adkins to Reading. He will have a huge task on his hands trying to save them this season but he is probably one of the best choices the owner could have got, with Gus Poyet turning down the job. His record at Southampton was as good as any after 2 seasons in lower divisions, then the transition to the premier league where the club were in 15th place. This might be a step too far however, but I can't wait to see what he can get out of this squad. They've lost the last 5 premier league games and a trip to the Emirates is difficult for any side in Europe, especially for a side who has lost 12 times in the league away from home. Meanwhile, over at the Emirates, it was looking like Wenger was all but gone at the end of the season, but the almost-moment in Munich and the win at Swansea, mixed with Tottenham's dip in form has once again instilled belief in the club by Arsenal supporters. To be fair to Wenger, he has always got results when the situation looks bleak. This is no different, they are still my favourites for fourth place. Most Arsenal fans would have been expecting top 4 at the start of the season while it was probably a minimum from the club's board. Both managers have a lot to play for, but who will be happier at the end of the season?
The stats certainly are not on Reading's side here. Away from home this season, they have one win, away to Newcastle, two draws and of course, 12 defeats. Arsenal have an acceptable 8 home wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats at the Emirates this season. They've crashed in 35 goals, averaging 2.5 goals per game but Reading have scored just 12 away goals this season, giving them an average of 0.8 goals a game on their travels. But again, those stats are from a previous manager's reign, but it is still the same squad so it's hard to see how much should be read into them. They might take some heart from the fact Arsenal have only 4 home clean sheets all season, this means there should be chances to score goals for the attacking players. Adkins must get his tactics spot on here, which Brian McDermott failed to do too often. They really need to tighten up in midfield and have two attacking threats out wide who can get forward and defend. Start off with a 4-5-1 but make sure the right players are in the right positions. For Arsenal, they have a couple of options but they should just go all out attack on Reading, but play with a holding player in case Reading are lively at the start and catch them on the break. Reading are usually at their best in the last 15 mins, so it would be a good idea to make sure Arsenal have a strong bench, meaning they can bring on fresh players at the end.
Should be a comfortable home win, but Reading will be livened by the manager's arrival but it won't be enough. 3-1 to Arsenal.
Match: Sunderland v Manchester United
Date: 30th March 2013
Time: 12:45
Competition: Premier League
Form: Sunderland - DLDLL Man Utd - WWWWW
Last Meeting: Man Utd 3-1 Sunderland
So we have the champions elect (pains me to say) against a side who are slipping further into relegation. Sunderland have gone on a terrible run and their next 2 fixtures, this and Chelsea away, could see them slip even further down. After these two games, they need points from 5 consecutive games, maybe around the 9-11 point mark. Then for me they should be clearly safe. While United are just waiting until they can collect the crown, I think they could do it if they win those games up until the derby, then win the derby which would be the perfect way. So this game has importance for both sides, in completely different ways.
Injuries could be Sunderland's downfall. Their missing Brown, Cattermole, Cuellar, Sessegnon and Fletcher. The latter two being the decisive duo. They need some big performances and goals from Wickham and Gardner and even more from the likes of Adam Johnson and McClean. Even Danny Graham. Seems the stage is set for the life long Newcastle fan. That might leave Martin O Neill no choice but to change formation and try something different. Man Utd are without Scholes, Nani, Jones and Flecther. But they have Cleverly, Valencia, Smalling and Carrick to replace.
Whatever the outcome, Sunderland need to look forward and give the best they can, without letting their heads drop, their fate is in their own hands. But I don't think they'll get anything here. Man United haven't played an away game since the 23rd of February. 0-2.
LFC Preview in the Villa match thread.
Other Predictions:
Man City 2-0 Newcastle
Newcastle are all but safe now while City have no chance of winning the title. Might not be a spectacle, but Man City have enough quality at home to see it through. City fans will be hoping that their form doesn't stutter and they hold on to second place!
Southampton 1-1 Chelsea
I think Chelsea could have one eye on the FA Cup replay on Monday and the saints showed against Liverpool they are no mugs. I think both sides could do with the 3 points though, so it should be interesting.
Swansea 2-2 Tottenham
This game should be very open. Both very nice to watch when attacking, Spurs have hit a bit of bad spell, while Swansea have lost 3 of the last 4. Score draw, with lots of goals.
West Ham 1-2 West Brom
West Ham should be safe from relegation while West Brom won't have fully given up hope of a top 6 finish yet. I think West Brom will profit better from the international breakand win for the 5th time on their travels.
Wigan 2-0 Norwich
Should be a home win. It's the time of the year where Wigan hit form and they really need to this season or they are in serious trouble. Norwich only have 1 win and 10 points on their travels.
Everton 2-1 Stoke
Stoke have actually had a poor season compared to their high standards. Something that hasn't changed is their poor away record, they've only one away win all season. Everton have just 1 home defeat. Home win.
Fulham 1-1 QPR
After a slow start, Fulham look comfortable at the moment and can secure a top 10 place this season. QPR need points badly and soon. A point here probably isn't good enough but that's all I think they'll get.
I do this most weeks and other features, follow me on twitter: @LFCWolfy
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