Midweek Action

It's that time at the end of every EPL season when clubs are playing what seems like match after match after match. I work at both of my jobs on Tuesday so I didn't get to post a few picks or any kind of Liverpool preview like I will in the future. The results today were all pretty predictable. Arsenal beat West Brom 3-1 at The Hawthorns and Chelsea went down south to the seemingly always wet Fratton Park to defeat Portsmouth 1-0.

I didn't get to see the game but from what I read the first half was a bit choppy with Sunderland being denied at least one great chance by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. But all accounts say things settled down and David Ngog's first league goal and another by Yossi Benayoun, both opportunistic chances, sealed the 3 points for the Reds.

Some picks for tomorrow...

Manchester City v. Aston Villa - I honestly find myself rooting for City in this just because I don't want Villa any closer to 3rd place. I'm also not sure how to pick this game. I've seen these two teams quite a bit this season and they're been in some very different types of games. City are missing some key players in Robinho and Bellamy but my gut tells me this one will be close with some back and forth action and maybe an exciting finish.
Aston Villa: 3-2

Newcastle v. Manchester United - My friend and I always talk about how Newcastle should be better because come on, they're Newcastle. I really hope the Magpies stay up and I believe they will. I am not as optimistic about their chances of fending off United but I think they'll play it tough.
Manchester United: 2-0

Stoke City v. Bolton - Stoke are very scrappy, and have been in solid form at home all year but Bolton has played well in recent weeks when I have seen them ans I think they'll eventually outmatch the home squad.
Bolton: 2-1

Wigan Athletic v. West Ham - Two teams in good form sitting at 8th and 7th in the table, separated by 1 point. I'd give Wigan the edge at home but Zola has his men playing the kind of soccer he wants. All square at the JJB.
Draw: 1-1

Blackburn Rovers v. Everton - Everton has had a good season while Blackburn suffered heavily in the offseason with transfers and all year with injuries. My buddy is a big Blackburn fan and I'd like to pick them but I just can't.
Everton: 3-1

Fulham v. Hull City - Hull City can count me among their fans now because of the way they came storming out of the gates this season but they have understandably cooled and now sit only three points from the drop zone. They need to take all the points they should get but unfortunately for them I don't think this is one of those games. The Cottagers have impressed me lately and their defense just did a good job frustrating Arsenal.
Fulham: 2-0

Tottenham v. Middlesbrough - Middlesbrough sit in 18th but they are actually unbeaten in their last 4 matches. Tottenham on the other hand just lost the League Cup Final and were ousted from the UEFA Cup to continue a season to forget. Middlesbrough will want to ride the energy after defeating mighty Liverpool but I think Tottenham has at least enough to match them at home.
Draw: 2-2

We'll see how I did tomorrow!