YTM Prediction Week 37

Another week has passed. It was a fairly low-scoring week in YTM last time around, with only three players getting 10 points... the maximum for the week!

Things are obviously getting a bit tight towards the end of the season, and with Watford already fallen by the wayside, all eyes will be on the battle for survival... and the title race of course!

Saturday

Chelsea v Bolton
The first of the early kick-offs in the race for the Premiership title. Chelsea's record against Bolton at Stamford Bridge is impressive, and they should have no problem in overturning the Trotters. However, the early kick-off, the game in midweek and half an eye on Tuesday's game with Liverpool... Chelsea will need to have their wits about them to keep in touch with Man United.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win

Everton v Man United
The Premiership leaders travel to Goodison Park to play one of the teams that they don't like playing... Man United seem to have the more difficult run-in out of themselves and Chelsea. Everton are on good form, and are pushing for a UEFA Cup place, so this will be no picnic for Rooney and co. However, I think their strength will see them through.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win

Blackburn v Charlton
Charlton have flown 6,000 of their fans to Ewood Park for this game, in an attempt to essentially make it a home game for the Addicks. Whether this will work is another story, as Blackburn are on top form at the moment, and no-one would like to play them. Pardew will have to get his tactics spot on against Hughes' men. Should be a good game, and a draw, which isn't really good enough for Charlton.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw

Man City v Aston Villa
Joey Barton was in the news today, saying that Man City need to start buying 'winners' and not 'also rans' in an attempt to push the Citizens up the table. City have a good youth system, and are producing some real talent in Micah Richards, Danny Sturridge, Ismael Miller, and Stephen Ireland to name only a few. Villa seem to be waiting for the season to end to see what O'Neill can do in the transfer window. City could easily take the three in this one.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win

Middlesbrough v Tottenham
Gareth Southgate was buoyed this week by the news that Jonny Woodgate was staying for another 4 years. Woodgate is a class centre back, and that signing may lead to more top-drawer signings for the Teesiders. As for the game this weekend, Tottenham threw away a lead against Arsenal, and will be sure not to make the same mistake happen again. Boro's constant threat of Viduka and Yakubu will make this interesting, but Spurs should prevail.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win

Portsmouth v Liverpool
Pompey announced new stadium plans this week, and are looking forward to a new era on the docks! Hopefully the team keep their heads on the game against Liverpool! The Reds will want a confident performance ahead of Tuesday's clash with Chelsea. Liverpool's defence do not give anything away, and it will take another moment of brilliance from Taylor and co. to get anything out of this game.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Away Win

Sheff Utd v Watford
Watford are playing for pride now. The Blades are playing to stay in the division, and they will see this game as three points they cannot afford to throw away. Watford's Marlon King is back in the starting line-up, and he could perform well enough to get a move back into the Premiership, if he so wished... Blades should take this, but it will be a dogfight.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win

Wigan v West Ham
Massive, MASSIVE game! West Ham need to win to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. They may have lost £5.5 million this week, but a points deduction could have been a lot worse. The fact that this burden has been lifted may push them on to perform in this game. Wigan are not a side to be take lightly, and have the ability to score a few goals. I see a draw on the horizon... useless for the Hammers.
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw

Sunday

Arsenal v Fulham
The Gunners entertain the Cottagers at the Emirates on Sunday in a match that should be quite entertaining. Lawrie Sanchez wants his team to start scoring some goals from midfield, and they will not be looking to sit back, as defeat would drag them further towards the dropzone. I have been asked if I want a season ticket for next season at the Cottage... I might... if they stay up... They should stay up... if they win this game... which they won't. Work that one out!
Dave's YTM Prediction: Home Win

Monday

Reading v Newcastle
Hopefully... Michael Owen should be back for this game! There is no doubt about it... Michael Owen is a class act and a devastating finisher. Newcastle would be higher in the league if he had have been fit all season, and England would possible be on top of the EURO Qualifying table. I hope Owen gets a goal on Monday, just to emphasize the fact that he is back! Reading will probably get one too though... those Royal party-poopers!
Dave's YTM Prediction: Draw

That's all the fixtures for this weekend. Leeds prepare for arguably the biggest game in their history against Ipswich on Saturday, and I, like thousands of other, am praying for three points!

Good luck to all your teams this weekend.

Cheers,

Dave @ YTM HQ