Weekend Predictions: Merseyside Misery for Rafa

By: Daryl | January 16th, 2009

After a semi-successful set of prediction’s last weekend (right results, wrong scores) I’m back for more…

Liverpool vs Everton, Sunday, January 19th, 20:00

OK, so it’s not technically a weekend fixture, but it is the biggest fixture in the Prem this week. If Man Utd beat Bolton on Saturday (odds of that happening are 4-9 on, even though it’s at the Reebok) then Liverpool will begin the Merseyside derby a point behind Man Utd, making this a must win. And if Rafa’s men can’t beat Stoke when the pressure’s on (even though it was Rafa himself who put it on) then I worry about them beating an Everton team that’s in good form, despite having to play two midfielders (Cahill and Fellaini) up top.
Odds: Liverpool 8-13, Draw 13-5, Everton 5-1
Prediction: I’m going to stick my neck out here and go with.. a 1-0 win for Everton.
Bonus Prediction: Everton to unveil emergency loan signing Sir Alex Ferguson just before kick-off, to co-coach the Toffees alongside his buddy David Moyes. Rafa not happy.

Lazio vs Juventus, Sunday 18th January, 20:30
Juve are still chasing Inter at the top, but are currently four points behind. Lazio’s recent form has been just above average (WLDWW) and will give Juve plenty of trouble. Especially if Goran Pandev is still in the hat-trick scoring mood.
Odds: Lazio 11-5, Draw 15-8, Juventus 13-10
Prediction: Odds are tight, but I see a narrow 1-0 win for Juve.
Bonus Prediction: Funny headed wonderkid Sebastian Giovinco won’t start, despite impressing against Catania in the Coppa Italia.

Grenoble vs Lyon, Saturday, January 17th, 19:00
Pressure’s on Lyon again, with Bordeaux breathing down their necks just one point behind and Rennes not really breathing but at least in sight of their necks at two points behind. Grenoble are down in 11th right now and not all that threatening, though their games do seem to be very low-scoring, so Lyon will need a bit of luck.
Odds: Grenobe 7-2, Draw 9-4, Lyon 8-11
Prediction: Frustrating 0-0 draw for Lyon.

Agree or disagree? And any other games (from anywhere in the workd) that we should be keeping an eye on?

Some Related Stories:

Category: World Football

« Daily Dose: Jan 15th, 2009 | Home | The Masal Bugduv Hoax »

The Offside RSS Feeds

miele

*Prays that Daryl is right*

Or maybe a draw please?
Daryl

dp,

Didn't know about Fellaini, so that's obviously a huge blow. Especially if Yakubu, Saha and Vaughan are still out (which I assume they are).

Wish I could take back my prediction, but it's out there now. Either way, should be a good game.
dp

I would note that Fellaini will be out for both Merseyside derbies, as his constant fouling has earned him a two game suspension, just in case you weren't aware. Also, Torres pretty much beat the bitters on his own last time around, and with Alonso back I feel semi-secure despite how big a game this will be. As long as Rafa goes easy on the psychotropics this weekend--anyone who plays Kuyt as a lone striker in the Premier League is under the influence.
thetomsmith

wrong all around. The pressure is on liverpool yes, but the stoke tie was a wake up call and the reds will be ready this week. i see reira, kuyt, and babel all playing well, which means that everton will not hold them to a draw.

Lyon has been frustrated, and we lost so many core players this season, but even in our ties to teams we shouldve beaten, benzema scored or didn't play.

Benzema will be the difference as usual, and without mensah I see perhaps grenoble pulling an FC nantes and getting a lucky pen goal or set piece goal. So 1-1 worst case scenario, 2-1 lyon is what im thinking though.