Weekend Predictions: New and Improved, Like Real Madrid, Maybe

By: Daryl | December 12th, 2008

So after getting a little feedback last week the predictions have been revamped. You asked for a recap of how my predictions went. Here it is. You asked for the return of Bonus Predictions… here they are (below).

You didn’t ask me to change things around and extend the predictions beyond the Premier League. But I did it anyway, cherrypicking the more interesting games from around the world. Mostly because predicting El Clásico is more fun than predicting Stoke vs Fulham. Please let me know if the new format does/doesn’t work for you.

Saturday, 13 December 2008

Spurs vs Man Utd (English Prem)
We all know Spurs are better than their league position. But are they good enough to beat Man Utd? Computer says no.
Odds: Spurs 10-3, Draw 5-2, Man Utd 5-6
Prediction: 2-0 to Man Utd.
Bonus Prediction: Wayne Rooney will stamp on Gomes’ hands. Spurs fans will not complain.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid (La Liga)
Oh yes, it’s El Clásico. Arguably the greatest game of football in the world. And it’s Juande Ramos’ La Liga debut as Real coach. And according to a certain someone (now unemployed) this game was supposed to be unwinnable for Madrid. Do not miss.
Odds: Barcelona 4-7, Draw 14-5, Real Madrid 5-1
Prediction: 1-1. I see Ramos pulling out a draw and it being greeted like a win.
Bonus Prediction: La Liga will actually award Real Madrid three points for drawing this game.

Al-Ahly vs Pachuca (FIFA Club World Cup)
Paddy Power has Mexico’s Pachuca as favourites in this sort of quarter-final, but I’m predicting a good tournament for the Egyptian Red Devils Al-Ahly.
Odds: Al-Ahly 9-4, Draw 9-4, Pachuca evens
Prediction: Al-Ahly 3-2 Pachuca (aet)

Sunday, 14 December 2008

Juventus vs AC Milan (Serie A)
The Old Lady vs The Old Men. Second vs third in Serie A. And they’re both on 60 30 points, six behind leaders Inter. So neither can afford to drop poings (or points, if you prefer) but either one or both of them will.
Odds: Juventus 5-4, Draw 2-1, AC Milan 9-4
Prediction: 1-1

Lyon vs Marseille (Ligue 1)
Battle of the Olympiques. First vs second in Ligue 1. And can you tell I’m using the same template as for the Juve vs Milan game? Should be a cracker.
Odds: OL 5-6, Draw 21-10, OM 3-1
Prediction: 2-1 to Lyon
Bonus Prediction: Hatem Ben Arfa to sneak back onto the O’L team at half-time.

Argentina Primera Division
Four teams can win the Apertura on the final weekend in Argentina. San Lorenzo, Boca and Tigres are all on 36 points (with San Lorenzo top on – I assume – goal difference) while Lanus are on 34 points.
Odds: No idea, sorry.
Prediction: Based on a total stab in the dark, I’m going to predict a title win for Tigres.

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