17/03/05
Preview of League Matches -
Categories: Premier League
With Chelsea 11 points clear in first place, the only drama left near the top of the Premier League table is the race for fourth place (and a spot in next year's Champions League). Everton currently occupy fourth place, seven points ahead of their city rivals, Liverpool. And the two teams meet in what is sure to be a cracking Liverpool Derby on Sunday. Everton won the previous match between the two clubs, but they must travel to Anfield where Liverpool enjoy a strong home record. Liverpool's success in the Champions League, advancing to the quarterfinals, has not been matched in the Premier League, and a loss to Everton would put them 10 points behind the Toffees with only eight to play. Defeat would surely end Liverpool's Champions League hopes. But Everton have struggled of late, winning only two of their last seven league matches. I expect a low-scoring, hard-fought contest, but I pick Liverpool to win and keep the pressure on Everton for that last Champions League spot.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-0
Championship League
It's the Haves against the Have-Nots in the Championship as the three top teams fighting for the two automatic promotion places face three of the bottom clubs fighting to avoid relegation. First place Wigan travel to next-to-last Nottingham Forest. Sunderland, in second place, host 21st place Coventry City, and third place Ipswich play 22nd place Gillingham. The top three clubs will desperately want to finish in first or second place to avoid having to go through the play-offs to advance to the Premier League. But their opponents may be even more desperate to avoid the drop down to League One. The scenario should make for three very interesting encounters.
Predictions: Wigan 1-0, Sunderland 2-0, and a 1-1 draw between Ipswich and Gillingham
League One
Walsall and Port Vale find themselves in 17th and 18th place in the league, just above the relegation zone. Although neither is in danger yet, a loss this week could draw either club into a relegation dogfight. A win, however, would make feel fairly secure in League One. Walsall have a poor record away from home, having won only twice in 18 tries. I expect the Valiants will win this one at Vale Park with Billy Paynter scoring a goal or two.
Prediction: Port Vale 2-1
League Two
Bristol Rovers host Mansfield Town in a battle of mid-table teams. Mansfield, in 17th place, are only 8 points behind seventh place Lincoln City, but only 10 points ahead of 21st place Chester in the tightly packed League Two. Bristol Rovers are only two places behind Mansfield. So the rest of the season will determine if either team moves up near the playoff race or drops near the relegation zone. Bristol Rovers have lost only once at home, but they have set a club record with 18 draws this season. Junior Agogo of Ghana leads the club with 18 goals and should pick up another as Rovers will end their string of draws.
Prediction: Bristol Rovers 2-1
