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High Fives From Magic Mike

Welcome to "High Fives" the personal column of our ace Director of Football "Magic Mike".

Magic Mike's football credentials are first class. Last season he handily beat the Beeb’s expert tipster “Lawro” who never got a look in after Magic took an early lead at the start of the 2008/09 season.

A good number of our players were rescued by Magic’s tips in our Five Lives scheme which automatically gives you his tips, up to five times during the season, should you forget to enter them yourself. Magic Mike's canny inside knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of players and teams, combined with a passion for getting it right, is what you need to make an impact in this game. It also means you're going to have to be at your best to outdo him.

The Management - Score Five

And now, once again, over to Magic Mike...

See what Mike had to say in the olden days - visit his 2008/09 season archives.

previous predictions -

Round 16.... Round 15.... Round 14.... Round 13.... Round 12.... Round 11

Normal Service To Resume?

Sunderland vs. Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.  Sunderland were held by Portsmouth on Saturday and have won only once in their last 7 matches. Darren Bent struck for his 9th goal of the season but the Black Cats after a bright start to the season have slid to 10^th in the table.

A famous victory for Aston Villa on Saturday against Champions Manchester United at Old Trafford saw them move briefly into 3^rd place in the table before Arsenal won on Sunday to reclaim 3^rd spot with Villa in 4^th. Villa were the only side in the top 6 to win on Saturday and Martin O’Neill will be looking for another 3 points and hold on to that 4th spot. Gabriel Agbonlahor scored his 7^th of the season with a header.

Magic predicts: Sunderland 1 - Aston Villa 1

 

Birmingham City vs. Blackburn Rovers at St Andrews Stadium. Birmingham are the Premier League’s form team. Their 1-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday was their 4^th consecutive win and they are now unbeaten in 7 and have taken 17 points in the process and occupy 8^th spot in the league. Alex McLeish’s side are not short on confidence but also face a Blackburn side who have lost just once in their last 6 games with their last 3 games ending goal-less. A low scoring game looks to be on the cards .

Magic predicts: Birmingham City 1 - Blackburn Rovers 0

 

A massive game Bolton Wanderers vs. West Ham United at the Reebok Stadium between 2 relegation haunted sides. Bolton played well against Manchester City but were unable to hold onto a 1 goal advantage against 10 men after Craig Bellamy had been sent off for simulation. Nevertheless there were a lot of positives for the Trotters in that game and Gary Megson knows that this is a mustn’t lose game against a side that is just 1 place and point above them in the league.  

West Ham went down at Birmingham on Saturday and need a result in this game. Carlton Cole remains injured and Dean Ashton has been forced to retire from the games. Goals are at a premium for West Ham but Bolton also haven’t kept a clean sheet all season. A very competitive game to be expected.

Magic predicts: Bolton Wanderers 1 - West Ham United 0

 

Burnley vs. Arsenal at Turf Moor. Burnley knocked Arsenal out of last season’sCarling Cup with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal’s youngsters but I am sure Owen Coyle would, if he could, swap that win for a win against the Gunners in their first meeting this season tonight. Burnley have started to slide down the Premier League and after a 100% record at home have only 1 victory in their last 4 at Turf Moor.

Arsenal had a great result against Liverpool  and will be looking for nothing less than 3 points against Burnley. Both these sides play an open attacking game so it could make for an entertaining game.

Magic predicts: Burnley 1 - Arsenal 3

 

Chelsea vs. Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea extended their lead over Manchester United to 3 points despite a disappointing draw. The Premier League’s meanest defence took a day off and conceded 3 goals to a struggling Everton side. Carlo Ancelotti will be looking for a much improved performance against Portsmouth and more importantly 3 points.

Younes Kaboul’s last minute equalizer rescued an unlikely point for Portsmouth on Saturday and gave some hope that Pompey can avoid the drop this season. They still remain 5 points adrift of safety and have a tough fixture list through to the end of the year. The spirit in the camp though remains high and with Avram Grant in charge there is every reason to be optimistic that Pompey can still avoid the drop. Entering administration still could happen for Portsmouth and that would inevitably mean the end of Portsmouth’s battle.

Magic predicts: Chelsea 2 - Portsmouth 0 Banker

 

Liverpool vs. Wigan Athletic at Anfield.   A North West derby and so far this season Liverpool remain unbeaten against clubs in the area. This is a must-win for Rafa’s boys after another bad result against Arsenal on Sunday. GPB 20m recruit Alberto Aquilani is back to fitness and could feature.

Wigan battled for a 2-2 draw at Stoke on Saturday and Roberto Martinez will have been pleased with the effort but slightly disappointed his side could not hold on for victory after Manny Figueroa’s wonder goal had given Wigan a lead. Wigan will be looking to spring a surprise like they did on Chelsea earlier in the season.

Magic predicts: Liverpool 2 - Wigan Athletic 0

 

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester City at White Hart Lane. Disappointing results for both teams at the weekend and both managers will be looking for a win. An attacking game can be expected.

Magic predicts: Tottenham Hotspur 2 - Manchester City 1

 

Manchester United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford - Manchester United had one of those off days against Aston Villa but with extent of the injuries in defence it’s hardly surprising that the rhythm of the team has been disrupted. Sir Alex will be looking for normal service to be resumed but Mick McCarthy’s Wolves have won their last 2 games which is the best form of their season to date. On Saturday Wolves had a tremendous win at Spurs, who had put 9 past Wigan in their previous home game just to prove that upsets can happen.

Magic predicts: Manchester United 2 - Wolverhampton Wanderers 1