Premier League Prediction Game

Beginning last year, a writer for ESPNsoccernet.com by the name of Eduardo Alvarez began writing a weekly column, The Quiniela, in which he tries to predict the outcome of the 10 La Liga matches each week. This week starts the first version of this fun, yet surprisingly tricky, competition on Rip City Soccer. Have at it!

A Couple Important Rules and Information:

1. Instead of predicting the La Liga scores, were going to try and guess the 10 Barclays Premier League fixtures each week

2. 1 = home win, 2 = away win, X= draw (places guesses in the order of matches listed each week)

3. 10$ prize if you guess all 10/10 fixtures correct (So we can contact you if you win, provide email address with submission please)

4. Must submit your guesses before the start of the first match each game week

5. Home teams listed first, away teams listed second

My predictions this week:

11/20

1. Arsenal - Tottenham (7:45 am ET, 6:45 CT ; ESPN2, ESPN3, and Rip City Soccer)

Arsenal showed they can fight against Everton; yet, Gareth Bale is looking unstoppable. The deciders are an in form Fabregas, Vander Vaart back and Sagna's ability to deal with Bale. I say a 3-2 win for the Gunners in the North London derby.

Bosque's prediction: 1

2. Birmingham - Chelsea (10:00 am ET, 9:00 CT)

Birmingham has a notoriously stingy defense (Chelsea failed to score here last year). After Chelsea's lack luster display against Sunderland last week and in light Chelsea's continuing injury woes Birmingham could have a chance to take all three points, but Birmingham manager Alex McLeish in the end will be glad to share a point with the Blues.

Bosque's prediction: X

3. Blackpool - Wolves (10:00 am ET, 9:00 CT)

Influential Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam picked up a knee injury over the international break while playing for Ireland. However, he seems to play injured every week anyways. Another factor is Wolves winger Matt Jarvis who is in sparkling form this year. I say Wolves want it more and take all three points in an exciting end to end fixture.

Bosque's prediction: 2

4. Bolton - Newcastle (10:00 am ET, 9:00 CT ; 5:00 pm ET FSC Replay)

Two sides with a lot of physicality and, a bit surprisingly this year, a lot of goals as well. Bolton are at home and in good form. I expect them to edge this one 2-1. Carroll and Elmander Score.

Bosque's prediction: 1

5. Manchester United - Wigan Athletic (10:00 am ET, 9:00 CT ; FSC)

United played their socks off in the final ten minutes to salvage a point at Villa last week; however, at home to annual relegation battlers Wigan (Wigan have never won against United ...EVER) united stroll to victory.

Bosque's prediction: 1

6. West Brom - Stoke City (10:00 am ET, 9:00 CT)

Its been such an up and down season for both clubs and both must be happy with their current positions in the table. West Brom score early but Stoke fight hard to get back in the game. In the end a 1 all draw satisfies both clubs.

Bosque's prediction: X

7. Liverpool - Westham United (12:30 pm ET, 11:30 am CT ; FSC)

Liverpool lost away to Stoke City last week to halt a 3 game unbeaten run by the Reds. This week Liverpool, unfortunately, are not bad enough to lose.

Bosque's prediction 1

11/21

8. Blackburn Rovers - Aston Villa (8:30 am ET, 7:30 CT)

Aston Villa had a great game against Man U last week, but away to Blackburn is a different type of fixture and no less difficult. However, with the return of Gabby Agbonlahor (2nd game back), Villa win this one.

Bosque's prediction 2

9. Fulham - Manchester City (11:00 am ET, 10:00 CT ; FSC)

Fulham is playing well under Mark Hughes, just not quite well enough to win (8 draws this season). Mancini has to be desperate for a win this weekend to relieve the pressure of a string of lackluster displays. Mancini plays Adam Johnson and City win. Coincidence, I think not.

Bosque's prediction: 2

11/22

10. Sunderland - Everton (3:00 pm ET, 2:00 CT ; ESPN3)

Sunderland must be on cloud 9 after beating Chelsea by 3 goals to nil at the Bridge. However, this Everton side is not afraid to get in the trenches and fight for points. This cagey affair sees both sides come out with a point.

Bosque's prediction: X