Saturday Match Previews and Predictions 2/22

This weekend is going to play host to many important matches across the world's top leagues.  The following are some match previews and predictions. (Matches are in order of start time):

Chelsea vs. Everton (Saturday 7:45 AM ET)

With Chelsea attempting to hold its place at the top of the table, and Roberto Martinez's Everton side trying to force its way into European football for next season, expect a thriller!  Despite Martinez and Everton being within five points of the Europa League qualifying position, injuries will most likely to prove to be an issue in this fixture.  With both Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Koné still out with injury, lack of options at forward could prove to be a major problem for the Toffees.  Meanwhile a very strong lineup for José Mourinho and the Blues is likely to cause Everton a multitude of problems.  Watch for in-form Eden Hazard to be a major threat after netting a hat trick against Newcastle in the Blues last Premier League fixture.

Prediction: Chelsea win 3-2

 

 Hamburger SV vs. Borussia Dortmund (Saturday 9:30 AM ET)

   

This match is yet another match of high stakes for both sides.  Dortmund is currently in a very close race with Bayer Leverkusen as well as FC Schalke 04 at the top of the table.  Meanwhile Hamburger SV is battling to remain in the Bundesliga.  A win for Hamburger is crucial at this stage, as it could move them away from the guaranteed relegation spot that they are currently in.  Though Dortmund is favored heavily in this match do not rule out a surprise draw.  The two January loan signings by Hamburger, Ola John and Ouasim Bouy, are sure to play a major role in the side's effort against the German giants.  Another possible factor that could affect the match is Dortmund's upcoming Champions League match against Zenit this coming Tuesday.  If Dortmund decides to try to rest players for that match, it could result in a drastic change of the outcome.

Prediction: Draw 2-2 

Arsenal vs. Sunderland (Saturday 10:00 AM ET)

 

After a tough loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday at the Emirates Stadium, expect Arsenal to be playing their hardest against Sunderland.  The Gunners are engaged in a close four way race for the top of the table, while Sunderland is in a race on the opposite side of the table to avoid relegation.  Arsenal currently has several players that are out with injuries, but I do not expect that to affect their form against the Black Cats.  As always the two German nationals Ozil and Podolski will be major attacking threats, assuming Arsene Wenger chooses to start the pair.  Another major factor could be the Gunners are the internal actions they take against keeper Wojciech Szczesny after he was seen making an obscene gesture following his red card in Wednesday's match. 

Prediction: Arsenal win 4-1 

West Bromwich Albion vs. Fulham (Saturday 10:00 AM ET)

This match at the Hawthorns is sure to be an interesting one as the both sides fight to avoid relegation.  Though they are currently in last place in the league, Fulham have shown impressive form in their past two fixtures.  Despite falling to Liverpool at the hands of a late Steven Gerrard penalty, the Cottagers proved that even though they are in last place they have not given up yet.  This loss to Liverpool followed a 2-2 draw against Manchester United.  Fulham also was very active in the January transfer window, acquiring seven new members to the squad.  However, the question remains if the injury of starting keeper Maarten Stekelenburg will be an issue.  Though Stekelenburg is unlikely to appear this weekend, the Baggies are not without injury problems of their own.  The absence of Yacob, Anelka, and Sessegnon is sure to be noticed by the home side.  Expect to see Fulham maintain their recent form and possibly edge out the Baggies.

Prediction: Fulham win 2-1

Real Sociedad vs Barcelona (Saturday 2:00 PM ET)

Barcelona is currently one of three teams tied for first place in La Liga on points, but they comfortably hold first place on goal differential.  This match will most likely be a very entertaining one, like most La Liga games.  With Real Sociedad only one point out of a Champions League qualifying spot, they are sure to be bringing all they have to this match.  Home field advantage may also play a role in Sociedad's effort against the Catalan giants.  However, the depth of Barcelona's squad is the one of the major factors of this game.  This game is almost sure to have the typical Barcelona style of play, in which Barca will hold possession until they are finally able to convert and score, but do not write off Real Sociedad.  Sociedad has lost only one of their past five fixtures.

Prediction: Barcelona win 3-1