World Football Challenge logo. (Gabriel de los Rios / MLSsoccer.com)

Don’t act surprised. You knew this was probably coming. The summer of soccer kicks off once again as Major League Soccer will be hosting foreign-based clubs in the World Football Challenge.

So far only two games are listed. The Seattle Sounders FC and EPL’s Chelsea at CenturyLink Field on Wednesday, July 18. Chelsea is also participating in this year’s MLS All Star Game in Philadelphia.

On July 28, Toronto FC will play at the Rogers Centre as they host EPL side Liverpool.

The World Football Challenge was created in 2011 in a joint partnership between MLS and sports and entertainment agency CAA Sports.

Additional clubs and matches are set to be revealed at a later date by event organizers.

Ah, let the madness begin!

Tim Ream has seen his last days in MLS. (Getty Images)

Add Tim Ream to the list of Americans on the move this winter. According to reports, the New York Red Bull defender has received his work permit, clearing the way for a permeant move to Bolton.

Ream would leave the New York Red Bulls on a transfer worth £2.5million, which would be a record price for a MLS defender.

Ream will become the second U.S. men’s national team player on Bolton’s roster, with injured midfielder Stuart Holden being the other.

While some (like me) weren’t always the biggest fans of Ream and his game, you can’t deny that this is a big move for him and for the league. I think it is pretty cool to see an EPL club step up and pay this kind of price for a defender that for the most part had a down 2011 season.

New York will pocket a good bit of coin in the deal and have some room to do some work with their defense. They have Stephen Keel and newcomer Markus Holgersson. Both should be a decent duo to start out with but once again the Red Bulls will need to address their depth issue that plagued them all last season.

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/#!/SoccerByIves/statuses/159682136398495744"]

To further drive home the rumor, Le Toux tweeted the following:

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/#!/SebastienLeToux/statuses/159442289972883456"]

Ives later goes on to report that Bolton could be the landing spot for Le Toux. The Frenchman has a European passport so getting a spot with an English side like Bolton won’t be  an issue for him. If completed, the transfer wouldsee Le Toud join fellow Major League Soccer all-star Tim Ream, who is awaiting a UK work permit to complete his own transfer to Bolton.

In two seasons with the Union, Le Toux has scored 25 goals and registered 20 assists. He has been labeled as the face of the franchise and would be a major blow to this club.

Of course this is all rumors at this point but all signs are pointing to a transfer. A big one really that could change the landscape of how the Eastern Conference will be won this year.

Tuesday
Wolves vs Norwich City from Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Mick McCarthy’s Wolves side have lost four of their last five matches and it’s fair to say they are desperate for a victory today against the promoted Norwich City. After the latest defeat, a 2-1 loss to Stoke City, the Wolves fans showed their displeasure towards the team, and McCarthy. The canaries on the other hand are currently riding high in ninth place, and making all the pre-season critics eat their words and predictions. Paul Lambert’s side have only lost once in their previous four matches.
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Norwich City

Blackburn Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers from Ewood Park, Blackburn
This is certainly the first time that anyone can remember this Lancashire derby had so much riding on it. Both sides sit in the bottom three, and the pressure is on equally for Rovers boss Steve Kean, which never seems to go away, and Wanderers manager Owen Coyle. For Kean, not only are the supporters calling for his head, but the local press is also printing it’s time for him to go. Coyle may be sleeping a little better having a proven track record in management, but a loss for either side will leave one of the clubs bottom of the table by the festive period, and that usually means the bottom side going into the new year means guaranteed relegation.
Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Bolton Wanderers

Wednesday
Aston Villa vs Arsenal from Villa Park, Birmingham
Two sides that are coming off weekend losses, and will be looking to bounce back from. Starting with Aston Villa, their performance against Liverpool on Sunday was awful to say the least. The amount of goals Villa have conceded from corners is astounding, and certainly without the injured Darren Bent, and suspended Gabriel Agbonlahor, the front line lacks punch. Arsenal on the other hand can count themselves unlucky for not coming away from the Eithad with a point against league leaders Manchester City. Arsene Wenger believes his side are too far off the pace of City now to challenge for the Premier League now, but but a top four position is still well within reach.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-3 Arsenal

Manchester City vs Stoke City from the Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Roberto Mancini’s team responded in the perfect way after losing to Chelsea by beating Arsenal 1-0 on Sunday. This next period of games will determine how strong City’s strength in depth is if they want to remain at the top of the table come May. With the citizens not playing in the Champions League in the new year, one wonders whether that will help their title challenge. Stoke have been up and down this season mainly due to their Europa League games during the week. Manager Tony Pulis will look to see his side climb the table during this period of games, and will no doubt give the big spending opposition a run for it’s money in this one.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Stoke City

Newcastle United vs West Brom from Sports Direct Arena, Newcastle
After surprising everyone, including their own coaching staff, the magpies are dropping down the league, but still it’s remarkable how well they’ve done so far and credit to Alan Pardew and his coaching staff. One of the reasons why they’ve been successful this season is the starting lineup has been consistent, but now that will have to change with so many games in a short period of time, and losing Demba Ba to the African Nations Cup will not help things come the new year. West Brom are coming off a nice 2-1 away win at Blackburn on the weekend, with two simply stunning goals that we won’t see for a long time.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 West Brom

Everton vs Swansea City from Goodison Park, Liverpool
Twice in the matter of days Everton are hosting promoted sides that will frustrate them. On the weekend, Norwich took the lead, and while the toffees eventually equalized, were held 1-1 at home. Expect Swansea to do the same and the Welsh side have been very good defensively away from home, and will no doubt be looking for more of the same against a goal shy Everton team at this moment in time.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Swansea City

Fulham vs Manchester United from Craven Cottage, London
The cottagers had a nice win over bottom side Bolton at home 2-0 over the weekend, and while the opponents will be a lot harder then the previous ones were, manager Martin Jol is confident of his side picking up more points and climbing the table, especially since their Europa League challenge is over. For the defending champions, their second visit to west London in three days should pick up three points, although Fulham will be tougher compared to newly promoted QPR. Another big question for Sir Alex Ferguson is will be spend during the transfer window after their Champions League exit?
Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Manchester United

QPR vs Sunderland from Loftus Road, London
While QPR have had a steady season in returning to the top flight, they’ve only collected one point from their last possible 12, and manager Neil Warnock admits that his squad needs reinforcements come January. If that doesn’t happen, it could be a very long second half to the season, and a dogfight battle to stay up in the Premier League. Sunderland themselves are going to have to fight to stay in the division, and new manager Martin O’Neill knows this, and one thing his teams always do is fight and scrap until the end. In O’Neill’s first two games they’e played far better then under Steve Bruce, and if they continue to do the same, they should be okay the rest of the way.
Prediction: QPR 1-1 Sunderland

Wigan Athletic vs Liverpool from the DW Stadium, Wigan
After a horrible stretch of games where Wigan couldn’t collect any points or score goals, the lactics now seem to have a little confidence about them after some positive results. How long will it last for is the question with a lot of games coming up thick and fast. Liverpool currently sit in sixth place, level on points with fifth place Arsenal and three behind Chelsea who sit in the last Champions League qualification position in forth. No doubt two clubs will be disappointed not to finish in the top four, but there is a lot of football to be played the rest of the season, and Liverpool will be in the mix.
Prediction: Wigan Athletic 0-2 Liverpool

Thursday
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea from White Hart Lane, London
A London derby with big consequences. Both clubs sit in third and forth respectively, and both will be looking to win to close the gap between themselves and the Manchester clubs, as well as get a bit of the lead over the other and the chasing pack. Tottenham themselves were on a nice run until their defeat at Stoke, and then exiting the Europa League the following week. They rebounded with a 1-0 home win over Sunderland on Sunday, but confidence has been struck on Harry Redknapp’s side when you see them play. Chelsea are now picking up points in key games, and beating Manchester City was a big moral booster for Andre Villas-Boas. They will be disappointed however that they conceded a late equalizer to Wigan over the weekend.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Chelsea

Saturday
Blackburn Rovers vs West Brom from Ewood Park, Blackburn
Last weekend ended up being a real kick in the teeth for Blackburn and manager Steve Kean, who were winning 1-0 away at Sunderland up until the 84th minute when they conceded two late goals losing 2-1 in Martin O’Neill’s debut at the Stadium of Light. It was a defeat that put more fuel on the fire for Rovers fans towards their manager, who has been under intense pressure since he took over from Sam Allardyce last season. Their opponents, West Brom, have been in a bad run of form having picked up only one point from their last three league games. Defeat for Roy Hodgson’s boys will put Rovers within two points of the baggies at the final whistle.
Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Brom

Everton vs Norwich City from Goodison Park, Liverpool
The big news coming out of Everton Football Club this week has obviously been the return of Landon Donovan on loan until the end of February. No doubt the US all time leading goal scorer will help a very weak Everton attack at current, but they’ll have to make do without him until the new year, and with only 15 league goals scored this season, he can’t come over soon enough. Norwich on the other hand have been impressing of late, and so far this season in general, but have struggled away from Carrow Road. This is the time of the season where Paul Lambert will see how strong his squad are with the run of games coming thick and fast.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Norwich City

Fulham vs Bolton Wanderers from Craven Cottage, London
This is a contest between two sides that are struggling at the moment. For the Cottagers, getting knocked out of the Europa League in the fashion they did on Wednesday will have hurt Martin Jol, and the club conceding two late goals to Odense and drawing 2-2 instead of hanging on for the win. The good news is now they can fully concentrate on the league and pull away from the relegation zone, and that is currently where Bolton sit, at the bottom of the league. Since the 5-0 win over Stoke City, Wanderers have lost four in a row, and a fifth loss in west London could end Owen Coyle’s spell at the Reebok.
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Bolton Wanderers

Newcastle United vs Swansea City from the Sports Direct Arena, Newcastle
After such a great start, you were wondering when the wheels were going to fall off for Newcastle, and that may have very well just have happened. The magpies currently sit seventh in the table, after losing their last two league games and conceding seven goals in the process. No doubt manager Alan Pardew will see this contests against the Welsh side. For Brendan Rodgers and Swansea, while they have impressed with the start they’ve made, they still haven’t won away from home this season. This match will be the perfect opportunity to end that statistic.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Swansea City

Wolves vs Stoke City from Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Mick McCarthy’s Wolves sit just outside the relegation zone, and will look to use this match as a springboard over the festive period to move away and get closer to safety. Stoke City have had it tough this season with trying to balance the league, and treading in new territory in the Europa League. Now that the potters will be taking part in the knockout rounds in the new year, Tony Pulis can fully concentrate on domestic matters. Pulis’ actually rested a lot of first team players away at Besiktas, so the full side should be back and raring to go. This clash should be a good, old fashioned English physical battle.
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Stoke City

Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea from the DW Stadium, Wigan
For Wigan and manager Roberto Martinez it’s been tough this season, and their last home game was a 4-0 hammering against Arsenal. However, that performance was sandwiched in between two impressive away victories away to Sunderland and West Brom. If Martinez can get his troops organized like in those games, the lactics should cause Chelsea some problems. For the blues, after two successive victories including one over leaders Manchester City, the pressure has been lifted a little over Andre Villas-Boas. This will be another one that Chelsea will look to collect all three points.
Prediction: Wigan Athletic 0-3 Chelsea

Sunday
QPR vs Manchester United from Loftus Road, London
The hoops are winless in their last three games with the latest contest a 1-0 defeat away to Liverpool. Neil Warnock’s side currently sit in mid table which they would have taken at the start of the season. Manchester United on the other hand are running thin in the midfield, with Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher the latest to experience a long term injury layoff. The win over Wolves last weekend was the perfect response for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team having crashed out of the Champions League at the group stages. The league will be the top priority for the rest of the season, and in January we should see some new reinforcements at Old Trafford.
Prediction: QPR 1-2 Manchester United

Aston Villa vs Liverpool from Villa Park, Birmingham
With a win away at Bolton last weekend, Alex McLeish and his Aston Villa side will look to build on that positive result. It does not however seem to bring the manager and the Villa faithful closer together due to his previous managerial position, at Villa’s bitter rivals Birmingham City. McLeish has made a solid, but perhaps unspectacular start to his Villa career collecting 19 points from his first 15 games. Liverpool have dropped points this season when they could have gotten all three, but more of those have been at home. It’s only a matter of time left before the chances that are being created start turning into goals.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland from White Hart Lane, London
Spurs’ impressive run of form ended last week with a 2-1 defeat at Stoke City, and left manager Harry Redknapp fuming over some of the refereeing decisions. Redknapp’s future has been uncertain in recent days with the 64 year old being linked with the England job after Euro 2012. The club say that he isn’t interested though, as Spurs believe they can mount a serious title challenge next term. For Sunderland, this will be Martin O’Neill’s second game in charge, and after the gutsy effort last weekend against Blackburn, expect the same in this one from the black cats.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Sunderland

Manchester City vs Arsenal from the Etihad Stadium, Manchester
It’s not been the best of times recently for Manchester City and Roberto Mancini having been knocked out of a tough Champions League group, and suffering their first league defeat of the season away to title rivals Chelsea on Monday. While their lead at the top has been cut to two points, in form Arsenal come visit and this is by no doubt the match of the weekend. The gunners were made to work for their win over Everton on Saturday, and Robin van Persie in superb form scoring what is one of the goals of the season last weekend. If Arsene Wenger’s side can win this one, they will only be six points off City, and after their terrible start to the season, that would be an amazing achievement.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal

Saturday
Arsenal vs Everton from the Emirates Stadium, London
After the 3-1 defeat away to Olympiakos in the Champions League during midweek where Arsene Wenger used largely reserve players, the gunners should be back to using the first team with the visit of Everton. Having already topped their group, it gave a chance for the senior players to have a much needed rest ahead of what’s always a busy holiday schedule. Everton have not been very consistent so far this season, and a 1-0 home loss last weekend to Stoke City showed that. A point would be considered good for the toffees since Robin van Persie, and Arsenal are firing on all cylinders.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Everton

Bolton Wanderers vs Aston Villa from the Reebok Stadium, Bolton
Here’s a match where two managers are under a lot of pressure, but for very different reasons. Owen Coyle has seen his Bolton side get off to the worst of starts, and it’s not been helped with injuries, and a very unkind opening 10 fixtures. Now is the time for Wanderers to start picking up points though, and climb out of the bottom three. Villa’s Alex McLeish on the other hand was the last choice the fans wanted as their next manager deciding to jump ship from city rivals Birmingham, and their style of football hasn’t been welcomed either. His side are sitting in a comfortable position though at the moment, and a win for either manager would do a great deal of good.
Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Aston Villa

Liverpool vs QPR from Anfield, Liverpool
After Monday night’s 1-0 defeat away to Fulham, Liverpool will look to get things back on track and shoot for that top 4 position where they currently are five points adrift. This week has been dominated by Luis Suarez and his actions at Craven Cottage, and manager Kenny Dalglish has backed his Uruguayan striker to the end saying he’s been getting the short end of the stick. QPR themselves are sitting fairly comfortably in the league, but a draw and defeat in their last two games has brought their bright start to a halt.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 QPR

Manchester United vs Wolves from Old Trafford, Manchester
All eyes will be on Manchester this weekend to see what the reactions will be like from United and City after both clubs got knocked out of the Champions League and were dumped into the Europa League instead. That’s not the only concern in the United camp, as captain Nemanja Vidic has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury. This is where Sir Alex Ferguson’s side’s depth will be tested, and against a fiery Wolves team who came from behind to defeat Sunderland at home would have lifted spirits for Mick McCarthy’s side.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Wolves

Norwich City vs Newcastle United from Carrow Road, Norwich
Paul Lambert’s squad will be looking to put things right after losing 5-1 away to Manchester City last weekend. Putting that game aside, the canaries have been very impressive in their return to the top flight so far. With only two league defeats at home this season, they will be difficult to beat at Carrow Road. Newcastle can count themselves unlucky after the 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea last weekend. The scoreline does not tell the full story by any means after having some refereeing decisions go against them, but they do sit comfortable in sixth place currently which manager Alan Pardew would have taken at this time at the start of the season.
Prediction: Norwich City 1-1 Newcastle United

Swansea City vs Fulham from the Liberty Stadium, Swansea
The Welsh club fell to defeat away to Blackburn last weekend, and while manager Brendan Rodgers would not have been happy with that, this is a good chance to put things right as they have only suffered one home defeat in the league this term to Manchester United. Fulham picked up a nice win over Liverpool on Monday night, and Martin Jol will no doubt be looking to use that as a springboard to really get moving up the league table after a difficult start to the season.
Prediction: Swansea City 2-1 Fulham

West Brom vs Wigan Athletic from the Hawthorns, Birmingham
The baggies will see this fixture as one where three points should be a must after their inconsistent season so far. Playing against a side that is firmly at the bottom of the table, Roy Hodgson knows how important a win will be. Wigan have only collected nine points from a possible 42 this season, and manager Roberto Martinez’s relationship with owner Dave Whelan is the only reason keeping him in a job at the moment. Deciding to stay on at the DW Stadium instead of leaving to take the Aston Villa gig is looking more and more like the wrong decision. Martinez did work wonders last season in keeping Wigan in the Premier League, but a repeat of things don’t look likely.
Prediction: West Brom 3-1 Wigan Athletic

Sunday
Sunderland vs Blackburn Rovers from the Stadium of Light, Sunderland
All the focus will be on Martin O’Neil’s Sunderland debut as manager. and it couldn’t come in a more important game in all honesty. After the sloppy defeat away to Wolves last weekend, O’Neil will be looking to install some positivity into his players. Their opponents from Lancashire are one spot below them in the standings, and while the 4-2 victory over Swansea did some to quiet his critics, Blackburn manager Steve Kean knows he needs to build on that result, otherwise they’ll be out in full force once again.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Blackburn Rovers

Stoke City vs Tottenham Hotspur from the Britannia Stadium, Stoke
Tony Pulis’ Stoke City have been inconsistent this season due to their Europa League commitments, but on the back of successive wins, they should expect to collect all three points at home which has been their fortress over the last few seasons. It won’t be easy though, as a visiting Tottenham come in currently in third place, and are on an excellent run of form. This week manager Harry Redknapp dismissed talk of his side challenging for the league title, but at the moment, they are certainly in the hunt.
Prediction: Stoke City 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Monday
Chelsea vs Manchester City from Stamford Bridge, London
The clash of the weekend comes from west London where Andre Villas-Boas will be facing his toughest assignment so far going up against Roberto Mancini and table topping Manchester City. The home side can breathe a little easier after securing passage to the knockout round of the Champions League and winning the group. If the blues don’t get a result in this one, the pressure will be back again on Villas-Boas. Some pressure is also now on Mancini after City got knocked out of the Champions League this week, even though they finished on 10 points in their group. That could either work in their favor by concentrating solely on the league from now until May, or it could be a major setback, and we’ll find out soon enough which one it’ll be.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Manchester City

Saturday
Newcastle United vs Chelsea from St. James’ Park, Newcastle
The black and white are coming off a very good 1-1 away draw at Old Trafford last weekend and should be in full confidence after a very good performance against Manchester United. The home side will also have extra incentive as they will honor former midfielder Gary Speed who was tragically found dead at his Welsh home last week. Chelsea on the other hand can look favorably at their last league game beating Wolves 3-0 at home, although that was sandwiched between two home losses to Liverpool in league and cup play. The pressure will be on Andre Villas-Boas, unnecessarily maybe, but the blues need a result here.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Chelsea

Blackburn Rovers vs Swansea City from Ewood Park, Blackburn
Rovers are without a win in the league since September 17th, and although manager Steve Kean may not have won the sack race, his team have not looked like climbing the table like he continues to say in the media. They also suffered defeat in the Carling Cup in midweek to Championship side Cardiff City in which Kean admits he fielded an under strength side because of this one. The Welsh visitors themselves have not won in three matches, but are sitting in an okay position in the league table, and Brendan Rodgers will be looking for his squad to get back on track in this one.
Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Swansea City

Manchester City vs Norwich City from the Etihad Stadium, Manchester
The citizens continue to sit pretty at the top of the Premier League boasting a five point lead still, even though they could only manage a draw away at Liverpool last Sunday. A decent win against Arsenal in the Carling Cup a few days ago showed as well that City have the squad to cope with playing on multiple fronts. Norwich will not be relishing playing the leaders on their own turf, but the canaries have had a great start, and sit comfortably in mid table and will be buoyed by defeating fellow newcomer QPR last weekend after snapping back to back defeats.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Norwich City

QPR vs West Brom from Loftus Road, London
Like fellow promoted clubs Norwich and Swansea, QPR sit comfortably in mid table, and Neil Warnock has spent wisely, but will look to strengthen the squad in January when the transfer window opens. After a slow start, West Brom have put some good results together, and it looks as though they will be okay barring no major injuries or serious collapse of form over the second half of the season.
Prediction: QPR 1-1 West Brom

Tottenham vs Bolton Wanderers from White Hart Lane, London
Spurs are coming off five wins on the bounce, and while they have never won six league games in a row in their history, manager Harry Redknapp will be looking to win this one, and overtake Manchester United and sit in second place. The form guide also states that Tottenham have won six out of their last seven games against a Bolton side who have suffered back to back defeats, and a team that currently sit in the drop zone. If Owen Coyle envisions his side climbing up the table, it needs to start now no matter how big the task.
Prediction: Tottenham 3-0 Bolton Wanderers

Wigan Athletic vs Arsenal from the DW Stadium, Wigan
The Latics manager Roberto Martinez will be pleased with his side’s wins way to Sunderland last weekend which sealed Steve Bruce’s fate as Sunderland manager. Any sort of win would do for a struggling side, and while that was positive, things still don’t look good for the home side, especially going against an Arsenal side who have been in top form on all fronts. It was only a defeat in midweek Carling Cup action against Manchester City that put a dent on recent form, but Arsene Wenger will still feel his players should brush aside Wigan with relative ease.
Prediction: Wigan Athletic 0-3 Arsenal

Aston Villa vs Manchester United from Villa Park, Birmingham
Alex McLeish’s Villa are coming off a 0-0 away draw to Swansea last weekend, but before that they lost to in form Tottenham 2-0 away from home and in that game, and McLeish got a lot of men behind the ball and looked to counter attack when possible. Something says the same will be done here against the defending champions. United, who got beat by Crystal Palace in the Carling Cup in midweek, will be looking to bounce back from that defeat. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have not won in three games, so the red devils will be looking to put that right starting tomorrow.
Prediction: Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United

Sunday
Everton vs Stoke City from Goodison Park, Liverpool
David Moyes’ Everton have now won back to back games, and will be looking to continue the positive results against a Stoke side that have struggled in league matches after their exploits in the Europa League. Potters manager Tony Pulis will want to end that, just like they ended a four game losing streak last week with a win against strugglers Blackburn. Before kickoff, like up in Newcastle, Everton will be honoring former player Gary Speed, which will be extra incentive for the toffees.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Stoke City

Wolves vs Sunderland from Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
This one won’t be the prettiest of matches, with both sides needing results to climb the table. Going into the game, Wolves sit one place below Sunderland on goal difference only and right above the drop zone. The big story this week has been the sacking of now former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce and Bruce’s assistant Erik Black will take temporary charge of the first team for this one with what looks like former Aston Villa and Celtic manager Martin O’Neil taking over as manager of the black cats.
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Sunderland

Monday
Fulham vs Liverpool from Craven Cottage, London
This week’s Monday night game comes from west London, with Fulham struggling for form and needing results. Martin Jol’s team suffered a defeat in the Europa League Thursday evening, and will be looking to bounce back quickly against an in form Liverpool side. With the last three games against Manchester City and Chelsea and picking up two wins and a draw in the process, Kenny Dalglish can feel confident going into this clash. The bad news for the reds is that Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva is now done for the season with a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament after the Carling Cup win against Chelsea.
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Liverpool

Saturday
Norwich City vs Arsenal from Carrow Road, Norwich
The first kickoff of the weekend after the international break see’s an Arsenal side who are in form after their woeful start visit Norwich who have been very well organized, and shown to have some firepower as well. In fact, the canaries have been a real breath of fresh air this season after earning back to back promotions the last two seasons. Arsenal themselves are unbeaten since losing to bitter rivals Tottenham at the beginning of October, and with Robin van Persie in excellent form of late, they should be favorites in this one.
Prediction: Norwich City 1-2 Arsenal

Everton vs Wolves from Goodison Park, Liverpool
This season has not been a good one for David Moyes and his Everton squad, with not too much positive news to go on. This week however was pleasing with star midfielder Marouane Fellani signing a new long term contract with the club, and he personally hopes that other senior players will follow in his footsteps. Wolves’ last outing was a big win against fellow relegation threatened side Wigan, and even though it was not pretty by any means, manager Mick McCarthy will not mind one bit. Another battle like performance will be required here in order to pick up some points.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Wolves

Manchester City vs Newcastle United from the Etihad Stadium, Manchester
In what not many would have dubbed a top of the table clash at the beginning of the season, a lot of eyes will be on this clash with Newcastle being the surprise package. People expected City to be good this season, but nothing like they have been top of the table currently with 31 points from 11 games, and scoring 39 goals in the process. It seems that things can only go up for Roberto Mancini’s men. For the magpies, they have tasted life outside of the Premier League in recent seasons, so this season so far has been night and day in comparison. Manager Alan Pardew deserves great credit, but even he doesn’t believe they’ll finish the season in the Champions League places.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Newcastle United

Stoke City vs QPR from the Britannia Stadium, Stoke
The last time Stoke took the pitch two weeks ago they got thrashed 5-0 by Bolton, and manager Tony Pulis will be looking for his side to bounce back after a break, especially since both of these sides sit level on points at mid table currently. Rangers themselves have lost their last two games, although they were both against Manchester City and Tottenham. Neil Warnock has every right to be pleased with his lads in what will be a grueling season.
Prediction: Stoke City 2-2 QPR

Sunderland vs Fulham from the Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Another clash between two sides that have struggled so far this season. Both currently sit on 10 points, and that will not satisfy Steve Bruce or Martin Jol. Sunderland have looked to have turn a corner as of late, although they did lose their previous league match away to Manchester United. Fulham have been playing in the Europa League as well this season, so squad depth has been tested, and no doubt Jol will look to strengthen in January to take some of the pressure off this squad. This should be a fairly even match, but with Sunderland at home, Bruce’s squad should be favorites.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Fulham

West Brom vs Bolton Wanderers from the Hawthorns, Birmingham
Last time out Albion were well beaten away to Arsenal, but this time manager Roy Hodgson should put out a more expansive side against a Bolton team that have struggled badly this season. In their last outing, Owen Coyle has his Wanderers turning the corner after their 5-0 win at home two weeks ago against Stoke. The other thing to remember is with all the injuries Bolton have sustained, their fixture list has not been kind to them having a tough first 10 games. The next 10 is where Coyle thinks his side can pick up points and move out of the relegation zone.
Prediction: West Brom 1-3 Bolton Wanderers

Wigan Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers from the DW Stadium, Wigan
In a game that will probably not be the prettiest, the idea for both of these sides is just win. What’s interesting is Blackburn boss Steve Kean was the booking favorites to be the first to get the sack at the beginning of the season, were into the latter stages of November and no Premier League manager has gotten the sack yet. One wonders when the final straw will happen with Kean seen as a dead man walking, after anti-Kean banners now banned at Ewood Park. His opposite number, Roberto Martinez, is also under pressure as his Wigan side sit bottom of the table, and Wigan are most certainly favorites to go down come May.
Prediction: Wigan Athletic 0-1 Blackburn Rovers

Swansea City vs Manchester United from the Liberty Stadium, Swansea
The defending champions have been unbeaten since their humiliating home loss to rival Manchester City 6-1, although they have been by thin one goal margins. Since then they have been keeping things extremely tight at the back which was the priority of Sir Alex Ferguson. What will be interesting is what kind of a team he’ll put out with a tricky match against Benfica in the Champions League during midweek. This one will be no pushover though, as Brendan Rodgers has his Swansea side playing some good football who are very well balanced and organized, and this should be a good match from south Wales.
Prediction: Swansea City 2-3 Manchester United

Sunday
Chelsea vs Liverpool from Stamford Bridge, London
The highlight of all the fixtures this weekend, this one is always a tasty encounter. It’s fair to say that both Chelsea and Liverpool are no longer those tight, cagey affairs that took place when Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez managed the clubs. Chelsea themselves seem to play a more expansive game under Andre Villas-Boas, and some will argue that has cost them. Liverpool are the same under Kenny Dalglish as well with both clubs boasting a lot of attacking talent on offer. The obvious storyline in this one is Fernando Torres going against his former employers. It’s no secret the Spanish striker has failed to live up to expectations since swapping Merseyside for London nearly a year ago, and the pressure will be on.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool

Monday
Tottenham vs Aston Villa from White Hart Lane, London
The weekend’s action completes in north London with two clubs looking to pick up wins and move up the table. The big story with Tottenham is manager Harry Redknapp recovering from heart surgery and it’s still a question of whether he’ll be in the dugout in this one. It’s hard not to picture the veteran English manager on the touchline and we all wish him a speedy recovery. Aston Villa have had a decent season with everything that happened during the summer taken into account, and Alex McLeish has done a steady job at the helm. This one will probably be a tight affair.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Aston Villa

Saturday 5th
Newcastle United vs Everton from St. James’ Park, Newcastle
Credit must be given to Alan Pardew and his back room staff at Newcastle United for the tremendous season they’re having. Quietly gone about their business, the magpies currently sit third after their win at Stoke on Monday night. Who would have thought that at the beginning of the season? They meet an Everton side that despite some impressive displays at times, still look inconsistent, and sit in 16th place in the league table.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Everton

Arsenal vs West Brom from the Emirates Stadium, London
Well we all can officially say that Arsenal are okay after their terrible start to the season. Will it be too much ground to make up? Possibly, depending on what you’re talking about. The league yes, but the top four, probably not. We still got a long season yet, and with the form striker Robin van Persie is in currently, the Champions League places can be achieved. West Brom on the other hand were unbeaten in four league games before Liverpool won at the Hawthorns last weekend. Manager Roy Hodgson will be looking for more consistency for the hit or miss baggies, but this one will be difficult to come by.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 West Brom

Aston Villa vs Norwich City from Villa Park, Birmingham
The home side were another club who quietly got off to a decent start this season, and now it looks as this is manager Alex McLeish’s toughest part of the season so far with his team winless in their last three matches. They still do sit in mid table right now, but if they were to lose this match could potentially drop to 16th in the league table. The visit of Norwich City has Paul Lambert’s side sitting one point above Villa, and the canaries will be very confident after some very good, mature performances this season, including their fightback away at Blackburn last weekend.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Norwich City

Blackburn Rovers vs Chelsea from Ewood Park, Blackburn
This match features two managers who are under a bit of pressure at the moment, one ever since he got the gig, and the other possibly facing his greatest test so far in a young managerial career. For Blackburn, question marks still remain over the club with what direction the ownership wants to take it, and the fans wanting Steve Kean out as boss, although he claims he has the support of most of the fan base. For Chelsea, they have lost their last two league games in London derbies, and will be disappointed with their 1-1 draw away to Genk in the Champions League in midweek. The pressure may be a bit harsh on Andre Villas-Boas, but that comes with the job.
Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 0-3 Chelsea

Liverpool vs Swansea City from Anfield, Liverpool
The reds are unbeaten in seven matches, and a win would temporarily move Liverpool into fifth position above Tottenham as the favorites for the top four positions come season’s end looks to end up taking shape. They will have to do it without their skipper Steven Gerrard who is out injured yet again with an ankle infection. Swansea City can be very pleased with their performance so far in the Premier League as they sit 10th in the table. Manager Brendan Rodgers knows that their is still a long way to go, but they will not be scared to go anywhere and pick up points.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Swansea City

Manchester United vs Sunderland from Old Trafford, Manchester
In an interesting move, Sir Alex Ferguson deployed Wayne Rooney as a central midfielder against Galati during Champions League play. This weekend, he’s likely to go back up front where he plays best where it’s a celebration of Ferguson’s 25th anniversary as United’s manager which is an incredible feat for any coach in any sport. The legendary Scot welcomes Sunderland, and former captain Steve Bruce who’s side haven’t had the best of starts, but with a win against Bolton and an away draw at Aston Villa in their last two games, things finally look to be on the up for the black cats.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland

QPR vs Manchester City from Loftus Road, London
In a clash that really can be billed as David vs Goliath, Neil Warnock’s Rangers welcome Roberto Mancini’s rich boys who look to be a class of their own, at least so far this season. After a slow start in Europe, it looks like the citizens are in good stead to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Champions League, and another win this weekend in league play will only continue to underline their position at top spot. After defeating Chelsea at home a fortnight ago, QPR won’t be scared of City, and Loftus Road can become a fortress for them this season.
Prediction: QPR 1-3 Manchester City

Sunday 6th
Wolves vs Wigan Athletic from Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
It’s only November, but can we call this a relegation six pointer? Quite possibly, and Mick McCarthy’s Wolves side have not won a league game since August 21st after a fairly promising start in their opening few matches. If that sounds bad enough, his opposite number Roberto Martinez has his lactics team currently bottom of the league with only six goals scored on the whole season. Last season was a miracle in how Wigan stayed up, but if they pull it off again this season, it would be an even greater task Martinez to achieve.
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Wigan Athletic

Bolton Wanderers vs Stoke City from the Reebok Stadium, Bolton
It’s been a horrible season for Owen Coyle’s Bolton side, and already conceding 27 goals so far is proof of that. They were a pleasant surprise last season with their free flowing football, but that’s all in the past now as they look to climb the table and get away from the current relegation zone they’re in. Of course the odds are in their favor for once, with Stoke City playing a Europa League game in Israel on Thursday night, and Tony Pulis’ side have looked tired in games after their European exploits.
Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Stoke City

Fulham vs Tottenham from Craven Cottage, London
This match could be about who has more strength in depth after both teams playing in European competition on Thursday night. Of course Fulham played at home, while Tottenham had to fly to Russia to take on Rubin Kazan without manager Harry Redknapp due to heart surgery. It’s unknown at this point whether Redknapp will be back on the touchline, but one thing that is for sure is cottagers manager Martin Jol would love to get one over his old club, and further climb the table.
Prediction: Fulham 3-2 Tottenham