Stretch Run Predictions…

Well, the January transfer window has closed, all cup competitions are heating up, and things are sorting themselves out in the league tables of all tiers of English Football. It’s finally getting to the time of year when you learn what your team is made of and all of the trophies are dished out, as well as the promotion and relegation spots. So let’s take a look at the key battles that we have to look forward to in the closing months of the season…

Carling Cup – I’ll start with easily the least important trophy, but it is still a trophy. After two thrilling, high-scoring Semifinals, it will be Manchester United and Aston Villa meeting in the Final at the hallowed Wembley Stadium on the last day of February. United will go into the match as pretty heavy favorites, but Villa have already proved they can beat the defending league champions this season (0-1 win at Old Trafford). Prediction: I definitely see a tight match with both teams playing conservatively throughout, but in the end I got to go with my Villa boys in the PK Shootout!

FA Cup – The number one club competition in England is still in its early stages, but there has been plenty of action and upsets so far. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal are all out already, leaving Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Villa as the favorites going into the upcoming Round of 16. Chelsea look a good bet to defend their title, but you never know what’s going to happen on any given Saturday in the FA Cup. Prediction: Repeating in any tournament is extremely hard so I’m going to stay away from the safe pick of Chelsea. I’ll go out on a limb and say Manchester City bring home the silverware over Chelsea in the Final this season. Who says money can’t buy trophies? haha

Race for Fourth – Possibly the most interesting race of them all this year doesn’t even involve a trophy. Four clubs have legitimate chances of finishing the 2010 campaign in the coveted four place in the league that means Champions League Qualification. Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Villa will slug it out for the one available spot in Europe’s premier club competition. Prediction: I really think the Big Four’s reign will end this season. Liverpool just can’t rely on two players for an entire season, especially when both of those players are often injured. I’m not going to pick Villa either. I simply think that we are just not good enough at this point to finish in fourth. So that leaves City and Spurs. I’ll say I’m leaning towards City at the moment just based on pure talent, but this could be an exciting battle that comes down to the last day…

Premier League Title – I was hoping this would be a heavily contested three horse race that would come down to the wire, but after Manchester United’s 3-1 domination of Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend, I think it’s safe to say there are only two teams with a shot to bring home the league. United are in search of their fourth consecutive title, while Chelsea are looking to win their third title in the past six years. Chelsea have had a slight edge all season long, and were fortunate to survive January without some of their key players who were at the African Cup of Nations. Prediction: Ever since the beginning of the season I’ve thought it was Chelsea’s year, so I’m going to stick with them. I just can’t see United winning some of the key games at the end without Ronaldo and Chelsea will come away with the title, but it will be close, close, close.

Well that’s about it. Football is always full of surprises and I’ll be absolutely shocked if all of my picks pan out. I’m just gonna enjoy watching everything shake out! Finally, I’ll leave you with my promotion and relegation picks…

RELEGATION – Portsmouth, Burnley, Wigan Athletic
PROMOTION – Newcastle, West Brom, Nottingham Forest

By RJ Sepich, Villa4Life11