We are half way through the season! What a season it has been. We are, so far, treaated to one of the most challenging and close title races of all time. At least 5 to 6 teams are fighting for the title. We had some outstanding performers and some shocking moments. Stay tuned for our mid season review article very soon. For now, lets get back to predicting the scores of every matchday.

A recap of last weekend’s matchday’s action is on our latest CoshCast which you can enjoy on Soundcloud or subscribe through iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/under-the-cosh-coshcast/id767743946

Previous Matchday Scores:

Here’s a reminder of last week’s scores and the overall points tally for the three of us so far. As usual, a correct outcome warrants a point while a perfect score holds 3 points:

Saturday December 28th:

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace:

Bernie: Man City are dominant at home and Crystal Palace will have absolutely no chance here at all. I can see City winning this one big. 4-0 City

Mohaned: If City don’t win this one, then it can be the best anti-gambling advertising ever. Unless you are crazy and bet on Crystal Palace that is. Ballon D’or nominee Marouane Chamakh will try his all to get Palace at least a point, but he will fail. 3-0 City at least.

Rishay: The Citizens will win this one comfortably. The pace and panache that they have in the final third is simply awesome. I’m not sure how Palace would pose a challenge unless there is complacency involved, which there might be, after such a big game the previous weekend. 4-1 City, and with it a 10-0-0 home record as well.

Norwich vs Manchester United:

Bernie: Last season this fixture ended 1-0 to Norwich. United have been suspect to say the least. One minute you think they’ve steadied the ship, the next they disappoint you. This Norwich side look dull in attack and defensively woeful so United should walk away with this. 2-0 United

Mohaned: Chris Hughton will be looking behind his shoulder after Malky Mackay’s sacking from Cardiff. He is a bit of a legend in Norwich and might be Hughton’s replacement soon. United have been very up and down but usually end up with the points away from home. A very VERY lucky three points at Hull last matchday though. United should have this in the bag some would hope. 3-0 United.

Rishay: United have established themselves as one of the better road teams this campaign and with a come from behind away victory against Hull, who have some big scalps on their home patch, United are looking like they are back on track. 3-1 United. 

Sunday December 29th:

Newcastle vs Arsenal:

Bernie: Another tough game for the Gunners. It seems as if these tough games keep coming and won’t stop until 2014 hits. St. James Park is an intimidating place to go and Pardew’s men are playing well. I think Wenger will have his boys raring to go and will win this game but only just. 2-1 Arsenal

Mohaned: Tough game after tough game for Arsenal. Newcastle have been on an amazing run of form with a lot of players hitting form in Remy, Cabaye and even Ben Arfa. Arsenal came back from a rough run of form to win at Upton Park last matchday. I think Arsenal should have enough quality to get the three points. 3-1 Arsenal.

Rishay: Underdogs Newcastle have been on a good run of form, including a win at Old Trafford. Arsenal have put things right with a win against West Ham, but Newcastle will be a significantly harder test. I expect a closely fought contest, with Arsenal pulling through. 2-1 Arsenal

Tottenham vs Stoke:

Bernie: Spurs are the team I hate predicting scores for. They almost never stick to the plan. At least at the beginning of the season you knew they’d win 1-0 with a Soldado penalty. Stoke are going to be a mid table team but they do have that little bit of danger to them. Because Stoke aren’t the most dynamic team I can see Spurs pulling off a 2-1 win here.

Mohaned: All three of us seem to hate predicting spurs. I have cracked the spurs code. Always go for low scoring predictions. Stoke are missing two crucial players due to red cards in their previous game. Spurs hate defending corner kicks and free kicks so stoke have a chance here. ill go with a 1-1 draw.

Rishay: Spurs should be removed from our prediction list. They are useless. Stoke are there for the taking and even Newcastle managed to put 5 goals past them. Tottenham will probably score 1. 1-0 Tottenham. Soldado penalty anyone?

*Game of the Week: Chelsea vs Liverpool*

Liverpool are capping off a crazy two days. Following their defeat (some would say harshly) at the Etihad, they now travel to London, Stamford bridge, to face Chelsea. Liverpool will come out with their well known attacking football which they have been impressing us with all season. The overall quality of the game will be determined by non other than Jose Mourinho. Will he play on the counter and just sit back, or will he avoid a snore fest as he aimed for at the Emirates. Tune on to find out. Lets hope for the best!

Chelsea vs Liverpool:

Bernie: Because Chelsea are at home, I don’t expect them to park the bus. Suarez and co. should score here but I have a strange feeling that Mourinho has a plan. The Chelsea back line has been suspect and they don’t score much. If Liverpool score first this should be a high scoring game but if Mourinho’s men get the opening goal which I think they will it’ll be tough for the reds to get a win. 1-0 Chelsea

Mohaned: Tough game to predict. Lets hope Liverpool aren’t feeling too sorry for themselves after the Etihad defeat with a few dodgy decisions. They need to forget about that and focus on Chelsea. Chelsea have been struggling for goals recently thanks to an abysmal strike force in Eto, Torres and Ba which in contrast to Suarez are quite laughable. I have a feeling chelsea will defend but liverpool, unlike arsenal, will be able to break them down. 2-1 Liverpool. 

Rishay: Liverpool can hold their heads high after a performance that deserved more against City at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea will likely play more positive football since they are now on their own ground. Mourinho’s tactic of park the bus away from home against the big teams has resulted in some dour 0-0 draws, but a 2-1 home win against City earlier this campaign should bolster their confidence. I think City were unlucky in that game, and they were also on a poor run away from home at that point. Liverpool will pose a bigger threat, and might come up with the goods. 1-1 Draw.