Here are the predictions and previews for the latest set of Premier League fixtures. Do you agree with the predictions? Leave your own in the comments below.
Arsenal v Tottenham (Saturday 12.45)
The North London derby is upon us again and Spurs will get another chance to try and prove that they are catching up with their next-door neighbours. Tom Huddlestone’s absence is another blow for Harry Redknapp and his side, especially before a game of this magnitude. Arsenal come off the back of a scrappy, but morale boosting, 1-2 win at Everton. Tottenham’s big four record is well known and there is no reason that this will change.
Prediction: 2-0
Last 5 league games: Arsenal; WWLWW F 8 A 2
Tottenham; DLLDW F 8 A 10
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Birmingham v Chelsea (Saturday 15.00)
For once Chelsea will be under the spotlight for all of the wrong reasons, which could play into the hands of the men from St Andrews. Last season Birmingham secured a creditable 0-0 draw in this fixture and this season they’ll be hoping to go one better. Chelsea’s injuries run right down the spine of their team and Birmingham could make them look vulnerable on Saturday.
Prediction: 1-2
Last 5 league games: Birmingham; WDDLD F 6 A 5
Chelsea; WWLWL F 5 A 6
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Blackpool v Wolves (Saturday 15.00)
Bloomfield Road has seen goals, goals, goals from all comers so far this season and Saturday should be no different. The Tangerines have been hit by some key injuries with Matt Gilks out and Charlie Adam struggling to recover from a midweek knock. Wolves are yet to register an away win and will see this game as good chance to get their season going, but Blackpool are strong at home and will punish Wolves’ leaky defense.
Prediction: 2-1
Last 5 league games: Blackpool; LWDLD F 6 A 6
Wolves; LWLLL F 5 A 10
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Bolton v Newcastle (Saturday 15.00)
Only one point separates these two surprise teams this season and I predict a very tight game. What ever Owen Coyle has changed at Bolton it’s certainly worked, they are in their strongest league position in a long time and are unbeaten in their last eight home games. Newcastle have stuttered since their win at Arsenal and Bolton is a tough place to go.
Prediction: 2-1
Last 5 league games: Bolton; DLWDW F 9 A 7
Newcastle; WWWLD F 9 A 4
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Manchester United v Wigan (Saturday 15.00)
Somehow, Manchester United are still unbeaten. Late goals seem to be their style this season, but I don’t think that they’ll need to rely on injury time on Saturday. Wigan have been dreadful away from home and are the lowest scorers in the Premier League this year.
Prediction: 3-0
Last 5 league games: Manchester United; WWWDD F 8 A 4
Wigan; DLLDW F 4 A 6
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West Brom v Stoke (Saturday 15.00)
The wheels have come off of West Brom’s season a little with no win in four games. After two consecutive wins, Stoke find themselves above the Baggies and in the top half of the table. Stoke haven’t lost against West Brom in their last seven league meetings.
Prediction: 1-1
Last 5 league games:West Brom; WLLDL F 5 A 8
Stoke; LLLWW F 6 A 7
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Liverpool v West Ham (Saturday 17.30)
Just over a week ago Liverpool were meant to be getting back to their best after three league wins, then two games later their back in turmoil. Liverpool will be thankful though that they are playing West Ham at Anfield, a place where that Hammers have only scored twice in their last nine trips. West Ham are becoming the league’s draw specialists with five in their last seven games.
Prediction: 1-0
Last 5 league games: Liverpool; WWWDL F 6 A 4
West Ham; LLDDD F 5 A 7
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Blackburn v Aston Villa (Sunday 13.30)
Blackburn have been very strong at home under Sam Allardyce and Aston Villa are struggling to find form and consistency. Both teams have struggled to put a run of games together and neither have been able to make a significant march into the top echelons of the league. There have been a fair few goals in both teams’ recent games and I think Sunday will continue this trend.
Prediction: 3-3
Last 5 league games: Blackburn; LLWWL F 8 A 10
Aston Villa; LDDWD F 6 A 6
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Fulham v Manchester City (Sunday 16.00)
Mark Hughes comes up against his former club on Sunday. Whilst at City, Hughes acquired the draw bug and exactly the same has happened this season at Fulham. As a result, Fulham find themselves 16th in the league and have only scored 13 goals. City find themselves still in and around the pace-setters due to the faltering form of those around them but will be hoping to make a statement of intent this weekend.
Prediction: 1-1
Last 5 league games:Fulham; LWDLD F 4 A 4
Manchester City; LLWDD F 3 A 7
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Sunderland v Everton (Monday 20.00)
Sunderland will still be flying high after their astonishing 0-3 win at Chelsea and have bounced back well since their mauling against Newcastle. Sunderland’s recent strength has been their defense and they’ve coped well without front man Darren Bent. Everton continue to slowly recover from their poor start to this season but have won four of their last five trips to Sunderland, during which they’ve only conceded once.
Prediction: 1-1
Last 5 league games:Sunderland; WLWDW F 8 A 6
Everton; DWDDL F 6 A 6