Premier League predictions

First real test

Arsenal v West Brom
Arsenal are looking really good at the moment and they will have been buoyed by their thumping win at local rivals Tottenham in the Carling Cup.

West Brom have started pretty well and look to have a decent chance of avoiding their usual yo-yo existence in the top flight.

Arsenal will be too clever for their opponents who will make things difficult for them but not difficult enough.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

Birmingham v Wigan
Birmingham had a humbling defeat at West Brom last week but are still a decent mid-table side who are very difficult to beat at home.

Wigan turned the corner slightly after their terrible start but they were abysmal in their defeat to Manchester City last week. I things will get worse here.

Soccernews prediction: 2-0

Blackpool v Blackburn
Blackpool play a refreshing brand of attacking football. Blackburn don’t.

Blackpool will throw everything at their opponents but Blackburn will soak up the pressure and enjoy playing on the break. I foresee a rare away win for Sam Allardyce’s men.

Soccernews prediction: 0-1

Fulham v Everton
Fulham have had a cracking start and are unbeaten. Everton have had a terrible start and haven’t won a game.

I think both of those records will remain after this clash at Craven Cottage.

Soccernews prediction: 0-0

Liverpool v Sunderland
After Liverpool’s humiliating defeat to Northampton in midweek this game take on huge significance for the team and Roy Hodgson. The fact is that a draw or defeat in this game could see them in the relegation zone.

Sunderland continue to flatter to deceive but got a decent point against Arsenal last week. I think they’ll get another one today.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

Manchester City v Chelsea
The first really tough test for Chelsea this season. They have looked unbeatable so far but haven’t been stretched.

Manchester City aren’t quite firing on all cylinders yet but they will be hopeful of getting something today.

It will be fascinating to see if City are capable of mixing it with the best and whether or not Chelsea are as good as they have looked.

I think they’ll share the spoils.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1

West Ham v Tottenham
A London derby between two teams who are a very long way apart in every way apart from geography.

Tottenham are playing in the Champions League and looking to challenge for the title. West Ham have one point from five games are already thinking about little other than survival.

I think this one will go with the form book.

Soccernews prediction: 0-2

SUNDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER

Bolton v Manchester United
Another local derby between two very different clubs.

United are looking like possible title contenders but their unusual tendency to give away leads is starting to be something of a problem.

Owen Coyle has worked wonders with Bolton and looks as though he might lead them to a rare season without struggle. Having said that, they won’t get anything here.

Soccernews prediction: 0-2

Newcastle v Stoke
Difficult to assess the start Newcastle have made, especially at St James’ Park. A 6-0 win over Aston Villa and a 2-0 defeat to Blackpool hardly give an indicator to their home form.

Stoke seem to be coming out of their early season malaise and are starting to look like the team of the past two seasons. That team, however, is much better at home than they are away.

Soccernews prediction: 2-1

Wolves v Aston Villa
I think this game is the hardest one to predict of the weekend. On paper, Wolves should be no match for Aston Villa, but as we all know, the game isn’t played on paper.

Villa gave Houllier a winning start in the Carling Cup in midweek but this is their first league outing with him a s the boss.

Wolves are made of pretty strong stuff at home and I can see them picking up a point.

Soccernews prediction: 1-1