Saturday 12th September
Blackburn picked up their first point of the season last time out and although they might not be the best or most attractive to watch side in the league, big Sam Allardyce is gradually getting them organised and they will be alright.
Wolves have four points from their four games but in the long run they have a tougher job ahead than Blackburn. The initial glamour of being in the top league has gone now and it is at places like Blackburn that Wolves need to grind out a result.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-1
Burnley caught everyone by surprise with their great victories against Manchester United and Everton and they are certainly a side with a good deal going for them. However, the heavy defeat at Chelsea brought them back down to earth a little as they realised the harsh realities of life with the big boys.
Liverpool have slipped up in games like this in the past but I fully expect them to show that they still are serious title contenders despite their less than auspicious start.
SoccerNews prediction: 3-0
Both of these sides believe they will finish in the top four and maybe they have even higher aspirations. In truth, early season form and has done nothing to change that belief as City are three from three and Arsenal have only their unfortunate defeat at Old Trafford to blot their record.
This should be a really entertaining game between two teams who like to get the ball down and play. It really is too tight to pick a winner.
SoccerNews prediction: 1-1
Having just said that the game above should be really entertaining we come to Portsmouth against Bolton! I fully expect this one to be slightly less entertaining.
Portsmouth are a poor side and have bolstered their team in the transfer window with some half decent championship players, presumably in readiness for next season.
Bolton are just very boring to watch and don’t play well often but they get just enough points to be safe every year. I can see them getting another three here.
SoccerNews prediction: 0-2
On paper this game is no contest. You would expect Chelsea to win comfortably. However, nobody likes going to Stoke.
Their home ground really is a fortress where the crowd create a noisy and intimidating atmosphere and the players give 110% and don’t give the opposition a second on the ball.
Chelsea obviously have the class, but can they cope with the Stoke phenomenon?
SoccerNews prediction: 1-1
Steve Bruce seems to have turned Sunderland into a decent looking mid-table outfit. He has bought sensibly and has the side well organised. The only problem they may have today is that both keepers have come back injured from international duty and they may have to throw a youngster in between the posts.
The lucky thing for Sunderland is that they are playing Hull and their goalkeeper is therefore unlikely to touch the ball!
I’m being a little harsh on Hull but I’m afraid I just can’t see them staying up. They certainly won’t get anything here to help them.
SoccerNews prediction: 2-0
Tottenham have made a dream start to the season and have already beaten Liverpool at White Hart Lane. The level of confidence in their side must be incredibly high although they will miss the injured Modric who has been behind a lot of their most creative play.
United have had their usual indifferent start but a 5-0 away win followed by a victory over Arsenal are ominous signs for the rest of the teams.
This should be another cracker and I can’t pick a winner.
SoccerNews prediction: 1-1
The 2-0 win at Aston Villa on the opening day seems like a very distant memory for everyone at Wigan. Four horrible defeats have followed including the 5-0 drubbing by Manchester United and an embarrassing defeat at Championship Blackpool.
West Ham have had an average start and seem set for an average season with a mid-table finish. I think that they might just add to the worry of the home fans in this one.
SoccerNews prediction: 0-1
Sunday 13th September
This is a really big local derby and in truth, anything could happen. Villa have recovered well from their opening day defeat and Birmingham have done OK.
In a game like this a team’s form is of almost no significance. It will be a high tempo battle in front of a frenzied crowd. Tackles will fly in, tempers will be to the fore and very little decent football will be played. The fans will love it.
SoccerNews prediction: 0-0
Two sides who have had a disappointing start to the season. Fulham will have to go some to match their exploits of last season where they qualified for Europe. Everton will have to go some to match their fifth placed finish last season as well.
Last time out Fulham had a damp squib of a defeat at Aston Villa whereas Everton gained their first victory in a less than inspiring win over Wigan.
I can see the two teams cancelling each other out in this one.
SoccerNews prediction: 1-1
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