A look ahead to this week's Premier League fixtures

Saturday, 28th August
Blackburn v Arsenal, 12:45
Blackburn are formidable at home. Arsenal seem to be in the groove. Tough battles that could go either way will usually end in a draw - just get the feeling that Blackburn will edge this one though.
Prediction: 1-0

Blackpool v Fulham, 15:00
For all their joy on the opening day, this is the one The Seasiders have been waiting for. Blackpool enter their first home game after a drubbing by Arsenal. Fulham had a great result against Man Utd - football has some fairytales left and Blackpool will write their own postcard.
Prediction: 2-1

Chelsea v Stoke, 15:00
What to say about Chelsea. This could well be 6-0 again. Another week and another player that Tony Pulis has fallen out with, Stoke are not showing the united front on and off the pitch that has served them well.
Prediction: 7-0

Tottenham v Wigan, 15:00
Spurs will be buzzing and rightly so. This is a fixture that Roberto Martinez could have done without, after the humiliation at The Lane last year he will be hoping for an improvement. Spurs would not be human if the were not thinking of the bigger fish that they have to fry. A dangerous mood to be in.
Prediction: 1-1

Wolves v Newcastle, 15:00
Tough one to call. Wolves have been solid so far. The Geordies have been bust then an almighty boom. Newcastle seem a team that will feed off momentum. They have it here.
Prediction: 0-2

Man Utd v West Ham, 17:30
The slide continues at Old Trafford for West Ham. When they sign Yakubu and sell Scott Parker things may just settle down. This is a team desperate for the international break. United are United ... especially at Old Trafford.
Prediction: 2-0

Sunday, 29th August 2010

Bolton v Birmingham, 13:30
When you imagine the league table in May it would be difficult to argue with either team being placed 15th or 8th. Both look to be on an upward curve in terms of their long term success. It feels right to back the home team.
Prediction: 1-0


Liverpool v West Brom, 15:00
A must win for Liverpool, an absolute must. Fernando Torres looked like a man wondering about his future after 70mins against Man City. Liverpool laboured again in Europe. The pressure is on. Now Javier Mascherano has been replaced by Christian Poulsen it is pretty clear which way the club sees themselves heading. The Baggies are vibrant and will not let Liverpool rest. This could be a big scalp.
Prediction: 0-1

Sunderland v Man City, 15:00
Sunderland will feel the need to get something from this. Man City were impressive and resilient against Liverpool. If City sweep Sunderland aside they will be showing a streak that has seldom been seen in Sky Blue - a clinical one. Expect Steve Bruce to have a tough afternoon from the away support at the start ... and from his own by the end.
Prediction: 0-2

Aston Villa v Everton, 16:00
Aston Villa have been found out. Martin O'Neill left Celtic in a mess and now it seems he has done the same in the Midlands. Lets just say he has that Tony Blair-like quality to know just when to get out. Everton had a confidence boost in midweek. It is fair to say Villa did not. An unkind farewell to the Caretaker Manager looks inevitable.
Prediction: 1-3