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PREDICTIONS

Kick-offs 1500 BST unless stated

Arsenal v Blackpool

It has to be a win for Arsenal. After opening their season with a 1-1 draw at Liverpool, they should have too much firepower for Premier League new boys Blackpool. Marouane Chamakh could be joined in the starting line-up by fellow striker Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas.

Blackpool's 4-0 win over Wigan on the opening day will have grabbed everyone's attention. It was an outstanding victory and a great start to life in the top flight. Ian Holloway's side will give it a real go at the Emirates but I do not see them getting anything from this game.

Prediction: 3-0
Jimmie O's prediction 4-0

Birmingham v Blackburn

Birmingham came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Sunderland last week so there is clearly nothing wrong with team spirit at St Andrews. Manager Alex McLeish has added to his squad by signing Matt Derbyshire this week but I am not sure how fit the former Blackburn player is and whether he will start against his former club.

Blackburn are very strong at home but not as powerful on their travels. It will be a blow if David Dunn misses the game because he is their playmaker. He bridges the gap between midfield and the front players and makes things happen. I am going for a home win.

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-1

Everton v Wolves

It was an odd performance from Everton last week. You could not fault the players' work-rate during the 1-0 defeat at Blackburn but the team did not look like creating anything in front of goal, which is unusual. But home advantage will be significant this weekend and I am backing them to make amends.

Wolves started with a very good victory, beating Stoke 2-1, and are beginning to look like a Premier League team now. Survive the first season in the top flight and clubs get a lump of money to improve their squads. This is exactly what Wolves have done and boss Mick McCarthy may now think he can make three or four changes without seriously weakening his team. That said, I am predicting a home win.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 2-1

Stoke v Tottenham

Striker Kenwyne Jones may be fit to play for Stoke after being stretchered off during the 2-1 loss to Wolves with an ankle injury. He has huge talent and on his day can be unplayable but why did Sunderland boss Steve Bruce sell him? It is make or break for Jones this season.

I was in Berne on Tuesday to see Tottenham lose 3-2 to Champions League rivals Young Boys. Spurs did not look great defensively, although the artificial pitch did not really help them, and I expect Stoke to give Michael Dawson and co another thorough examination this weekend. One or two Spurs players may have more of a focus on the return with Young Boys, too, so this one will end all square.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 0-2

West Brom v Sunderland

West Brom, beaten 6-0 by Chelsea on their return to the Premier League last weekend, are going to be fighting it out in the bottom six for most of the season and I am not sure they will stay up. I bet the Baggies are sick to death of being called a yo-yo club but, unfortunately, that is exactly what they have been.

Lee Cattermole is banned after being sent off in Sunderland's 2-2 draw with Birmingham but the Black Cats should be used to playing without the combative midfielder, who has spent a long time sidelined because of suspension. It is always tough for an established Premier League club to face a newly promoted side playing in front of their home crowd for the first time in the season, so I am going for a draw.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 2-1

West Ham v Bolton

West Ham were a shambles during their 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa. They were all over the place and did not offer anything in any area, which is unusual for them as they tend to have two or three players who perform. Manager Avram Grant will get the Hammers together eventually but it does worry me that he is already saying they are in for a relegation scrap. I thought he might have set their sights a bit higher.

Bolton played well against Fulham but are not a particularly outstanding team on the road. Boss Owen Coyle will be looking to preserve the qualities that make Wanderers such a difficult side to play against while adding a little bit more quality in the final third of the pitch. The likes of Martin Petrov and Robbie Blake will help him achieve that but I think Bolton will lose out this weekend.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 2-1

Wigan v Chelsea (1715 BST)

Wigan were shambolic last weekend, losing 4-0 at home to Blackpool. The Premier League season started with me saying there are no easy games in the top flight but I may have to change that view after that display from Roberto Martinez's side. They were one of my tips to get relegated and they will get torn apart by teams if they don't improve.

Chelsea, who began the defence of their title with a 6-0 demolition of West Brom, will be too strong in every department for Wigan. The first half a dozen games do not strike me as the most taxing for Carlo Ancelotti's side, so it looks like they can ease themselves into the season. A comfortable win for the champions.

Prediction: 0-2
Jimmie O's prediction 0-3

Newcastle v Aston Villa (1330 BST)

For half an hour at Manchester United on Monday, Newcastle were competitive and looked difficult to break down. Once they conceded, though, they never looked like scoring themselves and ended up losing 3-0. With home advantage this weekend, I expect them to give Aston Villa a physical battering, especially with Andy Carroll leading the attack.

I know Kevin McDonald well from our days together at Liverpool and I wonder if his relative lack of managerial experience could harm his chances of getting the Villa job on a full-time basis. It is going to be an interesting season for Villa. They have just signed midfielder Stephen Ireland from Manchester City - a good buy, in my opinion - but have they finished selling players?

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-1

Fulham v Manchester United (1600 BST)

Mark Hughes is still trying to change the Fulham team to his way of liking. He was a very sensible appointment as manager. What he has done in the past, particularly when he was at Blackburn, is scout for players very well and get value for money. He will probably have to do that again at Fulham. I like Hughes - he has a nice, quiet demeanour and his teams play for him - but I cannot see his side winning this weekend.

United looked comfortable during their 3-0 win over Newcastle on Monday. Craven Cottage is a tough place to go but they will make it two victories out of two. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, two extremely talented professionals, have started the season fantastically well and United are in cruise control straight away.

Prediction: 0-2
Jimmie O's prediction 1-2

Manchester City v Liverpool (2000 BST)

City did not really play with a centre forward in the goalless draw at Tottenham last weekend, which was strange. They had Carlos Tevez up front, with David Silva playing off him, but it did not work because Tevez likes to roam all over the pitch. City need to address that but manager Roberto Mancini probably won't know his best team yet. Will new signings James Milner and Mario Balotelli be involved against Liverpool? If so, how will they fit in?

When Roy Hodgson was in charge of Fulham, they were extremely hard to get the better off whenever they played away from home. I think Hodgson will continue that trend at Liverpool. This has got draw written all over it.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 0-0

 

SATURDAY

Blackburn v Arsenal (1245 BST)

Blackburn's home record last season was excellent and they rolled Everton over in their opening game by stopping them creating in front of goal. They put you under intense pressure, force you on to the back foot, don't give daft fouls away and, as we saw at Birmingham last week, remain dangerous from set-pieces.

But if Arsenal are going to do anything this season they have to go to places like Ewood Park and win. This will be totally different to last weekend's match against a Blackpool team who were very open and tried to take Arsenal on at their own game. It will be an extremely difficult game for Arsene Wenger's men but I think the days of sides like Blackburn and Bolton surprising Arsenal are starting to become a thing of the past.

Prediction: 1-2
Jimmie O's prediction 0-2

Blackpool v Fulham

Blackpool finally get to play their first ever Premier League game at Bloomfield Road and you can imagine how good a day it's going to be for everyone connected to the club. The fans were fantastic at Wigan and Arsenal, and Ian Holloway's players will be roared on by a sea of tangerine once again.

To go to a promoted team early in the season is always difficult, but Fulham are quite resilient these days and, as we saw last weekend, if you're a team who pass and move at speed you can really get at the Seasiders. They were guilty of some kamikaze defending and you can't do that in any league, let alone the Premier League, or else you'll get belted every week.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-2

Chelsea v Stoke

Confidence will be sky high at Chelsea following back-to-back 6-0 victories, although there can be little doubt that those wins came against two of the weakest teams in the division. Stoke will provide a strong physical test but the great thing about Carlo Ancelotti's side is that they can adapt to all scenarios. If you want to fight them, they'll fight you back and if you want to play them at football, they'll play you at football, too.

The Potters were unlucky against Tottenham last time out - they should have come away with at least a draw - and defeat at Stamford Bridge would leave them without a point from their first three games. But they haven't played too badly, they've just been a bit unfortunate in terms of the fixtures, and a first victory is surely not far off.

Prediction: 3-0
Jimmie O's prediction 6-0

Tottenham v Wigan

Spurs will still be buzzing from Wednesday's win over Young Boys which secured their place in the Champions League and, such is their strength in depth, they've got the luxury of being able to change their team around. Whether or not they bring in Roman Pavlyuchenko and Robbie Keane for Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe, they'll still be overwhelming favourites to see off Wigan, especially as it's at White Hart Lane.

I thought Wigan's defending against Chelsea was even more desperate than Blackpool's at Arsenal; their back four resembled a bunch of strangers who had just met up in the car park an hour before the match. At the start of the season we said the great thing about the Premier League was that there were no easy games but, looking at the way some teams have started the season, I'm not so sure.

Prediction: 3-0
Jimmie O's prediction 4-0

Wolves v Newcastle

Newcastle's 6-0 win against Aston Villa was absolutely amazing, I have no idea where that came from. It was a great way to mark their first home game since returning to the top flight. I know they've played only one game but already you'd back the Magpies to take more points at home than the likes of Wigan, West Brom and Blackpool.

But this week they face Wolves and it is clear that Mick McCarthy's men are starting to look like a Premier League team, which is the highest compliment for a club looking to establish themselves in the top tier. They dug in last week at Everton, riding their luck in the first half before coming from behind to take a point. They're a good side at home and I think they'll edge it.

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-1

Manchester United v West Ham

United may have slipped up at Fulham on Sunday, Nani missing a penalty that would have put them 3-1 up and sealed the points, but don't expect them to do the same in a tea-time kick-off at Old Trafford. They've already lost a bit of ground on Chelsea and will see this match as chance to get back to winning ways.

Hammers boss Avram Grant admitted after Tuesday's Carling Cup win over Oxford that his team were very low on confidence and it's clear for all to see. They're still trying to buy players and don't look like a settled squad. Grant needs the likes of Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole to step up - they have to start performing or else it's going to be a long, hard season.

Prediction: 3-0
Jimmie O's predicion 4-0 

SUNDAY

Bolton v Birmingham (1330 BST)

You can see that Owen Coyle is slowly trying to change the way Bolton play, injecting a little more guile into the team. That said, he has recognised that Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander can cause teams all sorts of problems if they're given a regular supply line from wide areas.

Birmingham rode their luck against Blackburn last week - if it wasn't for the form of Ben Foster in goal they would have lost - and it is easy to understand why they're still active in the transfer market. As it was they turned it around with two goals from Craig Gardner and pinched the win. But I think Bolton at home should have enough to take this one.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 2-1

Liverpool v West Brom

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard missed Liverpool's Europa League qualifier in midweek but I think they will probably start at Anfield. Even if they don't, you would imagine that Liverpool would come through to pick up their first league victory this season.

They're up again a West Brom team who, from what we've seen so far, are reminiscent of the side relegated from this division two seasons ago. By that I mean they like to play an open and expansive brand of football which, against the top teams and away from home, is a big ask.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 3-1

Sunderland v Manchester City

This is a Sunderland team who have become something of an enigma. They were 2-0 up against Birmingham on the opening day and should have cruised to victory, only to draw 2-2. Then they produced a bit of a nothing performance against West Brom last week and in the end they were quite easily beaten. Steve Bruce probably thought his team had more about them than that.

But they're up against Manchester City and everyone wants to beat them because of the money they've spent. It will be interesting to see how Roberto Mancini's side react if they concede a goal; I think they will really have to change the way they play. They were impressive on Monday night against Liverpool but I think they're still searching for their best team.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 0-2

Aston Villa v Everton (1600 BST)

This will be the last game for more than two weeks for Villa because after the international break they don't play until the Monday. So it's make or break for caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald. It's strange because his first two games resulted in a comfortable win against West Ham and a decent performance with a shadow team in Vienna, but then they were completely taken apart by Newcastle and Andy Carroll.

They're playing an Everton team that have stuttered so far but they always give you a thorough examination. Home advantage could prove telling but it's a really close call. You wouldn't be too surprised if Villa won and likewise if Everton took all three points. I think the Villa players may be aware that it might be MacDonald's last chance to secure the job on a permanent basis and that may prove the difference.

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-2

 

SATURDAY

Everton v Man Utd (1245 BST)

Well, this is all about Rooney, isn't it?

Everton haven't had the greatest of starts and they've had a few international players away over the past couple of weeks - but the atmosphere is sure to be hot for the return of a player who first made his name playing for the club he grew up supporting.

Rooney has to play: for a start United are already two points down on Chelsea. He'll be fine, though, despite all that's been written about him this week. Once you're out on that pitch none of that crosses your mind for a second - it'll probably be a release for him if anything.

Still, Everton are a good side and I can certainly see them getting a point from this one.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-2

Arsenal v Bolton

Arsenal go into this match without Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott, and that is a big blow for them. Walcott started the season in fine form and he and Van Persie offer things to the Arsenal attack that few others in their squad do.

However, even with those two out, at home I think Arsenal naturally push forward and create plenty of opportunities anyway. It will be more away from home that those two are particularly missed.

Bolton are much improved under Owen Coyle, but the one problem they might have going to Arsenal is that I expect they will try to play a little more football than Trotters teams of old, who had some success there, might have.

For those reasons, I expect Arsenal to run out fairly comfortable winners.

Prediction: 3-1
Jimmie O's prediction 3-0

Fulham v Wolves

A good opportunity for both sides, I reckon.

Wolves have made a good start to the season and, arguably for the first time since they've been involved in the Premier League, they have competition for places all over the park.

But Fulham boss Mark Hughes is starting to get his squad thinking on his wavelength, building on the excellent tutoring previously done there by Roy Hodgson. They are at home, they have Bobby Zamora fit and firing - and this time they will avoid the dreaded draw.

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 2-0

Man City v Blackburn

Man City, with their home win against Liverpool still fresh in the memory and so many of their players back at the club fresh from impressing for England in midweek, will be buoyant on their return to Eastlands.

It is going to take time at City this season. Dressing room spirit that clubs like Newcastle appear to boast is the X-factor which is going to take a while to come around. But just look at the players they've got.

You can imagine Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce will be going there determined to making life as difficult as possible for City.

However, Rovers' away form isn't the greatest (although they should have beaten Birmingham in their last away match) and this could be a tough afternoon for them.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 2-0 also

Newcastle v Blackpool

I have to go home win here.

The six Newcastle scored against Aston Villa in their last home match will rev up the crowd and I expect them to approach this match as one they think they can win.

Blackpool, on the other hand, are a worry. After a great result on the opening day of the season they have started to ship goals all over the place - I mean, even League One side MK Dons put four past them in the Carling Cup recently.

That can't be allowed to continue - but they may struggle at St James' Park this weekend nonetheless.

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 2-0

West Brom v Tottenham

A draw wouldn't be the worst result for West Brom. They know their home form will be crucial to their hopes of staying up - but while I applaud them for trying to get the ball down and play football, that will only work if they are defensively strong.

On their last visit to the Premier League, that wasn't the case. This time, however, the signs are more encouraging... erm, that 6-0 defeat to Chelsea on the opening weekend aside, obviously.

As for Spurs, the signing of Rafael van der Vaart is a great one. Despite what's being written, I think he'll give them something they didn't have before - a creator who can play in between midfield and attack, link the play, provide the passes and score goals.

But because it's Tottenham, and because they have the Champions League tie away at Werder Bremen on the Tuesday, I'm going to go for a draw in this one.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 0-2

West Ham v Chelsea

West Ham have been awful so far this season. And what makes it all the more worrying for Hammers fans is that they have been as bad as they have despite having their best players - Scott Parker, Carlton Cole, Kieron Dyer - all fit and playing.

I just feel, though, that this is a good tie for them. There's obviously no love lost between the sides, it's Avram Grant against his former team and there's the Frank Lampard factor and all that provokes from the crowd - so I'm going to go for a draw.

Chelsea, of course, are on a terrific run of form. But what they've been doing is winning games early, enabling them to go on, take advantage of gaps and rack up wins by five and six.

That, in many ways, is a worry for the rest of the League - but if West Ham can keep it tight early on, I fancy them to get something out of this.

Prediction: 1-1  
Jimmie O's prediction 0-3  

Wigan v Sunderland

Wigan's result against Tottenham last week was outstanding, earned on the back of a great performance by their keeper Ali Al Habsi. I really didn't see that coming.

But, as shaky as Sunderland are away from home, this being Steve Bruce's return to his old club I just wonder if the Black Cats will step it up a notch at the DW Stadium this weekend.

Darren Bent, on the back of his goal for England in midweek, will be flying too - and even though it could take Asamoah Gyan a while to settle into Premier League football, I think he's a quality addition for the Wearsiders.

Has to be an away win.

Prediction: 1-2
Jimmie O's prediction 1-0

SUNDAY

Birmingham v Liverpool (1600 BST)

I think this match will tell us a great deal about Liverpool on the road this season - not just the result, but the way they are going to play. Will Roy Hodgson set them up defensively, or will he be a bit more adventurous and look to win rather than not lose?

If the Reds have any designs on finishing in and around that fourth spot, then you have to think that Hodgson needs to go for it in games like this.

Should they do that, and bearing in mind Birmingham were fortunate to beat Blackburn in their last home match, I expect the visitors to get the win here.

Prediction: 0-2
Jimmie O's prediction 1-2

MONDAY

Stoke v Aston Villa (2000 BST)

I fancy Stoke here. They've struggled so far, but they've made a few good signings and they look like they're going to be a better side - playing a little more football, but still retaining that physical element that causes so many problems for visitors to the Britannia Stadium.

It is, of course, Gerard Houllier's first match in charge of Villa - but this is a real tough start for him.

The Frenchman is a decent appointment for Villa. He's experienced and has a great knowledge of players across European football. Yes, he bought a few duds when he was at Liverpool, but maybe he'll bring in a few gems now he's at Villa.

It will all take a while for this to settle in, though, and I think it will be very difficult for Villa to maintain their position as top-six regulars this campaign.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 1-2

 

SATURDAY

Stoke v West Ham

Stoke manager Tony Pulis' family bereavement obviously inspired them to a victory against Aston Villa which for a long time didn't look like they were going to get.

On Saturday Stoke come up against a West Ham team who are obviously without manager Avram Grant for religious reasons.

I'm going for a home win, which would obviously leave West Ham without a point this season, but there is no need to panic.

It's a relatively new team with a new manager and they will take time to gel. They've played Villa away, Manchester United away and Chelsea at home, so I think you need to take a step back and look at it realistically.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 0-1

Aston Villa v Bolton

It's Villa caretaker Kevin MacDonald's last game in charge before Gerard Houllier takes control and there is obviously a good camaraderie between himself and the players.

Bolton are coming off the back of a heavy defeat against Arsenal and they will be without key defender Gary Cahill.

Bolton are trying to change the way that they play and obviously that will not happen immediately, leaving them more open at the back.

With Cahill missing I expect MacDonald to hand over the reins with a win.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 2-1

Blackburn v Fulham

Blackburn are strong at home and because of the way they play it is very difficult for teams to go there and win. It's very hard to stop Blackburn playing in their style and Fulham may struggle.

Obviously with Fulham boss Mark Hughes going back to Blackburn it will add a little bit of an edge but the loss of Bobby Zamora, who broke his leg at the weekend, is a massive blow for the Cottagers.

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 2-0

Everton v Newcastle

I was really surprised that Newcastle, who know they have to beat the sides around them to stay up this season, slipped up against Blackpool.

Matt Gilks was astounding in the Blackpool goal and it's a great win for them.

Newcastle come up against a Everton side who will be on a high because of the two late goals they scored against Manchester United and I think the Toffees will have too much quality for Chris Hughton's side.

Prediction: 3-1
Jimmie O's prediction 2-0

Tottenham v Wolverhampton

Tottenham are regarded as a top team now so every game for them this season is going to be a battle as opponents will lift themselves for these big matches.

Wolves have slipped up a couple of times lately and were beaten by Fulham last weekend when they probably just lost a bit of concentration which will drive manager Mick McCarthy mad.

It's a Tottenham team that can change the side from game to game as their squad is so good and even though they slipped up at home after their last European game against Wigan I don't expect them to do that against Wolves.

Spurs played on Tuesday in Germany and it is still early enough in the season for them to recover.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 3-1

West Brom v Birmingham

West Brom are a decent side and Birmingham were unlucky not to beat Liverpool last weekend. The Baggies could and should have won that game.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has done a very good job there and made some decent signings but because of the proximity of the two sides in the Midlands I'm going for a draw.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 2-0

Sunderland v Arsenal

Arsenal are in extremely good form and they seem to have got over the loss of Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott, but I think that will catch up with them sooner or later.

Sunderland have been a bit of Jekyll and Hyde side so far this season but they did well to get a point with 10 men last weekend against Wigan after losing midfielder Lee Cattermole so early in the game.

And Sunderland beat City last time out at home and I think they could get something from the game.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-3

SUNDAY

Man Utd v Liverpool

Manchester United have drawn the last three of their four games, conceding late goals in a couple of them and that will drive them mad.

They are obviously looking for a little bit of form but I think striker Dimitar Berbatov will return after sitting out the Champions League match against Rangers and he is playing well for them so far this season.

Losing Antonio Valencia is a massive blow for United. I thought he settled in very well last season and was the most naturally gifted right- sided winger they have.

Liverpool will make themselves difficult to beat and if you offered Roy Hodgson a point now, he'd probably take it.

I think it will be a tight game and because of how both teams are playing right now I'm going for a scoreless draw.

Prediction: 0-0
Jimmie O's prediction 2-0

Wigan v Man City

Manchester City need to win this game. They lost at Sunderland, drew at Blackburn and the pressure will mount on manager Roberto Mancini very quickly and questions will be asked such as 'what's his best team'? and 'how's the atmosphere in the dressing room?'.

An away win at Wigan will just about take the pressure off.

Wigan have showed in patches this season that they have a few good things going for them, but whether it's enough to avoid relegation, I'm not so sure.

Prediction: 0-2
Jimmie O's prediction 1-3

Chelsea v Blackpool

Blackpool are great story at the moment and this will be their fourth away game out of five. They have two wins and seven points already and that is a big boost for them.

But they come up against a Chelsea side who are playing well and scoring a lot and I expect them to create a lot against Blackpool.

Chelsea look very good and are winning their games but the last time I looked no-one has ever won the league by the middle of September.

Prediction: 3-0
Jimmie O's prediction 4-1

 

SATURDAY

Man City v Chelsea (1245 BST)

Both of these teams were knocked out of the Carling Cup in midweek, but Chelsea seemed to take it more seriously and picked up a few injuries. I am still surprised City approached that competition the way they did, though, because they need a trophy and their manager Roberto Mancini is under a bit of pressure.

Chelsea have been free-scoring so far this season but a lot of that has been down to the opposition they have faced and I am expecting this game to be extremely tight.

City are at home but they could use a 4-5-1 formation. Mancini is a cautious manager, and his team are playing the best side in the league, so he will probably revert to type and adopt a defensive approach.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-2

Arsenal v West Brom

West Brom play some good football and in Peter Odemwingie they have got an out-and-out goalscorer too. They also look a lot better defensively than they did when they were last in the Premier League and got relegated a couple of years ago.

But going to Arsenal and getting anything is a big ask for any team. The Gunners always create tons of chances and they will look to steamroll over the Baggies.

Prediction: 3-0
Jimmie O's prediction 4-0

Birmingham v Wigan

Yet again, Wigan looked very poor defensively in their defeat against Manchester City last weekend. Every time I've watched them on Match of the Day, they concede soft goals. They should be making it difficult for the opposition but they end up giving them gifts, which has to stop.

Birmingham did not have a great result last week either, losing to West Brom, but Alex McLeish has got a lot of resolve in his squad and I think they will bounce back here.

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 2-0

Blackpool v Blackburn

It is a long time since these two north-west teams have played each other in the top flight and it brings back some great memories of the likes of Jimmy Armfield and Ronnie Clayton in action.

Blackpool got thumped at Chelsea last week but they can put that result behind them because that will happen to most teams. They have made a great start considering they have only played one out of five games at home so far and, as long as they can cope with Blackburn at set-pieces, they should do alright in this one too.

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-0

Fulham v Everton

Considering the job he has done, I find it unbelievable that there is now a bit of pressure on Everton boss David Moyes after their home defeat by Newcastle and Carling Cup exit on penalties at the hands of Brentford.

Yes, they were two poor results but Everton have been playing some decent football and creating stacks of chances. Their luck will turn soon, and it could happen for them at Craven Cottage.

Fulham are still unbeaten in the league this season, and look very solid, but Moussa Dembele has joined Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson on the sidelines and they might not carry enough of a threat up front.

Prediction: 1-2
Jimmie O's prediction 2-1

Liverpool v Sunderland

Liverpool's defeat by Northampton told us what we probably already knew - there is not very much depth in their squad. But Reds boss Roy Hodgson will have the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Jamie Carragher back to face the Black Cats and that will give everyone a lift.

Sunderland are likely to line up in a 4-5-1 formation and make it very difficult for Liverpool but Torres probably holds the key. He has not been at his best so far this season but, if you give him the ball in the right areas, he will score. If Liverpool do that, they will get the three points.

Prediction: 2-0
Jimmie O's prediction 3-1

West Ham v Tottenham

With their draw at Stoke followed by a win at Sunderland in the Carling Cup, West Ham have had a very good week and I think their big players - by which I mean the likes of Scott Parker, Carlton Cole and Rob Green - are just starting to come alive.

Tottenham fielded an experimental side against Arsenal on Tuesday but they have a Champions League match on Wednesday to think about and the league fixtures either side of those European games are always going to give their manager Harry Redknapp a bit of a problem in terms of getting his team selection right every time.

Prediction: 2-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-0

SUNDAY

Bolton v Man Utd (1200 BST)

Under Owen Coyle, Bolton play a lot more football than they have done in recent years and they have a very open style too.

But this game will be difficult for them, simply because Manchester United come at you relentlessly with such pace and width and, in Dimitar Berbatov, they have a player who is in superb form. I just don't think Bolton will be able to cope with all of that.

Prediction: 0-2
Jimmie O's prediction 0-3

Wolves v Aston Villa (1405 BST)

Gerard Houllier made a good start to life as Aston Villa boss with a win over Blackburn in the Carling Cup but I don't think he is going to have things all his own way in his first league game in charge.

Wolves are much maligned at the moment, and that is unfair. They love a tackle, but so what? They are not a kicking team but, when they don't have the ball, they try to win it back and there is nothing wrong with that.

Because it's a derby both teams will put in a massive effort to win, but they might have to settle for a point each.

Prediction: 1-1
Jimmie O's prediction 1-1

Newcastle v Stoke (1610 BST)

Newcastle are another team who have had a great week - they played really well against Everton and Chelsea and to beat both of those sides away from home is an excellent effort.

Hatem Ben Arfa grabbed all the headlines for his winner at Goodison Park but another of their new-boys, Cheik Tiote, has done very well too.

There will be a tide of euphoria at St James' Park but, having said that, Stoke will be a tough nut to crack and I can't see them leaving the north-east empty-handed.

Prediction: 2-2
Jimmie O's prediction 2-0