By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
In a new weekly feature, I play The Predictor as I forecast this weekend’s Premier League games and how I think they will play out.
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea – Saturday, 28 September – 12.45pm (Live on BT Sport)
This London derby is most defintely the game of the weekend and gives Tottenham a real chance to pit their wits against a title challenger. Spurs have looked efficient this season, and are starting to come good. Recent performances have improved while the results have remained as strong as they did in the early weeks.
I can't work Chelsea out at the moment. They'll put in either a poor performance and struggle to compete, or blitz the opposition with a display that makes you question why you even doubted them. Of course this is also a battle between Andre Villas-Boas and Jose Mourinho - the apprentice versus the master.
These games don't normally disappoint (action pictured) with just one scoreless draw in the league since 2000. This one will live upto expectations, but I think Tottenham will pinch it 2-1.
These games don't normally disappoint (action pictured) with just one scoreless draw in the league since 2000. This one will live upto expectations, but I think Tottenham will pinch it 2-1.
SIMON PREDICTS: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea
Aston Villa v Manchester City – Saturday, 28 September – 3pm
Aston Villa's home form is already a concern. Three defeats from four in all competitions and the only win was a League Cup tie against Rotherham United. Plus they don't have Christian Benteke available. He is likely to be out for six weeks after sustaining a hip injury in the strong away success last week at Norwich City.
With 12 goals in three matches, the Manchester City project is evolving quickly for Manuel Pellegrini. Some of their football in the Manchester derby last Sunday was breathtaking. They still need to sort out their domestic league form on the road, but once they do that, they could be hard to beat this season.
Sergio Aguero is missing for this one, but goals from Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo will see the visitors record a comfortable away victory.
With 12 goals in three matches, the Manchester City project is evolving quickly for Manuel Pellegrini. Some of their football in the Manchester derby last Sunday was breathtaking. They still need to sort out their domestic league form on the road, but once they do that, they could be hard to beat this season.
Sergio Aguero is missing for this one, but goals from Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo will see the visitors record a comfortable away victory.
SIMON PREDICTS: Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester City
Fulham v Cardiff City – Saturday, 28 September – 3pm
I see goals in this one, and ultimately the points to be shared. Fulham's League Cup victory over Everton in midweek was their first home triumph since 1 April. That is rare for them, as home form at Craven Cottage is normally pretty dependable on their Premier League chances.
Cardiff might have had two recent defeats but they continue to battle hard and this is a game where the playing staff will genuinely feel they can potentially take all three points.
I'm going to sit on the fence and go for an entertaining 2-2 draw between these sides in west London.
Cardiff might have had two recent defeats but they continue to battle hard and this is a game where the playing staff will genuinely feel they can potentially take all three points.
I'm going to sit on the fence and go for an entertaining 2-2 draw between these sides in west London.
SIMON PREDICTS: Fulham 2-2 Cardiff City
Hull City v West Ham United – Saturday, 28 September – 3pm
Hull City have impressed me the most out of the newly promoted clubs so far. Apart from the first half hour at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend, Steve Bruce's team have been competitive in every fixture and fully deserve their current points haul of seven points.
The Hammers have been disappointing, although a good win in the Capital One Cup in midweek should bring a bit more confidence into the squad. They need goals though and this is going to be a problem until/if Andy Carroll ever returns to full fitness.
They have enough about them though to register at the KC Stadium and this one has got a draw written all over it.
The Hammers have been disappointing, although a good win in the Capital One Cup in midweek should bring a bit more confidence into the squad. They need goals though and this is going to be a problem until/if Andy Carroll ever returns to full fitness.
They have enough about them though to register at the KC Stadium and this one has got a draw written all over it.
SIMON PREDICTS: Hull City 1-1 West Ham United
Manchester United v West Brom – Saturday, 28 September – 3pm
It has been a rocky opening few weeks for David Moyes. While the fixture list was unkind towards Manchester United, the results have not been good enough and the performances even worse. The display at their city rivals last week was well below the standard for a Red Devils side in defeat.
It hasn't been an easy start for West Brom either, but that will have been boosted by the victory last week over Sunderland - their first of the league season. Not only that, but it was a convincing performance too.
This one I see as a mini upset - a late Javier Hernandez equaliser saving a lucky point for the hosts.
It hasn't been an easy start for West Brom either, but that will have been boosted by the victory last week over Sunderland - their first of the league season. Not only that, but it was a convincing performance too.
This one I see as a mini upset - a late Javier Hernandez equaliser saving a lucky point for the hosts.
SIMON PREDICTS: Manchester United 1-1 West Brom
Southampton v Crystal Palace – Saturday, 28 September – 3pm
Southampton's performance at Anfield last week was brilliant. They had a gameplan, stifled their opponents and grabbed a deserved winner through a set-piece. Mauricio Pochettino has done some great things at the club. I really thought when they sacked Nigel Adkins in January, the Saints had just become a real laughing stock. However the decision has to be now seen as the right one.
Palace were awful at home to Swansea last week. They gave their opponents too much time on the ball, something you cannot do at this level. I think they could be in for a long, hard season. At least Ian Holloway will be back on the touchline for this trip down to the south coast.
However he won't have much to cheer. This will be a bit of a mauling for the Eagles. 4-0 to Southampton and Rickie Lambert is due a goal or two - so I will say he'll score a brace.
Palace were awful at home to Swansea last week. They gave their opponents too much time on the ball, something you cannot do at this level. I think they could be in for a long, hard season. At least Ian Holloway will be back on the touchline for this trip down to the south coast.
However he won't have much to cheer. This will be a bit of a mauling for the Eagles. 4-0 to Southampton and Rickie Lambert is due a goal or two - so I will say he'll score a brace.
SIMON PREDICTS: Southampton 4-0 Crystal Palace
Swansea City v Arsenal – Saturday, 28 September – 5.30pm (Live ON Sky Sports)
I think it is safe to say this match will not end 0-0. Swansea City and Arsenal are two teams who like to play football the right way and the results seem to be following too.
Swansea have recovered well from losing their first two games to notch seven points from their last three games and the famous win in Europe over Valencia. Arsenal look confident and believing they can win every game at the moment and I haven't seen that from an Arsene Wenger side since the 2007/08 season when they cam within four points of the title.
With that in mind, I believe Arsenal will take the three points back to north London, but they will get a very good test from the Swans here.
Swansea have recovered well from losing their first two games to notch seven points from their last three games and the famous win in Europe over Valencia. Arsenal look confident and believing they can win every game at the moment and I haven't seen that from an Arsene Wenger side since the 2007/08 season when they cam within four points of the title.
With that in mind, I believe Arsenal will take the three points back to north London, but they will get a very good test from the Swans here.
SIMON PREDICTS: Swansea City 1-3 Arsenal
Stoke City v Norwich City – Sunday, 29 September – 1.30pm (Live on Sky Sports)
On paper, Stoke City versus Norwich City sounds like the most unattractive game of the entire weekend, but since when was football written on paper.
I like the way Mark Hughes has got Stoke playing a different style this season and it is working well. They had their chances at the Emirates last Sunday and despite losing, showed some encouraging signs.
Norwich have flattered to deceive so far this campaign, but produced a great fightback at Watford in midweek to progress into round four of the League Cup. They do have Gary Hooper back, but this will be back to the old-fashioned Stoke at the weekend. A long throw, headed in by Peter Crouch and the three points will remain at the Britannia Stadium.
I like the way Mark Hughes has got Stoke playing a different style this season and it is working well. They had their chances at the Emirates last Sunday and despite losing, showed some encouraging signs.
Norwich have flattered to deceive so far this campaign, but produced a great fightback at Watford in midweek to progress into round four of the League Cup. They do have Gary Hooper back, but this will be back to the old-fashioned Stoke at the weekend. A long throw, headed in by Peter Crouch and the three points will remain at the Britannia Stadium.
SIMON PREDICTS: Stoke City 1-0 Norwich City
Sunderland v Liverpool – Sunday, 29 September – 4pm (Live on Sky Sports)
Let's face it, Sunderland have been a laughing stock this season. Paolo di Canio could have been a genius, but his management style simply does not work at this level. It is a shame but they way it is.
With the passionate but brainless Italian gone, the camp looks a far happier place. Kevin Ball will be in caretaker charge for this one, with Gus Poyet now looking like the overwhelming favourite to get the job on Wearside.
They will put up a spirited fight against a Liverpool side who have lost their last two games in all competitions, but with Luis Suarez now back in the fold, the away side simply have too much quality and will take the spoils.
With the passionate but brainless Italian gone, the camp looks a far happier place. Kevin Ball will be in caretaker charge for this one, with Gus Poyet now looking like the overwhelming favourite to get the job on Wearside.
They will put up a spirited fight against a Liverpool side who have lost their last two games in all competitions, but with Luis Suarez now back in the fold, the away side simply have too much quality and will take the spoils.
SIMON PREDICTS: Sunderland 1-2 Liverpool
Everton v Newcastle United - Monday, 30 September – 8pm (Live on Sky Sports)
Sky's Monday Night Football showing is on Merseyside and it should be a good watch too. Everton might have tasted defeat in the League Cup in midweek, but Roberto Martinez's attractive style of football is coming through on the players and if they continue to show the character displayed in abundance last week at West Ham, they will be fine.
Newcastle United are a bit of an enigma. Just when you think they can go on a decent run of form, a result like last Saturday just raises questions about the camp once again. Their recent record at Everton is truly dreadful too. Just one win in the last 12 visits suggests it could be a long night for Alan Pardew's Magpies.
Romelu Lukaku should make his full debut, and I think he will get both goals in a routine home win for the Toffees.
Newcastle United are a bit of an enigma. Just when you think they can go on a decent run of form, a result like last Saturday just raises questions about the camp once again. Their recent record at Everton is truly dreadful too. Just one win in the last 12 visits suggests it could be a long night for Alan Pardew's Magpies.
Romelu Lukaku should make his full debut, and I think he will get both goals in a routine home win for the Toffees.
SIMON PREDICTS: Everton 2-0 Newcastle United
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