Editor William Geldart and the SportEngage team would like to thank our loyal readers for their support.

It is our sad duty to inform you that The Football Blog will cease publication as of today. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, it will no longer be possible to regularly publish and edit the same high-quality and in-depth content that our readers have become accustomed to.

On behalf of myself and former editor, Richard Bourne, we’d like to thank all of our readers and contributors for their continued support throughout the history of the blog. We’ve really enjoyed promoting and facilitating football opinion and discussion, for the fans, by the fans.

From last year’s World Cup, to Champions League finals and various non-league trips, we’ve covered a plethora of news stories from across the footballing pyramid. It has been a pleasure to have been able to deliver our content to a truly global audience and to interact with fans, well-wishers and critics alike.

Even though our weekly Premier League predictions will no longer be published, The Football Blog’s SportGuru Premier League prediction pool will remain active!

We wish all of you reading this message the best for the future.

If you have any favourite memories or articles from the TFB archives, please feel free to share them below!

Yours Sincerely,

William Geldart

Editor

All eyes will be on Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as Manchester City make the short trip to face rivals United for a potentially explosive encounter.

Other highlights include the west London derby between QPR and Chelsea at Loftus Road and a Midlands tussle on Saturday afternoon between Aston Villa and West Brom at Villa Park, writes William Geldart.

Our Premier League prediction pool is starting to become extremely competitive. ‘Growler’ has hung on to top spot for the second consecutive week, the first time anyone has done so this season. ‘Sitout747’, ‘dougthehead’ and ‘PedroFalcon’ are still fighting hard just behind our leader, all anxious to win the Premier League shirt of their choice while having some great fun along the way. Congratulations to last week’s Yellow Cap winner, ‘stegs73’, for an impressive performance that puts them in contention at the top of the leaderboard.

Whilst we don’t wish to brag, last week we called the Stoke v Fulham, Chelsea v Everton and Arsenal v Sunderland results bang on the money. Maybe the guys over at The Betting Blog will let us have a go at tipping…

Wolves v Swansea

Saturday lunchtime’s kick-off pits two teams together who will be both desperate to pick up a point or three.

Wolves’ five-match run of defeats, including last weekend’s Black Country derby loss at West Brom, has had critics questioning the strength of Mick McCarthy’s side since their decent early season form has petered out.

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers will have been disappointed with last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to fellow new boys Norwich and he will be eager to see signs of improvement.

Wolves are likely to be without top scorer Steven Fletcher again as the Scot continues to struggle with a calf injury. Sylvain Ebanks-Blake could return and make his first league start of the season.

For the Swans, defender Steven Caulker is ruled out with a knee problem while Vangelis Moras could make his debut.

The Welsh side have lost all of their four matches in the Premier League when crossing the border and they have not won on their last four visits to Molineux.

They are unbeaten in their only two top-flight encounters with the hosts, however, and Wolves are on their longest losing streak in the highest division for 27 years. It could be a nervy afternoon for the home faithful, and Swansea have got to start picking up points on the road sometime.

The Football Blog prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Swansea City

Aston Villa v West Brom

Another derby beckons for West Brom, and a tricky trip to face Aston Villa who will be smarting after losing their unbeaten record last week, being drubbed 4-1 by Manchester City.

Defender James Collins should return to Alex McLeish’s side and Barry Bannan could be recalled. West Brom’s Steven Reid will play after minor hand surgery and striker Peter Odemwingie could start.

The Baggies have not won at Villa Park in the league since 1979 and the home side have a decent derby record, only losing one of their last 11 local skirmishes in the Premier League.

Albion will be buoyed by last week’s victory and clean sheet, however, and in striker Shane Long, Roy Hodgson knows he has someone who will work tirelessly for the cause and chase balls forward.

The last four meetings have ended with a 2-1 scoreline, Villa triumphing in three of those encounters. We can’t see past the same outcome tomorrow.

The Football Blog prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 West Bromwich Albion

Bolton v Sunderland

Bolton manager Owen Coyle, the players and fans of the Wanderers would have been mighty relieved to see their team claim all three points in last weekend’s Lancashire derby at Wigan.

The Trotters still occupy a place in the bottom three but now they have the chance to put another fellow struggler to the sword, this time in the comfort of their own home surroundings.

Sunderland were unfortunate to lose late on at Arsenal last Sunday but that will be of little consolation to the Black Cats. They have won just four of their last 22 Premier League games.

At least they will have on-loan striker Nicklas Bendtner back after he could not play against parent club Arsenal. Phil Bardsley will also feature again after serving a six-week suspension. Bolton are likely to remain unchanged.

The Trotters have lost their last six home games in the league and Sunderland have done the double over them in the past two seasons. We don’t anticipate a classic on this occasion, or even a win for either side.

The Football Blog prediction: Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Sunderland

Newcastle v Wigan

Shola Ameobi’s late equaliser against Tottenham last Sunday preserved the Magpies’ unbeaten record. Alan Pardew’s side will be looking to pile more misery upon a Wigan team who have lost five league games in a row and who are joint-low scorers in the league so far this season.

An unchanged line-up from the home side is expected at St. James’ Park whereas Maynor Figueroa could replace the hapless Steve Gohouri for Wigan after the latter’s horror show performance against Bolton.

The Latics have never won on Tyneside in six attempts and this fixture is a daunting one, although Roberto Martinez’s side have been known to upset the odds, including winning at Stoke last season to preserve their top-flight status.

Raised expectancy levels could lead to Newcastle’s downfall if it’s forthcoming but we expect them to motor on and dispatch of the visitors tomorrow.

The Football Blog prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Liverpool v Norwich

The return of Steven Gerrard, coupled with the captain’s goal against their bitterest rivals Manchester United last weekend should lift the spirits at Anfield.

The Reds may feel they should have taken more from that match, however, they have the perfect opportunity to make more ground on the top-four when they entertain Norwich in Saturday’s evening kick-off.

Glen Johnson could return after coming through unscathed in Liverpool’s midweek friendly defeat to Rangers. Likewise, fellow defender Daniel Agger could also make a comeback.

Lucas is suspended after picking up a fifth booking of the season, whereas Norwich will be close to full-strength with Zak Whitbread, Grant Holt, Ritchie De Laet, Andrew Surman and Chris Martin all available again.

Although the home side will be looking to record a fifth successive win against the Canaries, Norwich have already shown they are not overawed when travelling to play the bigger teams in the league.

Some hope for Paul Lambert’s men might come in the statistic that Liverpool lost four of their six games against newly-promoted sides last season.

Also, the Reds have kept just two clean sheets in 10 league and cup games this season whereas Norwich are yet to record a shutout. We’re predicting an entertaining game full of goals.

The Football Blog prediction: Liverpool 3-2 Norwich City

Arsenal v Stoke

Arsene Wenger described his Arsenal team as making ‘baby steps’ of progress following their midweek Champions League win against Marseilles.

They meet a resolute Stoke side at the Emirates on Sunday, buoyant from their own European triumph this week (a 4-0 win against Maccabi Tel-Aviv), but perhaps not as fresh as manager Tony Pulis would like.

The Gunners sit just two points behind the visitors and they will be eager to continue their forward momentum.

You have to go back to August 1981 to find Stoke’s last away win against Arsenal, a slender 1-0 triumph at Highbury in the old First Division.

Arsenal only narrowly managed to beat the Potters by the same scoreline in the corresponding fixture last season, however, Stoke have started to leak goals on their travels. They’ve conceded six times in their last two trips away from the Britannia Stadium.

It’s too premature to assume Arsenal will glide back into the top-four positions in the league, but they should have enough to just about see off their possibly jaded opponents this weekend.

The Football Blog prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Stoke City

Fulham v Everton

The Cottagers will be bitterly disappointed about their Europa League defeat to Wisla Krakow last night but their domestic form is in need of desperate attention too. Fulham have only won one of their opening eight Premier League games.

Martin Jol’s side are likely to welcome back Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey, while they sweat on the fitness of captain Danny Murphy.

Everton re-signing James McFadden is unlikely to feature as he recovers his fitness and Victor Anichebe is a long-term absentee.

The Toffees have only won once at Craven Cottage in the Premier League, a last day of the season victory in 2009.

The visitors are looking to avoid a fourth consecutive league defeat and they will look towards Tim Cahill to provide inspiration once again, although the Aussie is yet to score for the club in 2011.

There has only been one away win in all 20 Premier League matches betweeen these two sides and we don’t expect that to change on Sunday.

The Football Blog prediction: Fulham 1-0 Everton

Manchester United v Manchester City

This weekend’s Manchester derby takes on added importance and significance with both teams fighting it out at the top of the Premier League. A win for City could extend their advantage over their rivals to five points whereas a United victory would see them at the summit once again.

Much of the pressure is on Roberto Mancini and City. Will he continue to accommodate the tempestuous Mario Balotelli in the side given that the Italian has scored three goals in his last 3 league games?

Sergio Aguero returned from injury in midweek to steal a vital three points for the club in their Champions League group-stage victory against Villarreal while Edin Dzeko has been out of sorts after a blistering start to the season. But, will either of them make way for Balotelli on Sunday?

Meanwhile, United’s recent form has been criticised, especially after their arguably fortuitous draw at Liverpool last weekend and a laboured European win over Romanian minnows Otelul Galati in midweek.

Still, you’d never bet against the Red Devils in these type of games and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side enjoy the upper hand in recent encounters.

United are unbeaten in their last six league matches against their rivals, winning five of those games.

A plethora of ex-players, pundits and commentators have their own views splashed across print publications and online. We’ll just add our twopence and plump for a high-scoring draw.

The Football Blog prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Manchester City

Blackburn v Tottenham

Under-fire Blackburn boss Steve Kean is set to face the wrath of the home fans once again, as another protest is planned to call for his dismissal. With just one league win so far this term, and sitting bottom of the table, those calls may grow louder if his team fail to beat Tottenham on Sunday.

The Scot has no new injury problems though, with David Dunn and Morten Gamst Pedersen still struggling to be fit in time for the visit of Spurs.

Harry Redknapp’s team have defensive problems with William Gallas, Ledley King, Vedran Corluka and Michael Dawson all ruled out.

There are no such difficulties up-front, however, with Jermain Defoe, Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael van der Vaart all scoring three times each over the course of Spur’s five-match unbeaten run.

Tottenham have done the double over Blackburn in each of the last two seasons and it’s difficult to see them not notching another win at Ewood Park this weekend.

The Football Blog prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

QPR v Chelsea

QPR will be hoping that this west London derby doesn’t have a similar outcome to the last one they contested: their 6-0 drubbing at Fulham, where Adel Taarabt left the stadium after being substituted.

Neil Warnock’s side will have to start showing some togetherness if they are to pull off a famous victory against their rivals in Sunday’s late afternoon game. Chelsea have been in rampant form of late and their new found rhythm under Andre Villas-Boas is starting to win admirers.

John Terry, Juan Mata, Daniel Sturridge and Didier Drogba are all in line to return after being rested for the Blues’ 5-0 thrashing of Genk in midweek.

Danny Gabbidon is likely to be missing for the Hoops as he battles against a knee injury while last week’s goalscorer Heidar Helguson could be preferred to Jay Bothroyd up-front.

Chelsea have lost just one of their last 14 league and cup games against QPR and the last time the home side won a London derby in the Premier League was 3-0 against West Ham on 27 April 1996.

Rangers may not get the first home win of the season they crave against their fierce rivals but they have enough to come close. Buoyed by a vociferous Loftus Road crowd, QPR will provide a stern test for their illustrious opponents.

The Football Blog prediction: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Chelsea

Also, check out Ginx TV’s Premier League Playthrough, where Anthony Richardson simulates this weekend’s fixtures on Fifa 12 and gives his own analysis. Watch here.

The Football Blog have teamed up with Everton FC sponsor Chang Beer to make our readers aware of this fantastic chance to live it up like one of your Premier League heroes!

Ever wished you could live the life a Premier League footballer? The fast cars, plush hotels, designer togs and adoring fans might not be as far away as you think. Chang Beer, the official Everton FC sponsor, is making two people’s footballing dreams come true this September with its Live the Life campaign.

As the football season gets well and truly underway, Chang Beer is helping you celebrate the glorious goals and toe curling tension, with a special on-pack promotion that will give two lucky winners the chance to Live the Life of their favourite Premier League footballer.

If you’re lucky enough to win you’ll enjoy a footballing weekend of a lifetime starting with a flight to Liverpool and four night stay at one of city’s top hotels and chauffer driven transport to a premier league match, where you’ll be wined and dined in a VIP box. Then you’ll take a tour of the famous Everton FC training ground, Finchley Park, and get up close and personal with the players over a delicious lunch. Top it all off with a round of golf, personal shopping trip and dinner with the Everton FC legends – now that’s what we call a result!

Check out your pack of Chang Beer for a unique promotional code and simply enter into the dedicated Live the Life web page at www.changbeer.com to be in with a chance to win this amazing prize.

The Football Blog have teamed up with publishers Bloomsbury to offer our readers the chance to win a copy of esteemed football journalist Ian Ridley’s new book!

‘There’s a Golden Sky: How twenty years of the Premier League has changed football forever’ is available now in hardback or as an e-book and we’re priviledged to also be able to host an extract from Ridley’s latest fine piece of football writing.

Ian Ridley took a long hard look at the game back in the early 1990s when it was beset by problems both on and off the pitch and seen as the epitome of all that was wrong with our society. There’s a Golden Sky examines just how far the game has come since those dark days, sucking in players and money from around the globe and providing fame, fortune and hours of pleasure in return.

Examining the changes that have occurred over the last 20 years, Ridley seeks to discover if the soul of the game still exists. Through interviews with larger-than-life characters from around the game-managers, referees, administrators, players and fans-he has woven together a rich and fascinating story of football’s metamorphosis from social outcast to favourite child.

To view an extract from the book, please click here!

We’ll be offering a more in-depth review of the text in the coming weeks.

To be in with a chance of winning one of two copies of the book we have to give away, all you have to do is answer this simple question:

Which of the following was the inaugural season of the Premier League?

a) 1991-1992

b) 1992-1993

c) 1993-1994

Please email your answers to will@the-football-blog.co.uk. The closing date for this competition will be midnight on Tuesday 18 October 2011. All entries received after then will not be considered for entry. Winning entrants will be contacted via email and chosen at random.

The Premier League returns this weekend and so do our predictions. Manchester United’s trip to Liverpool tops the bill; will Wayne Rooney banish his international demons?

Elsewhere, Manchester City welcome Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium, hoping to take advantage of any potential slip-up by their neighbours and blemish their visitors’ unbeaten record, writes William Geldart.

There’s a spicy local derby on Sunday at the Hawthorns, where West Brom take on Wolves. Meanwhile, our leftfield pick of the week is for Tottenham to overcome Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

Over at SportGuru, our prediction league is hotting up with ‘Growler’ regaining top-spot and winning round seven’s yellow cap in the process.

‘Sitout747’ has emerged as the nearest contender, with ‘gabbi’ and ‘Miles’ chasing ahead of one of the other early-season pacesetters, ‘PedroFalcon’. To get involved, please click here.

Liverpool v Manchester United

Tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off at Anfield promises to be another classic tie between these two giants of the English game.

Kenny Dalglish is unbeaten as Liverpool manager in his last five league games at Anfield against United. The champions have lost on their last three visits to Liverpool, although they do have the upper-hand in terms of the overall head-to-head record between the two sides.

United have beaten the Reds 71 times in the league, whereas Liverpool have notched 61 victories against their rivals.

There promises to be a number of rich sub-plots, including the possible return of United captain Nemanja Vidic and Steven Gerrard looks set to make his first start for the home side since 6 March after suffering with a groin problem.

The combustible nature of these matches in recent times will also make for enthralling viewing. There have been four red cards in the last four Premier League meetings at Anfield-three for Manchester United, one for Liverpool.

United make the trip up the East Lancashire Road unbeaten in 11 league and cup games so far this season. Liverpool have won six of their nine matches in all competitions so far this season and draws between these two rivals have been rare in recent times, with the last one coming 12 matches ago in 2005. Can Liverpool halt United’s assault on an unprecedented 20th league title?

The Football Blog prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United

Manchester City v Aston Villa

The home side will be looking to keep up with their more illustrious neighbours and dispatch of Alex McLeish’s unbeaten Villa team.

City’s own unbeaten record will be on the line and Roberto Mancini’s men showed no ill-effects from the continuing Carlos Tevez saga on their last outing; they ran riot at Ewood Park, thrashing Blackburn Rovers 4-0.

Mancini will also be without the services of his other Argentine super striker, Sergio Aguero, who is ruled out with an abductor strain. Mario Balotelli could deputise after recovering from a back problem.

Villa’s in-form striker Gabby Agbonlahor will aim to trouble a City defence that is yet to concede in the league at home so far this season. McLeish’s side have suffered just one defeat in their last 15 Premier League games and will provide a stern test for the free-flowing home team, who could include the league’s highest assist-maker so far this term, Samir Nasri, in their starting line-up.

The Football Blog prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Aston Villa

Norwich  v Swansea

Norwich will view this fixture as a home ‘six-pointer’ in their bid to avoid demotion from the top-flight, with the Swans only ever recording four away wins against the Canaries in 20 all-time league encounters.

Paul Lambert’s side performed well in their recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford whereas Swansea picked up three points in their last game, beating Stoke by the same scoreline at the Liberty Stadium.

The Welsh side are targeting their first away win of the season tomorrow, with manager Brendan Rodgers sensing the importance of achieving a maiden victory on the road:

“Getting an away win in the Premier League is tough and you need the confidence of getting points away from home, but we have players that have improved both tactically and mentally from last season.

“We have started this season a little bit like last year-we have been formidable at home but we are yet to pick up any points on the road”, he said.

Norwich have an enviable home record, however, losing just one of their last 15 league games at Carrow Road against any opposition.

The visitors should have enough to trouble Norwich’s sometimes suspect backline, although they have defensive problems of their own with Ashley Williams and captain Garry Monk their only available centre-halves.

The Football Blog prediction: Norwich City 1-1 Swansea City

QPR v Blackburn

Hoops boss Neil Warnock will be anxious to quickly eradicate the painful 6-0 west London derby defeat to Fulham in their last league game.

QPR’s tumultuous season so far continues with the visit of struggling Blackburn Rovers to Loftus Road tomorrow, and Warnock will be eager to see his team record their first home win of the Premier League campaign.

Rovers boss Steve Kean is under immense pressure to turn things around at the club, with even co-owner Venkatesh Rao recently stating that ‘results must improve’.

A decent recent record against this weekend’s opponents provides some cause for optimism for fans of the Lancashire club. They have lost just one of their last 11 games against QPR, winning the last three Premier League games by a 1-0 scoreline.

QPR are likely to be without defender Danny Gabbidon because of a knee injury, as well as long-term absentee Kieron Dyer.

Armand Traore will return to action though after serving his one-game suspension.

Blackburn could welcome back Michel Salgado after a hamstring injury and David Dunn should be declared fit to play.

Defensively frail and largely impotent up-front, if QPR return to form you fear another defeat is on the cards for Rovers, and maybe a possible sacking too.

The Football Blog prediction: Queens Park Rangers 3-1 Blackburn Rovers

Stoke v Fulham

Stoke remain unbeaten at their Britannia Stadium fortress this season while last week’s thumping of QPR helped Fulham climb away from the bottom of the table. What kind of match can we expect between these two sides this weekend?

Successive away defeats to Sunderland and Swansea City respectively have seen Stoke fall away from their previous lofty position in the top-four, and Tony Pulis’ men will be looking to bounce back against the Cottagers.

Fulham did the double over Stoke last season, defeating them 2-0 home and away, and in Andy Johnson, they certainly possess a striker in form-epitomised by his 57-minute hat-trick against QPR.

The away side are unbeaten in their last four league games, although they have only taken one point from nine on their travels.

Peter Crouch has scored two goals in three games for his new club and is likely to lead the line for Stoke. Pulis will be sweating on the fitness of a number of players, including Matthew Etherington, Kenwyne Jones, Jermaine Pennant and Marc Wilson. A host of others, including Wilson Palacios and Danny Higginbotham are definitely ruled out.

Fulham manager Martin Jol has his own injury problems to contend with; Aaron Hughes should return but Phillipe Senderos, Bryan Ruiz and Simon Davies are all likely to miss out.

The west London side struggle on the road and despite their victory in the Potteries last season, they may well fall short on this occasion.

The Football Blog prediction: Stoke City 2-0 Fulham

Wigan v Bolton

Both of these teams sit in the bottom three at present and they will be desperate to pick up points in tomorrow’s Lancashire derby at the DW Stadium.

For Roberto Martinez and Wigan, they may well be in familiar territory but for Owen Coyle and Bolton fans; the Premier League table makes for especially uncomfortable viewing.

The Trotters are on a six-match losing streak and their only points have come from their 4-0 opening day win at QPR as they sit at the foot of the table.

Meanwhile, Wigan have lost their last three league games to Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.

The omens don’t look too good for one of these sides to claim all of the spoils, with four of the last five matches between them ending in a draw and just three goals scored in their last four meetings at the home of the Latics.

James McCarthy, Steve Gohouri and Albert Crusat could return for Martinez’s men, however, Hugo Rodallega is still out with a knee injury.

Owen Coyle can welcome back David Wheater and Ivan Klasnic from suspensions and Gael Kakuta and goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen as his team look to improve upon a dismal recent record of eleven defeats in their last 12 domestic matches.

Wigan are an unpredictable force, whereas Bolton should be fighting for their lives. The points could be shared but we hope it’ll be an entertaining ride along the way.

The Football Blog prediction: Wigan Athletic 2-2 Bolton Wanderers

Chelsea v Everton

The Blues will want to keep up the pressure on the two Manchester clubs and claim another vital win when they entertain Everton at Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s late kick-off.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas will be mindful that despite his side’s formidable recent home record, winning nine and losing none of their last 10 games at the Bridge, Everton remain a bogey side that will carry a threat.

Indeed, the Toffees have taken a point from each of their last five visits to the home of Saturday’s opponents and they have suffered just one defeat in their last nine Premier League games against the Pensioners.

The home side have been scoring goals for fun lately, aided by the return to form of Frank Lampard, with nine goals in their last two league games. For all of the excitement generated by seeing the net bulge so often, Villas-Boas will also want to address the fact that his team have not kept a clean sheet at home for five league games.

Chelsea will be without the suspended Fernando Torres and David Luiz could be rested after playing twice for Brazil in a week. The Blues should have enough to see off an Everton side who are likely to be without key players Tim Cahill and Jonny Heitinga.

The Football Blog prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Everton

West Brom v Wolves

Sunday lunchtime’s Black Country derby is guaranteed to be a feisty affair with both sides eager to pick up points to avoid being sucked into a relegation dogfight later in the season.

Wolves have had marginally the better of the last six meetings, winning two games compared to West Brom’s one victory. They have not beaten Albion on home turf, however, since a 4-2 win in September 1996.

Roy Hodgson’s men are aiming for their first home win of the season, whereas Mick McCarthy’s Wolves are hoping to end a four-game losing streak.

The Baggies could be without star striker Peter Odemwingie who is a doubt for the clash, with Simon Cox and Somen Tchoyi in contention to replace the Nigerian.

Ronald Zubar, Jody Craddock and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake will miss out for Wolves who will look towards Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle to trouble their rivals’ defence.

The Football Blog prediction: West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Arsenal v Sunderland

Arsenal will be desperate to start salvaging their floundering season, whereas if some rumours are to be believed, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is anxious just to keep hold of his job.

The Black Cats’ collection of summer signings are yet to spark into life and more ominous is the fact that Sunderland have yet to win at the Emirates, losing seven and drawing three of their last 10 trips to Arsenal.

The Gunners have won their last four games at home in all competitions, scoring nine goals and conceding just two.

Both teams are struggling with injuries and absentees. Arsenal are without long-term victims Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna and Thomas Vermaelen. Abou Diaby will also be missing, but Tomas Rosicky, Laurent Koscielny and Johann Djourou should all return.

Sunderland’s on-loan striker Nicklas Bendtner is not allowed to play against his parent club and fellow frontmen Frazier Campbell and Connor Wickham are also sidelined along with goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Defender Phil Bardlsey is suspended and Titus Bramble is unavailable following his recent arrest.

The Football Blog prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland

Newcastle v Tottenham

These two resurgent teams meet at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon to conclude the weekend’s Premier League action.

The Magpies are unbeaten this season while Spurs have won their last four, making for a tasty match-up on paper.

Newcastle hit-man Demba Ba has scored four goals in his last two games and will look to punish any defensive mistakes from a Tottenham backline that will be missing Vedran Corluka, William Gallas and Michael Dawson.

Alan Pardew is likely to name an unchanged line-up from his side’s 2-1 win at Wolves. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will give on-loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor a late fitness test after he suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over former club Arsenal.

Tottenham have not won on Tyneside since 2004, however, we’re going to stick our necks out and say that something has to give.

The Football Blog prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Do you agree with our predictions? Why not leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

The Super Sunday clash at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Chelsea is the highlight of this week’s Barclays Premier League round of fixtures.

I think we’re entitled to feel pretty smug after last week’s predictions. We thought Aston Villa and Everton would draw, although the score we predicted was slightly off. Our 2-1 prediction for Chelsea to beat Sunderland was bang on the money and we narrowly misjudged the Wolves v Tottenham scoreline although only by stating that the former would net a consolation effort. We also correctly predicted that Fulham and Blackburn would register a score draw.

Still, it’s onto round five and another set of tricky fixtures to predict as the embryonic Premier League table takes shape. Our SportGuru prediction game pool is also in its infancy so get involved for your chance to win the Premier League shirt of your choice by clicking here.

‘Growler’ has taken over at the top of The Football Blog pool, with last week’s leader ‘ciano’ dropping to second. With a different leader each week, it’s still anyone’s game. ‘Jrizzle’ took the Yellow Cap for most points earned and last season’s champion, ‘TV20Legend’, is languishing in the bottom-half of the table.

Blackburn v Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has never relished trips to Ewood Park, although the Gunners’ recent record at the home of Blackburn Rovers is none too shabby.

Three wins, a draw and two defeats has seen Arsenal have marginally the better of their last six trips to Lancashire and they’ll face Steve Kean’s Rovers with a point to prove.

Assistant manager Pat Rice, who oversaw the midweek Champions League draw with Borussia Dortmund from the touchlines, thinks that result means Arsenal’s season is starting to turn around following a stuttering start, with the new recruits laying down a marker as to how valuable they will be to the team.

On the other side of the fence, it seems that almost every week, Blackburn manager Steve Kean is publicly stating that he has the backing of the club’s owners, Venky’s. Rovers picked up their solitary point of the campaign at Fulham last weekend and anything gained from tomorrow lunchtime’s encounter with the Gunners would surely be a huge boost.

Fans are planning a demonstration to demand the sacking of Kean following just seven wins in 28 matches in charge. The manager will be boosted by the news that both Junior Hoilett and Chris Samba are likely to be fit and available for selection after suffering injuries last weekend.

Samba and his defensive colleagues will have to remain focussed to quell the threat of Robin van Persie. The Dutch striker has scored in 10 of his last 11 Premier League away games for Arsenal, scoring 12 goals in the process.

Both clubs have made their worst ever starts to a Premier League season and there will be pressure from both sets of fans to see an upturn in fortunes. Usually in this situation we’d plump for a score draw, but we can only see more misery for Blackburn ahead.

The Football Blog prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Arsenal

Aston Villa v Newcastle

These sides will be more than happy with the positive starts they’ve made to the season. The away side currently occupy a Champions League place and both Villa and Newcastle remain unbeaten.

Will someone’s ‘0’ have to go tomorrow? Villa have an excellent home record against the Magpies, winning 5 of their last six encounters in the Midlands. Newcastle’s last victory at Villa Park came in 2006, with Shola Ameobi and Charles N’Zogbia securing all three points in a 2-1 win.

Alan Pardew’s Magpies are on a seven-match unbeaten run and have kept clean sheets in three of their four games this season. Villa have only lost once in their last 12 Premier League games.

Villa goalkeeper Shay Given will line-up against his former side for the first time since leaving the club in 2009, hoping to keep them at bay. Boss Alex McLeish will be anxious to improve his managerial record against Newcastle, having lost three of four matches against them in the league.

Will it be a case of defences on top? Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor have the tools to trouble the Newcastle defence whilst the Magpies, despite their defensive competency, have struggled to find the back of the net.

The Football Blog prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Newcastle United

Bolton v Norwich

Bolton will be anxious to pick up their first home win of the season while Norwich are probably just looking to avoid another defeat.

The Trotters narrowly dispatched of tomorrow’s visitors on the Canaries’ last sojourn in the Premier League. Stelios Giannakopoulos’ strike just before half-time secured a 1-0 win in March 2005.

Indeed, Norwich haven’t won at Bolton since an old Division Two encounter twenty-nine years ago, a run that stretches back six games.

Owen Coyle’s men have won two of their last six games at the Reebok whereas Norwich haven’t won a Premier League game away from home since they defeated Crystal Palace in 1994.

Bolton’s Ivan Klasnic and Kevin Davies have threatened to spark into life this season and Norwich’s shaky defence will have to mount a stern rearguard action to keep them from scoring.

The Football Blog prediction: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Norwich City

Everton v Wigan

Wigan haven’t won at Goodison Park since their maiden Premier League visit six years ago. It’s difficult to see a repeat of that victory this weekend and the Toffees will be anxious to procure maximum points after Aston Villa’s late equaliser deprived them of their second win of the season last weekend.

Roberto Martinez’s Wigan side were enjoying a seven-game unbeaten run before their trouncing at the feet of Manchester City last Saturday and they’ll be determined to salvage something from their short trip to Merseyside.

Two defeats from their last six away games is a decent recent record and the Latics will be hoping their shot-shy attack will at least be able to register their first goal on the road this season.

Everton new-boy Royston Drenthe scored for the Reserves in midweek and he’ll be hoping to have a big impact on the Toffees’ season, starting with the visit of Wigan tomorrow.

The Football Blog prediction: Everton 2-0 Wigan Athletic

Swansea v West Brom

Swansea and West Brom could reasonably claim that they’ve been the victims of some cruel lack so far this season.

The Swans were unfortunate to come away from their trip to Arsenal last weekend on the end of a narrow defeat after having chances to draw level. Consecutive 0-0 draws with Wigan and Sunderland could have been translated into victories had Swansea managed to make the most of their opportunities.

Roy Hodgson’s West Brom managed to get their season up and running last weekend with an important 1-0 win over Norwich, following three straight defeats. Last season’s top scorer, Peter Odemwingie, scored the winner and he’ll look to trouble the home side’s defence.

Swansea had the best home record in the Championship last season and they’ll need to start picking up points at the Liberty Stadium in order to survive their first season back in the top-flight since 1983.

The Football Blog prediction: Swansea City 1-1 West Bromwich Albion

Wolves v QPR

Neil Warnock’s new look Queens Park Rangers side will have been buoyed by their performance in the Hoops’ 0-0 draw against Newcastle United last Monday evening, with Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips making impressive debuts.

Wolves will be eager to bounce back from their defeat to Tottenham last weekend and they have the psychological advantage of not having lost at Molineux to QPR in their last 7 home games against the Londoners.

Rangers only managed to record three away victories in their last season in the Premier League fifteen years ago and they’ll be hoping to build on their sole away win this term.

QPR’s new recruits have the quality to challenge the home side, however Mick McCarthy’s men will be anxious to recover from their Spurs set-back, especially in what looks to be a winnable fixture.

The Football Blog prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 Queens Park Rangers

Tottenham v Liverpool

Liverpool have lost 2-1 to Tottenham on their last three visits to White Hart Lane and another difficult trip to north London is in prospect.

Kenny Dalglish’s side were disappointed with last weekend’s 1-0 reverse at Stoke City, a game the Reds did more than enough in to salvage at least a point.

Tottenham were boosted by their 2-0 win at Wolves in their last Premier League outing and with the additions of Scott Parker and Emmanuel Adebayor, Harry Redknapp’s injury-hit squad will still provide a stern test for the visitors from Merseyside.

Dalglish may name returning captain Steven Gerrard on the bench and the Scot has to decide which forward-line combination of Luis Suarez, Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt to use.

The Football Blog prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Liverpool

Fulham v Manchester City

Another difficult test of Fulham’s ability to recover from European action awaits the Cottagers when Manchester City visit west London.

The away side had their own tricky European tie to contend with, a 1-1 draw in their UEFA Champions League bow against Napoli perhaps detracting somewhat from their cloak of invincibility.

Nonetheless, Martin Jol’s strugglers haven’t beaten City in their last six attempts and their poor start to the season has seen them collect only two points from the opening four games.

Bobby Zamora and Bryan Ruiz should return for the home team to add potency up-front whereas Fulham’s defence will be tasked with keeping City’s rampant attack quiet, an unenviable job given the away side’s 15 goals in four games.

The Football Blog prediction: Fulham 1-3 Manchester City

Sunderland v Stoke

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is under pressure to deliver a positive result following the Black Cats’ stuttering start to the campaign.

In contrast, Tony Pulis’ Stoke are unbeaten and in rude health, despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser in their Europa League tie against Dynamo Kiev last night.

The Potters have only lost two of their last 12 Premier League games, although visits to Sunderland have rarely been fruitful for the Staffordshire side. Their last win on Wearside came in 1994 at Roker Park in a Division One game.

Sunderland have won just three of their last 18 Premier League matches and it is ten games at home without the Mackems keeping a clean sheet.

Stoke have failed to score in all three of their Premier League visits to the Stadium of Light and a physical battle for all three points is on the cards.

The Football Blog prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Stoke City

Manchester United v Chelsea

This weekend’s big game may not be the title decider of April 2010 that ultimately put Carlo Ancelotti’s side on their way to a third Premier League title, but it will certainly be a significant contest.

Chelsea have won five of their 19 Premier League games against United at Old Trafford and another victory at the home of the champions would be represent a tangible indication of their title credentials.

Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to restore goalkeeper David de Gea to the starting line-up, despite an impressive display in Portugal by Anders Lindegaard during United’s 1-1 draw with Benfica.

Ashley Young will no doubt return to the midfield to add pace and creativity and the Blues will look to shackle Mexican striker Javier Hernandez as ‘Chicharito’ scored in three of his five appearances against the Londoners last season.

Will Fernando Torres start for Chelsea? Can Wayne Rooney continue his fine goalscoring form? One thing is for certain; the Premier League hype machine is set to go into overdrive as a global audience hopes for an entertaining spectacle.

The Football Blog prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Chelsea

After the international break, the Barclays Premier League returns and so do our predictions, in association with SportGuru!

Don’t forget, you can win the Premier League shirt of your choice by playing along with the SportGuru prediction game and joining The Football Blog’s pool. With the fledgling season just weeks old, it’s not too late to make up for lost time.

‘Ramki’ took the yellow cap in round 3; however, it is fellow Manchester United fan ‘ciano’ who leads the way. There are some difficult fixtures to predict this week. Who will come out on top this time round?

Arsenal v Swansea

For Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, this has been billed as a must-win game. Swansea might be happy just to come away from the Emirates having scored their first ever Premier League goal.

It has been a long two weeks away from domestic football for both sides, and each manager looks ready to hand debuts to their new signings.

German international Per Mertesacker is likely to start for Arsenal, although his regular defensive partner Thomas Vermaelen is sidelined with an ankle injury. New Brazilian left-back Andre Santos may have to wait to make his first Arsenal appearance as he is short on fitness; however Park Chu-Young, Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun should feature.

Federico Bessone could make his Swansea bow while Darnel Situ and Rafiq Halliche will have to wait for their debuts after failing to gain clearance in time for tomorrow’s game.

The last time these two sides met was for a New Year’s Day fixture at Highbury in 1983. The Gunners ran out 2-1 winners that day and they’ll be eager to erase the painful memory of that 8-2 defeat to Manchester United as soon as possible. For all of Swansea’s possession football, they’ve lacked a cutting edge and could find themselves cruelly exposed by Wenger’s wounded side.

Opta Joe has kindly informed us that Arsenal’s historic 2.1 point average in September is the biggest haul of any Premier League team. Let the fightback begin…

The Football Blog prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Swansea City

Everton v Aston Villa

Both of these sides began the season amidst a backdrop of turmoil and uncertainty. The Toffees’ well-publicised financial constraints hampered their chances of improving their squad this summer while a vociferous contingent of Villa fans expressed their outrage at ex-Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish’s appointment.

There’s no doubt that it’s the away team who have found it much easier to shrug off any concerns, and they go into this fixture unbeaten in three games, having also achieved two clean-sheets.

Darren Bent should make a recovery from the groin strain that kept him out of England’s recent Euro 2012 qualifiers to boost Villa’s attack. New signings Jermaine Jenas and Alan Hutton are also likely to make their Villa debuts.

David Moyes has done what he can to bolster Everton’s threadbare squad, although the arrivals on-loan of Dutch midfielder Royston Drenthe and Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi, albeit last season’s Primera Division top scorer, are gambles.

Drenthe has fallen out of favour at parent club Real Madrid with question marks over his temperament. Stracqualursi appears to have the quality to become a cult hero and scoring sensation at Goodison Park but like his compatriot Mauro Boselli, he could just as easily drift into obscurity.

This is the most-played fixture in England’s top division with Villa shading the head-to-head statistics, winning 72 times compared to Everton’s 70 victories from their previous 192 league meetings.

The Villans also boast an imperious recent record against the home side, unbeaten in their last ten fixtures against Everton, whose last victory in this game was a 4-1 hammering of Villa in March 2006.

Alex McLeish’s side enter this game in-form and with the psychological advantage of recent history in their favour. Everton, however, have a squad with a mixture of youth, experience and a couple of new faces no doubt hungry to make an impact on the Premier League. We’ll sit on the fence and go for a draw.

The Football Blog prediction: Everton 1-1 Aston Villa

Manchester City v Wigan

The fixture computer has been relatively kind to Manchester City so far. True, their 5-1 dismantling of Tottenham in their last outing was impressive; however Spurs were heavily depleted by injuries.

With all due respect to Wigan, City should be looking to secure another three points at the Etihad Stadium to keep the pressure on rivals Manchester United at the top of the table.

Roberto Martinez’s side will be no pushovers though, and they boast the Premier League’s longest unbeaten record, stretching back seven games to last season.

Kolo Toure is back in contention for City, following his six-month ban while Owen Hargreaves is not yet match-fit.

Wigan may hand debuts to new signings Shaun Maloney, Albert Crusat and Patrick van Aanholt.

City are unbeaten in five games against the Latics, winning four of those. Wigan recorded successive 1-0 victories in the corresponding fixtures in 2006 and 2007. It is unlikely that they will be able to hold off the home side’s rampant attack and scrape a win on this occasion, although the match might be closer than some observers expect.

The Football Blog prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Stoke v Liverpool

A fascinating match-up at the Britannia Stadium pits the Potters against Kenny Dalglish’s resurgent Liverpool side.

Both clubs were busy during the transfer window and Stoke’s new signings Peter Crouch (against his former club), Wilson Palacios and Cameron Jerome could all be involved at some stage of the game.

Liverpool re-signed Craig Bellamy during the international break, although the Welshman may have to bide his time before appearing in the starting line-up, such is the success of the team’s current system, that includes prolific Uruguayan Luis Suarez.

The Reds have failed to win in their three Premier League visits to the Britannia Stadium and will face a Stoke side buoyed by their unbeaten start to the season, including four straight Europa League victories.

Peter Crouch may have struggled to score goals at Tottenham last season, however he has provided 17 Premier League assists in the last three seasons and looks perfectly suited to compliment Tony Pulis’ direct style of play. Kenny Dalglish’s side will have to use their incisive movement and clinical finishing ability to cut through the home onslaught.

The Football Blog prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Liverpool

Sunderland v Chelsea

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is under pressure to transform the fortunes of his misfiring and goal-shy side. What better way to appease the natives than with a win against a Chelsea team who have been unconvincing so far this season.

It may be a cruel assessment of Andre Villas-Boas’ Blues after just three league games; however their performances have lacked the thrust of their title rivals’ displays. Spaniard Juan Mata will be hoping he’s given the opportunity to improve the pace of Chelsea’s attacking play.

Sunderland have mustered just one goal from their three league games and will be hoping on-loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner can reignite his career whilst playing for the Black Cats. He should make his debut tomorrow at the Stadium of Light as Asamoah Gyan is out with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with Ghana.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech and David Luiz return to shore up Chelsea’s shaky defence while striker Daniel Sturridge is available and new boy Raul Meireles could feature.

The Blues have won their last six trips to Sunderland while the Black Cats desperately need to reverse a run of form that has seen them lose 11 of their last 17 Premier League games.

Chelsea will be without Didier Drogba, increasing the already sizeable pressure on Fernando Torres to finally start performing for the Londoners. Something’s got to give. Chelsea will shade this one, although it might not be pretty.

The Football Blog prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea

Wolves v Tottenham

Mick McCarthy’s Wolves have made a splendid start to the season with much credit going to the solid foundations laid last season and subsequently cemented by the arrival of defender Roger Johnson.

Tottenham have suffered two heavy defeats to the Manchester sides and will not be relishing a trip to Molineux to face an unbeaten home team who are lively up-front and difficult to penetrate defensively.

Wolves are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Matt Jarvis but otherwise are looking to name an unchanged line-up.

Spurs are still suffering with a number of absentees, including Rafael van der Vaart and William Gallas. Emmanuel Adebayor and Scott Parker will be thrust straight into first-team action.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will be hoping his side can find some decent form to quash the continuing talk surrounding unsettled midfielder Luka Modric. Spurs are on their worst run since November 2008, winning just three of their last 14 Premier League matches.

Spurs have only lost one of their last five league games at Wolves and you just get the feeling enigmatic striker Adebayor’s appearance could have a major bearing on the outcome of his match.

The Football Blog prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Bolton v Manchester United

This north-west derby always contains an added edge and fans at the Reebok Stadium would like nothing more than to derail their rivals’ bid for a twentieth league title.

There is the added incentive of not having beaten United at home for over four years, courtesy of Nicolas Anelka’s strike in their 1-0 victory in November 2007.

That defeat was United’s only loss on their travels to Bolton in the last 12 Premier League encounters. In-form striker Wayne Rooney also enjoys playing the Trotters, having scored six goals in nine league appearances against them.

Owen Coyle’s men are boosted by the arrivals of David N’Gog, Gael Kakuta and Dedryck Boyata, all of whom could make their debuts.

Danny Welbeck’s unfortunate injury sustained against Arsenal paves the way for Javier Hernandez to retake his place in the starting line-up and even without captain Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia and Rafael, United still look a strong squad.

It’s difficult to look past an away win, however Bolton will be keen to test Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, who has come in for criticism since his switch from Atletico Madrid. The home side have a 38% conversion rate of their attempts on goal so far this season, the highest in the Premier League . You know the cliché. “If you buy a ticket…”

The Football Blog prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-3 Manchester United

Norwich v West Brom

It could be a tense affair at Carrow Road on Sunday, with both sides looking to register their first league win of the season. West Brom’s painful early start to the season has seen lose all three of their opening games. Defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea were perhaps to be expected while their last match was a cruel stoppage-time loss to Stoke City.

The Baggies have never lost four Premier League games in a row and they’ve won on their last two trips to Norfolk, offering hope of a revival.

Paul Lambert’s Canaries have given away penalties in each of their opening three games this season, with two offences resulting in red cards. They will need to keep their heads to see off Roy Hodgson’s challengers. Despites their poor form, West Brom have shown enough glimpses of positive play to convince observers they will stay clear of a relegation battle.

Norwich have scored 17 goals in their last six home games and they will be hoping their forward line combinations of Grant Holt, Chris Martin, Steve Morison and James Vaughan spark into life. The Canaries have not lost a Premier League encounter to West Brom and they should preserve that record this weekend.

The Football Blog prediction: Norwich City 2-2 West Bromwich Albion

Fulham v Blackburn

Fulham will have been glad of the break from domestic action as it looked as if their squad will struggle to cope with the demands of Premier and Europa League football this season.

Tired performances against Wolves and Newcastle resulted in defeats, with the Cottagers’ solitary point so far this season earned in their opening day 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.

Costa-Rican forward Bryan Ruiz is expected to make his debut for Martin Jol’s side, alongside fellow new signings Zdenek Grygera and Orlando Sa. Ruiz should add much needed pace to compliment the invention of Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey’s eye for goal.

Blackburn manager Steve Kean was also busy during the transfer window and could have pulled off one of coups of the summer in signing defender Scott Dann.

Already boosted by keeping hold of in-demand Chris Samba, Kean managed to add wisely to his defensive options and Dann, crucial in Birmingham City’s promotion season partnership with Roger Johnson, looks an incredibly shrewd capture.

Montenegrin midfielder Simon Vukcevic could also make his first appearance in a Rovers shirt, tasked with supplying strikers Jason Roberts, Mauro Formica and David Goodwillie with the ammunition to fire Blackburn away from the relegation zone.

The pressure is certainly on both managers to get a positive result on Sunday afternoon. If Rovers fall to their fourth consecutive defeat, it would represent their worst ever start to the season, since becoming founder members of the Football League in 1888.

Fulham are already suffering their worst start to a Premier League season and Martin Jol needs his additions to gel quickly.

The Cottagers have defeated Blackburn on their last two visits to Craven Cottage with Rovers losing seven of their 10 games on the road in the Barclays Premier League. A nervy contest, high on endeavour, but low on quality could be the outcome of this fixture.

The Football Blog prediction: Fulham 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

QPR v Newcastle

All of the pre-amble to Monday night’s encounter at Loftus Road between QPR and Newcastle will focus on Joey Barton. Having recently joined the Hoops on a free transfer from Newcastle, all eyes will be on the combustible midfielder as he looks to show his old employers what they will be missing.

QPR’s Premier League prospects looked bleak before some last-minute dealing by Neil Warnock in the transfer window brought in players with the Premier League experience required to avoid the drop.

New boys Luke Young and Shaun Wright-Phillips combine stability and unpredictability, key components of maintaining top-flight status, and they could feature against the Magpies.

Despite wholesale changes to the squad since Alan Pardew took charge midway through last season, including the failure to the replace the departed Andy Carroll, Newcastle have enjoyed a good start to this campaign. It is the Toon Army’s best start to a season since 1995-1996, when they finished second.

Italian full-back Davide Santon is likely to start on the bench for the away side and goalkeeper Steve Harper is back in training following a knee injury.

The Londoners will be desperate to kick-start their first top-flight campaign in 15 years, although the Magpies will have other ideas, having not lost to QPR in their last four encounters.

The Football Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Newcastle United

It’s that time of week once again, where we look ahead to the weekend’s Barclays Premier League fixtures and try to predict their outcomes.

We endured a bit of a mixed-bag last week, picking a few winners yet not quite accurately guessing the correct scores. Head over to SportGuru to join in with The Football Blog Megapool to play the free, fun and insanely addictive prediction game where you can win the Premier League shirt of your choice!

At the top of the leaderboard, ‘A Yid’ (not sure how that name got past censors! Ed.) is the frontrunner of the embryonic table. Last week’s winner of the yellow cap, ‘Chaos Falcons’ drops to third and yours truly slips six places to…let’s get on with, shall we?

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton

A midlands derby between Aston Villa and Wolves is another opportunity for new boss Alex McLeish to make an impression upon the home fans.

Both sides are in good form and enjoyed a safe passage through to the third-round of the Carling Cup in midweek courtesy of wins against Hereford United and Northampton Town respectively.

Wolves won at Villa Park for the first time in 31 years last season and are capable of repeating the feat, with Kevin Doyle and March’s match winner, Matt Jarvis, set to cause problems for the Villans’ defence.

In Darren Bent though, Villa have one of the most potent strikers in the division and he has scored seven goals in his last 10 league appearances.

Alex McLeish is sweating on the fitness of Gabby Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey and Luke Young while Mick McCarthy’s Wolves are expected to be unchanged from the side that defeated Fulham last weekend.

The Football Blog prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wigan v QPR

The Latics complete their opening trio of games against the newly-promoted sides when they welcome Queens Park Rangers to the DW Stadium on Saturday.

Roberto Martinez’s side are unbeaten in their first two matches and they’ll be looking for all three points from their first competitive encounter with the Londoners since 2005.

The result was a 0-0 draw six years ago, a score that would suit QPR far better than the home side on this occasion.

Hoops manager Neil Warnock is hopeful that midfielder Joey Barton will complete his free transfer in time to play in the match while Martinez will have to make do without the services of captain Antolin Alcaraz who is out for a month with a torn thigh muscle, and possibly Victor Moses too.

QPR will be anxious to shake off any lingering negative vibes following their Carling Cup second-round defeat to Rochdale. They face a Wigan side unbeaten at home since February while they boasted the best away record in the Championship last season.

These games are traditionally low scoring with only two goals scored in the last three meetings between both sides. Wigan desperately need to win these kind of games if they are to avoid another relegation battle and we think they’ll edge out QPR in this encounter.

The Football Blog prediction: Wigan Athletic 1-0 Queens Park Rangers

Blackburn v Everton

Both of these teams shrugged off disappointing starts to their Premier League campaigns to record comfortable victories against the two Sheffield sides in the Carling Cup this week.

Rovers saw off the challenge of Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park while Everton replicated their feat, defeating Sheffield United at home, both by 3-1 scorelines.

Captain Chris Samba could make a welcome return for Blackburn, although Ryan Nelsen is sidelined once again with a persistent knee injury.

New signing, midfielder Simon Vukcevic, could make his debut for Steve Kean’s side against the Toffees.

Everton could hand Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini their first starts of the season as both clubs aim to put their on and off-field problems behind them.

David Moyes’ team have a decent record away at Blackburn over their last six visits to Ewood Park, losing just once with defeat in last season’s fixture.

Both teams are searching for inspiration and with Everton talisman Tim Cahill suffering from his worst goal drought in six years, now could be the time for the Australian to provide it.

The Football Blog prediction: Blackburn Rovers 0-0 Everton

Chelsea v Norwich

We’re unsure about Chelsea this season. We plumped for them to hammer West Brom last weekend and they only just scraped a win, courtesy of Florent Malouda’s goal seven minutes from time.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas has completed the signing of midfielder Juan Mata from Valencia this week. Is he going to provide width? Apparently he’s not an out-and-out winger. Is he going to be the missing the link to feed Fernando Torres before his compatriot and so far £50m flop disappears into a pit of despair?

The Blues should easily have enough in their locker to dispose of Norwich City at Stamford Bridge but on the current evidence, it might not be as straightforward as you might think.

Chelsea’s cumbersome style of play is looking for some pep and vigour and West Brom’s swift counter-attacks last Saturday raised questions about the Blues’ creaking defence.

Paul Lambert will be eager to see a positive response from the visiting Canaries following their 4-0 Carling Cup humiliation against Npower League One side, MK Dons.

Norwich were high-flyers in the early 90s, finishing third in the inaugural 1992-1993 Premiership (old money) season, defeating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in both of the aforementioned years.

They have not won an away game in the top division for 17 years however, taking into account their Premier League stint in 2004-2005, where they failed to win on their travels.

This one has got to be a home banker. We mean it this time. Stick +3.5 goals on your coupon.

The Football Blog prediction: Chelsea 4-1 Norwich City

Swansea v Sunderland

Both managers will be hoping for improved performances after crashing out of the Carling Cup this week at the hands of Shrewsbury Town and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively.

Manager Brendan Rodgers will have bittersweet feelings about the Swans’ first ever Barclays Premier League game last week against Wigan. On one hand, the Swans could have done with taking all three points whilst they were also fortunate to escape with a draw after the Latics had a penalty saved.

Steve Bruce has made wholesale changes over the summer and after taking a creditable point away at Liverpool, his Sunderland side have since narrowly lost a local derby to Newcastle and suffered a cup exit.

The Black Cats desperately need to start scoring goals in order to improve their horrendous league form. Sunderland have only won three times in their last 16 Premier League games.

The last meeting between these two sides was a 1-1 draw at Roker Park in the 1982-1983 season. It was Swansea’s last appearance in the top-flight before their recent promotion to the Premier League and they ran out 3-0 in their home fixture at Vetch Field.

It is likely to be a frenetic contest at the new Liberty Stadium tomorrow, with so much seemingly riding on a game just three matches into the new season.

The Football Blog prediction: Swansea City 2-2 Sunderland

Liverpool v Bolton

It will be a source of great pleasure for Liverpool fans that both Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll were on the scoresheet in the midweek 3-1 Carling Cup victory against Exeter City.

With so much emphasis already being placed on the Uruguayan’s impact since arriving in January from Ajax and Carroll’s failure to live up to his £35m price tag, manager Kenny Dalglish will be glad both players could make noteworthy contributions to the win.

Suarez is likely to start the Reds’ match against Bolton Wanderers and could be partnered by Carroll up-front.

One blow for the home side is the absence of midfielder Raul Meireles, who sustained a collarbone injury against Exeter and is likely to be out of action for several weeks.

Bolton will be without left-back Marcos Alonso after he picked up an injury in the Trotters’ victory over Macclesfield Town. Gretar Steinsson, Sam Ricketts and Tyrone Mears are also sidelined for Owen Coyles’ side, who have not won a league game at Anfield since 1954.

Liverpool have won their last nine Premier League encounters against Bolton and although the away side will pose a significant threat, much like Sunderland did two weeks ago, the Merseysiders should collect another three points and continue their good start to the season.

The Football Blog prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Bolton Wanderers

Newcastle v Fulham

Fulham’s UEFA Europa League exploits mean they travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday, having returned triumphantly from their two-legged win against Ukrainian side Dnipro.

The early-kick of 1pm will do little to help the Cottagers or their weary travelling fans who will not be relishing a long trip up north to Tyneside.

Alan Pardew’s Magpies will be buoyed by their Tyne-Wear victory at Sunderland last week and an extra-time Carling Cup win against Scunthorpe United last night.

The departure of Joey Barton to QPR is cause for concern though. Newcastle’s small squad has already lost the influential Kevin Nolan and Barton’s exit leaves another hole in midfield to fill.

Last season’s encounter at St. James’ Park ended 0-0 and the bleary-eyed amongst the audience will be hoping for more goals and excitement this time round.

Fulham boss Martin Jol cited ‘fatigue’ as one of the main reasons for last week’s away defeat at Wolves. Granted, this will be the London side’s 11^th game of the season already, however with more Europa League football guaranteed, fans will soon become tired of hearing that excuse should Fulham continually slip-up in their post-continental games.

Fans of the Toon Army might expect victory at home against sides like Fulham but they might have to settle for a point this weekend.

The Football Blog prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Fulham

Tottenham v Manchester City

During the past couple of seasons, these two teams have vied for Champions League qualification. Now, City are beginning to feel that they have bigger fish to fry and Sunday’s game against Spurs will go a long way to showing their title credentials.

Harry Redknapp is expected to name want-away midfielder Luka Modric in his Tottenham squad, as well as welcoming back Jermaine Jenas and Kyle Walker.

Loan-signing Emmanuel Adebayor is ineligible to play against his parent club.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will have to find a place for new signing Samir Nasri, not an easy task given the delightful football City’s midfield have been playing so far this term.

The away side’s run of seven wins in eight league games is tempered by the fact that Spurs have beaten them 11 times in their last 14 league meetings.

There will be sub-plots aplenty at White Hart Lane with all eyes on the performances of Modric and Manchester City. Spurs will want to prove they’re not a one-man team and that they’re still in the reckoning for Champions League football whilst a win for City against a top-six side they traditionally struggle against will add credence to their title challenge.

The Football Blog prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester City

West Brom v Stoke

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson and his Baggies side will feel desperately unlucky to have started their league campaign with two defeats given their high level of performance against Manchester United and Chelsea.

This match-up at The Hawthorns therefore becomes imperative for the home side to put points on the board.

Stoke City will be riding high following their 4-1 demolition of Swiss side FC Thun in their Europa League play-off last night.

Striker Kenwyne Jones is in good form and he will no doubt be a handful for the Baggies’ defence. Tricky winger Matthew Etherington will also return from suspension as well as Robert Huth who will be joined by the rested Jonathan Woodgate in defence.

Last season’s top-scorer for Albion, Peter Odemwingie, is battling for a place in the starting line-up with Sohem Tchoyi.

Having already faced the top-two sides from last season, it is not so easy to suggest that Albion have a better chance of picking up points against the visiting Potters.

Stoke are renowned for their resilience and stoic nature, but also for their ominous record against the home side. The Staffordshire team have lost only one of their last 27 league encounters with West Brom.

If Hodgson’s men are allowed to move the ball around like they were against United and Chelsea, then they could cause Stoke problems. If they are stifled, the visitors might fancy their chances of continuing their fine record against their hosts.

The Football Blog prediction: West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Stoke City

Manchester United v Arsenal

There’s no doubt that this will be the game to attract the most headlines this weekend but has it lost its lustre? Arsenal are patently no longer the force they once were and with only one win in their last nine league games against United, you almost feel sorry for the Gunners and want to subscribe to an Arsene Wenger conspiracy theory.

‘Gutsy’ has been the word to best describe Arsenal’s Champions League victory against Udinese this week, however any confidence gleaned does not make the trip to Old Trafford any less daunting.

Both teams are going through transitional phases however it is United’s new crop who have hit the ground running, winning their opening two games, impressing in their second-half demolition of Spurs on Monday night.

Arsenal fans should not focus too much on the acrimonious departure of midfielder Samir Nasri. The Gunners’ Premier League win percentage with Samir Nasri in the starting line-up of 49% is well below their 62% win rate in his absence.

Will United put Arsenal to the sword? Can Wenger’s own young Turks secure the club’s first win at Old Trafford for five years? Tune into Sky Sports’ ‘Super-duper amazing Sunday’ to find out.

The Football Blog prediction: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal

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The return of the Barclays Premier League has given pundits plenty to ponder but which teams do you fancy this week?

Every Friday at The Football Blog, we make a vain attempt to predict the outcomes of the next round of matches. You can play along with SportGuru, the insanely addictive and free prediction game and join our pool for the chance to win the Premier League shirt of your choice!

The embryonic TFB pool table has seen ‘Chaos Falcons’ take the yellow cap in week one and lead the chasing pack. Last season’s champion, ‘TV20Legend’, is in fine form again, sitting comfortably in joint-sixth place. Yours truly doesn’t wish to disclose their position at the current time…On with the preview!

Sunderland v Newcastle

Saturday lunchtime’s Tyne-Wear (Wear-Tyne?) ding-dong is guaranteed to raise the roof at The Stadium of Light and both sides will be buoyed by their opening day draws against Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.

The Magpies undoubtedly had the better of last season’s encounters, hammering their arch-rivals 5-1 at St. James’ Park and earning a 1-1 draw on their last trip to Wearside.

Many commentators believe Steve Bruce’s Black Cats could be a dark horse this season however, and they certainly put in a decent second-half performance in grabbing a draw with Liverpool last week.

Newcastle’s recent record in this historic fixture is far better though, with only two home victories from 19 games for Sunderland.

Lee Cattermole faces Joey Barton in what should be a feisty midfield battle and whilst the home side currently boast the more potent attacking threat, this could be another derby where both teams have to settle for a share of the spoils.

The Football Blog prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle United

Arsenal v Liverpool

Arsenal have not lost to Liverpool since a 4-1 hammering at Anfield in 2007, a record stretching back eight games. It has also been 11 years since the Reds won an away match against the Gunners.

Despite those statistics, many Liverpool fans believe this is the perfect time to play Arsene Wenger’s side.

Injury and suspensions have decimated Arsenal’s squad leading up to this game, with fan unrest heightened following the eventual departure of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and impending loss of Samir Nasri to Manchester City.

An unconvincing 1-0 win against Italians Udinese in the UEFA Champions League this week has done little to quell doubters’ concerns.

Liverpool travel to the Emirates with a strong midfield, minus Steven Gerrard, and those players coupled with the firepower of Luis Suarez, will believe they can take all three points back to Merseyside.

The Football Blog prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool

Aston Villa v Blackburn

The recent record in this fixture means both sides emerge with equal bragging rights and three wins apiece from their last six league meetings.

Villa defeated Blackburn 1-0 in the pre-season Barclays Asia Trophy and home fans will be eager to see further evidence of what new manager Alex McLeish can bring to the club.

Blackburn’s last win at Villa Park was on the final day of the 2009/2010 season, the game settled by a Richard Dunne own-goal.

Rovers have had all sorts of off-field problems recently, with new signing David Goodwillie facing a court appearance for an assault charge and former Real Madrid legend Raul snubbing a move to Ewood Park.

The way both of these teams are set-up could make for drab viewing although neither manager will care if they can achieve victory and go some way to placating anxious fans.

The Football Blog prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

Everton v QPR

The last time these two sides met was a Premier League (Premiership in those ye olde days) encounter at Loftus Road in April 1996. The R’s won 3-1 on that occasion and matches between them and the Toffees usually produce goals.

Everton lost a 5-3 thriller at Goodison Park in 1993 but gained some revenge two years later away from home when they returned the favour with a 3-2 win.

Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes has bought a majority share of QPR and fans will be hoping he opens his vast chequebook before the transfer window closes.

Neil Warnock’s Rangers are fresh from their 4-0 drubbing by Bolton and will face a disciplined Everton side, pumped up after missing their season opener against Tottenham because of disturbances in London last week. It could be another uncomfortable afternoon for the men from Shepherd’s Bush.

The Football Blog prediction: Everton 3-1 Queens Park Rangers

Swansea v Wigan

Wigan managed to avoid humiliation and defeat to another promoted side on the opening day when they faced Norwich last weekend, and they arguably could have snatched three points rather than just one.

Brendan Rodgers and his Swansea team will not be too downheartened by their 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in their first ever Premier League game after a decent first-half performance.

Midfielder Leon Britton told BBC Sport ahead of their first home game in the Premier League: “We want to try and win every game, whether it’s Man City away or Wigan at home.

“As the season goes on and if we’re near the bottom with these teams then you need to beat them, you don’t want them pulling away from you. That’s important.”

There will be an added spice to the game as former Swansea boss Roberto Martinez returns to the Liberty Stadium. Before taking the Wigan job in 2009, Martinez was arguably the man who began the Swansea revolution as his team won the Npower League One title in 2008.

The Swans’ last victory against Wigan was a Division Three (League Two) encounter at the Vetch Field, a 2-1 triumph in 1996. Indeed, the home side are unbeaten in Swansea against Wigan since a 6-1 drubbing by the away side twenty years ago.

The Football Blog prediction: Swansea City 2-1 Wigan Athletic

Chelsea v West Brom

New Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas will feel some degree of pressure following a 0-0 draw with Stoke last weekend.

Striker Fernando Torres appears to have re-discovered his hunger for the game and won’t want to leave it too long before opening his goalscoring account this season.

Roy Hodgson’s West Bromwich Albion team put in a decent performance against Manchester United last Sunday and they will be cursing the fixture computer that has given them such a daunting start to this campaign.

The Baggies have a horrendous record against the Londoners, losing their previous 11 games against them, with their last victory over the Blues coming in 1979.

They will also need to improve defensively as only leaky Blackpool had a worse record for conceding goals on the road last season. Meanwhile, Chelsea possessed the third best Premier League attack at home last term, scoring 69 goals at Stamford Bridge.

The Football Blog prediction: Chelsea 4-0 West Bromwich Albion

Norwich v Stoke

Paul Lambert’s Norwich City side have still only lost twice in 2011 and they will take some confidence from their hard-earned point against Wigan last weekend.

The Canaries will want to ignore their home record from their last appearance in the Premier League in 2004-2005.

They had the worst home defence in the division, conceding 32 goals.

Stoke have enjoyed the best from recent encounters, winning four of the last 6 games, including a 1-0 victory at Carrow Road on their last visit.

Still, Tony Pulis’ team struggle away from the Britannia Stadium, winning just three away games last season combined with the worst Premier League attack away from home.

The Football Blog prediction: Norwich City 2-1 Stoke City

Wolves v Fulham

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be buoyed by their opening day win away at Blackburn and will be desperate to pick up points at their intimidating Molinuex home in a bid to avoid a relegation scrap.

Mick McCarthy’s Wolves have suffered two defeats in their last six home games and in their last half a dozen games against Fulham, they’ve lost just once.

The Cottagers will be fresh from their 3-0 Europa League win against Dnipro last night and despite only three away wins in the league last season, they proved to be resolute opposition, scraping nine draws. Last term they shared the best away defence title with Chelsea, conceding just 20 goals.

Wolves appear to have found the creative spark necessary to break down opposing teams and this will be a difficult game for Martin Jol’s Fulham, who would do well to emerge with a point.

The Football Blog prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Fulham

Bolton v Manchester City

A north-west derby at the Reebok Stadium this Sunday will ignite the passions of the locals, especially against big-spending City.

Sergio Aguero proved to be sensation on his debut for the away side, scoring twice and setting up another goal, and it could be a battle between the Argentine and Luis Suarez to become this season’s media darling.

His City team-mates lost seven times away from Eastlands last season though, a record they will have to urgently address if they are to mount a serious title challenge.

Bolton were impressive last week in their clinical 4-0 dispatching of QPR and Owen Coyle’s Trotters will look to build upon that result and improve their record of one win in six against their neighbours from Manchester.

Edin Dzeko and Joleon Lescott gave City a 2-0 win at the Reebok on the final day of last season. The last time Bolton prevailed in this fixture was a 2-0 home win in 2008. Ricardo Garner and (another) Richard Dunne own-goal special secured three precious points to lift them out of the relegation zone.

If Mancini loosens the shackles from his awesome attacking options, City could run riot however Owen Coyle’s marauders fear no-one at home.

The Football Blog prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Manchester City

Manchester United v Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur haven’t beaten Manchester United in 10 years and they haven’t recorded a victory at Old Trafford since a 1-0 win in 1989, courtesy of Gary Lineker’s long-range strike.

They came close in the 2004-2005 season, when Pedro Mendes’ infamous dipper was dropped by goalkeeper Roy Carroll and then clawed away from behind the line. Everyone saw it apart from the assistant referee and until the halcyon day when Spurs win at the Theatre of Dreams, that’s all that people will talk about. Fair play to Carroll though, it was a mighty recoup.

It gets worse. Tottenham’s abject record against United has seen them lose 15 of their last twenty games against the Champions.

An away thrashing of Hearts in the Europa League might arouse some confidence however a midfield injury crisis threatens to scupper manager Harry Redknapp’s best laid plans.

Without Luka Modric, Tom Huddleston, Jermaine Jenas, Wilson Palacios and Sandro, young Jake Livermore, a goalscorer in the 5-0 win last night, might have to step in.

United aren’t without problems of their own. Rio Ferdinand should return by the end of the month however the prognosis for Nemanja Vidic is not as promising. The Serbian is likely to be out for up to five weeks with a calf injury.

If Spurs’ make-shift midfield can find the spark to rise to the challenge of facing United away, they could cause a patched up defence and low on confidence David de Gea problems. Ultimately, the home side’s firepower should see them through.

The Football Blog prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

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The return of the Barclays Premier League is accompanied by a new season of SportGuru’s insanely addictive prediction game and the chance to win a football shirt of your choice!

Once again, The Football Blog has teamed up with SportGuru to give you, your friends and colleagues the chance to predict the outcomes of Premier League matches by playing along with the prediction game.

Plus, if you join The Football Blog Megapool and fancy yourself as a bit of a tipster and Guru, you can win the Premier League shirt of your choice! It’s so easy to do and a whole lot of fun.

Check out our predictions for the opening weekend of the season or scroll to the bottom of the page to find out how you can get involved.

Blackburn v Wolverhampton

These two sides met on the final day of last season, fighting to avoid relegation. Blackburn triumphed 3-2 at Molineux and both teams survived to make the Premier League cut for this campaign.

Rovers have only won 1 of their last six home games at Ewood Park and striker Jason Roberts openly stated last night on BBC Radio Five Live that the club’s main priority is to reach the 40 point mark as soon as possible, hardly a ringing endorsement of the European challenge owners Venky’s promised following their takeover last season.

Only Bolton Wanderers had a worse away record than Wolves last season however Mick McCarthy’s men have enjoyed a good pre-season, losing only one of their six first-team games, a 2-1 defeat to Crewe Alexandra.

The omens aren’t good for Wolves however as they haven’t beaten Blackburn for eleven years. With both sides hoping to avoid another relegation battle, they will be eager to impress although we’re of the opinion that this could be a cagey affair.

The Football Blog prediction: 1-1

Fulham v Aston Villa

Dutchman Martin Jol and his Fulham side have been busy attempting to qualify for this season’s Europa League and some might argue that this could give them a competitive edge over the Villains.

Alex McLeish will be anxious to win over potentially hostile Villa fans who have been vocal in their condemnation of the ex-Birmingham City manager’s appointment.

Villa had the third worst away defence last season conceding 40 goals on the road however Fulham have only recorded one win in their last six meetings with the away side.

Indeed, The Cottagers had to rely on a 95th minute equaliser from Brede Hangeland to salvage a 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture last season.

With the pressure on both new managers to get off to a good start in their first Premier League matches in charge, we predict a tense encounter.

The Football Blog prediction: 1-1

Liverpool v Sunderland

Liverpool manager and icon Kenny Dalglish can eradicate any remaining memories of Roy Hodgson’s ill-fated tenure at the club by dispatching of the Wearsiders tomorrow.

The Reds drew 2-2 with the visitors at home last season. The game followed a disastrous exit from the Carling Cup as they lost to League Two side, Northampton Town.

The most common result at Anfield last season was a 3-0 victory for the hosts and home fans will be hoping for more of the same.

It will not be easy to overcome Steve Bruce’s side however as their away form was significantly better than their exploits at The Stadium of Light.

Sunderland boasted the sixth best away record last season although travelling fans will want to see an improvement on last term’s capitulation during the second-half of the campaign, where they suffered 10 defeats in 15 league games.

Both teams have made decent acquisitions over the summer however we’re plumping for Liverpool to emerge victorious.

The Football Blog prediction: 3-1

QPR v Bolton

Newly promoted Queens Park Rangers only scored 59 goals at Loftus Road last season however this if offset by the fact that they only conceded a miserly 15, the second best record in the Championship.

Manager Neil Warnock has been under all kinds of pressure at boardroom level during pre-season however all connected with the club will want a positive result to prolong the feel-good factor since gaining promotion.

Home fans will want to see a reversal of the downturn in Rangers’ form that saw them record two victories from their last six league games.

Similarly, Bolton endured a miserable FA Cup semi-final defeat hangover, losing five of their last six Premier League games.

These two teams haven’t met since 2001 and Owen Coyle’s Wanderers haven’t lost to their hosts since 1998, when Kevin Gallen and Mike Sheron helped the R’s to a 2-1 victory.

The Football Blog prediction: 1-2

Wigan v Norwich

Only marauding Blackpool had a worse defensive record at home than Wigan Athletic last season. Goals were also hard to come by for The Latics at the DW Stadium, scoring just 40 times, with relegated Birmingham City’s tally of 37 the worst in the division.

Losing their joint-top goalscorer and talisman Charles N’Zogbia won’t help as Roberto Martinez tries to mastermind another great escape.

The home side’s upturn in fortunes, with one defeat in their last six games, winning three of those, ultimately saved the club from relegation and it is this rich vein they will aim to continue.

In contrast, Paul Lambert’s Norwich City side only suffered two league defeats in 2011 and possessed the second best away attack in the Championship.

Their ruthlessness away from Carrow Road was largely reserved for those who finished in the bottom-half of the league as they recorded 9 victories in twelve games played.

Wigan will be desperate to avoid last season’s opening day humiliation to Blackpool where they suffered a 4-0 defeat and they will have to remain stoical against a rampant Norwich team.

Whether the away team’s attack, including Grant Holt, can make the step up to Premier League level is uncertain however this looks set to be a high-scoring encounter.

The Football Blog prediction: 2-3

Newcastle v Arsenal

In terms of goals scored, Newcastle United had the second best attack in the Premier League last season, evidenced by the last time these two sides met on Tyneside, where they played out a pulsating 4-4 draw.

The Magpies have taken seven out of 18 of the last points available and Alan Pardew’s new look midfield will no doubt be tasked with exposing Arsenal’s continued defensive frailty.

The Gunners’ title bid was killed off by a run of just 2 wins in their final eleven league games of the season however they had the best attack last term and they are unbeaten in their last four visits to St. James’ Park, dating back to 2005.

The Football Blog prediction: 1-2

Stoke v Chelsea

Stoke City’s home record at the intimidating Britannia Stadium has seen them post impressive results since their promotion to the Premier League.

The Potters had the sixth best home record against teams who finished last season in the top-half of the table.

This caveat does not extend to games at home against the Blues however as Chelsea haven’t lost on their travels to the Britannia or Stoke’s previous home at the Victoria Ground since 1975.

New boss Andre Villas-Boas will be confident his side can continue that impressive record against Tony Pulis’ resilient side and start their title challenge with a win.

The Football Blog prediction: 0-2

West Brom v Manchester United

Roy Hodgson’s resurgence as a manager saw him guide West Bromwich Albion to their highest league placing since the 1982-1983 season.

The Baggies lost just two of their 13 league games since Hodgson took charge in February although playing against the champions Manchester United will stretch his side to the limit.

Much was made of United’s poor away record last season and the statistics don’t lie. They failed to record a single victory from the nine games on their travels versus teams who finished in the top-half of the table, drawing six games and losing three.

Any comfort those at The Hawthorns can glean is tempered by the fact that The Red Devils have been imperious on their visits to face the Albion.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have won each of their last seven corresponding games, stretching back to 1984, scoring 22 goals in the process and conceding just five. With United in fine form, it could be another long afternoon for Baggies fans.

The Football Blog prediction: 1-4

Manchester City v Swansea

Manchester City’s painful last-minute defeat to neighbours United in last weekend’s Community Shield should act as more than enough incentive to begin their Premier League campaign brightly against new boys Swansea City.

Roberto Mancini’s team ended the season in good form with 5 wins from the last 6 Premier League games and an FA Cup final victory against Stoke.

City shared the best home record in the division last season with Manchester United, conceding just 19 goals at Eastlands as Mancini’s defensive set-up stifled visiting teams.

Swansea won 9 of their twenty-three away games last season and the Welsh side will face a tough Premier League debut.

The last time this fixture was played in 1983 City won 2-1 at Maine Road. The Swans have not defeated the home side on their travels since 1951 and they are unlikely to find much joy on Monday night.

The Football Blog prediction: 2-0

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