Premier League Predictions

SATURDAY

Hull v Chelsea (12.45)


The thing about Hull is that they've had some tough games of late - a good comeback at Bolton earned them a point recently - but they face a Chelsea side who will be keen to start upping their game.

Now we will see just how good and how deep the squad at Chelsea runs with several players away with the Africa Cup of Nations. They need to improve defensively with that loss of attacking talent this month and this looks a good game for them to start to do that.

Verdict: 0-2


Arsenal v Everton


Arsenal, at the moment, look the only team who want to win the league in terms of their recent results - and all that without Robin van Persie, whose return towards the end of the season could prove absolutely crucial.

Everton have improved of late and I think the signing of Landon Donovan on loan is a decent one. But, while their results and performances are on the right trend, I don't see them getting anything at all from the Emirates.

Verdict: 2-0


Burnley P-P Stoke

Postponed due to frozen pitch



Fulham P-P Portsmouth

Postponed for safety reasons



Sunderland P-P Bolton

Postponed for safety reasons


Wigan v Aston Villa

All this weekend's fixtures are a reverse of the opening day games, and while Villa lost at home to Wigan then I fancy a role reversal on Saturday.

I say it every week about Wigan but at the risk of sounding even more boring than usual, you really do not know which side will turn up on the day, the good one or the bad one.

This is an important match for Villa as they look to return to winning ways in the league and I see them edging a close game.

Verdict: 1-2



Birmingham v Man Utd (17.30)


Birmingham, you would argue, are the form team of the league. They are on a long unbeaten run in the cup and in the league and they're a grown-up Premier League team these days, very good defensively.

Man Utd, on the other hand, are stuttering a touch at right now and are struggling to put away the lower teams, which they used to be so expert at when they had Cristiano Ronaldo.

I'm going to go 1-1 here and I think Birmingham would bite your hand off for that.

Verdict: 1-1


SUNDAY



West Ham v Wolves

Both teams will recognise the importance of this match because of their respective positions in the league, but I have to go with West Ham because of their home form.

The Hammers went to Molineux on the first day of the season and won quite comfortably and, at home especially, they remain a decent unit. They score goals, they look a little more solid and they will be up against a Wolves side who don't particularly like travelling so home win for me.

Verdict: 2-1


Liverpool v Tottenham


Again, I'm going to go with a reversal of the opening day result and that means a Liverpool win.

You know what you'll get from Tottenham - good attacking, flowing football that creates plenty of chances and yields plenty of goals.

But I just think that Liverpool are starting to get a few breaks now. They're still not playing particularly well and I don't think Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are 100% yet, but a couple of recent results will have built the confidence in the camp and this could be a good game for them.

Verdict: 2-1


MONDAY

Man City v Blackburn


I'm going to go for a comfortable City win here. City have real competition for places, they're already making moves in the transfer market - though I'm not sure how much impact Patrick Vieira will have for them - and they look a team on a mission.

Blackburn, on the other hand, are going through an inconsistent spell and that is exactly what they don't need as they travel to a City side that have been excellent at home all season.

Verdict: 3-0
BBC Sport's