>Premier League predictions 6-7 November

>Bolton v Tottenham
Bolton should have taken at least a point from their game at home to Liverpool last week, but instead suffered their first home defeat of the season.  If Tottenham manage to avoid a European hangover, and channel their heroics against Inter Milan into the less glamorous Reebok outfit, then I can see Spurs condemning Bolton to a second successive home defeat.  With the likes of Bale to terrorise a Bolton back four, Spurs could be in the goals.  
Prediction: Bolton 0 – 2 Tottenham


Birmingham v West Ham
Birmingham continue to be tactically astute, and are extremely solid defensively.  With West Ham struggling at the bottom of the league and struggling for goals, it is hard to seeing them breaching a resolute defence.  With players such as Zigic and Hleb yet to find their feet at Birmingham, it is games like this they can begin to gain form and show what they can do.  I think this will be a comfortable home victory for The Blues.
Prediction: Birmingham 2 – 0 West Ham


Blackburn v Wigan
Despite putting in some impressive performances this season, Blackburn find themselves positioned below Wigan and in the relegation zone.  However, last season Blackburn were so strong at home and have had tough opposition at Ewood so far.  Wigan are inconsistent at best, and if Blackburn had more fire power up front they would be a lot higher up in the table.  Nevertheless, a strong organised Blackburn team will have too much for The Latics.
Prediction: Blackburn 3 – 0 Wigan


Blackpool v Everton
Everybody’s new second favourite team take on Merseyside opponents in what will be a tough afternoon for the seaside club.  Blackpool picked up their first home win of the campaign on Monday against West Brom, but only just, despite playing against nine men.  Everton finally appear to be finding their form, and as Blackpool continue to pick more points away from home I can see Everton punishing The Seasiders.  Blackpool always look likely to have a goal in them, but Everton will have too much for them.
Prediction: Blackpool 1 v 3 Everton


Fulham v Aston Villa
Mark Hughes has continued at Fulham where he left off at Manchester City, drawing many of his games.  That said, Fulham are doing well in the league, and their new signings look impressive to add to the Dempsey’s and Murphy’s that have been at Craven Cottage for a while. In contrast, Villa have struggled to score under Houllier, and new signing Steven Ireland has been singled out for some criticism by the management.  Should he be selected I am sure he would like to get one over his former Manchester City manager, and could be the key to unlocking Fulham.  This will be a good free flowing game that will see goals for both sides.
Prediction: Fulham 1 v 1 Aston Villa


Manchester United v Wolves
Manchester United seem to have picked up the pace in recent weeks and VN can’t see them slowing down this weekend.  With Hernandez showing good form and scoring goals, and Nani (somewhat controversially) doing the same, United may distribute the first thrashing of the season that they seem to dish out on a regular basis.  To be fair to Wolves, they had a great win last weekend, but playing the red half of Manchester will be a different prospect, and Wolves will do well to keep the goals against down.
Prediction: Manchester United 5 v 0 Wolves


Sunderland v Stoke
Sunderland players are still likely to have the sound of Steve Bruce’s post match team talk from their shambolic defeat against local rivals Newcastle still ringing in their ears as they walk out to play Stoke.  Their performance last weekend was nowhere near good enough, and Bruce will be adamant that his team turn around and produce the goods this week.  Stoke have not been as successful as last year just yet, perhaps teams are beginning to work them out now.  Consequently VN can see a narrow home win for Sunderland.
Prediction: Sunderland 1 v 0 Stoke 


Sunday


Arsenal v Newcastle
Arsenal at home are simply superb, and this game will be won in midfield for them.  Although Nolan scored a hat-trick last weekend, and Barton continues to rebuild his reputation, the likes of Nasri, Wilshire, Fabregas and Arshavin should run riot here.  Arsenal are still not as strong as they could be at the back so Newcastle could score, but this will be a day where the home fans go home happy.
Prediction: Arsenal 4 – 1 Newcastle


West Brom v Man City
This season’s surprise package welcome the big spenders who have now lost three in a row. The Baggies have already knocked City out of the Carling Cup this season, and will undoubtedly have the more confidence going into the game. Mancini needs a win to ease some of the pressure, and this may be achieved if West Brom play their usual open football game.  City struggle against teams whoo defend solidly, but West Brom are more ambitious than that, and can cause problems themselves.  Both defences are leaky so there could be goals galore.
Prediction: West Brom 1 v 2 Man City


Liverpool v Chelsea
Although Liverpool fans will be buoyed by their wins against Bolton and Napoli going into this game, the wins must be put into context.  Bolton had chances galore last weekend, while it took a second half hat-trick from substitute Steven Gerrard to turn around an abject first half against Napoli.  Chelsea will not be guilty of affording the luxuries that Bolton and Napoli both offered to Liverpool, and could punish them heavily.  An away win seems the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Liverpool 1 v 3 Chelsea

by Oliver Holmes