Well, well, well. You know how it is. You have a nice bottle of wine to relax, decide to start your article and write a complete mickey take to relax you further and lighten the mood. Imagine my horror to see it turn up on the internet - I felt dirty. What if people think that they are my true feelings about “them” I would never live it down. The excuses I had to give Jug Ears for that one. I wondered why my binman looked at me funny - at least I know where they get the gubbins for that article from. Time to invest in a shredder  ….to think, people actually believe I like “them”, pah. Back to the present and I am over my depression of Fernando’s injury (sniff, get well soon. Hope you got the flowers and pictures ….) and as a tribute my front garden is going to be sculpted as Fernando’s head. I cannot wait for spring when it is complete and I can …………..sorry where was I, ah predictions yes.

Anyway back to the league this week following the international break. This weeks predictions …….

Liverpool v Manchester United (KO 12:45)

Clash of the titans at the Mecca. The champions elect take on the champions. How Liverpool didn’t win last week is beyond me. Fernando is out (my offer to nurse him back to full health still stands Rafa) but we should still have more than enough weapons to out gun United.

As for United they are in an unfamiliar position at the moment, although they do already have a game in hand over the rest of the league thanks to their Super Cup game. They don’t look the same without Ronaldo and the engine is misfiring a little. An ideal opportunity to take advantage, and one the reds will take.

Prediction : 2-0

Blackburn Rovers v Arsenal

Blackburn are one of a number of teams who have made a stuttering start to the season. After a fantastic opening day win they struggled at home to Hull and were battered at West Ham. They are a difficult side to judge at the moment

Arsenal finally showed signs they were beginning to click against Newcastle after their own indifferent start, and I can only see an away win here.

Prediction : 1-2

Fulham v Bolton

Fulham have had an extra week off owing to the Manchester United game being called off so confidence will be high as their last game was a win against Arsenal. They should have won at Hull too.

Bolton struggled last time out against newly promoted West Brom and will look at the last game as an opportunity missed. Although they have tightened up defensively Fulham are made of sterner stuff this season and I cam see them getting the win.

Prediction : 2-1

Newcastle United v Hull City

So, the king is gone. That is what happens to you Kev if you do not thank the guy who gave you the defensive tips. Without a manager and the supporters threatening not to go to the game you would think it would be the ideal time to play the Geordies.

Hull’s confidence was shattered with a mauling by Wigan in their last home game, and was probably the score they should have lost opening day too, and I see this as the ideal game for the beleaguered Newcastle team. Home win.

Prediction : 3-0

Portsmouth v Middlesbrough

Pompey got a fantastic win last time out and will be flying now after a difficult set of fixtures. The will relish an easy home game after playing 3 of the top 5 already.

“They” struggled past a newly promoted team last time and it may be their home form that will unfortunately keep them up. They won’t finish this high up the table, that’s for sure. The League looks abnormal with “them” up there. Home win here though to cheer my weekend up.

Prediction : 3-0

West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United

The Baggies finally got off the mark last time out with a battling point. However despite being the best equipped on paper to survive in the Premier League, they have made the worst start and will not enjoy propping up the table at the moment.

With Curbishley gone, we are not quite sure what to expect from the Hammers. More of the same I would have thought as Zola will not have had much influence in 2 days. West Ham have been good at home but bad away so far. I will go for a draw here.

Prediction : 1-1

Wigan v Sunderland

Wigan had a big big win last time out after 2 defeats and will now feel they are moving in the right direction. However their fans would still like them to try and play as well at home.

After a promising start Sunderland will feel the opposite after a disappointing result last time out at home to City. Another match that is difficult to predict here but I see Sunderland holding on for a point.

Prediction : 1-1

Manchester City v Chelsea (KO 17:30)

So City, the newest billionaires are up against the original billionaires. City have been flying since their opening day defeat at Villa and with Wright-Phillips and Robinho making their home debuts confidence will be high.

Chelsea currently top the table despite failing to break Tottenham down and will have to work hard as a unit to keep City at Bay. I can see a draw here.

Prediction : 2-2

Stoke City v Everton (Sunday, KO 13:30)

Stoke were unlucky last time out and should have got something out of “them”. They will be tough to beat at home owing to their style of play and physical attitude on the pitch.

Everton have had a poor start losing both home games. However I think they will win their 2nd away game against a promoted site, but it will not be easy and be a close game.

Prediction : 1-2

Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa (Monday, KO 20:00)

Spurs will feel a lot better after holding on for a point at Stamford Bridge. Maybe a little light at the end of the tunnel after a couple of defeats. Possibly a sign the team is starting to gel as a unit.

Villa have had a very inconsistent start, and very extremely lucky to escape with a point against Liverpool last time out. They will be hoping the Stoke game was a one off and they can move forward. Another one I think will end up a draw.

Prediction : 1-1