In a series not unlike a great many others, I will be taking you through the weekend's upcoming Premier League fixtures, casting an eye over the match-ups and reporting issues relating to each battle (aren't you lucky). I will also endeavor to predict the outcome, and I am not afraid to get it wrong guys!

Sunderland v Spurs (Saturday 12.45 ko):
So the big kick-off begins at the Stadium of Light and a tie between two sides expecting much from the season, should be a cracker. Roy Keane has taken to management like a duck to water.Now's the time to see if he has what it takes to not only keep his Black Cats above water but also push for a respectable finish. New signings a plenty, the latest the crucial arrival of Craig Gordon from Hearts.

During the lengthy break (too long - we should make it as short as possible for all those football junkies out there), Martin Jol's side have been the subject of literally thousands of speculation-ridden articles about their chances of breaking into the top four elite. Now's the time to see if all the talk was based on reality or fantasy. I think this one will be tight between two sides who have had good pre-seasons. Result: Draw 1-1.

'Billy Davies will know all to well that Derby are one of the favourites for the drop'


Bolton v Newcastle  (Saturday 3.00 ko):
You've got to love that fixture computer, it clearly has a sense of humour. No sooner has Big Sam cleared his Reebok Stadium desk and here he is bringing his new charges from St James' Park to take on his former club. No chance of boos or cries of derision from the home support who must hold the gruff Northerner in high regards after he single-handedly took them into the Premiership and made them into a hard-to-beat outfit who have style to complement their steel. Again I see this as a close encounter, with much in the way of bruising tackles (get a wager on a booking spreadbet, and I reckon 4-plus yellow cards even without Joey on show). Result: Draw 1-1.

Derby County v Portsmouth (Saturday 3.00 ko):
Billy Davies will know all to well that Derby are one of the favourites for the drop. It’s a poisoned chalice that might just inspire his side to give that little bit extra, but one thing is for sure; if they are going to stay up then their home form will be so very important, although it is interesting to add that no Championship side had a better away record than the Derby last term.

I think with Steve Howard and Rob Earnshaw up front they have every chance of sticking around. Pompey have been busy in the summer picking up quality players, especially in the attacking third of the field, an area they have been lacking in recent seasons. The captures of David Nugent, John Utaka and Sulley Muntari could help Harry Redknapp's side prove to the rest that last season's success was not a flash in the pan. However I will go for the underdogs (or should that be underarms?) in this one. Result: Home win 2-1.

Everton v Wigan Athletic (Saturday 3.00 ko):
I'm afraid I don't hold too mush hope for a Paul Jewell-less Wigan side. This feeling of impending doom was not helped when Leighton Baines finally ended up joining Everton last week. Even though Wigan have brought in new signings to help fight the drop, with the exception of Jason Koumas I do not feel that the outlay will make much of an impact on a squad that might lookmore at home in the Championship. Sorry guys (not meant to be patronizing, just a prediction). David Moyes on the other hand has much to look forward to; new signings and the potential to add more in the coming weeks leads me to believe that another shot at the Top Four is a viable prospect. Results: Home win 3-0.

Middlesbrough v Blackburn (Saturday 3.00 ko):
What a difference a manager makes. These two sides a few years ago would have been considered peas in the same pod, but now under the guidance of their respective bosses, they are heading in opposite directions. Gareth Southgate is fairly new to the management game and while he has made an average start, at present there seems little chance of his Riverside club growing. They will struggle for goals, even if Yakubu stays, but they are still short going forward and even with Jonathan Woodgate aboard they will struggle at the back.

Mark Hughes, on the other hand, has got his Blackburn side firing on all cylinders and some astute signings close season (Maceo Rigters and Roque Santa Cruz in particular) lead me to believe another season of progress at Ewood Park, starting with a good away win. Result: Away win 2-0.

West Ham v Man City (Saturday 3.00 ko):
The injection of capital into both of these clubs in recent months has been refreshing given the relative stagnation of both sides last term and, in City's case, a lot longer. This game should go some way to telling their respective supporters where West Ham and City could finish this term, because up to this point it is still something of a guessing game. Many have got very excited at the prospect of seeing exactly how far they can go. The Hammers, minus Carlos Tevez and Yossi Benayoun, are apparently close to picking up more quality (in the shape of Eidur Gudjohnsen, Nicky Shorey and Bresciano). Sven-Goran Eriksson has already brought in seven players and is shaping the Eastlands outfit in his own mould. Good times ahead I feel, starting with a pulsating  draw. Result: Draw 2-2.

Aston Villa v Liverpool (Saturday 5.15 ko):
Martin O'Neill's first season in charge at Villa Park started and ended well, but stumbled in the middle. A similar season is in the offing, mainly due to the amount of improvement on the other sides in similar mid to top-six status in the Premier League. Rafa Benitez, on the other hand, has made the kind of acquisitions that will see them as real title candidates for the first time in a few seasons. O'Neill's sides have always been hard to beat, but I feel that Fernando Torres will get off to a flyer and any doubts as to his expense will be blown away pretty sharpish. Result: Away win 2-0.

Arsenal v Fulham (Sunday 12.00 ko):
It will be strange to see Arsenal line-up without TH14, but to be fair he didn't make a great deal of an impact last term. It is time for Arsene's youngsters to prove what they are worth. Now a year older and more experienced I expect something of a renaissance at the Emirates and even a potential crack at the title. They should sweep past Lawrie Sanchez's Fulham side, who have, in fairness, added some quality to their thinning squad. I am keen to see in particular if David Healy can do the business in the Premier League. The Gunners struggled against their West London opponents last term, but I expect a convincing victory to usher in the new term. Result: Home win 4-0.

Chelsea v Birmingham (Sunday 1.30 ko):
Jose Mourinho has had to contend with many problems mid-season, ranging from long term injuries to key players, inconsistency in pre-season performances, and persistent contract renewal issues. Many were expecting the usual summer spending spree, but it has not exactly materialized. Whether this is due to The Special One thinking he has all he needs or whether Roman has decided to ease his spending is at yet unclear.

One thing is for sure. Without John Terry they look vulnerable at the back. No surprise in that I guess. However he should be back soon and to be fair they are not up against superior opposition in Birmingham. Steve Bruce's side are still looking to capture a real quality front man (they were chasing both Mido and Jan Koller the last time I heard), and they are really going to find life tough at the top. Best to get these tough ones out of the way first, I guess. Result: Home win 4-0.

Man United v Reading (Sunday 4.00 ko):
The last sides off the starting blocks in the first set of fixtures and Sir Alex's squad building has added further strength in depth to an already awesome collection of talent. Many are wondering just where all these players can fit in, and that could be Fergie's only problem, keeping all this megastars happy.

Reading punched above their weight big time last season. They have lost influential midfielder Steve Sidwell to Chelsea, Leroy Lita to injury (hopefully only short-term) and are still not 100% certain about star full-back Nicky Shorey's Royals future. This term could be less spectacular for Steve Coppell but they still have enough to keep well clear of relegation, but not enough to secure anything other than a battling defeat at Old Trafford. Result: Home win 2-0.