Portsmouth v Bolton
Harry Redknapp's Pompey side impressed me greatly with their display against Manchester United in the week. The introduction of talismanic Matt Taylor for the second half sparked a strong comeback which could have led to three points against the champions. Sammy Lee's side will be more than tested after back-to-back defeats to open a season of inevitable struggle. I expect Benjani, David Nugent and John Utaka to be too strong and perhaps more importantly too quick for the Wanderers back line. Prediction: Portsmouth to win 2-0

Birmingham v West Ham
Alan Curbishley's men have also had a rest but they will also have had too much time to ponder their limp and lifeless display against Manchester City, which was made all the more painful due to the hope and expectation that resonated around Upton Park. Birmingham boss Steve Bruce, on the other hand, will have been impressed with his side's character and commitment, but the Blues will be disappointed to have let leads slip in both their opening fixtures. I reckon this one will be tight and I can't separate them so I will opt for a draw.  Prediction: 1-1

Fulham v Middlesbrough
I still think Chris Coleman was harshly relieved of his duties at Craven Cottage but nonetheless Lawrie Sanchez is growing on me and, it seems, on the west London faithful. His additions during the summer have already paid dividends with David Healy and Paul Konchesky in particular catching my eye. Gareth Southgate, on the other hand, does not deserve such plaudits. This match his 50th in charge of Boro (20 defeats, 13 wins in case you wondering). His side have come out of the opening fixtures, neither of them by any means daunting, with nothing. I'm afraid it will continue to be that way come 4.45 on Saturday afternoon. Prediction: Fulham to win 2-0

'Manchester City v Manchester United is sure to be a cracker, a game that may, and almost certainly will, feature more cards than goals'


Reading v Everton
Royals fans hoping for a let-up in their punishing fixture list would have hoped a game at home to David Moyes' men might be more up their street. But they are now facing top-of-the-table opposition following an impressive start to the campaign by the Merseysiders. Steve Coppell has reasons to be cheerful, though; his side more than held their own against Chelsea and Manchester United and if, as I predict, they show the same fighting qualities, they should come out of this game with something. Prediction: 1-1

Tottenham v Derby
Termed a must-win game by those who are all to quick to stick the knife into Martin Jol's reign as Spurs boss. Granted, it has been a pretty horrendous start, but this has to be taken in the context of Jol's previous success at White Hart Lane (back-to-back fifth-place finishes should not be so easily forgotten by the faithful, but let's face it, its only a minority who are calling for the Dutchman's head). Jol also has injury problems, which should also be taken into consideration. I expect Derby to put up a fight, something they will have to do week in, week out if they are to survive (which I think they will). It won't be pretty and it won't be spectacular, but then that's not important right now. Prediction: Spurs to sneak home 1-0

Wigan v Sunderland
An unlikely hero is emerging at the JJB - Antoine Sibierski, by no means a player of finesse, has found something of a renaissance for Chris Hutchings' men. His partnership with Heskey is sure to give opponents a more physical than mental bruising. Roy Keane's side have shown great guts and no small amount of determination in securing last-minute points against Spurs and Birmingham, but I fancy the Latics to secure what would be a surprise victory at home to the Black Cats. Prediction: Wigan to win  1-0

Newcastle v Aston Villa (Saturday, 17.15 BST)
Having finally offloaded Kieron Dyer, maybe the press will be more susceptible to reporting on Big Sam's ongoing push in the right direction up mount Premier League. They swept past Bolton with imperious ease and they are about to see the return of Michael Owen and Emre, so all in all things are looking up at St James' Park. The Toon army has been through this kind of rejuvenation far too many times in recent years to get too carried away on the wave of optimism. But I do expect them to brush past mid-table-bound Aston Villa fairly comfortably. Prediction: Newcastle to win 3-1

Man City v Man United(Sunday,13.30)
The Big One! This is sure to be a cracker, a game that may, and almost certainly will, feature more cards than goals. City at last have a real chance of coming out on top. Sure, the blue half of Manchester has won this fixture in recent seasons but on this occasion I feel that a City victory would not be a huge shock. This in its own way shows the way the Eastlands outfit are heading. Already four points clear of their arch-rivals, fans are probably already putting the 'statue' request in to the local council. Sir Alex won't be panicking just yet but I think deep down he will be hugely upset at the lack of points from their opening fixtures. I am going to go for the unthinkable on this one. Prediction: City to win 2-1

Blackburn v Arsenal (Sunday 15.00)
Two sides who triumphed in Europe in midweek, two sides who got off to winning starts in the league (albeit Arsenal left it late, very late). Rovers knocked Arsene Wenger's side out of the FA Cup last term but the Gunners made up for that by breezing past their opponents 6-2 and 2-0 in the league. I feel that Mark Hughes's side are cimproving all the time and twill outdo last season's 10th place finish with ease. This one to finish all-square, but expect at least one red-card. Prediction: 1-1

Liverpool v Chelsea (Sunday 16.00)
Another tasty fixture for Sunday afternoon, the history between Jose and Rafa is as well-documented as this fixture is repetitive. Amazingly these two sides have met five times in all compeitions for each of the last three seasons and all in all Liverpool have five wins and Chelsea seven. The key news is that John Terry will be fit for Chelsea, but I think the result hinges on whether they have brought him back too soon. I will plump for Liverpool on this one. Prediction: Liverpool to win 2-1