Each week, The National Deputy Sports Editor Thomas Woods predicts the outcomes of the English Premier League. Here are his results for the season.
Watford 0 Arsenal 0
Why? It may seem foolish to suggest Arsenal side – coming off the back of 5-2 and 3-0 wins – will drop point but here is why. Firstly, Watford are a strong defensive unit. They've only scored six, but their seven conceded is the joint best record in the table. Secondly, Arsenal's star man Alexis Sanchez lands back from Chile following two gruelling World Cup qualifying games. Arsene Wenger may even rest him and Arsenal, as good as they are, will suffer without him.
Tottenham 1 Liverpool 1
Why? Jurgen Klopp's first game in charge of Liverpool and, while he will have an impact long term, it is hard to see how he can improve the side enough to take three points away from London – especially as most of his players have been away on international duty. Spurs are solid defensively, they play a similar pressing game to the one Klopp wants to implement and it is hard to see Liverpool getting more than a point.
Chelsea 2 Aston Villa 0
Why? There are a few fixtures that are the perfect remedy for a slump in form. Sunderland and Newcastle at home would fit the mould and so would the visit of Villa, who have lost more games (6) than any other side. Chelsea should win this comfortably and look to use it as a springboard back towards the top 10.
Crystal Palace 2 West Ham 1
Why? This should be a cracking London derby between two teams in the top six. West Ham have been better on the road and they are unbeaten in five games, Palace have won the last two and are in a Champions League spot. Between the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Wilfried Zaha, Dimtri Payet and Victor Moses, there is plenty of flair and pace on show. Home advantage suggests a tight Palace win.
Everton 1 Manchester United 1
Why? United were top before their thumping by Arsenal last week but there was always a feeling that they would struggle to maintain their form with a run of games that includes this match, a home Manchester derby and then a trip to Crystal Palace. Everton have only won three times, but showed with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea that they can topple any side on their day.
Manchester City 3 Bournemouth 1
Why? The absence of Sergio Aguero and David Silva is a huge blow to City's title chances and they will drop points while the pair are out, but not at home to Bournemouth. The visitors have lost three of four away games and have lost their star striker, Callum Wilson, to injury as well. This is the kind of situation City invested big money in Wilfried Bony for and the Ivorian should find the net.
Southampton 1 Leicester City 0
Why? Southampton's loss at home to Manchester United is an anomaly in an outstanding run a form that culminated in their 3-1 win at Chelsea two weeks ago. Leicester have shown they have superb resilience this season, having come from behind to earn at least a point in four of their last six games. However, another home advantage win is on the cards here.
West Bromwich Albion 2 Sunderland 0
Why? Sunderland's new manager Sam Allardyce will look build from the back as he bids to avoid relegation. The problem is, he doesn't have much to work with defensively. Sunderland are a mess and West Brom should take advantage with a simple victory.
Newcastle 1 Norwich 1
Why? Newcastle's 6-1 drubbing by Manchester City summed up their season. A bit of promise in the 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea evaporated in the space of 90 minutes. Steve McClaren's side have yet to win this season and Norwich will be confident of getting at least a point at St James' Park.
Swansea City 1 Stoke City 0
Why? Swansea's haven't won in four games but we saw in the early part of the season that they are an excellent side when everything clicks. If Andre Ayew comes back from injury in time for this Monday night game then you have to fancy their chances at home against Stoke.
