Premier League predictions

Football editor Thomas Woods tries to predict the outcome of this weekend's Premier League encounters
SATURDAY

Arsenal v Everton
Stop Robin van Persie and Everton will have a better chance of winning, but the Dutch striker is on fire at the moment. The likely scenario is that he inspires Arsenal to another win, especially given Everton's form. 2-0

Bolton Wanderers v Aston Villa
Villa have yet to win away, which would encourage second-from-bottom Bolton - if their form was anything to write home about! Owen Coyle's men have won just once at home themselves so expect a tight game. 1-1

Liverpool v Queens Park Rangers
Liverpool will feel aggrieved after bad luck and debatable decisions saw them lose at Fulham on Monday. Here is a chance to get back to winning ways against a QPR side who - even with three away wins already this season - should pose little trouble. 3-0

Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Just the kind of game United need after their Champions League exit on Wednesday night, a struggling team at home. United are off the boil but even so, a victory awaits. 2-0

Norwich City v Newcastle United
Two of the more surprise packages of the season. Promoted Norwich sit in 11th after a decent start to their campaign, Newcastle were unbeaten until they faced Manchester City and Chelsea in successive weeks. 1-1

Swansea City v Fulham
Swansea thrive at home and have only conceded twice in seven games. Fulham are a team you would rarely back on the road. Home win it is then. 2-0

West Bromwich Albion v Wigan Athletic
Wigan got their first away win of the season at Sunderland two weeks ago, but have been woeful this season. Given home advantage and the quality of their front men, West Brom should win this. 2-0

SUNDAY

Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers
Martin O'Neill could not have wished for a tastier first match in charge of Sunderland. His side have not won for five games, but face a struggling Blackburn team who, despite a 4-2 triumph over Swansea City last time, give him the perfect chance for a winning start. 2-1

Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur
For the casual observer, Stoke appear to have been having an average season yet they sit eight in the table. But they have already lost twice at the Britannia Stadium, which was a fortress last year. With Spurs on top of the game, it will be a test for them to take a point from this. 1-2

Monday
Chelsea v Mancheser City
The tastiest match of the weekend and probably City's biggest test to date this season. How will City respond to their Champions League exit? Will Frank Lampard play for Chelsea? Don't look away. 1-1