Premier League predictions

Thomas Woods predicts the outcome of the seventh round of Premier League fixtures, which includes two fiery derby matches in north London and on Merseyside, and Fulham and QPR playing each other for the first time in the Premier League.
Saturday

Everton v Liverpool

Liverpool's record in Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park is excellent, though they lost 2-0 last season. Everton have had a mixed start to the season and are short in the striking department and that could cost them in a fixture where Liverpool have scored at a rate of almost two per game in the last 11 meetings. 1-2

Aston Villa v Wigan Athletic

Villa, the draw specialists, are unbeaten for the season yet have won just once. Wigan are a team they should beat if they consider themselves a top-10 outfit and Alex McLeish's side have the strike power - Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor - to see them through. 2-0

Blackburn v Manchester City

Fresh from beating Arsenal in a thriller in their last game, Blackburn should be confident ahead of a fixture that, on paper, says City win. It remains to be seen how Roberto Mancini's to their defeat at Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Carlos Tevez's situation. Their only blip this season was a 2-2 draw at Fulham and, as long as they don't concede the first goal, a routine victory should await. 0-2

Manchester United v Norwich City

The champions are likely to still be without Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney returning from injury, but should still have too much quality for Norwich. The promoted side held Chelsea at 1-1 until 82 minutes earlier in the season, but the Londoners have yet to find top form whereas United have been scoring for fun. 3-0

Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion

Two teams who would be aiming for a top-10 finish this season but don't seemed to be able to get going. West Brom are in the bottom three and will probably still be there after this match. Thought Sunderland have been woefully inconsistent, they have a squad with plenty of quality. It's just a case of manager Steve Bruce fitting the right pieces together. 3-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Newcastle United

Wolves started the season flying - two wins and a draw - but have now lost their last three including a 3-0 defeat at home to QPR. Newcastle, in contrast, are unbeaten and thriving under Alan Pardew. The occupy the Champions League places and should still be there come the final whistle 1-2

Sunday

Bolton Wanderers v Chelsea

It doesn't get much easier for Bolton. They have hosted both Manchester City and United, as well as travelling to Liverpool, in their first six games. Now they host Chelsea and it is hard to see anything other than a sixth consecutive defeat for Owen Coyle's men, who have conceded 10 goals in three home games. 0-3

Fulham v Queens Park Rangers

The lesser London derby of the day sees a Fulham side who have yet to win take on a QPR team who only seem able to take three points on their travels. Craven Cottage is a difficult place to go - as emphasised by Manchester City's 2-2 draw there - but QPR's new signings seem to be clicking and they have the momentum to grab another win. 1-2

Swansea City v Stoke City

Swansea are getting one thing right so far this season. On the road they have shipped nine goals in three game and lost each time. But they have made the Liberty Stadium a tough place to visit and are unbeaten there, without conceding. Stoke are a mixed bag away from home and I'd expect Swansea to take at least a point, probably all three 1-0

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

Spurs, who have recovered quickly from their 5-1 mauling by Manchester City, must see this as a chance to get one over on their bitter rivals, who have started the season badly and are yet to win away from home. Last season was 3-3, neither side have been tight at the back this season. Expect another thriller 3-2