Premier League predictions

Thomas Woods predicts the outcome of week 12 of Premier League fixtures, which include Fernando Torres and Chelsea hosting Liverpool, Manchester City aiming to breakdown Newcastle United's solid defence and Spurs at home to Aston Villa.


Saturday

Norwich v Arsenal

Norwich sit in the top half of the Premier League table (in ninth) after a promising start to the season but it is hard to see past Arsenal and their in-form striker Robin van Persie, the league's top scorer with 11. 1-3

Everton v Wolves

This is hardly likely to be a thriller, Everton have just four points from five games at home, Wolves have just four points from five games on the road. Could go either way. 1-0

Man City v Newcastle

The only two unbeaten teams left in the league face off. All signs point to a home win, given the rate at which City have been scoring at (39 goals in 11 games). However, Newcastle's defence, led by the impressive Fabricio Coloccini, are the stingiest in the league with only eight goals conceded. 1-0

Stoke v QPR

Stoke were formidable at home last season and have an experienced, and physical, side, but on paper QPR have a more explosive squad, with the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joey Barton providing a touch of class. They have already pulled off one great away win this season - a 3-0 win at Wolves - and could do it again here. 0-2

Sunderland v Fulham

Only one place separates these two in the bottom half of the table and both are struggling with only two wins apiece after 11 games. Sunderland are really underperforming though and, if they click, this should be comfortable victory. 2-0

West Brom v Bolton

Bolton have not won many this season - three from 11 - but when they do put it together they can explode - 4-0 away at QPR and 5-0 at home to Stoke last week. Here is a chance for them to build on that momentum against a West Brom side struggling to score at home, with just three goals this season. 0-1

Wigan v Blackburn

A basement battle between local rivals. Steve Kean, the Blackburn manager, has been wrong about a lot of things but he is right when he says Rovers have been playing well without getting the results. They have scored almost twice as many as Wigan and that firepower should play to their advantage. 1-2

Swansea v Man Utd

The home side have the meanest home defence in the league, having conceded just once, and are unbeaten. This will be a stern test for the champions, especially as their early-season form has tailed off. However, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are unbeaten on the road too and should have enough quality to prevail. 0-1

Sunday

Chelsea v Liverpool

An important match for both teams at this stage of the season, with Man City running off into the distance. Liverpool won at Arsenal this season and will be encouraged by Chelsea's woeful defending against the Gunners last time out. Expect goals in this one. 2-2

Monday

Tottenham v Aston Villa

The maths here are simple. Villa have yet to win at home, Spurs are scoring at over two goals per game. Home win. 2-0