Each week, The National Deputy Sports Editor Thomas Woods predicts the outcomes of the English Premier League. In Week 2, our man got five correct results from 10 predictions, with two correct scores. Can he do better in Week 3? Here are his results for the season.
Leicester City 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1
Why? Leicester's start to the season the season – two wins, six goals scored – has been impressive and they have taken 28 points from their last 33 in the Premier League. But Spurs are their toughest opponents so far and were masters of the tight away win last season.
Manchester United 3 Newcastle United 0
Why? Manchester United played their best attacking football in the Champions League win over Club Brugge and you sense this is a team who will improve with each game they play together. Newcastle, on the other hand, were well beaten at Swansea last week. Their away record was woeful last season and the early signs are that they will again struggle on the road. Wayne Rooney can get his season up and running here with at least one goal.
Crystal Palace 2 Aston Villa 0
Why? Villa's strike force must be concerning for manager Tim Sherwood. Losing Christian Benteke was a blow and Gabriel Agbonlahor does not offer the same physical test for opposing centre-backs. Palace will attack from the off – Villa's only hope is to score first and defend.
Norwich City 0 Stoke City 1
Why? This should be Xherdan Shaqiri's debut for Stoke and the Swiss playmaker is one of the most exciting signings of the transfer window. He will take Mark Hughes's side to another level as they aim to make a dent on the top eight. Stoke's new-found flair, plus a decent defence, should be enough to blunt a workmanlike Norwich side.
Sunderland 0 Swansea City 2
Why? I fear for Sunderland. They scraped to survival last season, but the same issues remain in 2015/16 - notably their leaky defence, having conceded seven times in two games. Swansea look the real deal this season and on-form striker Bafetimbi Gomis could have a field day at the Stadium of Light.
West Ham 2 Bournemouth 1
Why? Slaven Bilic's West Ham side are already hard to predict this season – win away at Arsenal, lose at home to Leicester. Bournemouth did well at Liverpool on Monday, but came away with nothing and it will be the case again on Saturday.
West Bromwich Albion 0 Chelsea 2
Why? Chelsea have stumbled out of the blocks and have only one point, but so have West Brom. If you put Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic up against Darren Fletcher, Craig Gardner and Claudio Yacob there will be only one winner. This could well be Pedro's debut, too, and you have to fancy his pace on the break.
Everton 1 Manchester City 1
Why? This prediction goes against form; City are on fire at the moment. But Everton are a solid unit and have the tools to stifle Sergio Aguero and co. John Stones and Phil Jagielka were majestic in the 3-0 win at Southampton last week. Less so on the opening day, when Watford drew 2-2. Both goals Everton conceded on that occasion were breakaway strikes that they should have stopped.
Watford 1 Southampton 1
Why? Southampton are struggling to click into gear after losing a couple of key squad members in the summer, while Watford, with many new faces, face a similar problem. Both sides will be fine this season: Watford should avoid the drop and Southampton are a top-10 outfit, but this could be another game where neither team hits top form.
Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1
Why? The key here is Alexis Sanchez. He was back in Arsenal's side for the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace and he adds another dimension to an already exciting attacking unit. Liverpool have two 1-0 wins under their belts but have plenty of issues to iron out and defence is a worry for them. Arsenal should be able to create enough chances against them to seal victory.
