Everton vs Liverpool
The Premier League actions returns on Saturday lunchtime, while what a game to get us underway, as the battle for Merseyside supremacy comes with an additional twist and that twist sees Everton look to continue their perfect start to the season.
They go up against a Liverpool side that shipped seven before the international break and with goalkeeper issues, will have to avoid another boatload of goals being conceded at Goodison Park.
Prediction: Everton 2-2 Liverpool
Chelsea vs Southampton
After a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace, Chelsea have managed to put their slightly indifferent start behind them and now manager Frank Lampard will be hoping that with the first international break out of the way, they can get a head of steam going.
Something that Southampton just managed before the hiatus and with back to back wins now recorded, Ralph Hasenhuttl will be hoping for more of the same at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Southampton
Manchester City vs Arsenal
On the subject of indifference, the same can be said for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola and with just four points earned from the first nine on offer, there is already an element of catch up required for the Etihad outfit.
This Saturday sees them play host to an Arsenal side who currently sit in the top four and manager Mikel Arteta would love for that still to be the case once the final ball of the season is kicked.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
Newcastle vs Manchester United
It's been a steady start for Newcastle under Steve Bruce, while although it has been far from spectacular, the Magpies have relatively impressed in terms of overall performance and now manager Steve Bruce, will hope his side can pick up where they left off on Saturday.
A fixture that sees them play host to an out of sorts Manchester United and after being mauled by Tottenham, the Red Devils can ill afford any more dropped points at this early stage of the season.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Manchester United
Sheffield United vs Fulham
Something must give at Bramall Lane as two teams who are yet to get off the mark go face to face on Sunday. For Sheffield United, it is a case of avoiding ‘second season syndrome' and the symptoms that have been displayed after losing their first four games of the season.
While Fulham will be hoping that it is not relegation at the first time of asking (albeit for the second time in three seasons) and to do so, they really need to start getting some points on the board.
Prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 Fulham
Crystal Palace vs Brighton
The derby which is not really a derby takes place on Sunday and usually this is one of the feistiest encounters in the division. However, no fans from either rival camp means proceedings will be far more muted than normal.
Hosts Crystal Palace were well beaten by Chelsea in their last outing and will look to bounce back, while Brighton will look to earn points after suffering successive defeats before the break.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Brighton
Tottenham vs West Ham
Bale is back. What capacity he features in on Sunday remains to be seen and the likelihood is that he will start on the bench for the visit of West Ham, then again with the way his teammates performed before the break, it might be difficult to get an inclusion from the very off.
Spurs put six past Manchester United and this will put West Ham on high alert for the weekend, as they make the trip across the capital having won back to back league outings.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 West Ham
Leicester vs Aston Villa
The second of those back to back wins for West Ham was against Leicester and a meek showing by the Foxes at the King Power Stadium, has just taken the shine off of what was a rather impressive start to the Premier League season.
An impressive start can also be levied at Aston Villa and after putting a phenomenal seven goals past Liverpool before the break, manager Dean Smith will hope there is still some goals leftover on Sunday.
Prediction: Leicester 2-0 Aston Villa
West Brom vs Burnley
Not quite in the territory of ‘six-pointer' but an important game all the same and with both West Brom and Burnley still looking for their first win of the season, their respective managers will be hoping that Monday is the finally the night in which it is delivered.
For the Baggies it is just one point from the first twelve on offer, although that is still one more than Burnley's current total and that will be of undoubted concern to head-honcho Sean Dyche.
Prediction: West Brom 1-0 Burnley
Leeds vs Wolves
The fact that Leeds are currently 8th in the table after the first four weeks of the season is arguably not a great surprise. However, the fact that Wolves are currently residing in 13th after a sluggish start, arguably is.
These two sides face off on Monday night and Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping his players can continue their good start to the season, while Wolves will look to find an ignition spark to their own campaign.
Prediction: Leeds 3-2 Wolves
