Thomas Woods, The National's football editor,
predicts the outcome of the fourth round of Premier League fixtures
which includes Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion sides all searching for their first win of the season.
Saturday
Arsenal v Swansea City
Despite their battered confidence following the 8-2 defeat at Manchester United, Arsenal have too much quality for a Swansea team still finding their Premier League feet. Gervinho and Alex Song return from suspension, while Robin van Persie found form with four goals for Holland in midweek, albeit against San Marino. 3-1
Everton v Aston Villa
Villa under new manager Alex McLeish have been tough to beat, drawing two of their three games so far 0-0. Everton have struggled for goals and sold their main striker, Jermaine Beckford, in the transfer window. Goalless draw anyone? 0-0
Manchester City v Wigan Athletic
City have netted 12 goals in three games, Wigan have not scored at the Etihad Stadium in four visits. Expect another multi-goal victory for the home side with Wigan's best chance to try to get to half time level and see if frustration affects City. 3-0
Stoke City v Liverpool
The Britannia Stadium has become a tough place to take points from. Liverpool lost 2-0 there last season but this is a new-look side facing a major test of any title credentials they have. If Kenny Dalglish starts Luis Suarez (he benched him away at Arsenal), I expect them to pass the challenge. 1-2
Sunderland v Chelsea
Sunderland have won just twice at home this year, Chelsea have not lost at the Stadium of Light since 2000. And now that they have signed Juan Mata from Valencia, Chelsea have that extra creativity to see them home. 0-2
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur
On paper, this should be a Tottenham victory, given the quality of their squad. However, the momentum is with Wolves - unbeaten and sitting fifth in the table. Spurs have had an unlucky start to the season, with their opener at home to Everton called off followed by defeats to the title favourites, Manchester United and Manchester City. With Rafael van der Vaart injured too, they may have to wait another week for their first three points. 1-1
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United.
United were held to a 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium last year but two things are different this time around. The champions have started like a house on fire - three wins, 13 goals - while Bolton, unusually, have developed a leaky defence, conceding three in both of their previous games. That points to a United win. 0-2
Sunday
Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion
Premier League newcomers Norwich put in a resilient display at Chelsea in the last game, losing 2-1. They have yet to win a game though and West Brom's position in the bottom three is misleading. They have the strike power and experience to take a win from Carrow Road. 1-2
Fulham v Blackburn Rovers
Two teams who look short of confidence and goals. Blackburn are pointless after three games while Fulham's sole point came in a 0-0 opening draw with Villa. Rovers showed a glimmer of hope for their fans with a gutsy display against Everton last time out. Had they not missed two penalties, they would have won and they could pull off a surprise victory here. 0-1
Monday
Queens Park Rangers v Newcastle United
Which QPR will turn up today? The team that beat Everton 1-0 away or the one that lost 4-0 at home to Bolton in their opening game? There is a buzz about the side after Tony Fernandes's takeover, whether that will translate into a victory just yet, I'm not sure. Newcastle have started the season well. 1-1
Last Week our football editor managed to predict the outcome of seven out
of the 10 fixtures with one correct score. It takes him to 17/29 for the season and 1/29 for correct score.
Agree/disagree? Have your say and put our predictor right.