Чемпионат Англии от BBC

SATURDAY

Everton v Man Utd (1245 BST)

Well, this is all about Rooney, isn't it?

Everton haven't had the greatest of starts and they've had a few international players away over the past couple of weeks - but the atmosphere is sure to be hot for the return of a player who first made his name playing for the club he grew up supporting.

Rooney has to play: for a start United are already two points down on Chelsea. He'll be fine, though, despite all that's been written about him this week. Once you're out on that pitch none of that crosses your mind for a second - it'll probably be a release for him if anything.

Still, Everton are a good side and I can certainly see them getting a point from this one.

Prediction: 1-1

Arsenal v Bolton

Arsenal go into this match without Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott, and that is a big blow for them. Walcott started the season in fine form and he and Van Persie offer things to the Arsenal attack that few others in their squad do.

However, even with those two out, at home I think Arsenal naturally push forward and create plenty of opportunities anyway. It will be more away from home that those two are particularly missed.

Bolton are much improved under Owen Coyle, but the one problem they might have going to Arsenal is that I expect they will try to play a little more football than Trotters teams of old, who had some success there, might have.

For those reasons, I expect Arsenal to run out fairly comfortable winners.

Prediction: 3-1

Fulham v Wolves

A good opportunity for both sides, I reckon.

Wolves have made a good start to the season and, arguably for the first time since they've been involved in the Premier League, they have competition for places all over the park.

But Fulham boss Mark Hughes is starting to get his squad thinking on his wavelength, building on the excellent tutoring previously done there by Roy Hodgson. They are at home, they have Bobby Zamora fit and firing - and this time they will avoid the dreaded draw.

Prediction: 2-1

Man City v Blackburn

Man City, with their home win against Liverpool still fresh in the memory and so many of their players back at the club fresh from impressing for England in midweek, will be buoyant on their return to Eastlands.

It is going to take time at City this season. Dressing room spirit that clubs like Newcastle appear to boast is the X-factor which is going to take a while to come around. But just look at the players they've got.

You can imagine Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce will be going there determined to making life as difficult as possible for City.

However, Rovers' away form isn't the greatest (although they should have beaten Birmingham in their last away match) and this could be a tough afternoon for them.

Prediction: 2-0

Newcastle v Blackpool

I have to go home win here.

The six Newcastle scored against Aston Villa in their last home match will rev up the crowd and I expect them to approach this match as one they think they can win.

Blackpool, on the other hand, are a worry. After a great result on the opening day of the season they have started to ship goals all over the place - I mean, even League One side MK Dons put four past them in the Carling Cup recently.

That can't be allowed to continue - but they may struggle at St James' Park this weekend nonetheless.

Prediction: 2-1

West Brom v Tottenham

A draw wouldn't be the worst result for West Brom. They know their home form will be crucial to their hopes of staying up - but while I applaud them for trying to get the ball down and play football, that will only work if they are defensively strong.

On their last visit to the Premier League, that wasn't the case. This time, however, the signs are more encouraging... erm, that 6-0 defeat to Chelsea on the opening weekend aside, obviously.

As for Spurs, the signing of Rafael van der Vaart is a great one. Despite what's being written, I think he'll give them something they didn't have before - a creator who can play in between midfield and attack, link the play, provide the passes and score goals.

But because it's Tottenham, and because they have the Champions League tie away at Werder Bremen on the Tuesday, I'm going to go for a draw in this one.

Prediction: 1-1

West Ham v Chelsea

West Ham have been awful so far this season. And what makes it all the more worrying for Hammers fans is that they have been as bad as they have despite having their best players - Scott Parker, Carlton Cole, Kieron Dyer - all fit and playing.

I just feel, though, that this is a good tie for them. There's obviously no love lost between the sides, it's Avram Grant against his former team and there's the Frank Lampard factor and all that provokes from the crowd - so I'm going to go for a draw.

Chelsea, of course, are on a terrific run of form. But what they've been doing is winning games early, enabling them to go on, take advantage of gaps and rack up wins by five and six.

That, in many ways, is a worry for the rest of the League - but if West Ham can keep it tight early on, I fancy them to get something out of this.

Prediction: 1-1

Wigan v Sunderland

Wigan's result against Tottenham last week was outstanding, earned on the back of a great performance by their keeper Ali Al Habsi. I really didn't see that coming.

But, as shaky as Sunderland are away from home, this being Steve Bruce's return to his old club I just wonder if the Black Cats will step it up a notch at the DW Stadium this weekend.

Darren Bent, on the back of his goal for England in midweek, will be flying too - and even though it could take Asamoah Gyan a while to settle into Premier League football, I think he's a quality addition for the Wearsiders.

Has to be an away win.

Prediction: 1-2

SUNDAY

Birmingham v Liverpool (1600 BST)

I think this match will tell us a great deal about Liverpool on the road this season - not just the result, but the way they are going to play. Will Roy Hodgson set them up defensively, or will he be a bit more adventurous and look to win rather than not lose?

If the Reds have any designs on finishing in and around that fourth spot, then you have to think that Hodgson needs to go for it in games like this.

Should they do that, and bearing in mind Birmingham were fortunate to beat Blackburn in their last home match, I expect the visitors to get the win here.

Prediction: 0-2

MONDAY

Stoke v Aston Villa (2000 BST)

I fancy Stoke here. They've struggled so far, but they've made a few good signings and they look like they're going to be a better side - playing a little more football, but still retaining that physical element that causes so many problems for visitors to the Britannia Stadium.

It is, of course, Gerard Houllier's first match in charge of Villa - but this is a real tough start for him.

The Frenchman is a decent appointment for Villa. He's experienced and has a great knowledge of players across European football. Yes, he bought a few duds when he was at Liverpool, but maybe he'll bring in a few gems now he's at Villa.

It will all take a while for this to settle in, though, and I think it will be very difficult for Villa to maintain their position as top-six regulars this campaign.

Prediction: 2-0