Manchester United did start very slowly, perhaps slower than in other Premier League seasons. However they are now starting to click, and I can see them going on a long undefeated run from here on in. There are match winners all over the pitch so even if they are average, they will get a goal at the vital moment.

Blackburn will give them stiff opposition though. Everyone though the wheels would fall off once Mark Hughes left but Paul Ince is doing a great job.

Overall Man Utd will sneak this one.

Verdict: 0-1

West Ham v. Bolton

Bolton haven’t improved as much as is required in my opinion. Other teams around them have improved and the promoted teams look in good shape. They did give a good performance against United. Unfortunately decisions went against them but there isn’t much they can do about that. They really need points here.

West Ham haven’t quite got going under Zola yet they have still some points on the board. Soon the Zola’s style will set in on the players and they will move forward.

I think West Ham’s home advantage will give them the edge. They have more goal threat in them than Bolton at the moment.

Verdict: 2-0

Chelsea v. Aston Villa

This is a very interesting fixture. Aston Villa have been simply brilliant this season. They are the best team immediately outside the top four at the moment. They currently sit in third place on merit with the fourth best goal difference. There is a lot of pace and youth in that team.

Chelsea have made a good start to the season, having one or two brilliant games and getting the result they need in others. However they were disappointing this week with a 0-0 draw in the Champions League.

Chelsea still have this awesome home record and this gives them confidence. Chelsea would be devastated if that record went away. I don’t think it will but they won’t win the game either.

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