Premier League Returns: Weekend Predictions

After a week in which International matches dominated the football world, the Premier League makes a welcome return on Saturday.

The crunch tie of the weekend is undoubtedly the Merseyside derby, where Everton face Liverpool at Goodison Park.

League leaders Arsenal host managerless Bolton, while at the bottom of the table Fulham entertain Derby County.

Here's how I see the results panning out; add your views and predictions below and we'll see who comes out on top.

Arsenal vs Bolton

The Gunners have been playing brilliantly recently, and it's hard to see a demoralised Bolton side turning things around at the Emirates.

Nolan should return to Bolton's starting XI, but his form has been poor this season.

I expect Arsenal to comfortably overturn Bolton here, 3-0.

Aston Villa vs Man United

Villa have been decent at times this season, with wins against Chelsea and, last time out, West Ham.

Their attacking lineup of Agbonlahor, Young, Moore, and Carew have troubled teams with their pace, but without Carew they lack a real physical presence up front.

Vidic has been superb for United at the back, while at the other end things seemed to click against Wigan.

Tevez has opened his league account now, and confidence should be flowing for the away side. Villa will put up a good fight, but I think Man United will just have too much. 1-2.

Blackburn vs Reading

The loss of Santa Cruz to injury will be a blow to Rovers, but if McCarthy can find his scoring boots they shouldn't suffer too much at home.

Bentley has been in terrific form and will look to keep that up against a Reading side without an away win this season.

Kevin Doyle scored his first goal of the season last time out. Reading will need more of the same to get anything out of this game. 2-0.

Everton vs Liverpool

Everton have had an up-and-down start to the season, but it's always said that form counts for nothing in derby games—which is probably just as well for Liverpool at the moment.

Moyes must choose which strikers to play after Anichebe's solid performances in the last few games and Andy Johnson's finally breaking his seven-month scoring duck.

Liverpool have Torres and Alonso racing to be fit for the game, and captain Steven Gerrard needs to find some form to help his side recapture their early-season success.

Always a close one to call, but I think Liverpool will be determined to overcome recent results. 1-2.

Fulham vs Derby County

Battle of the basement boys—18th vs 20th—and a real must-win game for both teams.

Fulham haven't won since late August, and despite holding Chelsea to a 0-0 draw they have been conceding a lot of goals.

That said, Derby have conceded 17 goals away from home in five games, and haven't yet picked up an away point or goal.

A win for either side would put them back in touch with the teams just outside the relegation zone, but I think this may be one of those games in which the result benefits no one. 1-1.

Man City vs Birmingham

City have been playing well of late—and with Elano, Johnson, and Petrov in good form you'd back them to win at home.

I have reservations about Emile Empenza being their spearhead in attack, but when the other attackers are scoring City look good.

Birmingham are four games without a win, and aside from Jerome their forwards don't look up to the task. In previous seasons, City have tended to stumble in fixtures like this, but the new-look side should win here, 3-1.

Middlesboro vs Chelsea

Boro look very lightweight at the moment. Their attack has been depleted by injuries, and there's little bite in the midfield aside from the still-inexperienced Cattermole.

The Teesiders have lost four of their last five games, and I can't see them breaking the streak on Saturday.

Chelsea are still finding their feet under the new Grant regime, but I strongly believe that with Ten Cate on the training ground they'll be playing good football soon—if Grant is up to the task tactically.

In any case, Chelsea should have enough to grind out a victory, 0-1.

Wigan vs Portsmouth

Wigan are still without Emile Heskey, and have lost their last three fixtures. Sibierski started the season in good scoring form, but the goals have dried up of late. Bent is still short of match fitness.

Portsmouth have played some good counterattacking football this season, with the likes of Utaka and Muntari supporting Benjani, who already has six league goals to his name.

Wigan need to pick up some points to avoid getting sucked into the bottom few teams, and I think they'll get one here. 2-2.

West Ham vs Sunderland (Sunday)

Losing Dean Ashton to injury again will be hard for West Ham to take, but Bellamy's return should help make up for it.

Noble has been a revelation in midfield, but West Ham need to find better consistency if they're to aim for a top-half finish.

Sunderland have shown themselves to be capable of competing in the Premiership, but are still without several key players. Strikers Jones and Chopra have had a few games together now, and there are signs that it could be a good partnership.

I like West Ham at home, but Sunderland will make them work for the points, 3-2.

Newcastle vs Tottenham (Monday)

A fixture which usually produces a few goals—but these teams have yet to hit stride.

Newcastle boss Allardyce must decide whether to put Owen back in the starting XI after two games for England, while Joey Barton may make his debut.

Newcastle are capable of scoring goals, but despite several defensive signings this summer they look leaky at the back.

Tottenham have had a shocking start to the season, but in the last couple of games they have shown flashes of the form which led them to fifth place last year.

Keane is back amongst the goals of late, and if the likes of Lennon and Berbatov can up their game Spurs will be a force to be reckoned with again. Not on Monday though. 2-2.