English Premier League Weekly Predictions: Week 3

After a relatively uneventful weekend in the English Premier League, the table is slowly taking its shape. Obviously, this is early in the season, and nothing can be assumed.

Manchester City and Manchester United look like the class of the league. If I were to guess, everyone else will be chasing them all year (with Chelsea leading that charge).

Still, we have a long way to go, and we might as well enjoy the football.

MATCH OF THE WEEK

Tottenham Hotspur 0, Manchester City 3: Spurs were embarrassed last week by Manchester United. Now they return to White Hart Lane. Unfortunately, it looks like they will be embarrassed once again. Roberto Mancini is managing one of the best attacking teams in recent memory, and that attack will be on display this weekend. Spurs are a good squad, but it looks like they will spend another week getting dominated by a Manchester squad.

OTHER MATCHES

Aston Villa 2, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0: These are two of the most surprising clubs this year. Both were incredibly disappointing last season, and they would like to climb into the top half of the table this year. I don't think either of these clubs will finish in the Top 6, but they will be a lot better than last year. As for this week, Villa are tough at home. Not to mention, they have Darren Bent. I think they'll win comfortably.

Wigan Athletic 1, Queens Park Rangers 2: Both of these clubs are going to be fighting relegation all year. In my opinion, Wigan should have been relegated last year. However, they played well enough to remain in the top flight for another year. QPR, on the other hand, dominated the championship and qualified for the EPL. Neither of these teams are too good, but they both have enough talent to avoid relegation. However, they need three points as often as possible. I think QPR earn a tough three points away from home this week.

Blackburn 1, Everton 0: The wheels seem to be coming off at Everton. The financial trouble appears to be worse than originally thought, as banks are encouraging Bill Kenwright (Everton's chairman) to sell star players in order to "balance the books." Although many solid players are still there, Everton's mindset is not in the right place, and I don't think they have a very good chance of defeating Rovers this week.

Chelsea 3, Norwich City 0: Stamford Bridge wasn't exactly a fortress last year. However, Chelsea seem to have a new mindset this year, and they don't want to drop points at home. Norwich City are a decent club, but they don't stand much of a chance against the Blues this year.

Swansea City 0, Sunderland 1: In a relatively boring match, I think Sunderland will earn three points on the road. Don't be surprised if Asamoah Gyan is the difference-maker.

Liverpool 2, Bolton 0: Bolton have a unique toughness. However, I don't think they will be gritty enough to keep Liverpool from scoring. Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt have too much pace for the Bolton defense, and they will be attacking from all angles for 90 minutes. It will be a hard-fought match, but I think the Reds will come away with a tough three points.

Newcastle United 2, Fulham 1: Fulham have been very unimpressive after two weeks. While Newcastle haven't blown people away, I think they will play strong enough at St. James Park in order to earn three points.

West Bromwich Albion 2, Stoke City 1: This game will be ugly. West Brom will try to attack as often as possible, and Stoke will do their best to keep this game physical. If Stoke can impose their will from the beginning, they could steal some points. However, if they are unable to be physically dominant (as I predict), West Brom won't have much trouble at the Hawthorns.

Manchester United 3, Arsenal 0: This may be a little lofty prediction, but I don't see this match being close. United are looking as good as ever, and Arsenal are still reeling. If it were at Emirates, you could make an argument for a close match. However, at Old Trafford, this should be a romp.

Last Week: 6-2-2 (W-L-D)

Season (missed Week 1): 6-2-2 (W-L-D)

Thanks for reading my predictions again this week. Feel free to let me know what you think or if you have any ideas how I could improve the format.