English Premier League Weekly Predictions: Gameweek 4

After taking a weekend off, the English Premier League is back in action. The teams are set until January, and they will start testing their depth with the upcoming domestic action.

As for the league, the Manchester clubs are still the cream of the crop. North London isn't as bad as they looked two weeks ago. And, the Manchester clubs are still the cream of the crop.

Did I say that twice? Yes? Good. Because they have played that much better.

Whether that holds up, we'll just have to wait and see. Here are my predictions for the week (home team on left, winner in italics):

MATCH OF THE WEEK

Stoke City 1 Liverpool 2: This match will be a clash of styles. Liverpool like to attack and score goals. Stoke have no interest in that. Tony Pulis' side like to play defensively and use its physicality to overwhelm the opponents. Liverpool will have trouble asserting their attack on the road, but I think they are too talented to lose this match. However, a draw is not out of the question.

OTHER MATCHES

Arsenal 2 Swansea City 0: After their last match, the Gunners can't assume anything. However, they stood a chance in that match, and if Robin Van Persie converted his first-half penalty, the outcome could have been completely different (or not as bad). They will have some players back, and they owe it to their fans to put on a good show at Emirates. This should be a sound victory. Should be.

Everton 1 Aston Villa 2: Everton were able to claim three points in their last match, and that's about the only good news for the Toffees. They're tough at Goodison Park, but at the end of the day, Villa have Darren Bent and Everton don't.

Manchester City 3 Wigan Athletic 0: I don't think City are as good as they've played. Similarly, I don't think Edin Dzeko is as good as he has played (six goals in three matches). That being said, they are one of the best squads in the league, and he is one of the most dangerous strikers in the league. Wigan (and their strikers) aren't. City should cruise again this week.

Sunderland 0 Chelsea 1: This match is tough to pick. Granted, any Chelsea match is tough to pick. The Blues have all the talent they need, but they haven't quite figured out their system. As a result, this match will be close throughout. However, I think a late Juan Mata goal will be the difference.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1: Both of these teams have been surprises. Looking at the table, I would have thought they would be in opposite places, if anything. However, they haven't played to expectations, and it will be interesting how long they will keep up this form. I think Spurs will play well, but Wolves will be tough enough to earn a draw.

Bolton 0 Manchester United 2: United will continue to roll. Nearly everyone on their squad is in form. That will continue. Bolton will play physical and make this game brutal for United. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, Wanderers simply can't keep up with Sir Alex Ferguson's side for 90 minutes. It will be a struggle, but United will keep pace with City and earn another three points.

Norwich City 0 West Bromwich Albion 1: Both clubs are looking for their first victories of the season. Unfortunately for Norwich, I think they will keep searching for those elusive three points. West Brom will win a tough one.

Fulham 2 Blackburn 1: Both of these clubs have been unimpressive early on. That will continue this week. This match will be relatively dull. Luckily for Fulham, they will be playing within the Craven Cottage, which should allow them to steal three points.

Queens Park Rangers 0 Newcastle United 1: The Toon have only allowed one goal in three matches. With that stout defense, they should be able to stay in the top half of the table throughout the year. QPR will be looking for three points at home. Unfortunately, I don't think they have a good enough attack to crack Newcastle's defense.

Thanks for reading my predictions for this week. Feel free to let me know what you think of the picks, or if I missed any major news. Thanks!