English Premier League Weekly Predictions: Gameweek 5

The Champions League started earlier this week, but I'm staying focused on the English Premier League.

Even though the Manchester clubs settled for draws in their matches this week, I think they will continue to be the class of the league. However, both clubs get a test this week.

City will travel to Craven Cottage, which is a pretty tough place to get a full three points. Lucky for City, they are loads more talented than Fulham, which should equal a solid win for Roberto Mancini and his crew.

As for United, let's get to my match of the week, and get started with these predictions.

MATCH OF THE WEEK

Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1: This match was brutal to predict. I would love to pick my Blues, but I would look like a tremendous homer. As for picking United to beat Chelsea, that pains me more than you know. At the end of the day, I'm predicting what I think will happen, not what I want to happen.

Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't lose at Old Trafford. In fact, he literally has not lost at Old Trafford in 21 league matches. The last loss? To Chelsea, on April 4, 2010. Sure, the teams are pretty different since then, but the history is there.

While United have been in prime form for the first few weeks, they aren't indestructible. Since the match is at Old Trafford, it will be a tough task for Andre Villas-Boas and company. At this point, I'm sure a draw would be a good result for the Blues.

That being said, just remember: nothing is certain in the EPL, so don't be surprised if Chelsea steal this match.

OTHER MATCHES

Blackburn 2 Arsenal 3: Both of these teams have been underwhelming this season, so I don't expect much from this match. Arsenal hope to earn a win to climb back into the top half of the table (a draw could also do it), and Rovers are just trying to get out of last place. In a relatively dull match, I think the Gunners will get a late winner in a back and forth match.

Aston Villa 1 Newcastle United 0: This match could be a bloodbath. Both teams are physical, and at times you forget that you're watching football. Villa stole a point last week at Everton, and I think they will follow that form with a late goal. This time, it will be for a full three points instead of a measly one.

Bolton 2 Norwich City 0: Norwich are a solid side, but Bolton have been playing too well to not earn a victory (and yes, we will ignore the match against United). They won't disappoint the home crowd this week. A solid win for Wanderers.

Everton 1 Wigan Athletic 0: Everton finally looked like a good side last week. Unfortunately, a late breakdown lead to a draw with Aston Villa. This week, I think they will play solid defense for a full 90 minutes and win a hard-fought three points.

Swansea City 1 West Bromwich Albion 2: There were whisperings about West Brom climbing the table this season. In fact, I heard some people thinking they might fight for a Europa League spot. I'm not sure they're quite that good, but they are better than they have been playing. Good teams win tough matches away from home. We'll see how good West Brom are this week against an inferior Swansea side.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Queens Park Rangers 0: Both teams have overachieved so far, but that doesn't mean they play entertaining football. Wolves will do their best to keep the game physical, and they should earn an ugly three points at home this week.

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Liverpool 2: Liverpool were humbled last week against a physical Stoke side. Meanwhile, Spurs got on the winning side of things with a very solid 2-0 result against Wolves. Now, I think they will go in opposite directions from last week. Spurs don't match up well with Liverpool (Stoke do), and I think Luis Suarez will be able to run rampant this week, scoring an impressive double.

Fulham 0 Manchester City 2: I said it earlier, and I'll say it again: Craven Cottage is a tough place to win. However, Fulham have not quite hit a good run of form, and City have been the second best team in England (and Manchester) for the whole season. They will continue that trend with a convincing win this weekend.

Sunderland 1 Stoke City 0: This is the power of home field. Sunderland haven't played well, and Stoke find themselves in the top four. However, I think they will have a minor setback this week, and drop points to a hard-working Sunderland squad.

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

Season: 17-7-6 (W-L-D)

Once again, thanks for reading. Feel free to let me know what you think about any of the matches. Thanks!