Arsenal v Man Utd (1245 GMT)

I was very surprised by Arsene Wenger's comments after the loss at Stoke and I think he is trying to take the pressure off his side.

I just thought Stoke were the better team and wanted it more, but Wenger's actions will have created a kind of siege mentality in the Arsenal dressing room. The problem is they are missing a few players.

On the other hand, Manchester United got to rest Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney in midweek. But with both teams not really being able to afford to lose I suspect this is unlikely to be a classic and I am predicting a bit of a stalemate.

Verdict: 1-1

Wigan v Stoke (1245 GMT)

Stoke have really struggled away from home and Wigan bounced back from some poor results by beating Portsmouth in the monsoon last week.

Wigan have got good midfielders and forwards and a decent keeper, but there are big questions about their defence. They should still sneak this one though.

Arsenal-Manchester United might not be a classic but this is definitely one for the undercard.

Verdict: 2-1

Hull v Bolton

This is a tough game for Hull as Bolton turned Manchester City over last weekend and will be looking to pick up at least a point.

Hull played well at Old Trafford but they still conceded four goals and that's seven they have let in in the last two games.

I suspect we will see how strong mentally they really are in the next few weeks.

Verdict: 1-1

Sunderland v Portsmouth

This will be a tricky test for Pompey boss Tony Adams. He has lost to the odd goal a couple of times and he is finding out what a really tough task he has taken on.

It is a good job for him but a hard one, especially as they seem to have financial problems and Martin Keown has turned down a chance to join his coaching staff.

Sunderland are one of the teams I am struggling to work out. They performed really well in the derby against Newcastle and then put in a non-performance at Stoke before getting taken apart at Chelsea.

Verdict: 2-1

West Ham v Everton

Phil Neville's tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have turned around Everton's season and they are a different team now. They have struggled at home but not looked too bad away.

West Ham were unfortunate last week and had enough chances to win against Middlesbrough in the first half, never mind 90 minutes.

With their owner struggling financially you really do not know what is around the corner for them. Something has got to give and it cannot be helping the team. Manager Gianfranco Zola might feel he will be soon working with both hands tied behind his back.

Verdict: 0-2

Liverpool v West Brom (1730 GMT)

Spain striker Fernando Torres should be back for Liverpool and he is such an important player for Liverpool.

West Brom cannot keep a clean sheet - even against 10-man Blackburn - but they will enjoy going to Anfield as they are a good football team.

It's a good pitch and Liverpool will let them play to some extent but Torres and co will be too strong.

Verdict: 2-0

SUNDAY

Blackburn v Chelsea (1330 GMT)

I saw the goals Chelsea conceded in midweek and they looked like a completely different side to what we have become accustomed to. The only similarity was the colour of the strip.

That happens once or twice a season and they will be analysing that performance very closely before facing Blackburn. You can expect a response at Ewood Park.

Paul Ince has done a good job at Blackburn so far and they have been a bit unlucky. They are in transition at the moment and are just struggling to find a win.

Verdict: 0-2

Aston Villa v Middlesbrough

Villa have been very good at home but regardless of Arsenal's problems I do not see them breaking up the monopoly of the top four.

They got a warning of what to expect at Chelsea and if they had any ambitions of breaking into the Champions League places they should not be losing at Newcastle.

Boro have played much better than their results have suggested but they are a relatively young side and have been guilty of making mistakes at crucial times.

Verdict: 2-0

Man City v Tottenham

Last time Harry Redknapp went to City when he was manager of Pompey they collapsed and he will hoping there will be no repeat this time.

City are good going forward, will put them under a lot of pressure and Robinho is a different player at home than away at the moment.

Redknapp needs to sort out his defence, which will probably mean personnel arriving in January. For now the fulcrum of his side is the likes of Darren Bent, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Luka Modric. I am expecting this one to be an entertaining game.

Verdict: 2-2

Fulham v Newcastle (1600 GMT)

I keep thinking that Fulham are a much better side than their results suggest, but maybe I am missing something.

They need too many chances to score but I like the job manager Roy Hodgson is doing and they have some good players.

Newcastle do not travel well and I do not like their hopes against a big, strong Fulham side. However, after all the fuss over caretaker boss Joe Kinnear he has given them much more of a purpose and a way to play.

Verdict: 2-1

Mark Lawrenson was talking to BBC Sport's Andrew McKenzie