Arsenal v Man City
We all know what Man City are like on the road - poor - and I see Robinho limped off playing for Brazil in the week. We'll see if he fancies a few more days on the Copacabana.
It will be a nice warm-up for Arsenal for their Champions League game against Villarreal next week.
Verdict: 2-0
Bolton v Middlesbrough
This is a massive game for Gareth Southgate, but I like what Steve Gibson has done in backing him, he's taken the pressure off.
Bolton are a strange team - games they're expected to win they lose and games they're expected to lose they win. A draw wouldn't be a great result for either team, and it's close to must-win territory for Boro - but they'd take a point.
Verdict: 1-1
Hull v Portsmouth
Portsmouth have had a bit of a revival under Paul Hart and Brian Kidd, but I think Phil Brown's side will get a result at home.
There are a lot of clubs at the bottom still to play each other, but a win for Hull would put them within spitting distance of safety.
Verdict: 2-0
Newcastle v Chelsea
With Alan Shearer stepping into the hot seat, it will be like plugging into the national grid at St James' Park, the 52,000 fans will lift the lid off the ground.
In the long run it will be all about the players and how Alan can get them performing. But because of the emotion, the occasion and the importance, I think Newcastle will manage a draw.
Verdict: 1-1
West Brom v Stoke
This game could really put the cat among the pigeons down at the bottom.
Stoke have struggled on the road - they haven't won an away game all season - and for West Brom it's the last throw of the dice. I think they'll pull it off.
Verdict: 2-1
West Ham v Sunderland
West Ham are getting short on players, but we're starting to see what a very good job Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clark are doing, especially on the training ground, which I've heard is innovative and enjoyable.
More important, it's producing results, and I think West Ham will be too much for Ricky Sbragia's side.
Verdict: 2-1
Fulham v Liverpool (1730 BST)
I don't think the two-week Premiership break will have done Liverpool much good because most of their players will have had tough games and been travelling far and wide.
The first game after an international week is always tough and Craven Cottage is a difficult place to go, and they've got a very good manager. That's why I'm going for a draw.
Verdict: 1-1
SUNDAY
Everton v Wigan
Everton came unstuck two weeks ago, losing 2-1 against Portsmouth, and looked a bit leggy. But the break will have done them some good and I pick them to get a result on Sunday.
Steve Bruce is doing a good job at Wigan and it should be a good game because neither team has got any pressure on their shoulders and they're reaching out for Europe.
Verdict: 2-1
Man Utd v Aston Villa (1600 BST)
Some might say it's a good time to play Villa, what with their recent results, but Martin O'Neill has had two weeks to take stock.
He'll maybe go back to a system of 4-5-1/4-3-3, with Gabriel Agbonlahor cutting through the middle. However, Alex Ferguson will have his strongest team out - he has to - and it will be as narrow a 2-0 result as it's possible to be.
Verdict: 2-0
Mark Lawrenson was talking to BBC Sport's Ben Dirs |