Match Predictions for Round 1 (15/08/2009 and 16/08/2009) 15 August, 2009

Chelsea - Hull City
Prediction: 3 - 0
My feeling is that Hull City will struggle badly this season, and Chelsea under Ancelotti will simply be too strong for them, especially since this game is at Stamford Bridge

Portsmouth - Fulham
Prediction: 1 - 2
Fulham to continue the good work they left off last season, and will scrape through with a narrow win for this away game.

Wolverhampton Wanderers - West Ham United
Prediction: 2 - 2
Even though I predicted that Wolves will be in for a relegation struggle, they may start off the season relatively well with momentum carried forward from their Championship exploits. West Ham will have to come to terms with the departure of Neill.

Blackburn Rovers - Manchester City
Prediction: 1 - 1
Blackburn will be more solid this season under the continued stewardship of Allardyce. Manchester City will finish the season strongly (if they have not sacked Hughes by then), but may start off slower as the new signings get to know one another better.

Bolton Wanderers - Sunderland
Prediction: 1 - 1
Bolton will again be steady but unspectacular. Sunderland will do better this season under Bruce and with a number of key signings, but will have to settle for an away draw on the opening day.

Aston Villa - Wigan Athletic
Prediction: 2 - 0
Wigan is another team that I predicted to struggle this season, especially earlier on as Martinez is finding his feet in the Premiership. Aston Villa faded away towards the second half of last season, but with a decent squad and a summer of rest, this fixture should not pose big problems for them.

Stoke City - Burnley
Prediction: 1 - 0
Will probably be a boring match with few chances for both teams. Stoke to nick it with one of their typical goals.

Everton - Arsenal
Prediction: 2 - 2
Will be one of the more exciting matches this round. Arsenal with their attacking prowess will not be short of goals. Unfortunately for them, Everton will be capable of scoring a couple as well, with proven goalscorers like Cahill, Saha, Jo and Fellaini, especially when the centre of defence is still a suspect area for Arsenal.

Manchester United - Birmingham
Prediction: 2 - 1
Easy match for Manchester United but only on paper. In reality, they will have to come to terms with the departure of Ronaldo in the earlier part of the season, and in addition, will be missing a couple of players (especially Vidic) through injury.

Tottenham Hotspur - Liverpool
Prediction: 1 - 1
Another of the more exciting matches for the round. Tottenham will do better this season with the improving Lennon and Modric, and the partnership of Crouch and Defoe. Liverpool will be happy with an opening day draw away to a good team, with Gerrard and Torres again the key men, as they get used to life without Alonso.