Match Predictions for Round 4 (29/08/2009 and 30/08/2009) 28 August, 2009

Chelsea - Burnley
Prediction: 2 - 0
On paper this is a massive mismatch in Chelsea's favour. However, the same could have been said when Burnley played Manchester United last week and they did show that they are capable of holding their own against the bigger boys. That said, Chelsea doesn't look like dropping many points this season, and should take all three points with at least two goals to the good.

Tottenham Hotspur - Birmingham City
Prediction: 3 - 1
It may be too early to judge, but it does look like Spurs have a really good chance to break into the top four this season - the first time since they were down with food poisoning. The recent form of Defoe, Lennon and Modric should ensure a comfortable victory.

Blackburn Rovers - West Ham United
Prediction: 1 - 1
Two teams that are not that far apart in strength, but Blackburn seems to be having a slightly more difficult start. Home advantage should help them to their first point of the season.

Bolton Wanderers - Liverpool
Prediction: 0 - 2
Liverpool dominated Stoke last week, and should have no problem against a similar team in Bolton, who have so far got nothing - in two fixtures against relatively manageable opponents.

Stoke City - Sunderland
Prediction: 1 - 2
Both teams have performed to expectations so far, getting results that were true to form. I predicted Sunderland to do well this season and finish comfortably in mid-table, and I like what I see so far. Hence I'm taking them to take all three points in a close encounter.

Wolverhampton Wanderers - Hull City
Prediction: 2 - 2
I can see more than a couple of goals in this match, but can't see the three points going either way.

Manchester United - Arsenal
Prediction: 1 - 1
First encounter between two of the big four this season. Arsenal have been devastating so far, but they have yet to meet the likes of United, who on the other hand, have already experienced a blip against Burnley. Both teams will not want lose such a big game at such an early stage, and will not be too unhappy with a point each.

Portsmouth - Manchester City
Prediction: 1 - 3
Manchester City are actually quite a well-balanced team (as long as they don't try to field all of their available forwards at once) especially with the addition of Lescott. Portsmouth are in a spot of bother and will be in real relegation danger unless they can strengthen their squad a little. Shouldn't be too awkward for City.

Everton - Wigan Athletic
Prediction: 2 - 1
The Lescott saga did not end in Everton's favour, but it should still provide some welcome relief. They still need a replacement centre-back though, to keep up any aspirations of Europe this season. Wigan showed both promise and naivety in their games so far and will just narrowly lose this one.

Aston Villa - Fulham
Prediction: 1 - 0
A very close match to call. On paper Villa are well capable of winning this one, though Fulham will provide stiff opposition. A one-goal victory for the home side seems the most likely outcome.