Match to catch
The first game of the EPL weekend is undoubtedly the highlight of this week’s matches, as champions Manchester City take on Tottenham – a fixture that has averaged five goals a game over the last three seasons. The Blues had much the better of it last season, winning 6-0 at the Etihad and 5-1 at White Hart Lane, and Spurs will need to improve if they are to escape from Manchester with a result on Saturday. Results have been respectable under Mauricio Pochettino so far but the performances have been unconvincing, so if City are in the mood, they should win without too much trouble. Prediction: City 2 Spurs 0.
Keep an eye on
Arsenal have what looks a straightforward home match with Hull on Saturday, but injury and selection problems will leave boss Arsene Wenger a little uncomfortable. Attacking-wise, the Gunners will be without Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud, Yaya Sanogo, Tomas Rosicky and Aaron Ramsey, while Theo Walcott is coming back from serious injury and Alexis Sanchez travelled half-way across the world during the international break. Yes, Arsenal still have plenty of talent to choose from, but Steve Bruce’s side should fancy their chances of causing them at least as many problems as they did in last season’s dramatic FA Cup final. Prediction: Arsenal 2 Hull 1.
For the purists
Burnley finally ended their six-game scoring drought with a 2-2 draw at Leicester last time out, but their survival hopes still look extremely slim. On Saturday they host West Ham, who have produced some impressive results this season but are surely punching above their weight in seventh place. Prediction: Burnley 1 West Ham 1.
Showing form
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea have looked extremely determined so far this season – determined to make up for last season’s disappointment by dominating the league from start to finish. Unless somebody upsets Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Co. soon – they have only dropped two points so far – the title race could be over very early. This weekend, it’s Crystal Palace’s turn to get thrown under the wheels of Chelsea’s bandwagon. Prediction: Palace 1 Chelsea 2.
Need a win
Alan Pardew is proving to be a real survivor as Newcastle boss - with his side doing the bare minimum to stop him being sacked but nothing more - so the unpopular boss goes into Saturday’s match at home to Leicester fearing this really is a must-win game. The trouble is, the only side Newcastle have beaten in 90 minutes this season is third-tier Gillingham – and that was only thanks to an own goal. Newly promoted Leicester have been good fun to watch so far and they will fancy their chances of getting at least a point from St James’ Park. Prediction: Newcastle 2 Leicester 2.
Get involved
Have your say by sending me your EPL predictions via Twitter @MartinDownerGN or email sportsdesk@gulfnews.com