A view on the weekends action

The premier league returns to our screens this weekend so here are my predictions for this week.

I have to start this week again on Sunday because its my favorite derby, the Mersyside derby. What is great for this game is that the off-field drama at Liverpool has been resolved, for now, and we can focus on what happens on the pitch. Lets start with teams and Torres and Konchesky have been passed fit for Liverpool but Dirk Kuyt is out after picking up an injury for Holland while on international duty. Funny I seem to remember the same thing happening to Van Persie about the same time as this last season. My advice to players in the premier league from Holland, try to get the flu in october, its pretty common around this time in Britain. As for Everton they have some bad news. Pienaar is out and David Moyes said he doesn't expect Louis Saha to be fit. Fellaini is out for six weeks after he injured his hamstring playing for Belgium. I love this game because of its habit of producing a red card. I see a draw but, because of Everton's injury problems Liverpool could win. After all, they will have new belief because of the takeover.

Arsenal have had a bad run of results and will be looking to set it straight against Birmingham. Walcott is fit along with Gibbs but Almunia is still out [though I'm not worried about that. I think Fabianski will do a good job] and Fabregas doesn't look like he'll be fit. Jerome is a doubt for Birmingham so he will probably be replaced by Zigic. Dun dun daa. For those of you who don't know Zigic is the tallest player in the world at 7ft 2in. Thats gonna be easy to defend when your team is the smallest in the league. I see a win for Arsenal but a narrow win. I do fear Birmingham from set-plays and am worried at how well we will do against a ball over the top.

Tottenham come into their game at Craven Cottage with confidence. Last time they played in the league they came from behind to beat Villa 2-1 and Van Der Vaart stole the show. He won't be any less confident after Holland beat Sweden 4-1 in mid-week. Fulham are the draw specialists drawing 6 of 7 in the league this season. But they're still unbeaten so you can't write them off. Good game but a victory for the London club from up north.

Bolton host Stoke and I have not got much to say about the game. Davies is out for Bolton and thats the news I know. Draw for me. I don't think you should watch this game if you are a neutral who has the option.

Man Utd play WBA and I see a hands down Utd victory. Earlier this week Rooney said he didn't know why his manager was saying he was injured. And he could make his return. I know WBA have done well this season but Utd are so strong that away from home I don't see them gettng anything.

Newcastle and Wigan meet at St. James' Park. I have been to hard on Wigan this season they haven't done as bad as I have made out. They have got results in games last season they would have got nothing in. They still can't fill their stadium but they might start getting a few more ticket sales if they can steer clear of relegation.

Wolves and West Ham shows to teams in different positions form wise. Wolves have lost their last 2 while West Ham have started to get some form. I see West Ham's form continuing and wolves still without a win in the last 3.

Villa play Chelsea in the evening kick-off. And Ancelotti has named his line-up already. He is without Drogba who has a virus. The Ivory Coast man has had a fever all week and has been unable to train. Lampard is still out and could also miss next weeks game with Wolves. The Blues are also without Alex, Benayoun, Sturridge and Kalou. Terry is fit though. He has recovered from the back injury which kept him out of the England team in the week. Villa will want revenge for the hammering Chelsea gave them last season and with Chelsea's injury problems and the fact that they are at home they will hope to come out of this game with at least a point.

Blackpool host City at Bloomfield Road and it is their first big test at home. As I Said City need to win these games too stay in the title race. I see City as the winners. No disrespect for Blackpool but City are on good form at the moment.

Last is Mondays game and it sees Blackburn and Sunderland slugging it out at Ewood Park. Bent is a doubt for Sunderland after he missed England duty with a groin strain. Gyan could make his first start to replace him. Draw for me. Sunderland have been impressive at home but Ewood Park is a tough place to go.