Premier League preview

Portsmouth are still firmly rooted to the bottom of the Premier League following last week's loss to Bolton, which made it five losses out of five for the South Coast club. The defence has really struggled so far this season and last week showed the return of David James is simply not enough. Despite scoring twice last weekend it is unclear where the goals will come from and this combined with a leaking defence will make this game very difficult.

Man to Watch – David James The very wobbly Portsmouth back four look more confident when he plays and the England international will be looking to reclaim his place from Robert Green.

Prediction - Aston Villa to win: 2-0

Bolton v Stoke

Bolton have been in the goals recently, scoring 5 in their last two games and the new signing of Klasnic could be a threat once he settles. A last gasp winner won the game against Portsmouth and they battled hard against Liverpool. Despite this scoring record and being at home Wanderers could still struggle to break down a resilient Stoke defence.

Man to Watch – Kevin Davies The big striker is crucial to Bolton as he uses his strength to bring players into the attack and is very good in the air.

Stoke City have built a reputation for being very stubborn at home, last week's last minute loss to Chelsea typified this. The club's away form is still questionable. With it looking likely that key players James Beattie and Thomas Sorenson will be unavailable, they could struggle, but if they can build on last week's performance they definitely have the potential to snatch a win.

Man to Watch – Sanli Tuncay The new Stoke signing is seen as an enigma in the footballing world who struggles to play as part of a system. However, if Pulis can harness his unquestionable talent he will cause Bolton problems.

Prediction - Stalemate: 1-1

Burnley v Sunderland

Burnley's start to the season has been cruel for a newly-promoted side; the club has already had to play 3 of the big 4. However, they have looked good at home, taking points off Everton and Manchester United. Their workman like spirit, inspired by their home fans could prove vital in this clash.

Man to Watch – Brian Jensen The Burnley keeper has been excellent so far this season and could be crucial in contending with Darren Bent.

Sunderland have had a good start to the season with their only disappointing result coming in a loss away to Stoke. Darren Bent seems to be a man-reborn netting 4 goals in 5 games. Sunderland do seem to struggle to keep a clean sheet at the moment, consistently letting the opposition pinch one, a fact that could hamper them on Saturday.

Man to Watch – Darren Bent The striker is on a great scoring streak and must now be viewed as a real danger man.

Prediction – Stalemate: 1-1

Hull v Birmingham

The recent loss of Michael Turner was a body blow for Hull. The defender brought a fearless attitude and helped organise the defence. His departure has left Hull short in defence and they conceded 4 against Sunderland last week. Phil Brown's men have not had anything like the start they did last year and will see this as a must win game.

Man to Watch – Stephen Hunt The midfield man has been Hull's best performer so far and can both create and score goals.

Birmingham have had a similar start to Hull, 4 points from 15 leaves them near the base of the table. Alex McLeish has adopted a very safe policy which has led the club to not concede many but also not score many. This defensive policy has left them with a tendency to concede late goals as they can only absorb pressure for so long.

Man to Watch – Christian Benitez The newly signed Ecuadorian is a versatile forward player who will look to use McFadden's absence to establish himself in the first team.

Prediction – Birmingham to win: 1-0

West Ham v Liverpool

Under Gianfrance Zola, West Ham have sought to play beautiful' football. They have chosen not to adopt an overly defensive approach but to be more attacking. While this is admirable, Carlton Cole often looks isolated up front and has struggled at times. The new signing Alessandro Diamanti almost announced himself in style against Wigan and his introduction could lead to more goals for the Hammers.

Man to Watch – Carlton Cole He is the focus of West Ham's attack and will be looking to use his strength to make a nuisance of himself in the Liverpool defence.

Liverpool have not started the season how they would have liked. Defeats to Tottenham and Aston Villa, and making hard work of victories over Bolton and then Debrecen in the Champions League have led many to write off the Reds already. However, they showed glimpses of what they can do against Burnley and Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres always have the potential to burst into life.

Man to Watch – Yossi Benayoun The little Israeli has been in fantastic form recently and his hat-trick against Burnley showed that. He will be essential to Liverpool as a goal scorer and provider.

Prediction – Liverpool to win: 2-0

Sunday

Chelsea v Tottenham

Although Chelsea have struggled to perform to their potential this season they have been able to grind out results, a rare and important skill. Twice this season they have won in the last minute. Sunday will be the first big test for them as Tottenham will be looking to assert themselves as a Premier League force and Chelsea will want to make a declaration of their dominance.

Man to Watch – Didier Drogba Chelsea look a different team when he plays as he uses his strength and skill to terrorise defences and form a focus for Chelsea's attacks.

Harry Redknapp's leadership, combined with heavy investment, has worked wonders for Tottenham so far. After enjoying a flying start they were brought back down to earth with a bump by Manchester United last weekend. The match on Sunday gives them a chance to claim another big 4 scalp to go with their victory over Liverpool on the opening day of the season.

Man to Watch – Jermaine Defoe His scoring record this season has been fantastic and every time he plays he looks likely to find the net, this combined to his determination to become an England starter makes him a key man for Spurs.

Prediction – Chelsea to win: 3-1

Everton v Blackburn

Everton have struggled to find any momentum this season. The club's only win came over Wigan and this was then followed by defeat to Fulham. A new-look defence with Sylvain Distin and Johnny Heitinga should solidify the team at the back but theylack a goalscorer up front. The absence of experienced captain Phil Neville in midfield will hurt Everton and could cost them if they push too much for a goal.

Man to Watch – Tim Cahill The midfielder is good at both ends of the field and is lethal with his head so could prove a vital source of goals from set pieces.

After the team were booed in the 0-0 draw with West Ham they really turned it around with a 3-1 victory over Wolves and will be looking to gain some momentum with another win at Goodison Park. Sam Allardyce likes his men to be combative and the midfield battle should determine the outcome of the game, especially as Phil Neville is missing.

Man to Watch – David Dunn He has the ability to create chances and cause problems with free-kicks.

Prediction – Stalemate: 1-1

Man Utd v Man City

Manchester United have sought to prove they do not need Cristiano Ronaldo this season and have mostly done that with four wins, including victories over Arsenal and Tottenham. Without Ronaldo they may struggle to breakdown teams this season who have 11 men behind the ball, however, Sunday's game will most likely be open and attacking since City have a point to prove.

Man to Watch – Wayne Rooney The striker has been in superb form so far and will almost certainly be fired up by his substitution in the Champions League on Wednesday.

For Manchester City this is a crucial psychological match. Victory at Old Trafford would signify a challenge to Utd's dominance and show that City have not spent millions for nothing. However Emmanuel Adebayor, their top scorer, will be suspended and it looks likely that Carlos Tevez may miss out, whether this blunts their attack remains to be seen.

Man to Watch – Stephen Ireland If he is fully fit on Sunday he could prove crucial in bolstering an attack that will be missing it four first choice strikers.

Prediction – Manchester Utd to win: 2-1

Wolves v Fulham

Wolves have struggled so far this season and will see a home game against Fulham as a definite chance to take some points. Up until the last game against Blackburn the Wolves defence had seemed fairly durable, limiting Man City to just 1 goal, however they shipped 3 away at Blackburn and are lacking a good ball winning midfielder.

Man to Watch – Stefan Maierhofer The newly signed striker scored for Wolves against Blackburn and fans will be hoping he can live up to all his hype.

Fulham produced a good second half display against Everton last weekend to recover from a poor start and sealed the win with a superb effort from Damien Duff. Thursday night's Europa League game should not fatigue the team too much as Hodgson is planning to only include 3 of the 11 that started against Everton. If Fulham play with the attacking enthusiasm of last weekend's second half they should take a victory.

Man to Watch – Clint Dempsey The American always seems to be able to find space and chances, as he did even in the confined game against Everton last week.

Prediction – Fulham to win: 1-0

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