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Saturday

Arsenal v Derby

11am

After rebounding from their 6-0 loss against Liverpool with an impressive win over Newcastle, Derby couldn't have asked for a worse fixture to follow up.

They look more solid at home than on the road and Kenny Miller has at least eased their striker crisis. Just the defence and midfield to take care of now then.

Arsenal and in particular Cesc Fabregas, compared by his coach to Michel Platini this week, are in irresistible form. Another hiding is in prospect for the Rams here.

BDA Sun prediction: 3-0

Fulham v Man City

1:15am

Man City may have stolen a lot of the headlines with their sprint-start, but it's hard to disagree with coach Sven Goran Eriksson's assessment that his team won't break into the top four.

It's too early to pay too much attention to the league table and an away day at Fulham is by no means an easy fixture. Former New England Revolution forward Clint Dempsey is starting to hit form for Fulham.

BDA Sun prediction: 0-0

Liverpool v Birmingham

11am

Rafa Benitez refuses to give up his reputation as the Premiership's new tinkerman. Resting Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres for an away trip to Portsmouth last week surely cost them a couple of points.

And the obvious prioritizing of the Champions League will not sit well with many fans at Anfield who are desperate for their first title in almost 20 years.

It shouldn't matter much what XI he puts out on Saturday, though.

BDA Sun prediction: 3-0

Middlesbrough v Sunderland

11am

One week they're being hailed as the Brazil of Teeside, the next they are getting tanked by West Ham.

Boro have got the silky skills to prosper on home soil but seem to lack the bite for the grind away from home.

Julio Arca and Fabio Rochemback will give Sunderland plenty to think about on Saturday.

BDA Sun prediction: 2-1

Reading v Wigan

11am

Just one win in six games and Reading have already been diagnosed with a serious case of second-season syndrome.

They defied the critics to be the sensation of last season, almost making the UEFA Cup, after getting promoted from the Championship. Yes. Good thing, indeed.

But they have been seriously out of sorts so far this year, losing heavily to the likes of West Ham and Bolton.

Wigan, though, are without Emile Heskey and this could be a good chance for Steve Coppell's team to get their season back on track.

BDA Sun prediction: 1-0

Sunday

Aston Villa v Everton

10am

They've been far from spectacular so far this year, but there are signs that Aston Villa are improving.

Ashley Young is starting to look like a Premiership striker and the ever-ready Gareth Barry was a revelation for England in centre midfield last week.

Everton had a tough European outing in mid-week, which could take its toll.

BDA Sun prediction: 0-0

Blackburn v Portsmouth

11am

Blackburn have put together a 15-match unbeaten run, stretching back to last season, and are beginning to look like one of the top teams outside the top four.

Their thuggush reputation, which prompted Arsene Wenger to label them 'violent', is sometimes justified. But they also have plenty of class and guile.

Portsmouth are a side on the up, but Rovers may just be too tough for them to break down.

BDA Sun prediction: 1-0

Bolton v Tottenham

11am

The two favourites in the Premiership 'sack race' - Sammy Lee and Martin Jol - must have been shocked to see Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho get the boot before them.

But sadly for the Premiership's two most beleagured bosses, the Special One's exit doesn't do them any favours.

Chelsea's sacking of the man who gave them back-to-back championships after three games without a win is only likely to convince the Spurs board to develop the cojones to send Jol to the unemployment line with him.

Whatever the result of this game it's hard to see Jol or Lee still in a job by Christmas.

BDA Sun prediction: 0-2

Man Utd v Chelsea

Midday

If the title race was already shaping up to be the most exciting in recent years the bombshell departure of Mourinho this week has blown things wide open.

Anyone who thought Chelsea's success was all about money, should watch and see how they cope without their controversial but brilliant coach.

One man who will be happy to see the back of him is Sir Alex Ferguson. United are still a little bit out of sorts, but their main rivals are in disarray.

BDA Sun prediction: 1-0

Newcastle v West Ham

9:30am

An embarrassing defeat at Derby took the wind out of Newcastle's impressive start to the season.

More worrying, though, was the sight of Michael Owen limping off with yet another injury.

Owen should be back this weekend, says boss Sam Allardyce, and the Geordie's will need him to replicate his international form if they are to overcome high-flying West Ham.

BDA Sun prediction: 2-1[[In-content Ad]]

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