Well, someone has to take responsibility for the last gameweek’s predictions. So let’s go back and see where we went wrong…

Our pundit’s views (in italics):

Middlesbrough v Chelsea
The gulf in class between these two side should be just too great and you can see Chelsea easing to a win here, even though they are away from home. The Blues by more than the odd goal.

1 out of 1 - With Boro failing to show up, Chelsea started our calls on a great note.

Arsenal v Everton
Arteta and Yakubu are real threats here, and Arsenal will have to keep a close eye on them. I wouldn’t be surprised if Everton got a goal from a set-piece, as Arsenal have not had the greatest season in defending against corners and free-kicks. You still have to feel that Arsenal have too much for the Toffees though, especially if Fabregas starts pulling the strings again. Arsenal to shave a close one at the Emirates.

2 out of 2 - This prediction thing is easy, right?! Tough start for Arsenal, but their class showed in the end.

Aston Villa v Portsmouth
This is the type of game that Villa really need to win if they have hopes of challenging the top four places this season. Offensively they are in great form, but they have only kept one clean sheet this season, and this is where they may be found out in this game, especially with Crouch and Defoe in such great form. A resonably high-scoring draw seems the most likely result in this one.

2,5 out of 3 - I’m only going to give us a half-point here, because we predicted a high-scoring draw, and it ended 0-0.

Bolton v Blackburn
This is one of those games where both sides could easily cancel each other out and end in a tame draw. Bolton are notoriously difficult to beat at home, but you imagine that an Ince-coached side will not be bullied. A low-scoring draw in this one.

3,5 out of 4 - As predicted, a bit of a bore-draw this one.

Fulham v Sunderland
This is an opportunity for Fulham to get back on their feet at Craven Cottage. Sunderland will definitely not make it easy, but you feel that if Fulham can get ahead early, they will shade this one.

3,5 out of 5 - Our first incorrect result, Sunderland were actually freakishly unlucky not to win this game after the amount of times they hit the bar. Must’ve been close to some sort of record (if anyone out there actually bothers to tally such things).

Liverpool v Wigan
An early goal is crucial for the Reds here, as it will allow them to relax and force Wigan to come after the game. This should allow Liverpool to open them up a bit more, and grab a couple more goals. The longer this game stays level, the better for Wigan, who have the potential to grab something on the break. Liverpool seem to have developed a winning habit this season though, so they should grind out a good result here. The Reds to win this one by a couple of goals.

4 out of 6 - Another half-point for us here, as we called the Reds to win by a couple. Only 8 games gone we know, but fate pulling in Liverpool’s direction this year??

Hull City vs West Ham, 15:00
It says a lot for Hull’s good start that most people will be making them favourites for this game. This is a stern test of their ability to be consistent because West Ham will not just lie down. A close-fought draw looks on the cards here.

4 out of 7 - Hull continue to surprise everyone, this time at our expense!

Stoke City vs Tottenham Hotspur, 16:00
Spurs are due for a win, although visiting the promoted clubs early in the season is never easy. You are almost tempted to call this a relegation 6-pointer, but it’s a bit too early in the season to say that. An early goal or two will help settle Spurs’ nerves, but when you haven’t won in so long then it is difficult to close games out. Still, you feel that Spurs should turn things around here.

4 out of 8 - Spurs, Spurs, Spurs. How long is this going to carry on for?!

Newcastle United vs Manchester City, 20:00
With the way things have gone so far this season, this one should be quite easy to call. But Newcastle showed that they still have some fight in them in their last outing against Everton, so this will not be easy for City. Despite Michael Owen not being available, I’m going for a draw here as it seems like Kinnear has put some aggression back into the Toon.

5 out of 9 - As we said, some real fight coming out of the Toon finally… long may it continue.

We somehow neglected to include the Man Utd - West Brom game in our previews (how did that happen?!), but we’re sure you won’t mind us taking the points for that call! Three incorrect results, so that takes us up to 6 out of 10, with those couple of half points, which makes for a decent return at the bookies.

Remember though, this is not an exact science, so don’t go betting your house on our picks!