Fulham v Wigan Athletic

Saturday October 30 - 9pm

Dring’s prediction: 1-0

Key players: Andy Johnson & Hugo Rodallega

Wigan travel to Fulham eager to put Mark Hughes’side under more pressure.

The Latics had a disastrous start to the season, but they’ve slowly crept their way up the table. Hugo Rodallega has finally begun banging in the goals and Wigan will look to keep it tight and hope their Colombian hitman can do some damage on the break.

Fulham won’t want to make it three defeats on the spin, so Hughes should be more courageous in attack. Andy Johnson’s return from injury could be the spark that reignites their campaign, as they’ve been wasteful in front of goal.

Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea

Saturday October 30 - 9pm

Dring’s prediction: 0-2

Key players: Paul Robinson & Michael Essien

Blackburn entertain the champions knowing they could well be in for a hiding.

The Rovers were torn apart at Anfield last Sunday, and if Paul Robinson hadn’t been in fine form the scoreline would’ve been embarrassing. The former England keeper and his centre-half Chris Samba are going to have to be rock solid if they hope to muster a point.

Chelsea have the knack of winning without playing well and unless fortune significantly smiles on their opponents, you can’t see them not winning. Blackburn will try to turn this fixture into a rumble but when the Blues have the likes of Michael Essien bossing the midfield, there should only be one winner.

Arsenal v West Ham Utd

Saturday October 30 - 9pm

Dring’s prediction: 2-0

Key players: Cesc Fabregas & Mark Noble

Arsenal welcome West Ham to the Emirates for a vital London derby.

The Hammers looked to have turned the corner, but last week they were woeful as they slipped to another home defeat. Mark Noble was yet again one of the few positives, and the youngster is going to have to put in another tiresome shift.

Arsenal know this game is a must-win if they are going to keep pace with Chelsea. Cesc Fabregas’ return is a massive boost and along with Samir Nasri, they should carve open a fragile West Ham and secure three points.

Everton v Stoke City

Saturday October 30 - 9pm

Dring’s prediction: 2-1

Key players: Phil Jagielka & Rory Delap

Stoke visit Everton for this weekend’s meatiest fixture.

Both sides take no prisoners and Stoke will set their stall out to frustrate and wear Everton down. Rory Delap’s missile launcher of a throw is as good as a corner, and I expect Stoke to bombard the Everton box.

Everton will be hoping Mikel Arteta can prove his fitness because, despite all of their hard work, they can lack creativity. Phil Jagielka is in the form of his life and as long as he can marshal Kenwyne Jones, the Toffees should be favourites at Goodison.

Wolves v Manchester City

Saturday October 30 - 9pm

Dring’s prediction: 0-1

Key players: Kevin Doyle & David Silva

Wolves host Manchester City keen as mustard to get out of the relegation zone.

Mick McCarthy’s side played well at Chelsea last Saturday but yet again they left empty-handed. Their biggest worry is an inability to score goals. If Wolves are to gain a vital victory, then Kevin Doyle must end his goal drought.

Manchester City will flood the midfield and try and suffocate the game. The match should be tight, and even though a draw is a real possibility, City should just edge it because of their superior quality in the final third. David Silva has finally settled and the diminutive Spaniard will pose the Wolves defence all kinds of trouble.

Man United v Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday October 30 - 11:30pm

Dring’s prediction: 2-1

Key players: Javier Hernandez & Gareth Bale

Tottenham make their way to Old Trafford looking to join the elite of English football.

Spurs are now playing in the Champions League, but they seem someway off a title challenge. They’ll look to hit Man United on the counter-attack through Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon, and hope the hosts have an off day.

With the Rooney saga put to bed and a first away win under their belt, the Red Devils should finally find some form. Javier Hernandez is the latest United hero, and his enthusiasm should inspire Sir Alex’s side to a hard-fought victory.

Aston Villa v Birmingham City

Sunday October 31 - 12pm

Dring’s prediction: 2-0

Key players: Stephen Ireland

& Nicola Zigic

Birmingham take the short trip across town to face bitter rivals Aston Villa.

Birmingham will aim to keep this local derby tight and unadventurous. With Alexander Helb a major doubt, they won’t have too much imagination going forwards and they’ll rely heavily on their man-mountain of a centre forward Nicola Zigic.

Aston Villa’s results have not been a true reflection on their performances, and Gerard Houiller’s team’s extra offensive quality should triumph. Stephen Ireland’s Villa career has been waiting to take off and this could be the match when he finally wins over the Villa Park faithful.

Newcastle v Sunderland

Sunday October 31 - 1:30pm

Dring’s prediction: 1-1

Key players: Andy Carroll & Jordon Henderson

Newcastle play host to the first North-East derby of the season as they welcome Sunderland.

The Toon Army are still lacking consistency and they need to start winning at home. Victory away at West Ham last Saturday would have been a great morale booster. Chris Hughton is likely to keep faith with two up top as Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi proved a handful at Upton Park.

Sunderland have only lost one of their nine games this season and they’re a tough side to beat. Jordan Henderson’s stock has been sky rocketing lately and the local lad will drive on the Black Cats. This game could go either way, so perhaps it’s best to sit on the fence.

Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool

Sunday October 31 - 4pm

Dring’s prediction: 1-1

Key players: Johan Elmanders & Fernando Torres

Bolton entertain a Liverpool side who are finally on the up.

Liverpool’s victory over Blackburn has eased the pressure temporarily, but they are still not out of the woods. Fernando Torres’ goal would have been especially pleasing to Roy Hodgson, and the Spaniard will need to do the same again if Liverpool are to pick up more points.

Bolton are sitting pretty in the league and they’re playing entertaining football. They might go more direct on Sunday and aim to find Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies quickly. Liverpool are the better team, but home advantage for Bolton should make this an even encounter.

Blackpool v West Brom

Monday November 1 - 8pm

Dring’s prediction: 1-2

Key players: Marlon Harewood & Chris Brunt

The Monday night match features Blackpool and West Brom.

Blackpool are still going all out attack despite their obvious defensive frailties. The Tangerines are still searching for their first home Premiership win and Ian Holloway will hope Marlon Harewood can continue to find the back of the net.

West Brom are over-achieving by some distance and they’re certainly favourites in this game. Chris Brunt’s final ball sliced open Fulham last week and if the Baggies playmaker can monopolise possession again, then it should be another three points for Roberto Di Matteo.