Chelsea stroll on the cards: The National’s Premier League predictions

Aston Villa v Newcastle United: Villa produced a fine defensive display in winning 1-0 away at Stoke City on the opening day and should be able to keep it tight against a Newcastle side with several new faces who will take time to gel. Scoring, however, may be tricky at both ends. PREDICTION: Draw, 0-0. (Photo: Ian MacNicol / AFP)

Crystal Palace v West Ham United: Palace are in turmoil, with no manager or director of football following an eventful week. Despite that, they put in an excellent display at Arsenal last week and deserved a draw. It is hard to see them losing against a usually goal-shy West Ham side. PREDICTION: Draw, 1-1. (Photo: Clive Mason / Getty Images)

Southampton v West Bromwich Albion: Another side who played well with no reward, Southampton manager Ronald Koeman felt his new-look side deserved a draw in their 2-1 defeat at Liverpool. This is a chance to make amends against a West Brom side expected to struggle this season. PREDICTION: Southampton, 2-0. (Photo: Darren Staples / Reuters)

Swansea City v Burnley: Fresh from beating Manchester United, Swansea will expect another home victory against promoted Burnley. Garry Monk’s side have made some impressive signings in the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jefferson Montero and their attacking talent should be the difference. PREDICTION: Swansea City, 2-0 (Photo: Alex Livesey / Getty Images)

Everton v Arsenal: A big test for both sides. Everton must improve their record against top teams all round, Arsenal must improve away from home against the top seven. Everton will feel the loss of Ross Barkley whereas Arsenal can turn to a whole host of creative midfielders for inspiration. Arsenal to edge a tight game. PREDICTION: Arsenal, 1-0. (Photo: Clive Mason / Getty Images)

Hull City v Stoke City: Two teams who could just as easily finish in the top 10 as be fighting relegation this season, showing how little separates the bottom 12 in the Premier League. Stoke don’t win many away from home and would probably be happy with a draw. PREDICTION: Draw, 0-0. (Photo: Steve Bardens / Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur v Queens Park Rangers: If Tottenham are to regain their status as serious top-four contenders then these are the sort of games they should stroll through. However, this is another team in transition, playing a new formation under Mauricio Pochettino and with the big-money signing from last summer – Erik Lamela – in the No 10 role. Expect a Spurs victory, but not a flowing one. PREDICTION: Tottenham Hotspur, 1-0. (Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / Getty Images)

Sunderland v Manchester United: Pressure on United and Louis van Gaal already, but don’t forget that they actually had a superb season in 2013/14 – if you only count away matches. The return of Robin van Persie to the team will give them a boost. This is the kind of situation where they will pull off an away win. PREDICTION: Manchester United, 0-1. (Photo: Alex Livesey / Getty Images)

Manchester City v Liverpool: The big game of the week, Liverpool lost 2-1 last season but could easily have triumphed. Luis Suarez, a star that day, is gone and Mario Balotelli likely won’t start but Liverpool will thrive playing on the counter attack with the pace of Raheem Sterling. City, meanwhile, will be their usual solid self and, this early in the season, one goal should be enough. PREDICTION: Manchester City, 1-0. (Photo: Jamie McDonald / Getty Images)

Deputy Sports Editor Thomas Woods delivers The National’s predictions for the second week of English Premier League action, including an expected walk in the park for Chelsea against Leicester City.