Each week, The National Deputy Sports Editor Thomas Woods predicts the outcomes of the English Premier League. In Week 5, our man got five correct results from 10 predictions, with no correct scores. Can he do better in Week 5? Here are his results for the season.
Chelsea 1 Arsenal 0
Why? I know Chelsea have a lot of issues and I also predicted they would thrash Everton last week, but I'm giving Jose Mourinho's side another chance. Arsene Wenger has only beaten Mourinho teams once, Arsenal are hardly firing themselves and Eden Hazard surely has to snap out of his poor form at some point. This game will be tight and I'll back Hazard and Diego Costa over Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud.
Aston Villa 1 West Bromwich Albion 0
Why? This should be another tight game. West Brom have scored only three goals this season and Tony Pulis would probably accept a draw at start of play. One goal could win it and the pace of the likes of Jordan Ayew and Scott Sinclair on the flanks might be the difference maker
Bournemouth 2 Sunderland 0
Why? Sunderland were my prediction to go down this season and there is no evidence to make me change that opinion. Bournemouth have a fighting chance and this is the type of fixture to give them three points as well as the chance to boost their confidence by dominating their opponents.
Newcastle United 0 Watford 1
Why? It's hard to see where Newcastle's goals are coming from. Moussa Sissoko was their most dangerous player on Monday night in the defeat at West Ham, and he is a central midfielder. Watford will frustrate Newcastle and should be able to pounce at least once on the break
Stoke City 2 Leicester City 1
Why? Stoke need to get three points on the board after a poor start to the season which belies the team's potential. Leicester are flying, but general consensus is that they are over acheiving. This could be the game where they are brought back down to earth and I wouldn't be surprised if it turns into a thriller as neither side is solid at the back.
Swansea City 1 Everton 1
Why? With both teams fielding powerful targetmen, it could be a case of the forward who plays best deciding the match. Bafetimbi Gomis has played better than Romelu Lukaku this season, but the Belgian can be such a dangerous player when it all comes together. Little separates these two on paper.
Manchester City 2 West Ham United 0
Why? There are a few reasons for concern for City. First, Sergio Aguero's fitness – he is such a difference maker for their side. Secondly, West Ham have already beaten Liverpool and Arsenal on the road this season and we know that City struggled against teams they were expected to beat at home in 2014/15. But at the same time, Manuel Pellegrini's side oozes quality – David Silva, Samir Nasri, Kevin De Bruyne, they can all pick apart a defence with one pass. City win, clean sheet
Tottenham Hotspur 0 Crystal Palace 0
Why? Spurs beat Sunderland last week but were far from impressive and failed to create many chances. They could come up against a brick wall in Palace side who are confident and dangerous on the break. If there is a goal, it may well come from a set piece.
Liverpool 3 Norwich City 1
Why? Liverpool, looking for a bounce back from two straight defeats, can get it if Christian Benteke plays to his potential. Brendan Rodgers should select Jordan Ibe, who adds pace and dribbling ability down the right flank. With the right service, Benteke will score at least twice.
Southampton 0 Manchester United 1
Why? The common point in United's two away defeats this season – 2-1 at Swansea and PSV Eindhoven – is that they looked the better team for the majority of the game. The PSV performance was promising with the pace that was so lacking early in the season on display. They can keep Southampton at bay with Marcos Rojo a fine replacement for the injured Luke Shaw.