This week's predictions

Sunderland vs Tottenham: Sunderland's first home game in the top flight so it will be a massive game for them. The Stadium of Light has been like a fortress for Sunderland last season. They have not lost a League game at home in 2007. Spurs, if they want to signal their intention of breaking into the top 4, have to win games convincingly against lower quality oppositions. This will be a tough game for them but their attacking strength will do enough to get them the points.

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 1-1
The Football Pundit says: 1-2

Bolton vs Newcastle: Interesting game this one. Big Sam returns to his old club Bolton. New strikers Viduka and Smith look set to play their first game for Newcastle. Bolton have to prove to the rest that they are strong enough without Big Sam at the helm. Bolton's record of not losing in its first game of the season is impressive. The last time they lost an opening game was 16 August 2003 against Man Utd at Old Trafford.

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's predition: 1-0
The Football Pundit says: 1-1

Derby vs Portsmouth: I look at the team assembled by Derby and ask myself, where's the quality? Compare that to Portsmouth which has £23m worth of new signings available for this game. New signing Nugent will lead the attack for Portsmouth but don't expect him to get his debut goal.

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's prediciton: 1-2
The Football Pundit says: 0-2

Everton vs Wigan: Everton at home will be too strong for a very weak Wigan team who will struggle this year. You look at Wigan's defence, you see Titus Bramble playing there and you can say that's a sure win for Everton.

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 2-0
The Football Pundit says: 2-0

Middlesbrough vs Blackburn: Boro have lost the past 5 games to Blackburn while Blackburn have lost their opening games two seasons in a row so I guess both teams will be out to make sure they do not lose. On paper, Blackburn has a far superior squad than Boro.

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 1-1
The Football Pundit says: 0-0

West Ham vs Manchester City: Another interesting game. Ex England boss Erikson makes his return to England as the manager of Man City. West Ham after remarkably escaping relegation last season, want to make sure they have a good start to their campaign. They will surely miss Tevez but Dean Ashton is back and I think he will sparkle for them this season. Man City will look out of sorts tonight as they will take time to gel together as a team. They also have a terrible first game of the season record.

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 2-0
The Football Pundit says: 3-1

Aston Villa vs Liverpool: All eyes will be on the much strengthened Liverpool team. New signings Torres and Benayoun will get their debuts. They do look an impressive team. Liverpool have not won an opening Premier League fixture since 18 August 2002. Villa as we all know are the draw specialists. They draw almost half of their league games last season.

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 1-2
The Football Pundit says: 0-0

Arsenal vs Fulham: I think this is an easy game for Arsenal. Fulham are a very weak side. Eduardo da Silva and Bacary Sagna will get their debuts and I expect Arsenal to come out all firing. They lost Henry but many in the Arsenal camp feel that the team can surprise many this season by winning the League. Fulham have never won a game at Arsenal's home ground.

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 2-0
The Football Pundit says: 3-0

Chelsea vs Birmingham: Battle of the Blues! No John Terry for Chelsea but Drogba should be in the team. That's good news for Chelsea because Drogba is their main source of goals. Chelsea have a very good record at home - unbeaten in 63 straight games!

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 2-0
The Football Pundit says: 1-0

Manchester United vs Reading: The Champions kick off their first game at home against a side that surprised many last season. New signings Hargreaves and Nani should get their debuts for Utd. Reading have not bought enough to strengthened their side this season. I fear their defence will be overrun by United's forwards in this game. Reading's last victory over Utd was on 17 January 1927.

BBC's Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 3-1
The Football Pundit says: 3-0

Read Mark Lawrenson's predictions here.