Everton host Liverpool and Tottenham take on Arsenal in two mouthwatering derby encounters in the Premier League this weekend.
The Champions League may have provided drama but it is back to the real business of the Premier League for all of the top teams this weekend and both Manchester United and Manchester City will be keen to placate their supporters with wins over Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers. Can they do it or will this week be seen as a turning point for the league leaders?
Our writers think that both Manchester sides should be winning and they have also given their opinions on the Merseyside derby, which kicks off at 12:45 on Saturday. The Toffees may be without any recognised strikers, while Liverpool's Luis Suarez is in top form but that may not be enough to swing the match at Goodison Park in favour of the visitors.
The weekend's other derby sees Tottenham Hotspur, who will be challenging Liverpool for a place in the top four of the Premier League this season, take on North London rivals Arsenal. The Gunners have come in for plenty of stick this season and it could be set to continue, with Emmanuel Adebayor set to play a big part in their downfall.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Newcastle United take their unbeaten record to Molineux, where they will play Wolves. Sunderland search for redemption against West Brom and Aston Villa and Wigan meet at Villa Park.
On Sunday the main event is Bolton v Chelsea. Owen Coyle's side have lost five in a row and a meeting with Chelsea must be the last thing the Trotters want. Fernando Torres is, however, absent for the Blues, who have been playing better recently without getting the results they deserve.
A fortnight ago QPR and Swansea both suggested they were about to hit form with 3-0 wins over Wolves and West Brom. They were both disappointing last weekend but have excellent chances of picking up three points this Sunday, although Fulham and Stoke City aren't easy teams to beat.
So, whether you are a fan of a Premier League club or an impartial observer there is certainly plenty to be excited about this weekend. As usual, our writers have written in depth previews of all ten matches taking place in English football's top flight and identified the best bets available on each game, ranging from odds-on shots to 25/1 punts. To read the free tips for each game, simply click on the relevant fixture below:
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Sunday, 2 October 2011