Now that all the transfer activity is over, it is back to the business on the field, with the English Premier League promising yet another exciting weekend before it takes a two-week international break. Liverpool vs Arsenal will be the marquee match of the weekend, to be played on Sunday, but plenty of other intriguing encounters lie in wait.
Let's take a look at what's in store for Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday:
West Ham United vs Fulham at Upton Park: A London derby is scheduled as the early game (12.45 pm BST) with the Hammers looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Swansea. Sam Allardyce's men have flattered to deceive so far in the first two games, despite picking up a win on the opening weekend. Andy Carrol, though, should give the London side a boost.
Fulham are coming off a 5-0 win and an encouraging loss to Manchester United. They have, however, lost Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey to Spurs, but have brought in Dimitar Berbatov. It will be interesting to see how Berbatov fits into Martin Jol's system.
Prediction: 1-1
Swansea vs Sunderland at the Liberty: Among the four 3 p.m. BST kickoffs, of the two teams, Swansea have looked brilliant in their first two games. Scoring eight goals, with Michu looking like one of the signings of the season. Sunderland's first home game of the season was postponed due to a water-logged pitch last Saturday, so it remains to be seen how match-ready their players are.
Prediction: 3-1 to Swansea
Tottenham vs Norwich at White Hart Lane: Spurs have been one of the busiest clubs in the final days of the transfer window. With Hugo Lloris, Dembele and Dempsey in their ranks, they will be a much more stronger side. However the jury is still out on Andre Villas-Boas, much will depend on how the Portuguese can mould his players into a winning unit. Norwich have been disappointing so far and I expect them to struggle at White Hart Lane.
Prediction: 2-0 to Spurs
West Brom vs Everton at the Hawthorns: Everton have been one of the most impressive side's in the English Premier League, while West Brom have done well to pick up four points in their first two games. David Moyes' men, however, should have too much in their ranks to suffer a defeat.
Prediction: 2-1 to Everton
Wigan vs Stoke at the DW: Stoke City were pretty poor against an Arsenal side they normally bully at home, although that might be more to Arsenal's credit than Stoke's failures. They have picked up two points from their two games and are due for a win. The signing of Charlie Adam will help Tony Pulis' men to find a little more creative spark. However, Roberto Martinez has got his Wigan side playing some good, effective football, and the fact that they are at home will work in their favor.
Prediction: 1-1
Man City vs QPR at the Etihad: The late match Saturday (5.30 BST) will see a repeat of the unforgettable final game of last season, when Sergio Aguero struck a stoppage time winner to hand his side a dramatic title win.
City will look to bounce back from a lucky 2-2 draw against Liverpool. The Etihad is their fortress, and despite a few more additions to the QPR squad, Mark Hughes' team will find it difficult to get anything from the game. I don't expect anything like the drama experienced here in May, but it sure would be nice to see a similar game!
Prediction: 3-0 to City
Liverpool vs Arsenal at Anfield: Liverpool showed what they are capable of in their previous match against City at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers will want another similar performance against an Arsenal side, which are yet to find a single goal. Arsene Wenger had hinted at more signings in the transfer window, but nothing came to fruition. The Frenchman will be hoping his new-look side will fire at Anfield, but will know it will not be an easy game.
Prediction: 1-1
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa at Sports Direct Arena: Newcastle were pretty poor against Chelsea last weekend, but I expect them to put in a much better performance against an Aston Villa side, which has failed to find any kind of rhythm.
Prediction: 2-0 to Newcastle
Southampton vs Manchester United at St Mary's: United have been far from convincing this season, but picked up a vital win against Fulham with new signings Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa getting on the scoresheet. With Rooney out injured, it will give Sir Alex Ferguson a chance to give the duo a proper run of games. Southampton are yet to pick up a point, but will be buoyed by the signing of highly-rated playmaker Gaston Ramires.
Prediction: 3-1 to United
Note: Chelsea are not scheduled to play this weekend due to their exertions in the UEFA Super Cup Friday against Atletico Madrid. The Blues lost 4-2 to the Europa League winners, with Radamel Falcao scoring a hat-trick.
I have put it out there with my predictions; please do feel free to post your opinions on the comments section.