Lawro's Premiership predictions

BBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson gives his predictions for this weekend's Premiership fixtures.

Charlton v Everton

It should be a comfortable start to the new season for Charlton who have picked up a couple of good new players over the summer.

Alan Curbishley's side are always good at home while Everton are in disarray, and I can't see anything but a home win.

Verdict: Addicks start in style.

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Derby v Blackburn

Fabrizio Ravanelli should boost the Rams

It may sound strange but this is almost a six-pointer, despite being the first game of the season.

Blackburn won there in the Cup last season and that will give them confidence for this game, but the class of Ravanelli could swing it in Derby's favour.

Verdict: Points shared.

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Leeds v Southampton

It should be a straightforward start for an ebullient Leeds side. A year on and the young players are more experienced and will be hard to stop.

But it's going to be a long, hard season for Southampton and that will be reinforced at 4:50pm on Saturday.

Verdict: Leeds to stroll it.

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Leicester v Bolton

It's going to be a difficult season for both teams but I think Leicester will make the better start.

Peter Taylor's side must improve after their dreadful run at the end of last season, while Bolton will have to replace the defenders they have lost quickly if they are to survive.

Verdict: Leicester take the points.

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Liverpool v West Ham

The Hammers have defensive problems and take on a Liverpool side who are always strong at home.

Gerard Houllier's side will be confident off the back of the Charity Shield and it should be a comfortable afternoon for the home side.

Verdict: Home banker.

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Middlesbrough v Arsenal

It's a good start for McClaren who has bought well and will have Boro extremely well organised and disciplined.

Arsenal have made some good buys over the summer and will chase United hard, but they need to improve their away form on last season.

Verdict: A point apiece.

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Sunderland v Ipswich

Last season was brilliant for Ipswich and they made it into the UEFA Cup, but they might find it difficult to do as well again this time around.

I expect Sunderland to push on and get more points than last season, although still finish outside the top five, but the passion from the home crowd will help them make a good start.

Verdict: Sunderland too strong.

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Totttenham v Aston Villa

Gustavo Poyet has joined Spurs from Chelsea

Tottenham are my outsiders for a top-six finish as Glenn Hoddle has brought in some good players and has more money to spend.

Aston Villa have lost some of their defensive quality while boosting their forward power, and Tottenham should win this one.

Verdict: Home win.

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Chelsea v Newcastle

With injuries to Carl Cort and Alan Shearer, and their abysmal away form of last season, this will be a tough trip for Newcastle.

Chelsea have made some good signings in Petit, Lampard and Zenden and are historically strong at home, so should make a winning start.

Verdict: Three points for the Blues.

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Manchester United v Fulham

You can't bet against a home win but it's good for Fulham to get this one out the way, the dreaded trip to Old Trafford. It will give them experience at least, although it will be experience of losing.

With Veron and Van Nistelrooy in the side it should lift the roof off at Old Trafford and the players will be ready after the disappointment of the Charity Shield.

Verdict: United give new boys a lesson.