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BRENTFORD vs CHELSEA (1500)
Both sides in the lower half of the table and both on a downer, with the hosts approaching danger territory. A win for the Blues could see them return to the top half while the Bees could end the day touching the dotted line. Plenty to play for. Away win.
EVERTON vs WEST HAM UNITED (1500)
Everton’s recent points gain still doesn’t take them fully out of the woods, but there’s enough space now between them and the drop zone to give them confidence. Another three points will see them well on the way to near certain survival. As for us, a tasty return to winning ways against Brentford should also add confidence for the trip to a venue in which we’ve traditionally underwhelmed. Moyes will also want to get one over his previous employers. Key players: Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus. Away win.
FULHAM vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1500)
On paper, a pretty even game beckons. Fulham have home advantage, the Seagulls have form on their side. Draw.
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1500)
So far, this has been a real damp squib of a season for Newcastle. Not so for Wolves, who have exceeded expectations – not least, those of their own fans. The visitors have injuries, the hosts have territorial advantage. Home win.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs LIVERPOOL (1500)
Forest are being pulled inexorably back towards the bottom three. Hosting the league leaders will only increase southbound thrust. Away win.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs CRYSTAL PALACE (1500)
It’s looking like a battle between Spurs and Man U for the UEFA Cup spot. But the north Londoners won’t have things all their way against a newly-managered Palace side that is yet to experience the bump. Home win.
LUTON TOWN vs ASTON VILLA (1730)
With Everton having been handed a points’ boost that effectively takes them out of the relegation dogfight, for now, every point is like gold dust in Luton’s quest for unlikely survival. Villa won’t be easy opponents, but if the Hatters can bring out the energy that has seen them still in with a chance of maintaining Premier League status, there’s no telling what may happen this evening. Draw.
*SUNDAY*
BURNLEY vs BOURNEMOUTH (1300)
Burnley look doomed. Bournemouth look safe, almost. Draw.
MANCHESTER CITY vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1530)
Not quite the fixture it once was, but this still has a good deal of pulling power. More of a must-win for City than United, but a local derby is always capable of turning tables. If the visitors can squeeze anything from this, it will be seen as a success. Big if. AKA no effin chance. Home win.
*MONDAY*
SHEFFIELD UNITED vs ARSENAL (2000)
Arsenal remain very much still in with a shout for the title. In the unlikely event that either (or both) of the top two slipped up yesterday, the door will be open for the visitors, who have won six on the trot, to reassert themselves as title favourites. As for the Blades, all hope vanished long ago. Away win.
*CHAMPIONSHIP*
West Brom beat visiting Coventry last night, their first goal coming from Mikey Johnston, on loan from Celtic. It was a goal of exquisite beauty and skill that was worthy of Messi, Pele’s Brazil or Cruyff’s Barca. See it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=136uQme7u4k
For the record, Grady Diangana scored the Baggies’ second.
In the first escape – albeit temporary – from the bottom three for an ice age, QPR moved out of the drop zone last time out thanks to a win over fellow relegation candidates, Rotherham. Natural law would have Millwall taking their place, but natural law gave way to a crazy away win for the Lions at high-flying Southampton. If the Saints want to get their promotion campaign back on track, they’ll have to leave Birmingham this afternoon having pocketed all three points. Leicester remain where they’ve been almost the whole season, albeit with a lead that’s down to a mere six points, and today take on brave little QPR. Ipswich make the long trek to Plymouth while Leeds have the much shorter journey to Huddersfield. Ee by gum.
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