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We must wait another day for the weekend’s big game, but there are prospects of entertainment this afternoon. Not least, possibly, from the testing of the video assistant referee at all the 3.00pm kick-offs.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs LIVERPOOL (1230 ko)
A corker to start the weekend’s top division fixtures. Liverpool defend a 100 percent record that’s fully deserved. Spurs, meanwhile, have had a fortnight to reflect on defeat at Watford, another side with a perfect record. The home team will be without the influence and drive of injured goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris. In fact, Lloris won’t be doing much driving of any kind in the foreseeable future, and may thus be open to Scouse interest in his redundant Porsche’s spare parts. Away win.
BOURNEMOUTH vs LEICESTER CITY
Both sides come into this with confidence and expectations high. Bournemouth have made their best start yet to a Premier League season, while the Foxes have Jamie Vardy back after a three-game sojourn. On paper, which admittedly has multiple uses, this is a perfect match of equals and should be an intriguing watch. Draw.
CHELSEA vs CARDIFF CITY
Any bus parking qualifications that Colin may have will come in handy today. This is far from a battle of equals and the only real question concerns how many Chelsea will score. Home win.
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN vs CRYSTAL PALACE
Lest we forget, this time last season Palace were still four games away from recording their first win and even scoring their first goal. Their start to this season hasn’t exactly been rocket-propelled either and they’re just one point above their hosts at the start of play. They’ll be without Christian Benteke this afternoon, while Cheikh Kouyate may start. Although still early in the campaign, this is a vital game that both sides will want to take something from. Home win.
MANCHESTER CITY vs FULHAM
You have to admire the Fulham boss’s continued emphasis on attack. Less admirable is his side’s defensive record, which will receive its fiercest test to date this afternoon. Only two teams, of which Huddersfield is one, have conceded more goals so far this season. They will be grateful for the continued absence of Kevin de Bruyne, but that may prove little more than minor relief against a team brimming with top talent and hungry for consecutive league titles. Home win.
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs ARSENAL
The smart money’s on Arsenal, right? Or is it? Arsenal’s points this season have come from just two games – victories against Cardiff and the side currently occupying bottom position. They’ve lost against Chelsea and Man City. A loyal barcode may take some encouragement from that, despite their only point to date coming from a goalless encounter at Cardiff. It’s a tough one to call, the more so because of a friendly old rivalry between the managers, los dos amigos. Draw.
WATFORD vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1730 ko)
Who’s favourite – the team with home advantage and a 100 percent record or the one with a negative goal difference and currently sitting in 10th spot with six points? Rashford’s out for United, whose domestic goings on have started to resemble an episode of The Glums. In marked contrast to Watford, who are enjoying Happy Days under Javi Garcia. The Fonz plays Ron and Eff. Draw.
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