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There’s an uncharacteristically substantial programme on today to compete with Christmas shoppers out spending next month’s salary.
BOURNEMOUTH vs LIVERPOOL (1230 ko)
This is Liverpool’s best ever start to a Premier League season. The Cherries are doing pretty well, too, having so far collected more points than they’ve dropped. With both teams in fine fettle, this is all set to be a decent start to the weekend’s fixtures. Add to that the considerable incentive for Liverpool to end the weekend top of the table should Man City fall at Chelsea later. Away win.
ARSENAL vs HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
North-south divide, top-bottom divide, whatever you call it there’s an immense gulf between these two. For David Wagner, this afternoon could be as long and tortuous as one of his namesake’s operas. A return to the bottom three beckons. Home win.
BURNLEY vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
What this lacks in sex appeal, it makes up for with intrigue. Burnley’s inexplicable loss of form sees them off the bottom on goal difference alone. Brighton’s form sees them floating comfortably in mid-table, but they’ll have a battle today. Burnley to get their arse into gear at last. Home win.
CARDIFF CITY vs SOUTHAMPTON
It’s Cardiff’s misfortune to come up against a manager taking charge of his new side for the first time. This time last week, they would have felt that the three points were theirs for the taking today. You’d think they’d be a little less confident about that now. Exciting times could be on the horizon for the Saints, but first they have to ensure they get at least a point from games like this. Draw.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs FULHAM
Poor old Jose. Poor old Fulham. United fans will look up the table and see Bournemouth ahead of them. Fulham fans will look up the table and see all other nineteen teams. Unless Man U win today, and do so convincingly, the clock will tick ever louder for their manager. Home win.
WEST HAM UNITED vs CRYSTAL PALACE
It’s rather pleasant to look to the prospect of three wins in a row with a high degree of confidence. (You’ve really jinxed us now, you cunt. Has supporting West Ham taught you nothing?) Palace has struggled to score goals – only Huddersfield have scored fewer – particularly on the road. Even with Arnautovic out, we have the luxury of significant goal threats: Hernandez, Carroll, Perez and Antonio. This should be routine. Home win.
CHELSEA vs MANCHESTER CITY (1730 ko)
There’s a good piece about Mauriccio Sarri on the BBC website, charting his rise from successful forex trader to successful football manager. He’ll need his wits about him to come away from this with a points profit, and it will be interesting to see how his meticulous attention to detail translates into Chelsea’s game today. Pick of the day, after the Palace game. Draw.
LEICESTER CITY vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1945 ko)
Spurs go to Barcelona in midweek. Claude Puel has no such distractions. His Leicester side have been ticking along nicely of late and he will hope to use home advantage to build on that. Jamie Vardy is out, so a good deal of emphasis will be on defence. Will Spurs keep Harry Kane fresh for Barca? Draw.
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