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WEST HAM UNITED vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1230)
We kick off the weekend’s Premier League action and find Newcastle with an unaccustomed wind in their sails. They’ve climbed out of the bottom three and will now look to ascend to the rarefied heights of, well, anywhere 17th or above will do. Sound familiar? Hmm, like waking from a dream. They’re without Kieran Trippier Callum Wilson, who always seems to score against us, is also out. However, if memory serves, Chris Wood has a nuisance record against us. We’ve got a chance to return to the top four with a win for a day at least and this is also an excellent opportunity to return our opponents to the deeper reaches of heebie-jeebie territory. Chris Kavanagh officiates his one hundredth Premier League game. Let’s hope it’s memorable for all the right reasons. Home win.
ARSENAL vs BRENTFORD (1500)
Every point is vital in Brentford’s quest for an unlikely second season in the top flight. Arsenal, two points behind us but with three games in hand, will rightly be favourites, but they dare not underestimate their opponents. Home win.
ASTON VILLA vs WATFORD (1500)
You can feel it in yer bones: Watford look doomed. But under Roy Hodgson, they’re not going to give up without some kind of fight, however futile it may seem. Villa will see this as an opportunity to climb a couple of places in the table. Home win.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs BURNLEY (1500)
On paper, this is a dire prospect. Two managers that emphasise discipline and organisation. And one that has seen success this season. Whatever you do, watch something else, mow the lawn, take the missus shopping, whatever. To form and to league position. Home win.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs CHELSEA (1500)
This could be the pick of the 3.00pm games. The visitors are favourites, but Palace are capable of pulling off an upset. Be nice if they did. Away win.
LIVERPOOL vs NORWICH CITY (1500)
Pass Go and collect 200 pounds. Run of the mill, straightforward, no surprises here. Home win.
SOUTHAMPTON vs EVERTON (1500)
Another potentially good game on the cards at St Mary’s. Everton haven’t travelled well and the Saints are enjoying one of their intermittent purple patches that they seem to have every season. They’ll fancy their chances against FLJ’s new charges. Home win.
MANCHESTER CITY vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1730)
This should be a corker, particularly as City will want to keep daylight between themselves and Liverpool who have a banker today. Spurs are reportedly riddled with discontent and there’s every indication that will continue today. Home win.
**SUNDAY**
LEEDS UNITED vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1400)
Traditionally, one of the great fixtures of the English game. Let’s hope it lives up to that billing. Leeds may have a surprise up their sleeve this afternoon. Draw.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs LEICESTER CITY (1630)
Wolves are in a moment. Until the final moments of last week’s game, the Foxes might have believed they were too. Alas, not. Well, not alas. Just not. And they face a side that’s hard to break down, even without scoring many goals themselves. Could be a cagey encounter, could be feisty, but should be a decent watch. Draw.
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