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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1230)
Like it or not, there’s a buzz about Spurs this season. Conte’s settled in with the elan and disposition of Il Duce and doesn’t seem inclined to take any shit from his players. Or, speaking of dictators, from opposing managers. The apparently gentler Bruno Lage may benefit from following that lead, particularly as it applies to his forwards who have long failed to convert some excellent build-up play into goals. No such limitations for the hosts who have added firepower and should be way too strong for their visitors today. Home win.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs ASTON VILLA (1500)
At face value, two evenly matched sides and a tough one to call. Villa have a first win of the season under their belts, while Palace have managed a draw from their two opening fixtures. But that was at Anfield and they can and should take a good deal of confidence from that into today. Territorial advantage may be the difference. Home win.
EVERTON vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST (1500)
Well, Forest have been splashing the cash. As have Everton, who despite it all remain pointless this season. Unless the Toffees get all three points today, such confidence as remains in the home team will dissipate and the pressure on FLJ will soon ratchet to an intolerable level. The Goodison crowd are a faithful lot, though, and can be counted on as the twelfth man. Home win.
FULHAM vs BRENTFORD (1500)
Some may see this as a Championship game in Premier League clothing, but both sides have shown that they’re no mugs and that they deserve their places in the top flight. Expect a tough battle beside the Thames – the points could prove invaluable. Draw.
LEICESTER CITY vs SOUTHAMPTON (1500)
The Foxes have a good record against Southampton, having beaten them more than any other side in the Premier League. The Saints will do well to emerge with their top flight status intact come May, but it’s certainly something they can manage. With Leicester’s star arguably on the wane, this is the type of fixture where at least a point should be on offer – if they can keep their defence tight. Once again, Ward-Prowse will be key to the visitors’ fortunes. Draw.
BOURNEMOUTH vs ARSENAL (1730)
With Bournemouth among the favourites for relegation, anything the hosts can take from this one will be a significant bonus. For the visitors, this is the kind of must-win that will determine whether they finish in the top four. It should be routine, a hattrick of wins for the Gunners, but football’s a funny old game. Away win.
**SUNDAY**
LEEDS UNITED vs CHELSEA (1400)
Promising starts to the season for these sides and both will fancy adding to their points tally this afternoon. The visitors will be favourites, but don’t write Leeds off too quickly. Draw.
WEST HAM UNITED vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1400)
Brighton have become a pain in the neck. Our Premier League record against them is abysmal. They’ve started the season brightly, as they did last year, and will be looking for another portion of bubble and squeak today. Our defeat at Forest last week was unfortunate – on another day we’d have won that game comfortably. But Thursday’s victory over the Danish side should give us a bit of a boost, the more so with Rice back in the line-up. It will be interesting to see how Moyes adjusts the rear guard with the arrival of Kehrer and Ogbonna’s return. At the worst, those two will add some steel to the defence, which will be needed against today’s opponents. Benny’s game against Viborg should give him the nod from the start, while Antonio and Scamacca up front offer the kind of strength in attack that’s been missing for too long. With Bowen on form and Fornals getting there, we should have enough to take all the points and send those tossers back to the south coast with their tails between their wings. Home win.
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs MANCHESTER CITY (1630)
Should be a good game, and a measure of the Barcodes’ remarkable transformation in 2022. Pep has done nothing but win in his 10 Premier League outings against Eddie Howe’s teams. It’s hard to see that changing today. Away win.
**MONDAY**
MANCHESTER UNITED vs LIVERPOOL (2000)
Man U currently save us the ignominy of occupying the bottom spot. Just what is wrong at Old Trafford? Whatever it is, you don’t fancy things improving today. Who’d be Eric Ten Hag? Away win.
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