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SOUTHAMPTON vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1230)
If the Saints’ win at Leicester last week is anything to go by, Man U will have their work cut out in the weekend’s opener. With Casemiro – check spelling – possibly in the visitors’ squad, this is one of those Samson and Goliath prospects (or, in financial terms, tramp versus Trump) in which you’d stand a good chance by backing Samson. Should be a good game. Draw.
BRENTFORD vs EVERTON (1500)
Oh Frankie boy, things ain’t looking too good for you. Injuries to several key players don’t help, but the Toffees’ board room will be looking for a dramatic improvement. Now. But will the Bees be too good for them? Yep. Home win.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs LEEDS UNITED (1500)
Both sides have made really bright starts to the season. This has all the makings of an epic battle between energy and disciplined strategy. Probably the pick of the afternoon’s games. Home win.
CHELSEA vs LEICESTER CITY (1500)
There’s little or nothing to suggest that the Foxes will get anything from this game. Chelsea are just too strong. Home win.
LIVERPOOL vs BOURNEMOUTH (1500)
There’s something reassuring in a table that has Liverpool just two points above us. The Cherries may also find succour in their one-point advantage over their visitors at kick-off. But not at the final whistle. Away win.
MANCHESTER CITY vs CRYSTAL PALACE (1500)
Viera’s Palace are becoming a force to be reckoned with. Or at least not to be taken for granted. But a visit to the Etihad may be an obstacle too high. Home win.
ARSENAL vs FULHAM (1730)
The contrast with this time last season is absolute, for Arsenal. But Fulham have banked five precious points so far and Arteta will want his players’ full attention and commitment throughout. Could be interesting if the visitors score first. Home win.
**SUNDAY**
ASTON VILLA vs WEST HAM UNITED (1400)
Chris Sutton, the new Lawro, has gone for a draw, because “I think they’re both rubbish.” Well, a little chuckle there, but also more than a grain of truth. Still, there’s a sense that we’re better than Villa and six aggregate goals against Viborg should have given our confidence a boost. A fragile game beckons, but one that we should fail to lose. Draw.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1400)
Wolves have continued this season where they left off in May, with one point taken from their first three games. The Barcodes, meanwhile, look set for more success than they’ve experienced for donkey’s years. Away win.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1630)
Forest have made an encouraging start to the season, but there’s a strong sense that it won’t continue. Spurs will expect all three points from the City Ground. They should get them. Away win.
**TUESDAY**
CRYSTAL PALACE vs BRENTFORD (1930)
FULHAM vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1930)
SOUTHAMPTON vs CHELSEA (1945)
LEEDS UNITED vs EVERTON (2000)
**WEDNESDAY**
ARSENAL vs ASTON VILLA (1930)
BOURNEMOUTH vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1930)
MANCHESTER CITY vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST (1930)
WEST HAM UNITED vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1945)
Hmm…
LIVERPOOL vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST (2000)
**CHAMPIONSHIP**
The table has started to take shape. Sheff U are making the early running and stand in top place despite managing just a draw at lowly Luton last night. Millwall, on seven points, host Reading in third with nine points, while Sunderland (8 pts) take on Norwich (7). The pick of the day’s games continues with Watford, in second, hosting QPR, while Swansea visit second-from-bottom Boro. This, as ever, is an intriguing league.
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