WEST HAM UNITED vs CHELSEA (1230)
Lucky late goals rescued both sides last week, but neither has been convincing so far this season. We’re still waiting to see the best of what the transfer window brought in from the cold, not to mention from the likes of Kudus and Paqueta. Although Danny Ings saved our bacon last time, we cannot continue to depend on him and Antonio as front men. We should all be looking forward to seeing more of what Crysencio Summerville, Carlos Soler and Niclas Fullkrug can do. And we urgently need someone who can play centre forward to make himself known – PDQ. Key man: Jarrod Bowen. Home win.
ASTON VILLA vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1500)
Or roit? A good start for Villa sees them sitting pretty in fifth. Not quite the same for Wolves, who have one solitary goal to their credit to date. Only the Saints and Everton are below them. That’s hardly a resounding accomplishment, but could be the key difference come May. Villa are the overwhelming favourites going into this one, and there’s little to nothing to suggest any other outcome. Home win.
FULHAM vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1500)
If ever there was a fixture that’s got draw written all over it, this is it. Which means that it won’t be a draw. Fulham are probably better than their league position suggests, but Newcastle are unbeaten and on fine form. Could end up with any outcome, but the fence beckons and offers safety. Draw.
LEICESTER CITY vs EVERTON (1500)
Oh dear, the poor old Toffees. Rock bottom of the table, null points, and a GD of -9 after four games. Not to mention extreme uncertainty over the future of Sean Dyche, at least from the perspective of increasing numbers of blue Scousers, and it will be no fun to be in his shoes should the Foxes prevail today. No, things ain’t looking good at all for Everton. Draw.
LIVERPOOL vs BOURNEMOUTH (1500)
The Cherries will give their hosts a fight, that’s for sure. But after last week’s home defeat to Forest, Liverpool will be up for restoration of normal service. Bournemouth are solid mid-table and on good form, but not good enough to take all three points from Anfield. Home win.
SOUTHAMPTON vs IPSWICH TOWN (1500)
Only two goals separate The Saints from the bottom of the table, and the Tractor Boys. You sense that they will become more familiar with that unwanted position before long, and today offers that opportunity. But Ipswich won’t be pushovers. A six-pointer, but regardless of points, you have to feel that both are already on the way down. Can’t be fun to be a fan of either side. Draw.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs BRENTFORD (1500)
A fortuitous win at Coventry in the League Cup in midweek won’t have done an enormous amount for Spurs, even if they did win. The Bees will be a different proposition and will be up for this. It’s hard to pick a winner. Draw.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1730)
Palace are better than their current league position suggests. As for Man U, doom remains on the horizon, although there’s a sense that blue sky may be on its way. This is the kind of game that will tell whether that’s a false dawn or if doom is set to return. Or neither. NFI. Draw.
*SUNDAY*
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST (1400)
Forest will still be bobbing after their unexpected and unlikely victory at Anfield last weekend. The Seagulls will offer a strong test, particularly on home turf. But the visitors have shown what they’re capable of. Still, how often does lightning strike? Home win.
MANCHESTER CITY vs ARSENAL (1630)
You might be aware that this game is already causing the media to orgasm uncontrollably. Not entirely without justification, as this could yet again be a battle of two of the three leading title contenders. An early six-pointer with plenty of sub-plots and the prospect of some decent entertainment. Home win.
*CHAMPIONSHIP*
The Baggies have been fast out of the traps, with Sunderland close behind. Last season’s top tier surprise package, Luton, are in lowly 19[sup]th[/sup] spot, while Burnley are fourth, Sheffield Utd sixth and Leeds ninth. But it’s early days and as close as ever in this division. Four points separate the top 10 teams. The pick of today’s fixtures sees QPR host Millwall, while Sunderland take on Boro and Cardiff host Leeds. Ello, ello, ello
WHU v CHE
AST v WOL
FUL v NEW
LEI v EVE
LIV v BOU
SOU v IPS
TOT v BRE
CRY v MNU
BHA v FOR
MCY v ARS
