Ninth plays 12[sup]th[/sup]. We went into the international break with a categorical victory over Ipswich, while Spurs did so having gone 2-0 up at half-time at Brighton but emerging with a 3-2 loss. Chuckle. Spurs are hard to read, having previously beaten Man U (away) and Brentford, but those came after defeats to Arsenal and Newcastle. As for us, we’ve had two defeats (Man C and Chelsea) in the last six. With luck, our recent form may have established a momentum to carry forward into today. This will be a major test for the team and particularly for the boss. Arguably, our two most influential players, Paqueta and Kudus, have been the subjects of much discussion of late. Paq’s fortunes will be decided in the coming months. Of Kudus, Lopetegui says, “we are happy with him for sure." Let’s hope we end the day even happier with him for sure. Defeat will raise the volume of those baying for blood, but avoiding defeat – better still coming away with all three points – will make next week sweet and juicy. Draw.
FULHAM vs ASTON VILLA (1500)
It’s hard to separate these two in what promises to be a tight and entertaining game of football. Draw.
IPSWICH TOWN vs EVERTON (1500)
Ipswich’s good form came to a resounding halt last time, while the Toffees are undefeated in their last three and have lifted themselves out of the bottom three. Another tough one to call. Draw.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs BRENTFORD (1500)
Who’d be Ten Haag, other than his bank manager. They managed a creditable goalless draw at Villa last time out but tumbled to a terrible home defeat to Spurs before that. Brentford are strong, but also have to capacity to slip up. Draw.
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1500)
Another game between two sides that are difficult to distinguish. Both have 12 points. Both are chasing a Champions League place. Should be a good game. Draw.
SOUTHAMPTON vs LEICESTER CITY (1500)
The poor old Saints have goal difference to thank for keeping them from rock bottom, having still only mustered a single point from their return to the top flight to date. The Foxes aren’t much better off, albeit with six points, and this could turn out to be a six-pointer come May. Another one with only a Rizla keeping them from each other. Draw.
BOURNEMOUTH vs ARSENAL (1730)
At last a game that doesn’t have draw sprawled large across its programme. (Do the Cherries have the smallest programme print run in the Premier League?) Arsenal are level with Man C and both are a point off leaders Liverpool, who play tomorrow. Bournemouth are a place below us, on goal difference. Away win.
SUNDAY
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs MANCHESTER CITY (1400)
The reigning champs visit bottom-of-the-table Wolves. What else can you say? Away win.
LIVERPOOL vs CHELSEA (1630)
The Blues are fourth, the Reds top. Many people will think the force is with Chelsea. Could they be right? They could be – unlikely, though, and once the two sides step onto the Anfield turf we’ll see who’s flying high and who’s walking with company. Draw.
MONDAY
NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs CRYSTAL PALACE (2000)
What a start Forest have made to the season. Tenth now, when in August many people considered them relegation probables. Those same people, and likely many more, will have seen Palace end the campaign in the top half. Right now, they’re in the bottom three, so a little bit of work required on that front. Draw.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Leeds removed Sheff U from the top two last night to move second behind Sunderland. Typically for this division, only goal difference separates the top three, with Burnley, West Brom and Watford snapping away happily in the remaining play-off places. Meanwhile, Millwall site two points above the drop zone and host Derby (12[sup]th[/sup]) this afternoon. QPR, Pompey and Cardiff occupy the bottom three spots.
