Newcastle are in 12th place and aren’t having the best of seasons, while the Arse have dropped behind somewhat in a probable three-horse title race. So with a lot riding on this, it should be a good start to the watching weekend. Away win.
BOURNEMOUTH vs MANCHESTER CITY (1500)
Although top of the pile, City haven’t been as convincing, yet, as they were in previous seasons. Having been done over by Spurs in the League Cup, City will be keen to avoid the emergence of a trend. But they have an ‘injury crisis’, poor chicks, and the Cherries won’t be easy opposition. That should make for a decent contest. Away win.
IPSWICH vs LEICESTER CITY (1500)
Two promoted sides that are in danger of rapidly heading back from whence they came. An agricultural theme here, with tractors and foxes doing battle in a certain six-pointer. Will either be chicken? Or turkey? Tricky one to predict and there’s great danger of making a right old pig’s ear of it. Home win.
LIVERPOOL vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1500)
Lawro, where are you? The second meeting between these two sides in a week. The Reds came up trumps in the midweek cup game, but can they do it again? Probably. Home win.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs WEST HAM UNITED (1500)
Forest are buzzing and sit comfortably in seventh spot, just two places behind Arsenal. And you thought they were going down? Not a chance on current form, me old China. As for current form, very current form, the kind of form that puts the ref on your side, we’re going to come away from the City Ground with at least a point this afternoon. But this won’t be easy. The hosts have turned their fortunes around, while we, well yes, while we… Draw.
SOUTHAMPTON vs EVERTON (1500)
Speaking of turning fortunes around, that’s exactly what the Toffees have done. They’re now one win from a place in the top half. The unfortunate Saints, in the other hand, are yet to manage one win this season. Senor Pep spoke highly of their performance at the Etihad and they’ll have to repeat that display to double their points tally to date. They can do it. Another six-pointer. Draw.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs CRYSTAL PALACE (1730)
The third six-pointer in seven top-flight games today. Don’t expect too much in the way of a world class fixture, because you won’t get it. Draw.
*SUNDAY*
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs ASTON VILLA (1400)
If Arsenal messed up yesterday, Villa could end the day in the top three. The best Spurs can hope for is to leapfrog Brighton into sixth. Should be a good game. Draw.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs CHELSEA (1630)
It’s been quite a few days for Man U. It will be interesting to see how Ruud van N copes with Chelsea, and that makes for an intriguing encounter. Man U will probably be on the up – can Chelsea match them or better? I think not. Home win.
*MONDAY*
FULHAM vs BRENTFORD (2000)
There’s precious little between these two, both geographically and by league position. Does that count as intense rivalry? Should be a good enough watch if you prefer the sofa to the pub. Draw.
NEW v ARS
BOU v MCY
IPS v LEI
LIV v BHA
NFO v WHU
SOU v EVE
WOL v CRY
TOT v AST
MNU v CHE
FUL v BRE
*CHAMPIONSHIP*
A single point separates the top half of the table from the drop zone. Plus ca change. At the more desirable end, Sunderland have taken a healthy lead at the top with a five-point lead over second-placed Burnley, who are above Leeds on goal difference. Then come Sheff U, Blackburn (those two meet today) and West Brom, all of whom have Premier League pedigree. Last night, Luton earned a creditable draw with West Brom. Millwall, in 10th, host Burnley in tomorrow’s only game. It’s all shaping up.
