The Toffees may have squeezed themselves out of the bottom three, for now, but the league leaders and their lovely neighbours have too much to keep them out of trouble. Away win.
ASTON VILLA vs SOUTHAMPTON (1500)
A couple of months ago, Villa were top of the table. Now they’re in eighth, one place below Forest. Things change. The Saints should give them a decent opportunity to return to the Champions League places. Home win.
BRENTFORD vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1500)
Two sides that have experienced changing fortunes of late. An impressive draw against Liverpool on Wednesday should have given the Magpies a boost as they head to west London. Away win.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs MANCHESTER CITY (1500)
City have returned to winning ways at last and should back that up with a visit to another side that has two wins from their last six. Away win.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST (1730)
The Red Devils have made a highly encouraging start under their new boss. Despite a midweek turnaround against Arsenal, they should manage another three points against a side that sits six places above them. Home win.
SUNDAY
FULHAM vs ARSENAL (1400)
Fulham are still in with a shout for a Champions Lague place, but Arsenal with three wins on the trot are likely to prove too strong today. Away win.
IPSWICH TOWN vs BOURNEMOUTH (1400)
The Cherries have been impressive this season and are likely to prove too strong for the struggling Tractor Boys. Away win.
LEICESTER CITY vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1400)
Having demolished us a few days ago, Leicester will be bouncing under Ruud van Nistelrooy as the host high-flying Brighton. Draw.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs CHELSEA (1630)
Chelsea have quietly climbed up the standings and go into the weekend in second place. They’re unlikely to still be there by the time the whistle goes to start this one at Spurs, but don’t bet against them. Away win.
MONDAY
WEST HAM UNITED vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (2000)
Lop’s still in the hot seat, although many thought he’d be gone by the time he faces his old side this evening. So a point to prove for the Spaniard? You can say that again. It’s more than one point we could do with tonight. The foot of the table is getting disconcertingly close. Home win.
EVE v LIV
AST v SOU
BRE v NEW
CRY v MCY
MNU v NFO
FUL v ARS
IPS v BOU
LEI v BHA
TOT v CHE
WHU v WOL
CHAMPIONSHIP
Once again, the Championship is deserving of at least half of one of your eyes, as both top and bottom are gearing up for a long and compelling battle. At the top, Sheffield U remain in pole position with second-placed Burnley missing the chance to overtake them having only managed a draw against Middlesboro last night. Ambitious Burnley are a place behind while Leeds and Sunderland are snapping menacingly at their posteriors. Leeds have the opportunity to follow suit at home to Derby in today’s early kick-off, and Sunderland can do the same to Stoke also at lunchtime. Millwall, 10th, will mourn former manager John Docherty as they host Coventry in 16th. At the less desirable end of things, Hull, QPR and Pompey go into the weekend occupying the bottom three places and take on Blackburn (8th), Norwich (9th) and Bristol C (11th) respectively. Cardiff have appointed Omer Riza as interim boss until the end of the season. You may recall that Riza was on our books at the turn of the century, although without making a senior appearance.
Fixture news -- the games at Cardiff (H Watford) and Plymouth (H Oxford) are postponed, as are all Saturday's football and rugby games in Wales, due to a storm. Watch out, boyo.
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