There’s not much between these two, but with the bit really between their teeth and six wins on the trot Newcastle start as overwhelming favourites. The Cherries will give them a game for sure, but are likely to return to the south coast with null points. Home win.
BRENTFORD vs LIVERPOOL (1500)
The league leaders can extend their supremacy to seven clear points if, as expected, they put the Bees to the sword. Away win.
LEICESTER CITY vs FULHAM (1500)
After a highly promising start to the campaign, Fulham’s fortunes have dwindled of late. And speaking of dwindling fortunes, the Foxes are in grave danger of a rapid restoration of Championship status. But they’ll hope for some return today. Draw.
WEST HAM UNITED vs CRYSTAL PALACE (1500)
Palace have been a bit of a bogie side for us in recent years. But today, with a heartening win and the new manager bounce still on our side, we should be able to add to our points tally in an emphatic manner. Unless, well, you know. Home win.
ARSENAL vs ASTON VILLA (1730)
The Arse are crawling back closer to Liverpool’s coat tails, but still lag behind the leaders. Despite having slipped from the exalted top position that they occupied for some time earlier in the season, Villa are pulling back and go into this within spitting distance of the top four. Still, the home side should emerge victorious. Away win.
SUNDAY
EVERTON vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1400)
This is as much a contest of two managers as of two teams. For all the optimism that seems to have descended on Goodison Park, the Toffees remain a poor side and will struggle to contain the visiting north Londoners. Draw.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1400)
A win, a loss and four draws in their last six probably doesn’t inspire huge hope among Seagulls’ fans. You get a sense that Man U are waiting to awaken from their slumber and that it’s only a matter of time before their get their show properly back on the road. Home win.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs SOUTHAMPTON (1400)
All the talk of Forest competing realistically for the Premier League title is massively premature. Sadly, for the visitors, all the talk of the Saints’ likely relegation seems far from premature and it’s hard to see anything but another thorough thrashing awaiting them at the City Ground this afternoon. Home win.
IPSWICH TOWN vs MANCHESTER CITY (1630)
On the subject of good thrashings, everything suggests that City will give the Tractor Boys a helping hand in disembarking from the old Massey Ferguson as they seek to return to the top four. Away win.
MONDAY
CHELSEA vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (2000)
Things ain’t looking too rosy for Wolves. The hosts will hope to cement their claim for a European place come May. Home win.
NEW v BOU
BRE v LIV
LEI v FUL
WHU v CRY
ARS v AST
EVE v TOT
MNU v BHA
NFO v SOU
IPS v MCY
CHE v WOL
