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LIVERPOOL vs CHELSEA (1230)
What might have been a title-influencing game is now a mundane mid-table clash as both sides seek to overtake Brentford. Still, a decent enough start to the weekend’s action with a Europa League spot in sight. Draw.
SOUTHAMPTON vs ASTON VILLA (1500)
Come on, Villa. Until recently, this would have been a massive six-pointer. It’s still massive – and not just for the Saints – but with half the points. Villa have upped their game since the new manager was appointed, but Southampton too have clocked some points of late. Away win.
WEST HAM UNITED vs EVERTON (1500)
The Ings era begins. Can he give us the lift we desperately need? Can he show the others how to put the ball in the back of the net? Or will the West Ham curse strike again? “Is it possible,” Chris Sutton asks, “to predict that both teams lose?” That pretty much sums things up for two sides in a desperately awful run of form, but the flippancy cannot mask the importance of this game. Anything but a win will keep us in the drop zone and could put us (or them) bottom depending on what happens at St Mary’s. A battle of nerves in which those with the biggest goolies will emerge victorious. The other, meanwhile, may emerge without a manager. Home win.
BOURNEMOUTH vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST (1500)
What has happened to Forest? From rock-bottom, and looking good to stay there for the foreseeable, to lower mid-table. They’ve added Chris Wood to their roster, which should give their front line more of a threat. The Cherries on the other hand are where most expected them to be – perhaps even a little higher thanks to the miserable exploits of the teams in 18th and 19th. Another game with significance beyond Dorset. Forest to continue their run of form. Away win.
LEICESTER CITY vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1500)
The Foxes remain very much in relegation territory, while their visitors are pushing for Europe. That should be the incentive to put in a performance. Away win.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1730)
Palace’s poor run ended with a late draw against Man U. Can they repeat that against one of the division’s stand-out sides this season? They’ll do well if they do, but it’s unlikely. Away win.
*SUNDAY*
LEEDS UNITED vs BRENTFORD (1400)
Brentford are looking good for a third season in the top flight. Leeds less so. The hosts are still very much in relegation bother and will hope for a point at least from today. The Bees will have other ideas. Draw.
MANCHESTER CITY vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1400)
City can take no one for granted if they’re to eat into Arsenal’s lead. The previously humble Wolves showed a hidden arrogance in claiming all three points last weekend. But their goalscoring – particularly against the top sides – has let them down badly this season, as last. No surprises in store at the Etihad. Home win.
ARSENAL vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1630)
A corker to end the weekend’s fixture list. Both teams have the wind in their sails, although eight points separate them. The promises to be a full-on battle of the best the Premier League currently has to offer. Home win.
*MONDAY*
FULHAM vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (2000)
Fulham have exceeded all expectations so far this season. Spurs haven’t. Home advantage, momentum and a Europa League place. Home win.
*CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-UP
The top two played on Friday, with leaders Burnley squeaking home with two late goals against the unfortunate Baggies. The Blades also squeaked home with a tedious-looking one-nil win over lower placed Hull. Watford lead the chasing pack and host lowly Rotherham this afternoon, while Blackburn take on Huddersfield and Boro take the bus to Sunderland in tomorrow’s game. Millwall, who sit just outside the play-off places but have games in hand, visit Cardiff who are flirting with danger at the foot of the table. As ever, there’s plenty to play for in this division.
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