MANCHESTER CITY vs LIVERPOOL (1230) The latest instalment in the Pep v Klopp saga gets the weekend off to a tantalising start. Despite being top, City don’t seem fully in top gear and could be vulnerable. Liverpool lead the chasing pack, albeit with the narrowest goal difference, and look to offer probably the strongest competition to the champions. There’s little to choose between the two sides, but home advantage will, you feel, count for a lot. Home win.
BURNLEY vs WEST HAM UNITED (1500) Burnley will be buoyed by their first league win of the campaign, but they remain firmly rooted to the foot of the table. You’d expect us to win, not at a canter because that’s not what we do, but comfortably. However, the likely absence of the main attacking options could see Soucek return to the front line and a chance for Divin Mubama to impress and build his claim for a regular starting spot. Burnley won’t be easy opponents, though, and we’ll have to be on the top of our game to come away with all three points. Away win.
LUTON TOWN vs CRYSTAL PALACE (1500) The most likely candidate of today’s games for a goalless draw. Woe betide any TV scheduler who pits this as their main game. Despite their lowly position, Luton have often impressed with their determination. They’ll need a bundle of that against a side that knows how to defend and score on the break. A boring game in store. Draw.
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs CHELSEA (1500) It’s hard to know which of these two are favourites. Chelsea have had their moments recently while the Barcodes have surreptitiously been climbing the table. Anyone know the nearest fence? Draw.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (1500) A series of draws has seen the Seagulls slip down the table. Normally you’d have them down to win this with ease, but Forest are now gasping for air in 14th spot. And they have home advantage and you know what that means. Draw.
SHEFFIELD UNITED vs BOURNEMOUTH (1500) This has to be a six-pointer, even if the Cherries have grappled their way out of the bottom three. For now. This could be fairly entertaining. Draw.
BRENTFORD vs ARSENAL (1730) Now in third spot, Arsenal are just a point behind the leaders. If the top two drew a couple of hours ago and Arsenal, as expected, win this, they’ll be back on top. Away win.
*SUNDAY*
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs ASTON VILLA (1400) Fourth plays fifth. Two entertaining sides with bosses at the top of their respective games. But there’s still something about this that fails to get the anticipatory juices flowing. Home win.
EVERTON vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1630) If Man U had had 10 points deducted, they’d be below Forest and Bournemouth in the table. That says something, though I’m not sure what. Everton, despite their punishment, are just two points from safety and are likely to be well charged up for this. There’ll definitely be a cracking atmosphere at Goodison this afternoon. Man U, beware. Home win.
*MONDAY*
FULHAM vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (2000) Of principal interest to followers of the two clubs. Draw.
*CHAMPIONSHIP* Elsewhere, meanwhile, Leeds missed out on a chance to consolidate their place at the top of the chasing pack after being held to a draw at relegation-threatened Rotherham last night. Leicester and Ipswich, now both on 39 points, continue to lead the division and to day play Watford (13th) and West Brom (7th) respectively. Southampton in fourth visit lowly Huddersfield, which could see them climb to third. Under new boss Joe Edwards, Millwall travelled to Sheff Wed and came away with a 4-0 win. Today they host Coventry, which could see them climb back into the top half.
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