|
With a little luck, West Ham will finish the day in fourth position by points or by goals scored. None of these games has a bearing on that, but if other results go our way the table will be even more interesting than it is now. Let’s have a look at what’s juicy and what’s brewing in the Premier League today.
MAN CITY vs LEICESTER (1245 ko)
This one’s just bubbling over with potential juiciness. It has all the aromas of a Sunday roast sizzling gently in the oven – the lip-smacking waft of meat and spuds and garlic and rosemary, or a quorn cutlet for vegetarian readers – as many people’s title favourites take on the Premier League’s greatest ever would-be usurpers. There’s no de Bruyne or Kompany for Man City, while Leicester – who have the league’s best away record – have an almost complete squad to choose from. This bodes well for Leicester as they look to succeed yet again on the break. The game is just made for Silva and Vardy to shine, and whichever of the two is more effective will probably end up on the winning side. My heart says a draw will tease the splendid uncertainty of this year’s title race out that bit longer; my brain’s got no fucking idea.
ASTON VILLA vs NORWICH
There will be squeaky bums aplenty on both benches, not to mention in the stands, for this encounter. A heavy pall of inevitability lies over Villa Park, lowering itself inexorably with each passing game, tearing at players’ belief and self-confidence. And don’t we all know what that feels like. After a brightish start to the season, Norwich too now find themselves gravitationally challenged and will be desperate for every point they can get. Which all suggests a nervy, aggressive game today. Points shared.
LIVERPOOL vs SUNDERLAND
Is the Klopp honeymoon over? It certainly will be if the Scousers end up on the losing side today. It’s hard to know what to expect of Liverpool, the more so as they will again be without Coutinho today. It’s somewhat easier to predict BFS’s approach to this game. The old bus will be driving into Anfield as the Black Cats set out to grab a point, while fancying an outside bet on a smash and grab for all three. Not one for the purists, you’d imagine. Don't you just love the clichés? Home win.
NEWCASTLE vs WEST BROM
Tyneside expects. The Geordies have to win games like this if they are to stay in this division. They've spent in the transfer window, even if they did miss out on Berahino. The Baggies, meanwhile, have been leaden in recent games and there’s nothing to suggest that’s going to change today. If McLaren can lift his team for this, you’d have to go for a home win.
STOKE vs EVERTON
The battle of mid-table. Stoke’s season has taken a dip after some really promising form, but they still have the ability and quality – augmented now by their £18m acquisition Giannelli Imbula – to beat most teams. Everton, too, have strengthened their team in the window, and new signing Oumar Niasse could make an appearance if his visa comes through in time. Expect a battling encounter that ends in… just want to check that you’re still reading… a draw.
SWANSEA vs CRYSTAL PALACE
It seems like only the other day when Palace were one place behind us in the table. But their appalling recent form has seen them lose five on the bounce. Their last point came in December from a goalless draw at home to today’s opponents. The Swans have had a mini-revival, taking two wins and a draw from their last three games. Home advantage will be important today and I expect a home win.
TOTTENHAM vs WATFORD
Come on, your Hornets! Just like Leicester’s ascent of the Premier League, surely Tottenham’s fine form has to end sometime – and when better than today? Sacrificing optimism for realism, you’d expect Watford to battle for a point, but only a fool would bet against Spurs winning yet again. Away win.
|
