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TOTTENHAM vs ARSENAL (1245 ko)
Yeah, yeah, the biggest north London derby since time began, blah-di-blah. Hype notwithstanding, this encounter offers hot hors d’oeuvres to the weekend’s fixtures. Both teams come into this licking their respective wounds, but you have to think that Spurs are better equipped to bounce back from their recent mauling by next season’s Premier League champions. It wasn't so long ago that Arsenal were favourites for the title, but their neighbourly generosity has returned with characteristic punctuality and charity. Close and cagey or end-to-end breathlessness? A red card or two thrown in, perhaps? Yum. Home win.
CHELSEA vs STOKE
Today’s mid-table encounter of also-rans. Stoke have had a decent season so far and sit one place below us with outside hopes of a European spot. Chelsea still haven’t lost under Hiddink and there’s been some inapposite talk of them finishing in the top four. Ha ha ha! What they lack in points, they do make up for with a sense of humour. But this could be one of the day’s more entertaining games, with both sides fancying themselves for all three points. Stoke will not give up such hopes easily, but I think Chelsea will prove just a bit too strong for them. Home win.
MAN CITY vs ASTON VILLA
The only thing that can stop City romping to victory today is over-confidence. No such danger for the unfortunate Villa, though. Home win.
NEWCASTLE vs BOURNEMOUTH
One of two north-east versus south coast games today. Bournemouth come into the game buoyed by recent form and the return of Max Gradel, knowing they are tantalisingly close to safety. Newcastle know they are tantalisingly close to relegation and this is a must-win game if they are to have any hope of avoiding the drop. There are squeaky bums aplenty in the north-east these days, but an early goal for the Geordies will settle the home fans. There’s no room for error today. Home win, just.
SOUTHAMPTON vs SUNDERLAND
The Saints’ abysmal display at Bournemouth the other day will have been to BFS’s disadvantage as well as their own, you feel. Koeman’s subsequent verbal rocketry should ensure that his players are sufficiently fired up to dispatch Sunderland. But they ignore BFS’s spoiling tactics at their peril. Home win.
SWANSEA vs NORWICH
Poor old Norwich. A season that once looked so promising has degenerated into abject freefall. And it’s hard to see any imminent brake to the downward momentum that’s seen them lose seven of their last eight games. That contrasts with Swansea’s gritty determination, which has pulled them clear of the relegation pack. They’re still not out of danger, of course, but a victory today will go a long way to that goal. Home win.
WATFORD vs LEICESTER (1730 ko)
Can Leicester do it? Can they really, really do it? Watford will offer another stern test to their title ambitions today. They may not have scored many recently, but they’ve certainly created chances. The Foxes will again rely on a strong defence, but their renowned counter-attacks will have to outwit the Hornets’ own tight and well-organised defence. Low-scoring draw.
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