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CRYSTAL PALACE vs SOUTHAMPTON (1230 ko)
Apart from one game that we won’t dwell on, the Saints haven’t had much luck in front of goal this season. Although pointless Palace now prop up the other 19 Premier League teams, they will present another tricky away day for Southampton. Roy Hodgson will want to get his reign off to a positive start, not least to expunge memories of Euro 16, and he has the playing staff to be able to do that. There’s more than you might expect riding on this. Draw.
PERCYD: Palace were unfortunate losers at Burnley, their improvement in that game making De Boer's dismissal all the more mystifying. Saints are having a fairly mediocre time of it. Maybe expect a touch of new-manager-bounce (which won't last) and a Palace win 1-0
HUDDERSFIELD vs LEICESTER CITY
As admirable as Herr Wagner has so far proven himself to be, there’s a Ring of familiarity about a newly promoted team’s positive early season form. You just get that feeling that the overall lack of quality at his disposal may see a swift return for Huddersfield from whence they came. Still, they sit 11 positions above today’s opponents and will see this as an opportunity to add valuable points to their survival bid. Draw.
PERCYD: Huddersfield look like a workmanlike outfit: the sum being perhaps greater than the parts. West Ham pressed them out of the game on Monday, but doubt LCFC will do the same so could go either way. Leicester have 2 of the few players I'd have liked to see at the OS in Maguire and Gray. Ultimately Leicester's quality might tell, 1-2
LIVERPOOL vs BURNLEY
Burnley are without Tom Heaton, their admirable first choice keeper, while the dangerous Phillipe Coutinho could shake off the strops and make his first appearance of the season for the home side. Liverpool fans will be demanding an instant rebound after last week’s horror show at the Etihad. There’s only one way this will go. Be afraid, Sean Dyche, be very afraid. Home win.
PERCYD: Even without Mane, Liverpool should have too much for a resilient Burnley. Having taken 4 points from Chelsea and Spurs, Burnley will not lack confidence, especially if they score first. But as I don't expect them to score at all – despite Chris Wood, another player I'd have liked West Ham to acquire – I'll go for 3-0
NEWCASTLE UTD vs STOKE CITY
Stoke are far from a pushover these days, as Jose Mourinho found to his cost last time out. For the Magpies, home advantage can be a double-edged sword. This should be a hard-fought, old English style encounter, with plenty of blood, guts and goals. Draw.
PERCYD: Tough one to call, or care about. Presume Shelvey is back? Two uninspiring sides, but I'll take home advantage, just. 1-0 (pen)
WATFORD vs MANCHESTER CITY
After a very encouraging start to the season, Watford face their first major challenge. Marco Silva has got the Hornets playing some good football and they’ll have to be at the top of their game to get anything from this game against what has so far been a compelling Man City side. Away win.
PERCYD: Could be a cracker! City have looked irresistible in most of their games. Absolutely spoilt for choice in the front third and in de Bruyne they have the best player in the Prem, however Watford have looked fairly tidy too so far (they'd be my dark horse for a top 7-8 place) and will give them a game. 1-3
WEST BROM vs WEST HAM UNITED
One of those fixtures that has to be endured. We go into this with tails theoretically up, while the Baggies will look to bounce back from last week’s defeat at Brighton. Andy Carroll should start – his 100th league game for us – and it will be interesting to see how he combines with Hernandez and Arnautovic, if all three play. Arnautovic can expect a hot reception from the home fans – let’s hope he responds in a way that doesn’t involve a red card. Three at the back worked well against Huddersfield, but well enough for Bilic to stick with? If our defence can defend the inevitable set pieces and otherwise keep the Baggies at bay, there’s no reason we can’t come away with all three points. Antonio for man of the match? Away win.
PERCYD: Unlikely to be a cracker!! Entirely depends on which West Ham turn up. If we press as we did on Monday we're in with a chance. I'm assuming Lanzini is still out, and Arnie is back? If so Antonio/Hernandez/Arnautovic in a 3-4-3 for me: in which case I reckon we can nick it 1-2. If, however, we opt for AC to lead the line and repeatedly lob the ball up to him, we'll play right into Pulis' hands and lose, 1-0. How's that for a bob each way?
TOTTENHAM vs SWANSEA CITY (1730 ko)
The ‘home’ team won’t have a better chance to dispel their Wembley league hoodoo. Paul Clement, meanwhile, will be forgiven for invoking the juju as his Swans search for an unlikely point or three from a team that’s started to assert themselves this season. Home win.
PERCYD: Doubt Spurs will have a better chance to get their first domestic home win than this. This Swansea side have been seriously depleted by the departure of Lorente (who may start this game) and Sigurrdson. I do believe Spurs are going to slip somewhat this season as a result of playing at Wembley, but expect them to cruise through this encounter. 3-0
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