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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
If syllables equal goals, then we’re in for a cracking old draw at the Amex.* Sadly they don’t, but this offers an intriguing battle between two of the season’s leading mid-table sides and their managers: wily, dogged Chris Hughton and the bearded Iberian applier of science, Nuno Espirito Santo. Brighton’s Glen Murray is uncertain to start, and will certainly be missed if he doesn’t, while Wolves will look to respond to last week’s defeat to Watford. Arguably the pick of the 3.00 o’clock kick-offs. Draw.
FULHAM vs BOURNEMOUTH
What a start Bournemouth have made. One place outside the top five and 17 points banked. Fulham’s charge to the top division last season offered their fans much hope, indeed expectation, for this season, but that energy has gone awol as they sit third from bottom. Eddie Howe will be sniffing for another three points at the Cottage today. Chances are he’ll get them. Away win.
LIVERPOOL vs CARDIFF CITY
David and Goliath, Jurgen and Colin. Well, Cardiff have got a win, but where will their next three points come from? Not from Anfield, you’d think. Should be routine for Liverpool, with complacency presenting far more potent opposition than their visitors. Home win.
SOUTHAMPTON vs NEWCASTLE
Speaking of the provenance of points, Newcastle fans must be shaking their heads in fury and wonder at the sight of their great club on its knees. For all their frailties, the Saints must fancy all three points today particularly with home advantage. St Mary may prove more welcoming to Mike Ashley, should he attend, than St James. Loyal Barcodes will be hoping the latter is processing their order of celestial wrath for their club’s owner. Home win.
WATFORD vs HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
Huddersfield are trying, trying, trying, and you can’t fault their dogged determination. But three points from a quarter of the season is not on the road map to staying in the Premier League. Watford’s sights are set on higher things, however unlikely that seems. It will be a considerable surprise, a shock of sorts, if this doesn’t go absolutely to form. Home win.
LEICESTER CITY vs WEST HAM UNITED (1730 ko)
Jamie Vardy has a stomach complaint, but nothing that a good bowl of prunes for lunch can’t clear up. In August, Claude Puel was among the favourites for the first sack of the season, but he’s done well to confound his naysayers. Yet his Leicester side remains an enigma. They’re capable of turning it on and taking three points when least expected, but also of screwing up big time. Sound familiar? Of course it does. You’d expect Antonio to take Yarmolenko’s spot and perhaps that isn’t such a bad thing today assuming he turns up. We need a strong runner to take on the Foxes’ defence, which has conceded more than ours. This could easily go any of three ways and much depends on which is the hungrier set of players. It’s tempting to go for the draw, but giving into temptation is pure weakness. Away win.
*Did you use your fingers to count the syllables? 😉
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