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BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs LEICESTER CITY
This one is ideally suited to the capacity of the Amex Stadium; even, you might say, to that of the Vitality further along the coast. At stake is local pride and mid-table security. Draw.
EVERTON vs CARDIFF CITY
Most teams will view hosting Cardiff as an invitation to nab three points. But Neil Warnock’s sides invariably use hard work as a means of overcoming technical deficiency, which means they’re always capable of pulling a surprise. Everton’s iffy start to the season has given way to a string of four wins in their last six outings. They’ll expect to make that five from seven today. Home win.
FULHAM vs SOUTHAMPTON
Is this a legitimate six-pointer? Possibly. It’s the Saints’ misfortune, not for the first time, to visit a side with a new manager, but will take heart from Fulham’s bottom of the table position. For their part, the hosts came into the season full of expectation and will hope Ranieri can renew their hope. Who tinkers wins. Draw.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs CRYSTAL PALACE
Man U sit below Watford and Bournemouth as we enter the season’s second third. Worthy of mention, yes, but the Man U soap opera – and its lead actor - is losing appeal. For Palace, Saha will hope to make more of a mark on his return to Old Trafford than he did while it was his home. But even if he does, it’s hard to see the hosts dropping anything today. Home win.
WATFORD vs LIVERPOOL
Liverpool are arguably the team to watch this season, but they’ll have their work cut out at Vicarage Road. Watford have an incredible spring in their collective step and will believe they can get something from their visitors today. Should be a good, attacking game. Away win.
WEST HAM UNITED vs MANCHESTER CITY
How much will it mean to Manuel Pellegrini to try and get one over his former employers today? A lot, you’d hope. It sounds like Andy Carroll is back in contention. He could be needed. Snodgrass is out for his yellow card count, but Noble returns from suspension. City have been compelling once again this season and on paper this looks like Black Friday turning into Black Saturday for us. Never, ever give up; City have to lose sometime. Home win.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs CHELSEA (1730 ko)
Fourth plays third, north plays west and little love is lost between the two. This should be a good, entertaining battle even if you’re not fond of either team. Draw.
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