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The season and year continue their loopy trajectories as we move into another international break. Southampton top the Premier League table after beating Newcastle last night, while Brighton and Burnley played out a riveting goalless draw.
SATURDAY
EVERTON vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1230 ko)
The Red Devils seem to be going through the motions. OGS may be a club favourite, but even he has a best before date. El Poch is waiting in the wings. The hosts have lost some of their early season momentum, but should still have enough to give their highly pedigreed visitors a game. Draw.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs LEEDS UNITED (1500)
On paper, this is a game between chalk and cheese. The two sides share the same number of points, but their respective approaches are a world apart. If Leeds can remedy their defensive failings, they’re a match for anyone. If. Draw.
CHELSEA vs SHEFFIELD UNITED (1730)
Sheffield haven’t been able to follow last season’s success, yet, though their position at the foot of the table is reportedly not an accurate reflection of some positive play. Chelsea should win this at a canter, but cannot afford to take that for granted. Home win.
WEST HAM UNITED vs FULHAM (2000)
Fulham have done well to drag themselves up from a miserable start to the season and are another outfit that should not be taken for granted. Nonetheless, David Moyes may feel he has the flexibility to give Said Benrahma his first league start. Perhaps his presence can effect an improvement in Seb Haller’s application? The presence and physical threat of Mikhail Antonio will be missed, but it is a sign of our developing strength in depth that he may not be missed as much as in other times he might have been. Get after them from the off, score an early goal and the game should be… well, it will be a good start. Home win.
SUNDAY
WEST BROMWICH ALBION vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1200)
West Brom are looking desperate. Despite a fine winger added to their ranks, they remain firm favourites for the drop. Should be a doddle for Spurs. Away win.
LEICESTER CITY vs WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (1400)
Third meets sixth and there’s a good local interest, too. A powerful encounter beckons, with both sides capable of emerging victorious. Which points to a draw.
MANCHESTER CITY vs LIVERPOOL (1630)
Neither side is quite what they were either last year or the season before. Both will see this as a title six-pointer and – of equal importance – a matter of pride. They seem well-matched, so what can they each offer that will tip the scale? The visitors will look to the on-fire Jota, along with Firmino, but not Thiago. The hosts have Jesus, but not Aguerro. Draw.
ARSENAL vs ASTON VILLA (1915)
The early November action draws to a close with this meeting between two resurgent sides. Both are on 12 points, with Villa infinitely superior to their form of last season. Steady as she goes Arsenal continue to build in their manager’s image. Which should be enough to see of their plucky visitors. Home win.
(Happy, Ron?)
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