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MANCHESTER CITY vs CHELSEA (1230)
Ten points separate the two top teams, with only Liverpool also in distant contention for the title. The side in fourth spot could end the weekend just three points behind Chelsea, which will make things interesting. The visitors have won just twice (Leeds, Villa) since we demolished them, and have dropped points to Everton Wolves, Brighton and Liverpool. Meanwhile, City have really put their foot down in recent weeks and are purring towards yet another championship with all the comfort of a Rolls Royce. Little to suggest that momentum changing today, but this should still be a good watch. Home win.
BURNLEY vs LEICESTER CITY (off)
Postponed – Covid, injuries and departed players.
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs WATFORD (1500)
The first of two massive six-pointers for the Hornets this weekend+. The Barcodes haven’t really got going yet under Eddie Howe, although their recruitment shows expected levels of urgency and intent. This could be a painful, if intriguing, watch. Home win.
NORWICH CITY vs EVERTON (1500)
Underperforming Everton have a gilt-edged chance to climb a little further away from the bottom three as they visit the one team with virtually no chance of staying up. Anything but a convincing win for the visitors will get the hyenas baying more than a bit louder. (What do Scouse hyenas sound like?) Away win.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs SOUTHAMPTON (1500)
Wolves have started to step on it in recent games, but then so have the Saints. The hosts are notoriously miserly in giving away goals while retaining a constant threat at the other end. Southampton will have to be at the top of their game if they’re to get anything from this always tricky fixture. Draw.
ASTON VILLA vs MANCHESTER UNITED (1730)
The Stevie G love-in is getting a little monotonous, the more so as Villa’s progress since he was appointed has hardly been spectacular. From our perspective, today would be a good time for them to start winning. A solitary goal was the only difference between these sides in the FA Cup: nothing that a dash of determination can’t overcome. Draw.
**SUNDAY**
LIVERPOOL vs BRENTFORD (1400)
These two sides served up a cracking 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture a few weeks ago. The Bees will be grateful for their surprising early season form, which has banked them 23 points with 18 games to go – enough for another season in the Premier League? But that form has taken a predictable dip of late and with Man U, Man C and Arsenal among their opponents in the coming weeks, they’re likely to find themselves in the mire before long. Liverpool, meanwhile, will look to this to return to second spot. Home win.
WEST HAM UNITED vs LEEDS UNITED (1400)
Leeds were far from convincing in the FA Cup game and will want to put in an improved performance this afternoon. An improved performance from us would not go amiss either, despite positive recent results, as we prepare for high-profile visits to Old Trafford and Aggborough. Cresswell’s welcome return strengthens defence and gives Bielsa another reason to squat on the touchline. The club has been a tad shy about who’s injured and who’s got Covid, but it’s encouraging to see a jolly Kurt Zouma back in training, though he may not be ready for today’s game. Leeds have had a tough run of late – their last five results are a mirror image of ours – winning once (Burnley) amid four defeats. Form suggests a routine home win, but nothing is ever a given, not in this game it isn’t. Bamford could be back for them and, with Raphinha, offers a potent and constant goal threat. Home win.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs ARSENAL (1630)
Two sides on the up and, with luck, there’ll be nowt to separate them this afternoon. A fixture that’s served up its share of red cards in recent years and another one or more today is not beyond the bounds of probability. Draw.
**TUESDAY**
BURNLEY vs WATFORD (1930)
A nervy six-pointer beckons, assuming availability of a full complement of players. Draw.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs CHELSEA (2000)
A trip to the seaside isn’t as easy as it used to be. Away win.
**WEDNESDAY**
LEICESTER CITY vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (1930)
With Leicester’s game at Turf Moor curtailed by Covid and insufficient players, you’d expect Leicester to be chomping at the bit to get playing again. Home win.
BRENTFORD vs MANCHESTER UNITED (2000)
The Bees would do us a favour by avoiding defeat. Can’t see it, though. Away win.
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