Super Sunday
Arsenal v Leicester (12pm)
This is the biggest game of a weekend which is full of big games. Arsenal's form has been patchy in 2016, with just one win in their last five games, whilst Leicester have undergone something of a resurgence since failing to score in three games over the Christmas period and are now unbeaten in seven, winning four of their last five, including victories against City, Spurs and Liverpool. This is a Leicester side that look unbeatable, that have the tactical nous, the energy, the intensity and the quality to overturn any team in the league, and it's doubtful that Arsenal will sit back and try to counter, which could mean that they fall into the Leicester trap. Nevertheless, Arsenal should have key individuals back in key areas of the pitch. The return of Coquelin alongside the fact that Ozil and Sanchez should both start, having played key roles in the 5-2 demolition of Leicester earlier this season, could be huge for them. More importantly, Arsenal's defence is much quicker than the likes of Manchester City's, especially without Mertesacker in it and if there's any defence that you would back to keep Mahrez and Vardy quiet, it's this back four, with Coquelin covering and Cech behind it. So I'm going to say the same thing I said last weekend with City v Leicester. I'm predicting a 3-1 Arsenal win, but it could easily be 3-0 Leicester.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-1
Aston Villa v Liverpool (2:05pm)
Going chronologically through Sunday's fixtures, next up is us, away at Villa Park. On paper, this should be an easy win for us, especially if we can get Sturridge, Coutinho and/or Origi back on the pitch for a significant period of time alongside Firmino. Sturridge and Coutinho showed their class earlier this season as we scored thrice against Villa to beat them, Sturridge with a brace that day. But, as always, the questions will be there defensively. Any team in the league can score against us this season, it's that simple. Sunderland scored twice last weekend, Norwich recently put four past us, this is a team that simply put, is fragile. Mignolet is in the worst run of form in his career, we don't have a settled central defensive partnership and if Villa go for this, then they could make it very uncomfortable for us, although I do think the fact that our defence is terrible is counteracted by Villa's all round terribleness.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1
Manchester City v Tottenham (4:15pm)
The other big clash at the top of the league sees the league's other two title contenders going head to head with, once again, different runs of form going into this game. Spurs have won four on the bounce since defeat at Leicester seemed to have deflated their title challenge, whilst City have only two wins in their last five games and three in their last seven. This is a very interesting game, with City missing their two attacking midfield linchpins in Silva and De Bruyne, but in Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero, they still have considerable fire power. Spurs are still short Jan Vertonghen at the heart of their defence which could make things very interesting. There are a lot of factors at play in this game, but I think City should return to form and crush Spurs under their thumb, with Aguero doing the damage.
Prediction: City 4-1
Not Quite So Super Saturday
And in the rest of the matches of the weekend, here's what's happening later today:
Sunderland v Man United (12:45pm)
Two teams very much distracted by goings on off the pitch, with the Adam Johnson debacle doing Sunderland's PR team no good at all and LVG once again having to come out and deny that Jose Mourinho is going to get his job in the summer. Don't worry Louis, I'm sure when the time comes the club will show you the respect your long career deserves by letting you pretend that you resigned. And despite Sunderland's great result last weekend and considerable firepower in 2016, with Jermain Defoe coming to the party somewhat since the turn of the year, you have to say that this should be an easy win for United, as they have far superior players to Sunderland.
Prediction: United 3-0
Bournemouth v Stoke (3pm)
An interesting one. Stoke are in a horrendous run of form, with no wins in four games and three consecutive 3-0 defeats under their belt, whilst Bournemouth have picked up seven valuable points against Norwich, Sunderland and Palace in recent weeks, before losing last time out to Arsenal. That said, both of these sides have been getting results that you'd reasonably expect based on their opponents. Even so, I'm going to say that this one ends in a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Crystal Palace v Watford (3pm)
Two teams in bad form, Watford one win in seven, Palace no wins in eight, both teams went at least four games in a row losing recently, before stopping the rot eventually. These are two teams that have struggled recently, especially in the goal-scoring department and this one does not look like it's going to be a classic. I might give Palace the edge as they're the home side, but I think it's more likely that this one is goalless.
Prediction: 0-0
Everton v West Brom (3pm)
Everton have started to hit good form again, with back to back 3-0 wins and West Brom are on the slide, with no win in five games against mostly mediocre opposition. It's fair to say that I'm calling this one as a home banker.
Prediction: Everton 3-0
Norwich v West Ham (3pm)
Lawro is off his rocker if he thinks this one is ending 2-0 to Norwich. I'll grant him that West Ham will be fatigued after a 120 minute match in midweek, but Norwich have now lost five league games in a row, shipped over three goals a game on average in the process, and scoring just five along the way (four of them against us). Simply put, West Ham are far too strong, and although they aren't in the best form themselves, they should have enough to beat Norwich.
Prediction: West Ham 2-0
Swansea v Southampton (3pm)
Two teams that are starting to hit good form, Swansea unbeaten in four, Southampton unbeaten in five and winning four of those. The ten points separating in the table probably accurately demonstrate the difference in quality between these two teams right now, and you would back Southampton to be the better team and probably the more likely to win, so I'm going to do just that.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1
Chelsea v Newcastle (5:30pm)
Yes, Newcastle seem to love playing against Chelsea. And yes they've picked up some big results in games that they wouldn't have been expecting to. But it's at Stamford Bridge, and their away form has been pitiful since they won at White Hart Lane in December. And simply put, Chelsea are a better side. This should be a home win.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0
The Hard and Fast Section
- Adam Voges averages over 100 in test cricket. Insane.
- "Tragedy" if Ferrari don't win a title in two years.
- Asad Rauf banned from cricket for five years. Sad.
- Guscott expects "some great rugby" from England. Same.
- Leamington FC play Hitchin Town today. #COYB
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