Bournemouth v Sunderland (3pm)
Bournemouth are doing well so far this season, particularly at home where they're unbeaten since the opening day against Man United, picking up ten points from their last four games. But they did lose last time out to Boro, so that will be in their minds. Sunderland meanwhile, look a solid bet to lose every game that they play right now, having picked up just two points so far this season. You'd have to put your money on a home win.
Prediction: 1-0 Bournemouth
Burnley v Crystal Palace (3pm)
Burnley are another team with a superb home record, but they tend to struggle a little more against teams who don't necessarily put them instantly on the back foot, such as Swansea and Hull. Whether or not Palace will play into Burnley's hands remains to be seen, but they've played better recently than their three straight defeats would suggest. Nevertheless, Palace could use the points here, once they start a slide they struggle to pull out of them.
Prediction: 1-1
Man City v Middlesbrough (3pm)
City have returned emphatically to form in the last week, putting four without reply past West Brom before beating Barcelona 3-1 in midweek. With their recent poor form looking like a blip against tough opposition, City remain yet to drop points against anyone in the bottom half this season, and you'd have to say that this probably ends in a romp.
Prediction: 4-0 City
West Ham v Stoke (3pm)
This is a tough one to call. Stoke are in resurgent form, having swept aside the bottom three in their last three games, and West Ham shouldn't pose a significantly greater threat as the side fourth bottom. But West Ham have managed to tighten up their defence, conceding just three goals in their last four games, and Stoke's attacking threat looks sorely depleted today. Could go either way.
Prediction: 1-0 Stoke
Chelsea v Everton (5:30pm)
This should be a cracker. Two sides with history. Romelu Lukaku seemingly destined to score. But on the other hand, two sides that are defending very well at the moment, with only Spurs conceding less than Everton's eight and Chelsea's nine. Four clean sheets in a row for Chelsea, but I think Everton will breach that defence. Nevertheless, Chelsea have the superior firepower in Hazard and Costa and I can't see Everton scoring more than once, which I also don't think will be enough for them to get anything from the game.
Prediction: 2-1 Chelsea
Arsenal v Tottenham (12pm Sunday)
The first of five games on a blockbuster Sunday is the most blockbuster of them all, as its the first North London derby of the season. Right now, with Spurs injury-ridden and tottering, you'd have to say that Arsenal go in as huge favourites. But Arsenal are very very good at not winning games that they should win, especially when there's a lot on the line. If City slip up today, Arsenal will bottle it. If City thump Boro, then I fancy Arsenal to win. Although it's worth noting that Harry Kane might be back and he absolutely loves this fixture.
Prediction: 2-1 Arsenal
Hull v Southampton (2:15pm)
It's a brave man who bets on Hull not to lose at the moment. Six defeats in a row, one point from eight games, Hull are looking every bit the relegation fodder that they always looked like being. And with Saints' good run of form stopped only by a nigh on perfect Chelsea side, you'd have to say that the omens aren't looking good for the Tigers. The only thing I can say in their favour is that Saints played in Europe in midweek, but they played at home so the travel factor is mooted, even if the fatigue isn't. This could get ugly.
Prediction: 3-0 Saints
Liverpool v Watford (2:15pm)
Jurgen Klopp rightly pointed out that Watford have kept three straight clean sheets. The fact that they were against Hull, Swansea and Boro undermines the point somewhat but nevertheless Watford are now unbeaten in four and sit seventh, ahead of Man United. But at the same time, Liverpool have looked very strong, particularly at Anfield and seven wins in their last eight league games indicates that if they turn up, they should win. Another game that away from home you would say might be a real battle for Klopp's side, but with Watford so patchy in both attack and defence at the moment, you'd have to say that Liverpool should win.
Prediction: 3-1 Liverpool
Swansea v Man United (3pm)
As much fun as it is to watch United constantly prove my predictions wrong, it would be nice to actually correctly predict one of their results right. I predicted United would beat Watford, Leicester, Burnley, Stoke and at least get a point against Chelsea. I was right once. Nevertheless, no matter how bad this United team's form is, surely they'll score against a Swans defence that looks absolutely terrible right now. But then I thought they'd pummel Burnley last week so who knows.
Prediction: 2-1 United
Leicester v West Brom (4:30pm)
And finally, the Champions. They face a West Brom side that haven't won in five games and are sinking closer to trouble. Admittedly the fixture list hasn't been kind to them, but the Baggies will be alarmed that they're so close to the bottom, even though a win could move them into the top half. I've previously highlighted how good Leicester's home form has been, but after a tricky away trip in Europe, I fancy the Baggies to nick something from this game.
Prediction: 1-1
The Hard And Fast Section
- Murray is world number one. Get in Andy.
- But Jo Konta lost out in her semi-final.
- Huge game for Wales today against Australia.
- Anderson to return for the second India test. Big name.
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