Today’s PREMIER ESSENTIAL
Today’s games – 3.0pm
Liverpool v Middlesbrough
HIGHLIGHTS: BBC1, 10.30pm
STEVE AGNEW says Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson (right) will be doing ‘everything in his power’ to ensure their return to the Championship is temporary. A new manager will be appointed in the coming weeks. Caretaker boss Agnew said: ‘He loves the club. He’s motivated and determined and hungry. When he shows those qualities, then success follows.’ Middlesbrough have attempted the fewest shots (342) and shots on target (97) this season — and have never won on 14 Premier League visits to Anfield.
Manchester United v C Palace
HIGHLIGHTS: BBC1, 10.30pm
SAM ALLARDYCE is hoping Palace chairman Steve Parish will finance a summer overhaul at Selhurst Park although the former England manager (right) has modest ambitions for the club. ‘Not being involved in a relegation fight would be a very good season for Crystal Palace next year,’ he said. ‘We will sit down and see what we need and what we can get.’ United would set a Premier League record for home draws with an 11th this season, although Palace have lost to United 12 times, more than any top-flight opponent.
Southampton v Stoke
HIGHLIGHTS: BBC1, 10.30pm
MARK HUGHES insists Jack Butland (right) can become a £50million player — if he stays at Stoke. Hughes said: ‘He’s got the chance to realise a huge amount of that potential here. If there is a churn of goalkeepers at the top clubs then Jack Butland will be mentioned in those circles. I think he understands what he’s got here at the moment and that it’s right for him.’ Southampton have failed to score in five of their last seven league matches. Five of their nine Premier League meetings with Stoke have ended in draws.
Swansea v West Brom
HIGHLIGHTS: BBC1, 10.30pm
SAFE after spending 19 painful weeks in the bottom three, Swansea must avoid another relegation scrap, according to Jack Cork (right). A win against West Brom could see Swansea finish as high as 15th and Cork said: ‘You can’t keep flirting with relegation. You’ve seen it with clubs like Wigan and Sunderland so we need to start the season better.’ Swansea have won four of their five home Premier League games against West Brom and Tony Pulis has not won there in four league visits.
Watford v Manchester City
HIGHLIGHTS: BBC1, 10.30pm
WALTER MAZZARRI is hoping his emotional send-off is not tarred by a hammering from Manchester City. The outgoing Watford boss (right) could be without six defenders and admitted: ‘I would have preferred to play an easier team.’ The Italian added: ‘It will be the last game, although it is something I didn’t imagine. It will be very emotional.’ Watford have lost their last five Premier League games and failed to score in four — City have scored at least twice in six of their last nine clashes with Watford.