TODAY’S GAMES
Southampton v Sheffield Utd
St Mary’s Stadium, Midday
IT is alarming how the wheels have come off for Sheffield United. One point from 11 matches is a terrible return for last season’s surprise package and you wonder how long Chris Wilder can maintain his calm exterior. Southampton are journeying in the opposite direction with last season’s 9-0 defeat at home to Leicester a distant memory. Danny Ings has scored more goals this season than the entire Sheffield United team despite missing three games with injury.
WATCH OUT FOR: JAMES-WARD PROWSE (Soton) DESPITE the glut of excellent midfielders, Gareth Southgate likes to find room in his England squad for Ward-Prowse, who arguably has the best delivery from set-pieces in the league.
Crystal Palace v Tottenham
Selhurst Park, 2.15pm ROY HODGSON and Jose Mourinho share certain qualities like organisation and team discipline. Both took Inter Milan to European finals but whereas Mourinho won, Hodgson lost on penalties. Such fine margins could be said to be the differences in their careers. Spurs have the superior firepower in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min but Christian Benteke ended his Palace goal drought last weekend so could now enjoy a little run.
WATCH OUT FOR: GARY CAHILL (Crystal Palace) PLAYED for England alongside Harry Kane and, at 34, is still effectively kicking and heading the ball away from Crystal Palace’s goal. Has a wise old head to try to nullify the Tottenham striker.
Fulham v Liverpool Craven Cottage, 4.30pm
ONE of the fixtures Fulham would have looked forward to following promotion and great that some fans will be able to see it. History suggests three points for Liverpool, who have won the last six games between the sides, home and away. Jurgen Klopp has hit on a new partnership with Joel Matip and Fabinho to cover for Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. Will Scott Parker unleash Aleksandar Mitrovic following a stint on the bench?
WATCH OUT FOR: JORDAN HENDERSON (Liverpool) WHILE Liverpool fans may have half an eye on their next game against Spurs, Captain Hendo will ensure none of his players are distracted. Strange to think Liverpool were once prepared to sell him to Fulham.
Arsenal v Burnley Emirates Stadium, 7.15pm
MIKEL ARTETA is entering Unai Emery levels of scrutiny after a dreadful run of form, with even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang unable to score. Anything less than three points will lead to talk of a crisis. Unhappily for Gooners, Burnley are becoming hard to beat again, with goalkeeper Nick Pope and centre-backs Ben Mee and James Tarkowski reunited after various injury problems. WATCH OUT FOR: DANI CEBALLOS (Arsenal) WITH Mesut Ozil out of the picture, Arsenal are crying out for a midfield passer who can feed Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. Ceballos has it in his locker and Arteta will be tempted to unleash his fellow Spaniard.
Leicester v Brighton
King Power Stadium, 7.15pm LEICESTER have done remarkably well to stay in the picture at the top, given the number of key injuries they’ve had. It will concern Brendan Rodgers that they’ve lost four times at the King Power already. Brighton are struggling, playing pretty football but not scoring enough goals. They had 12 shots in the 2-1 home defeat against Southampton on Monday but scored only once, from a Pascal Gross penalty.
WATCH OUT FOR: JAMIE VARDY (Leicester) WAS proud to win the Premier League’s Golden Boot last season and, at 33, is battling it out again with the likes of Harry Kane, Mo Salah and Dominic CalvertLewin. He’ll fancy it against Brighton.