As a much-needed antidote to the transfer window furore, there’s another deliciously tasty looking fixture list in store in The Premier League this weekend.
TFF wonders if we are about to witness some more shocks and whether Manchester United’s improbable title challenge is about to gather pace. Here are our predictions.
SATURDAY
Norwich v Liverpool 12:45
Norwich are capable of good results, despite their league position. But Liverpool play better away from home where the high press seems more effective.
TFF Prediction: 1-2
Crystal Palace v Tottenham 15:00
Tottenham are on a roll while Crystal Palace have lost some of their sparkle.
1-1
Leicester v Stoke 15:00
We keep thinking that Leicester are about to implode but they are still holding it together admirably at the top of the pile in late January. Stoke have been great to watch of late. This could be a really good game.
2-2
Man Utd v Southampton 15:00
Manchester United are a complete anomaly this season. Louis van Gaal’s tactics seem somewhat at odds with Manchester United’s adventurous footballing traditions. But we expect them to scrape another unconvincing win.
1-0
Sunderland v Bournemouth 15:00
Sunderland have improved now that Big Sam has got his feet under the table. Bournemouth are hard to predict.
1-0
Watford v Newcastle 15:00
Newcastle are on the up but this is a tough place to take three points.
1-1
West Brom v Aston Villa 15:00
Plenty of passion expected in this local tie and derbies always end in draws don’t they?
0-0
West Ham v Man City 17:30
West Ham have been periodically excellent but lack consistency. Anything can happen here but West Ham will be up for it.
1-2
SUNDAY
Everton v Swansea 13:30
Everton are lurching a little but they have a very strong squad and tend to finds seasons better than they start them.
3-0
Arsenal v Chelsea 16:00
Arsenal look at their most convincing in some years and are expecting several big players back from injury before long. But Chelsea may come for a draw and possibly get one.
0-0