City to make light work of Aguero absence

Man City 2 C. Palace 1
City’s injury list had Manuel Pellegrini joining the bandwagon of managers calling for a winter break. The Chilean engineer will have earmarked this home tie as a banker for three points as he aims to keep up the pressure on Chelsea. Stefan Jovetic and Frank Lampard should compensate for the absence of Sergio Aguero and Eden Dzeko.

Aston Villa 1 Man Utd 1
The Man Utd of yesteryear always did well at Aston Villa. Except this time Paul Lambert has a complete compliment of target men to choose from. Christian Benteke, Andreas Wiermann and Gabriel Agbonlahor have what it takes to trouble a Utd side that has been overly reliant on the heroics of David dDe Gea. I can’t see a United win.

QPR 2 West Brom 1
Queens Park Rangers were built to win at Loftus Road where they have won all their points this season. Charlie Austin returns after a one-match ban to propel an attack that includes Bobby Zamora and Eduardo Vargas.

Stoke 1 Chelsea 2
Last season’s 2-3 setback notwithstanding, the West London club normally does well at the Brittania Stadium. Stoke City will give the league leaders a good run for their money but I expect Chelsea’s midfield domination to help them edge this feisty contest. Eden Hazard and Willian will prove the difference to a side beginning to feel the strain of playing two games per week.

West Ham 3 Leicester 1
Big Sam Allardyce is getting even bigger! Such has been the Hammers’ barnstorming start to the season, I can’t see how the hopelessly out of depth Leicester City are going to get anything from Upton Park. Highly impressive summer signings Diafra Sakho, Alex Song and Enner Valencia will prove the difference for the high flying Londoners who should get three points at home.

Southampton 1 Everton 1
Southampton have well and truly been found out in the English Premier League thus far. The only good aspect of their five-match winless streak, is they haven’t been outplayed by any of their opponents. In Everton, the Saints come up against an outfit that has been blowing hot and cold. But such has been the Saints’ indifferent form, I will stop short of backing them for all the points.

Newcastle 2 Sunderland 1
This Newcastle side is is a different kettle of fish. They are determined, defend resolutely, run their socks off, have an acclaimed stylist in Remy Cabella and seasoned goal poacher Papisse Demba Cisse and young gun Ayoze Perez wreaking havoc.

Hull City 2 Swansea 1
Steve Bruce’s Tigers have their claws out. Hull City have been very starved of victory and will view Swansea as perfect fodder for their first victory in two months. City must beware that one goal wont be enough as Wilfred Bony is guaranteed to get onto the score sheet. Its about time for Abel Hernandez, Gaston Ramirez and Nikica Jelavic to show their class.

Spurs 2 Burnley 0
Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs continued with their Jekyll and Hyde approach to life in the league with their third successive away win at Swansea. Without the distraction of Europa League football, they should improve their home form by taking care of business against Sean Dyce’s on-form Burnley.

Liverpool 1 Arsenal 1
Despite Brendan Rodgers’ musings about how he is the right man for Anfield, the Northern Irishman is running out of excuses for his low winning ratio. There were signs of progress at Old Trafford where Mario Balotelli’s running off the ball was a joy to behold. The visit of Arsenal should be a draw.