Pressure mounting on Brendan Rodgers

What you need to know:

The Gunners will be buoyed for Newcastle’s visit

Man United 3 Liverpool 1
I am one of those who aren’t too taken aback by Manchester United’s surge up the Premier League table. However, I am even less impressed by Liverpool’s transition under Brendan Rodgers. The trip to Old Trafford should ordinarily bring the best out of Liverpool. Problem is, I cant see how they are going to outgun United without Daniel Sturridge, Mario Balotelli and Luis Suarez.

Chelsea 2 Hull 0
Chelsea must increase the speed of their transition if they are to ward off the challenge of champions Manchester City. It takes Jose Mourinho’s side a lot longer than City to arrive in the opposition penalty box. That is how points were lost at Sunderland and Newcastle. Mourinho might have to introduce at least one out and out wide player – Schurrle or Salah.

Burnley 1 S’mpton 1
Form has deserted Southampton whereas Burnley are enjoying their moment under the sun. It could be that opposition teams have woken up to the Saints’ style of play. That might call for some variation especially since Ronald Koeman is without midfield enforcer Morgan Schneiderlin at Turf Moor.

Everton 2 QPR 0
Queens Park Rangers must learn how to pick up points on the road if they are to survive the relegation monster. Everton have not been at their vintage best all season but they have what it takes to dispatch a Rangers side that are without talismanic center forward Charlie Austin. Samuel Eto’o, Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley will destroy these poor travelers.

Palace 1 Stoke 1
Vestiges of Tony Pulis’ influence on these two sides will be evident when they clash at Selhurst Park. I believe both teams have improved since Pulis left. Crystal Palace are now one of the most entertaining sides, with flying wingers Wilfried Zaha and especially Yannick Bolasie a joy to watch. Nevertheless, Stoke have what it takes to emerge with a share of the points.

Leicester 1 Man City 2
Manuel Pellegrini’s champions are the form team of the league. Though a tad fortunate to dispose of Everton, their victories over Bayern Munich and Sunderland suggest they are back to their lethal best. They have coped without David Silva and I think they will make light work of Sergio Aguero’s absence to put Nigel Pearson’s troubled Leicester City to the sword.

Sunderland 1 West Ham 1

Sunderland are the draw masters of the league. Gustavo Poyet is normally happy to settle for a point against vaunted opposition. I think his Black Cats will have a go at Sam Allardyce’s Hammers to little effect. Veteran centre backs Wes Brown and John O’Shea will have their hands full dealing with a rejuvenated Andy Carroll.

West Brom 1 Asto Villa 1
No more ifs. Alan Irvine’s Brummies must start winning games if he is to survive impatient chairman Jeremy Pearce’s axe. The point at Hull City was a good starting point but they come up against a good counter attacking Villa side that is enamored by the return of Christian Benteke. I can’t see how West Brom are going to subdue Villa’s firepower.

Swansea 2 Spurs 1
Their good away record notwithstanding, Spurs are generally hopeless after mid-week Europa League action. Gary Monks’ Swans are poised to exploit any signs of tiredness. Christian Eriksen will be Spurs’ main offensive weapon whereas Jefferson Montero, Wilfred Bony and Gylfi Sigurdsson are Swansea’s players to watch.

Arsenal 3 Newcastle 1
Arsenal fans are the most volatile in the division. Banners of ‘In Wenger We Trust’ were replaced by torrents of abuse in the aftermath of the defeat to Stoke City. Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Galatasaray will have given Wenger some respite and a selection headache as Lukas Podolski made a strong case for a starting position. The Gunners will be buoyed for Newcastle’s visit.