THE big game aside, there are a few clashes that promise some really fiery contests, not least West Ham’s visit to Old Trafford, Chelsea’s home tie against Wolves and Spurs’ trip to Everton.
Manchester United, despite all their great financial wealth and history, appear to be a team in turmoil, and things could get a lot more uncomfortable if they come unstuck against the Hammers.
Former United manager David Moyes led his London side to a 2-0 victory over the Red Devils in December and will be keen on doing the double this season.
Man United, though, should be much stronger, player-wise, given that Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford are all expected to be available for the showdown.
These lads have missed playing time in patches for several reasons, and to have them available for selection should hearten Erik ten Hag. The Dutch boss has dark grey clouds hanging over his tenure at a club that so much is expected of, yet so little has been delivered in recent seasons.
West Ham, for their part, can take on and beat almost any side in the Premier League, yet they can be equally disappointing.
This season, not only have they toppled Man United, but they also beat Arsenal twice and got the better of Tottenham too.
But against Championship outfit Bristol City, they crashed out of the FA Cup last month.
Their fans will be hoping they pitch up at Old Trafford with their “A” game, with which they could well add to Man United’s miserable campaign.
Chelsea – torn apart (4-1) by Liverpool in midweek – will be out to bounce back immediately, but could find Wolves a difficult customer to get past.
On their day, when they’re all working for each other, Chelsea can be rather good. But most of the time this season, they have under-performed. And any laxness could be punished again.
Their clash at Everton’s Goodison Park could go either way, which might make for a draw as the most likely outcome. Spurs, though, will be desperate to leave with all three points.
