Can feisty old rivalries spice up EPL?

Well, aren’t Man United and Chelsea just the entertainers.

As a lesson in how not to lose a football match, their recent 0-0 draw was a masterclass. There was too much too lose at this stage of the season in terms of confidence and momentum and it showed.

Jose Mourinho didn’t even start with a striker he was so uninterested in going for win.

He leads his team out against Bayern Munich tonight in the Super Cup so the floor is open for other teams to show a little more adventure. Here’s hoping.

And there are two potential humdingers this weekend. Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool welcome United to Anfield, which is always a meaty encounter, while the North London derby pits Spurs, signing everyone, against Arsenal, can’t sign a cheque.

Gooners fans will be nervous and Arsene Wenger knows defeat to their rivals will spark yet more talk about his inability to attract top players.

SATURDAY

All times 11am unless stated

Man City v Hull

8:45am

Few saw City’s defeat to Cardiff coming —least of all new boss Manuel Pellegrini. They should bounce back against Hull, as long as they rediscover how to mark opposition players. Expect plenty of crosses from the Tigers.

Prediction: 3-1

Cardiff v Everton

Suddenly the Toffees won’t fancy this one bit. Young Ross Barkley has earned an England call-up, while striker Gerard Deulofeu, on loan from Barca, has got the fans talking. *cliche alert* But expect Cardiff to get in their faces early doors.

Prediction: 2-2

Newcastle v Fulham

The Toon look lost as they wait for, ahem, director of football Joe Kinnear — who couldn’t even pronounce his own players’ names right — to bolster their squad. New Fulham signing Darren Bent is hungry, while Scott Parker had an encouraging debut.

Prediction: 0-1

Norwich v Southampton

Two teams building tidy squads they hope will stand them in good stead for the Premier League long haul. Both now have goal threats and this one looks tailor-made for a little bit of Rickie Lambert magic.

Prediction: 1-2

West Ham v Stoke

The ‘Ammers at home are a different prospect to when they hit the road. Expect a more expansive game, with Joe Cole and Stewart Downing to the fore. Stoke’s new manager Mark Hughes is still bedding in.

Prediction: 2-0

Crystal Palace v Sunderland

1:30pm

Two teams that look like they will struggle. It doesn’t say much for Sunderland when their manager’s touchline moves are consistently the most exciting  thing about them. If Palace  can tighten up at the back, they’ll edge this one.

Prediction: 1-0

SUNDAY

Liverpool v Man United

9:30am

Another big early-season test for David Moyes and Liverpool are bound to give them more space than Chelsea did. 

The Reds feel they are on the move (up) and Daniel Sturridge has been a revelation. A thrilling, end-to-end draw (please). 

Prediction: 2-2

West Brom v Swansea

9:30am

So French striker Nicholas Anelka has decided to carry on playing, which is nice of him, although Albion must be questioning the wisdom of banking on Le Sulk as one of their main strikers. His heart, to put it mildly, does not seem into it. 

Swansea have simply  carried on from last season and look impressive. 

Prediction: 0-2

Arsenal v Tottenham

4pm

The Emirates should be rocking when their biggest rivals pay a visit. So many subplots to this game — Bale off to Madrid, Spurs splashing all that cash, more medicals than the KEMH, while Arsenal’s search for top talent is looking increasingly desperate ahead of Monday’s transfer window deadline. 

A home win is probably not fancied much but I reckon the Gunners — and an on-fire Aaron Ramsey — will come good.

Prediction: 3-2