EPL: Saluting the Class of 92

The Class of 92 documentary is a must for all long-term fans of the Premier League — even non-United supporters.

Not only for its insight into what is required to make it as a top-class footballer but also for the chance to see the six homegrown Manchester United stalwarts just, well, being normal.

David Beckham ditches the media training, Ryan Giggs opens up about his nightclub days, Gary Neville shows he can be hugely likeable and Paul Scholes just reinforces why everyone romanticises about him — a class player with no interest in all the BS off the pitch.

Who knew though — apart from die-hard United fans perhaps — that Nicky Butt and Phil Neville would turn out to be the most engaging.

Butt’s (still) baby-faced features belie his streetfighting nature who ‘looked after’ the others. And Neville’s memories of when he tried out his much-practised stepover in a game (to much derision) is just plain funny.

If you don’t enjoy the film, then you’ve clearly been watching too much La Liga.

Meanwhile, the Class of 2013/14 so far is clearly Arsenal and they have a huge task this weekend at the Etihad Stadium, where they take on a Man City side that score for fun and beat Bayern Munich in midweek.

Expert opinion is that City’s squad is built better for the long haul of the English season — and the Gunners looked tired in the second half against Napoli in midweek.

This, you feel, is where the title starts to be won or lost. 

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Man City v Arsenal

8:45am

Big players. Big game. Big expectations. Both play attacking football and on paper this looks like a nailed on thriller (cue a 0-0 bore draw). City at home though, they won seven out of seven, are hard to bet against.

Prediction: 2-1

Cardiff v West Brom

Key battle with both teams looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone. WBA have flickered with life but the Bluebirds must make use of home advantage.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Crystal Palace

Palace have been the given the proverbial rocket up the a** to the point where relegation is far from a done deal. Chelsea, though, will have far too much.

Prediction: 3-1

Everton v Fulham

Not much left to be said about Everton and Ross Barkley — they are both hugely impressive at the moment. Fulham look better with Martin Jol gone but this has the feel of a Lukaku goal fest.

Prediction: 3-0

Newcastle v Saints

Both teams’ recent good runs came to an end recently but the Magpies are top of the form table. Saints to hold out for a draw, though.

Prediction: 2-2

West Ham v Sunderland

The Hammers look dire at the moment but the good news for them is so do Sunderland. The losers can expect some soul-searching.

Prediction: 1-0

Hull v Stoke

1:30pm

Mark Hughes has turned around the side’s slump and the win over Chelsea will do wonders. He’s even got Stephen Ireland playing decent again.

Prediction: 1-1

SUNDAY

Aston Villa v Man Utd

9:30pm

The sight of Giggs whirling his shirt around his head after that FA Cup goal seems like a world away. United have liked Villa Park in recent years but the scenario feels different this time. Villa’s youngsters will feel they can get after David Moyes’ team, who look short of confidence.

Prediction: 1-2

Norwich v Swansea

9:30pm

Two straight wins at home gives the Canaries hope of a comfortable mid-table season —and I think they’ll go and do it again. 

Prediction: 2-1

Tottenham v Liverpool

12pm

Pretenders to a top-four spot or the genuine article? A question both clubs will know more about after this game, one feels. Liverpool must deal without Gerrard and Sturridge. Can they cope? 

Prediction: 1-1