EPL: Can Suarez topple City?

By the time we all go to bed on Boxing Day — probably 20lbs heavier from all the food and drink —Liverpool’s title credentials will be a little bit clearer.

Make no mistake, they are underdogs at Eastlands, where they’ll take on Man City in the last game of the day.

City boast a 100-per-cent home record in the league, while Liverpool’s away record reads W3 D3 L2.

And Manuel Pellegrini has depth in his squad, so much so that while the loss of Sergio Aguero to injury is annoying, no-one is talking about their season being derailed.

But what makes Thursday’s game so enticing is that the Reds’ own talisman, Luis Suarez, has a bumper new contract in his pocket and is playing sensational football.

Liverpool will kick-off with confidence sky high and with nothing to lose
—for City that’s a potentially  dangerous combination. 

BOXING DAY

All 11am unless stated

Hull v Man Utd

8:45am

United have won their past two EPL games and there will be more questions asked of manager David Moyes if they don’t make that three. The Tigers go into the game off the back of three draws — a testament to their organistion under manager Steve Bruce.

Prediction: 0-2

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

Palace surprisingly put up little resistance against Newcastle but Villa have been in poor form of late, having lost three on the bounce.

Home advantage should tell here, though.

Prediction: 2-1

Cardiff v Southampton

Malky Mackay is probably as surprised as anyone  he’s still in a job, with all the indications being that he was going to be sacked. He’s been given a stay of execution. It’s a farce really and the fans and the manager deserve more respect from their Thai owner.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Swansea

Back at home after stifling the Gunners at the Emirates, the Blues will surely be favourites to overcome Michael Laudrup’s Swans. Jose Mourinho’s team will have to score this time, of course.

Prediction: 2-1

Everton v Sunderland

Everton show no signs of slowing down and in Ross Barkley they have a young player seemingly getting better and better with each game. 

If I had a dollar for every time he’s been called English football’s ‘diamond’...

Prediction: 3-0

Newcastle v Stoke

Quiet evolution at the Potters seems to be paying dividends but they’ll have their work cut out against a Newcastle side with one defeat in their past eight league games.

Prediction: 2-1

Norwich v Fulham

Can’t imagine this being one for the purists. In fairness to the Canaries they have dragged themselves away from a crisis, which is credit to their stoic manager Chris Hughton. 

Prediction: 2-1

Tottenham v West Brom

New manager  Tim Sherwood got his rewards for setting up Spurs in a more attacking fashion aganst Southampton. The club will hope he provides them with much-needed direction and inspiration.

Adebayor’s goals will help though. How badly did AVB handle the big front man?

Prediction: 3-1

West Ham v Arsenal

Another London derby for Arsene Wenger’s team but this will surely be a little easier than Chelsea. A big game for the Hammers who are desperate for something to kick-start their season. 

Prediction: 1-3

Man City v Liverpool

1:30pm

To add even more excitement to what is shaping up to be a fabulous EPL season, I’d like to say a Liverpool win. A draw would be a minor triumph for Brendan Rodgers’ side given where the two teams are at in terms on squad investment. 

But the head says City at home will be too strong for anybody this season. Hope I’m wrong though. 

Prediction: 2-1