Jack's the lad for Gunners

The England players in the Premier League may have a more-than-usual air of cockiness this weekend.

After all, it’s not every day — they’ve had to wait 23 years, in fact — you get to beat the most revered football nation in the world.

A home friendly against a Brazil side that has just changed manager may be a different test to what will await them at the World Cup (if England get there, of course) but it’s a win fans should enjoy.

He may look like a pesky schoolboy — you know he was the one pulling chairs from under people in class — but Jack Wilshere’s display gave fans a glimpse of the country’s future.

For Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, keeping Wilshere fit and healthy has to be his most important task (aside from finding replacements for the abysmal Per Mertesacker and Gervinho).

In other news Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher will retire at the end of the season. Carragher has been a legendary player and leader for the club.

Unfortunately, though, for defenders, getting put on their backside is more entertaining than a well-marshalled back line as Gianfranco Zola harshly showed when he skinned Carragher twice (go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=Usmjudsjybg).

Unfair, but funny.

Saturday

All times 11am unless stated

Spurs v Newcastle

8.45pm

Gareth Bale’s stock just keeps on rising and, despite Newcastle’s influx of signings during the transfer window, the Welshman (11 goals already this season) gives the home side world-class potency.

Prediction: 2-1

Chelsea v Wigan

There’s now talk Frank Lampard will be offered a new contract after all, a decision that should have been made a long time ago. The mess epitomizes the shabby management at the Bridge currently. I hope Frank tells them to shove it and goes off to enjoy a couple of years in Europe.

Prediction: 2-0

Norwich v Fulham

The Canaries have stopped the rot with a couple of draws and brought in striker Luciano Becchio from Leeds United. Fulham are not the best away from the comforts of the Cottage.

Prediction: 1-0

Stoke v Reading

The Royals’ recent form — three wins in four — has taken most people by surprise but it’s seen them climb out of the bottom three. Stoke haven’t won in the league since Boxing Day.

Prediction: 1-1

Sunderland v Arsenal

In Wilshere and Theo Walcott Arsenal seem to have two fine players who actually want to stay at the club. The Gunners remain flaky but on the day could destroy Sunderland.

Prediction: 1-3

Swansea v QPR

So you splash millions on a striker to get you out of trouble and he goes and gets injured. Loic Remy will be missing for Rangers, who have been a lot tougher to beat under Harry Redknapp.

However, Swansea and Michu have the class.

Prediction: 2-1

Saints v Man City

1.30pm

Southampton are actually playing exceptionally well at the moment despite no win in four. However, City HAVE to win or they can wave goodbye to the title.

Prediction: 1-2

Sunday

Aston Villa v West Ham

9.30am

Villa are in the mire and their defending from crosses is atrocious. But going forward they have goals in them. This could be the day they turn their season around. 

Prediction: 3-2

Man Utd v Everton

12.00pm

Draw specialists Everton have lost only three times this season but the Red Devils machine, while not hitting top gear, is ruthlessly advancing towards the title. Home win.

Prediction: 2-1

Monday

Liverpool v West Brom

9.30am

While they still haven’t beaten anyone of note this season, the Reds impressed in draws against both Arsenal and Man City. 

At Anfield, with revenge on their mind from the opening-day defeat at the Hawthorns, you fear for West Brom. 

Prediction: 3-1