Rooney fans the flames

Never had Wayne Rooney down as a top exponent of mind games.

And he isn’t, judging by his recent comments that suggested Arsenal should  be judged as genuine title contenders only in March.

It’s an interesting addition to the ‘judge us after 10 games’ adage which, of course, is where we are now.

Rooney, never afraid of a confrontation, is simply reminding the Gunners there’s a long way to go.

But of course, if Arsene Wenger’s side put one over United this weekend, it’ll be even longer for the Old Trafford Club.

United simply aren’t yet in a position to call out rivals. David Moyes’ side will improve, I have no doubt, but their form and the fact they are already eight points behind the leaders means there is work to be done.

United are dealing with negatives at the moment — Ashley Young’s theatrics, Marouane Fellaini’s underwhelming displays — while Arsenal are on the crest of a wave with wins against Liverpool and, more impressively, at Dortmund in the Champions League.

Beat them this weekend, Wayne, and then you can crow. 

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Aston Villa v Cardiff

Malky Mackay might have spoken to his owner again by now and will have no doubt reminded Vincent Tan of who picks the team. The Bluebirds’ tails are up after their derby win. Good for a point.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v West Brom

Eden Hazard now knows where he stands with Jose Mourinho. Miss training = miss the game. He has a point to prove, so expect him to play a central role.

Prediction: 3-1

Crystal Palace v Everton

Palace look doomed and it appears everyone bar their own fans have forgotten they’re yet to appoint a new manager. Another dark day.

Prediction: 0-2

Liverpool v Fulham

A dose of realism was doused over the Reds after their defeat to Arsenal —but they still look in fine fettle, even if title talk now looks a wee bit hasty.

Should fill their boots here, though.

Prediction: 4-0

Southampton v Hull

Saints can boast three players in the England squad — Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana — which is a credit to their progress. Lallana is their driving force and will be key in breaking down a tight Tigers backline.

Prediction: 2-0

Norwich v West Ham

1:30pm

The Canaries’ reaction to their 7-0 hammering at the hands of Man City could well dictate whether Chris Hughton still has the dressing room and still has a job.

The right noises have been made but the proof will be on the pitch.

Prediction: 2-1

SUNDAY

Tottenham v Newcastle

8am

Interesting times at Spurs. Good start to the season, good progress in Europe yet fans and critics slag them off for not scoring any goals. 

When you spend the kind of money they did — £26m on Soldado – more is expected but don’t underestimate the power of winning football.

Prediction: 2-0

Sunderland v Man City

10.05am

City are like a Rolls Royce. Get them started and they wipe the floor with rivals but, if it’s a little chilly out and the engine splutters, they don’t seem to go very far. They’ll cruise this one.

Prediction: 1-3

Man Utd v Arsenal

12:10pm

United’s past home struggles to Saints and West Brom should give Arsenal encouragement but it’s another big test for Wenger’s side. 

You feel a win at Old Trafford would, mentally, give them real belief that this is their year.

For United, what better game to slap the doom-mongers around the face and say ‘we’re back’.

Moyes’ record in the big games remains in question but his players need to rise to the occasion and help him out.

The temptation is to go for an Arsenal win but the Borussia Dortmund victory win in midweek will have taken a lot out of them and I can see United pegging them back.

Prediction: 2-2

Swansea v Stoke

12.10pm

While not on many people’s radar this weekend, this game is vital to the Swans after their potentially morale-sapping derby loss to Cardiff last weekend.

Defeat will have hurt but they come up against a Stoke side who have not enjoyed a league win in seven games.

Prediction: 2-1