EPL: Martinez’s derby bow

Well, at least everyone’s car wheels will be safe for 90 minutes.

And more than five per cent of the UK TV audience will, for a change understand what player-turned pundit Jamie Carragher is talking about.

That’s the two main Scouse stereotypes out of the way. In the middle of all the banter will be a man so debonair he’ll look more like a Mediterranean business executive.

That is, of course, until he calmly walks to the edge of his technical area to tweak the Everton midfield and urge them to trust in the passing game he so deeply believes in.

Roberto Martinez has quietly impressed so far at Goodison Park, making good signings and adding a little culture to the foundations so impressively laid down by his predecessor David Moyes. A win against Liverpool would turn the current nod of approval from the home crowd into a warm fully-accepting embrace. Either way, you get the impression Martinez is in it for the long haul. 

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Everton v Liverpool

8:45am

Everton are five games away from going a whole calendar year unbeaten at Goodison Park, something that last happened 51 years ago. It’s been five derbies since they beat their rivals, though, and this will be a spicy affair. Whoever wins the early battles will earn the right to play their football. I sense a Reds win but it’s nothing more than a hunch.

Prediction: 1-2

Arsenal v Southampton

After the anti-climax of their loss to Manchester United, this is Arsenal’s chance to remind everyone why they are top of the league. The problem: Saints are a team on a roll in third. Their pressing game will trouble Arsenal but the Gunners have the individuals to dig out a win.

Prediction: 1-0

Fulham v Swansea

The Cottagers have moved to stem their abysmal form by drafting in ex-United coach Rene Meulensteen. Whether he can take some years off the legs of Sidwell, Parker, Berbatov and Bent remains to be seen. Clue: I doubt it.

Prediction: 0-2

Hull v Crystal Palace

Tony Pulis is in talks with Palace to become their new manager, which is an interesting choice. A pragmatic and successful top-flight manager, he’d would be a good sign to fans the club haven’t given up on the season. He has also never been relegated as boss… but then he’s never had Marouane Chamakh as his main striker!

Prediction: 1-0

Newcastle v Norwich

The Canaries got a win last time out but remain unconvincing, while despite a derby defeat to Sunderland, Newcastle are going along nicely. Yohan Cabaye is in good form and they always have Hatem Ben Arfa up their sleeve. It’s pretty impressive given the shambles at boardroom level.

Prediction: 3-0

Stoke v Sunderland

Interesting game this. Stoke have stumbled badly and the capitulation from a winning position against Swansea won’t have helped confidence. Sunderland, on the other hand, have a chipper new boss in Gus Poyet, who it’s hard not to like – unless you’re the Brighton chairman.

Prediction: 2-2

West Ham v Chelsea

1:30pm

West Brom were unlucky not to get a win at the Bridge although Chelsea will argue their pressure paid off. The Hammers aren’t playing as well as the Baggies and can expect a tough afternoon.

Prediction: 0-3

SUNDAY

Man City v Spurs

9:30am

Big game at the Etihad and City know they can’t afford another defeat so soon after their poor loss to Sunderland. 

Spurs are solid and efficient which doesn’t go down well with their fans, who genuinely seem to expect swashbuckling one-touch football en route to a first title in eons. Good luck with that, AVB.

Prediction: 3-2

Cardiff v Man Utd

12pm

United are improving, no doubt. Rooney and Van Persie are going through the gears and the win over Arsenal will have done wonders as the transition post-Fergie continues.

A convincing win over Cardiff will be more evidence this could yet be a season to remember.

Prediction: 0-2

SUNDAY

West Brom v Aston Villa

4pm

A nice Midlands battle to round the weekend off. On current evidence, West Brom look a tighter unit and Shane Long looked like a man reborn against Chelsea.

Prediction: 2-1