Forget about Roy, it’s EPL time

Who actually thinks Roy Hodgson is a racist?

A man whose willingness to work all round the world, learn different languages and immerse himself in different cultures must make him one of the most open-minded Brits in football.

And who thinks the ill-judged joke he told at half-time on Tuesday sounded more like something your Dad would say to try to impress his children’s mates rather than something from the Third Reich?

Good, glad we all agree on that one. That story will hopefully now disappear and England can bask in the knowledge they will be at the World Cup and we can get back to some riveting Premier League action.

The fixtures return this weekend with a potential thriller at St James’ Park, where high-flying Liverpool are the visitors, and the visit of much-improved Saints to Old Trafford.

Given United’s wobbly start, that has all the makings of an upset.

If that doesn’t get your juices flowing, the Hammers, decent at home, welcome Man City and Villa and Spurs go head to head on Sunday. 

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Newcastle v Liverpool

8:45am

So many classics between these two clubs down the years (Stan Collymore, Les Ferdinand anyone?) that it always seems an attractive match-up. Have to back Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge to give the Reds an edge.

Prediction: 1-2

Arsenal v Norwich

Suddenly there’s title talk in the air at Emirates — and there is nothing to suggest the Canaries have enough firepower at the moment to disrupt the Gunners and the classy Mesut Ozil.

Prediction: 3-0

Chelsea v Cardiff

The Blues should take care of this one as life at Cardiff suddenly seems a little unstable behind the scenes. Malky MacKay had one of his main staff members swiftly replaced. He’s not happy, apparently.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Hull

Darron Gibson’s injury is a setback for the Toffees but they have proved already this season they have enough in the locker.  Lakaku to continue where he left off for Belgium.

Prediction: 3-0

Man Utd v Southampton

Judging by the way United laboured to victory against Sunderland, this could be interesting. Saints will pressure United. Do the home team have the creativity in midfield to get the job done?

Prediction: 2-1

Stoke v West Brom

After a promising start Stoke have stumbled badly and desperately need someone to start scoring. The Baggies are the reverse of that and look to have shrugged of their poor opening.

Prediction: 0-2

Swansea v Sunderland

New man in charge at the Black Cats and Gus Poyet will begin the rebuilding job here. He’s not exactly a wallflower but after the madness of Paolo di Canio he’ll seem serene.

Prediction: 0-2

West Ham v Man CIty

1:30pm

City, the great unpredictables so far this season. So much ability in their team but now without captain Vincent Kompany who is injured again. Hammers to  earn a point.

Prediction: 2-2

SUNDAY

Aston Villa v Tottenham

12pm

Christian Benteke could return for Villa, which would be a boost against a team he was supposed to have almost joined in the summer. Spurs to knick it.

Prediction: 0-1

MONDAY

Crystal Palace v Fulham

4pm

Palace are in danger of becoming the league’s whipping boys but Fulham look old and slow.

Prediction: 0-1