Match to catch

Liverpool will on Saturday receive an unwelcome reminder of just how far they have fallen in the last six months, as league leaders Chelsea return to Anfield. When Jose Mourinho’s side last visited the red half of Stanley Park on April 27, Liverpool were in pole position to win their first league title in 24 years. But Steven Gerrard slipped, Chelsea went on to win 2-0 and Manchester City took the glory. Now, Luis Suarez has left, Daniel Sturridge is injured and the Reds have just one win from their last five matches, leaving them a distant seventh in the table. Chelsea have been formidable in the Premier League this season and should be too strong for this Liverpool side. Prediction: Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2.

Keep an eye on

Even though Manchester City have been inconsistent this season, it was always felt that they would come through, find their feet and enjoy another good season. But Wednesday’s miserable performance in losing at home to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League has changed all that. Their lack of discipline — tactically as well as the two red cards — was shocking and hinted that the players are no longer playing for coach Manuel Pellegrini. The Abu Dhabi owners now have to decide whether to go for a clean break and get a new manager in ahead of the January transfer window, or give the Chilean the chance to make amends. Whichever route they choose, it’s surely now just a matter of time. Prediction: QPR 1 Man City 2.

For the purists

Lancashire-Yorkshire battles are often exciting to watch because of the passion pouring down from the stands, but this weekend’s Burnley vs Hull clash doesn’t quite have the lustre for the neutral of Leeds against Manchester United. While they could end up playing out a thriller, this Turf Moor clash is probably best left to the locals. At least, thanks to beIN Sports’ change in policy regarding the Saturday 3pm (7pm UAE) matches this week, UAE-based fans of the two clubs should be able to see their heroes in action. Prediction: Burnley 0 Hull 1.

Showing form

The Newcastle revival continues to gather pace, with last week’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool at St James’ Park their third win in a row and they are now up to mid-table. Individually, this United side doesn’t look a patch on the one that finished fifth three seasons ago, but it’s amazing what a bit of belief can do and boss Alan Pardew will aim to nurture that for as long as possible. On Sunday, they visit West Brom for what should be an entertaining game. Prediction: West Brom 2 Newcastle 1.

Need a win

Louis van Gaal must have thought he was just beginning to get on top of his problems at Manchester United going in to last week’s derby, but then defender Chris Smalling gave him yet another concern. With his ridiculous first half red card — particularly the first of his two bookings for stopping City keeper Joe Hart from making a quick clearance — the England man proved he can’t be trusted in the big games and United’s uncompromising Dutch coach was obviously unimpressed. Surely Smalling will now find himself on the bench when he returns from suspension. Without him, the Red Devils will be desperate to beat Palace at home, as a trip to Arsenal awaits after the international break. Prediction: United 3 Palace 0.

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