Allen gives Liverpool momentum for Manchester United clash

Match to catch

All eyes will be on Anfield on Sunday afternoon as Liverpool and Manchester United renew a fierce rivalry that dates all the way back to 1894 - and both go into the game on the back of 3-3 draws following a memorable round of midweek matches. United have won the last three meetings - including a 3-1 triumph at Old Trafford in September that was a significant low point in Brendan Rodgers’ final few weeks in charge - but Louis van Gaal’s side didn’t win once in December and their failure to finish off Newcastle on Tuesday means they have just one victory in eight league games. Liverpool fans, however, will be bouyant after Joe Allen’s late leveller against leaders Arsenal on Wednesday and that momentum could give them the edge this weekend. Prediction: Liverpool 2 Man United 1.

Keep an eye on

Tottenham will be glad to play against anybody but Leicester after two disappointing results against the Foxes this month, but the return of in-form striker Jermain Defoe on Saturday will have the White Hart Lane locals worried. The clinical Sunderland frontman, who had two fruitful spells with Spurs, has five goals in his last two games as the Black Cats have boosted their survival chances with much-needed back-to-back league victories. Few will expect them to get a positive result in north London, but Spurs have been disappointing so far in 2016 and their confidence may be fragile. Prediction: Tottenham 2 Sunderland 2.

For the purists

Bournemouth and Norwich have enjoyed some inspired results since being promoted together last season - with Manchester United among both of their victims - but they have also struggled for consistency and are far from safe in the relegation battle. The Cherries have moved early in the January transfer window in a bid to cover for all their long-term injuries, with Juan Iturbe, Benik Afobe and Lewis Grabban (signed from Saturday’s opponents) all on board. Bournemouth need their new-boys to start delivering immediately if they are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship. Prediction: Bournemouth 2 Norwich 0.

Showing form

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic gambled when he lost many of his most creative players to injury before Christmas, as he opted to go defensive and eke out a few draws. The plan could have backfired, but the Croatian successfully made his side difficult to beat and, now that the likes of Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia are back and firing, the Hammers are reaping the benefits. They have won three in a row in the league and are only one point off the Champions League places, so struggling Newcastle should be happy if they can hold them to a draw at St James’ Park on Saturday. Prediction: Newcastle 1 West Ham 1.

Need a win

Swansea, who haven’t finished below 12th in the standings since joining the Premier League four seasons ago, now look in real danger of relegation as they have just one win since October and are only one point above the drop zone. Replacing the unfortunate Garry Monk with Alan Curtis hasn’t had the desired effect, but the latter has now been confirmed until the end of the season and chairman Huw Jenkins will be left red-faced if the unheralded Curtis fails to inspire a turnaround. Monday’s visitors Watford have also dropped off the pace and were dire in defeat at Southampton last time out, so how they react at Swansea will be a key indicator for the rest of the season. Prediction: Swansea 2 Watford 1.

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