Premier League preview: how to fill out your St Stephen's Day football accumulator

Some big games including Man United v Hull City and Man City v Liverpool take place today.

Updated at 11.30

All games kick-off at 3pm unless stated otherwise

Hull City v Man United (12.45pm)

Hull have exceeded expectations this year, climbing to 12th place and securing one of the best defensive records in the league in the process.

It could be a very close game, but an improving United side will likely have too much for them.

Bet: Man United @ 8/13

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

Villa have shown decidedly unspectacular home form this year, scoring just six goals in total at Villa Park since the start of the season.

The good news for Paul Lambert’s men though is that they’re facing a side with the joint-worst away record in the Premier League. Consequently, it would be a surprise if the Villains failed to pick up a victory against Palace today.

Bet: Aston Villa @ 10/11

Cardiff v Southampton

Having started the season incredibly promisingly, the Saints’ campaign is in danger of falling apart.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team have failed to win their last six games, though they have missed some important players through injury during that run.

Cardiff — who have picked up seven points from their last 12 home matches — will provide a stern test for the visitors.

Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Chelsea v Swansea

(Chelsea have had an excellent home record this season — Nigel French/PA Wire/Press Association Images)

There would be few tough questions asked of Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea were they judged purely on their home form.

In the league, they have won every match at Stamford Bridge apart from the 2-2 draw with West Brom in November.

Hence, they will be expected to prevail comfortably against the Welsh side today.

Bet: Chelsea @ 4/11

Everton v Sunderland

If they manage to avoid an improbable loss against Sunderland today and Southampton on Sunday, Everton will have succeeded in going the entire of 2013 unbeaten at Goodison Park.

The statistic illustrates the Toffees’ hugely impressive form over the past 12 months, and partially explains why they are currently just two points off leaders Liverpool.

Bet: Everton @ 2/5

Newcastle v Stoke

Six wins from their last eight league games have seen Newcastle go as high as sixth in the table.

Can Stoke put a halt to their sudden meteoric rise? History would suggest not, given that they’ve won just once at St James’ Park since 1976.

Bet: Newcastle @ 3/4

Norwich v Fulham

Is it too early in the season for a relegation six-pointer?

Fulham have just one victory since Rene Meulensteen took over, but they will no doubt see this afternoon’s game as a big chance to add to that tally?

Norwich, meanwhile, have shown some encouraging form of late, and are unbeaten in their last three league matches.

Bet: Draw @ 12/5

Tottenham v West Brom

Spurs have looked considerably more threatening in front of goal since Tim Sherwood took over, yet perhaps somewhat inevitably, they have also seemed less stable at the back than they often were under AVB.
The Baggies have a poor record against the London club, and they’re unlikely to get anything out of today’s game, having failed to win any of their last seven league matches.

Bet: Tottenham @ 8/15

West Ham v Arsenal

The Hammers have been struggling of late, and are now just one point above the relegation zone.

It is not unlikely to get any easier for them against an Arsenal side who showed good backbone to come away with a point earlier this week against Chelsea, having previously had their ability against the top sides doubted.

Bet: Arsenal @ 8/13

Man City v Liverpool (5.30pm)

Undoubtedly the day’s most intriguing encounter, Manchester City have been at times unplayable at home this year.

Nevertheless, league leaders Liverpool are likely to give them one of their toughest challenges at the Etihad Stadium this season.