While José Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini battle it out for top managerial honours in the Premier League, two of our own have proven their ability in the “dugout”.

A little overdue, perhaps, but this week The Royal Gazette hails the winning managers from October and November.

In October, the shrewd tactics and transfer acumen of Mike Harvey lead his Haggis Supper side to a one-point win over Jamell McIntosh’s Canons. Harvey bagged 202, while McIntosh will feel rightly aggrieved his 201 was not enough to win the month’s competition.

In November, there was even more of a points feast. Filip Mangovic marshalled his Monkey’s Eleven FC to a huge total of 254, which was enough — but, again, only just — to keep Javon Darrell and his TLF Gunners, who finished on 243, off top spot.

Congratulations to both winners. Get in touch at jburton@royalgazette to claim your $100 gift voucher prize.

Tomorrow’s games

11am kick off unless stated

Manchester City v Crystal Palace

8.45am

Five wins on the spin for Pellegrini’s men as they try to hunt down Chelsea, who are only three points clear at the top now. Palace have gone backwards after the excellent win over Liverpool.

Prediction: 3-0

Aston Villa v Manchester United

There is a quiet sort of resurgence going on at Old Trafford.

Far from fluid, United are nevertheless getting back into the habit of winning matches as six straight victories will attest to. Villa manager Paul Lambert was forced to field questions about whether Roy Keane really did doorstep Tom Cleverley’s house to accuse him of stirring up rumours of a player bust-up. Sounds like a player’s worst nightmare!

Prediction: 0-2

Hull City v Swansea

Hatem Ben Arfa has, apparently, played his last game for Hull and will head back to Newcastle. If his last game is anything to go by — when he was hauled off after 30 minutes — “played” is a subjective word.

Hull, who have a good squad on paper, desperately need to kick-start their season.

Predicition: 1-1

Queen’s Park Rangers v West Bromwich Albion

A classic “six-pointer” but QPR will be relieved to get back home after eight straight away defeats on the bounce. WBA have looked solid but uninspiring.

Charlie Austin’s return and the home side’s extra creativity should make the difference.

Prediction: 1-0

Southampton v Everton

Have the wheels come off for Southampton? Four league defeats have provided the South Coast club with a reality check but they continue to look organised despite the defeats.

This is a chance to stop the rot but it’ll be tough against an Everton side that flexed their muscles in a 3-1 win over QPR last time out.

Prediction: 2-2

Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley

Burnley have lost only one of their past six games — a triumph of the collective over more star-studded opponents.

Spurs have become adept at late winners and hammered Newcastle in midweek to reach the Capital One Cup semi-final.

Prediction: 2-1

West Ham v Leicester City

Troubling times for Leicester who are without a win in 11 matches.

West Ham, on the other hand, are flying again and have Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll up top causing mayhem.

Prediction: 3-0

Sunday’s games

Newcastle United v Sunderland

9.30am

Should be a tasty derby without a yard given. Newcastle have shipped eight goals in their past two games, while Sunderland are winless in six.

Improvements needed then and with local pride at stake, it should be entertaining.

Prediction: 2-1

Liverpool v Arsenal

12pm

Mario Balotelli is suspended after his latest offence, while Calum Chambers returns to the Arsenal squad.

Quite frankly, with the state of these two defences, this could go either way. Goals, though, are expected!

Prediction: 2-2

Monday’s game

Stoke v Chelsea

4pm

Now Chelsea have got a defeat out of their system, and coupled with Stoke’s stuttering form at home, this would appear an away win.

However, if Chelsea’s surprise defeat taught yours truly anything, it’s not to presume anything (see last column!).

Prediction: 1-3