De Bruyne’s a polished $85m gem
Who would have thought, sixteen years after the Shermanator announced himself as a “sophisticated sex robot” he’s now hammering home left-footed winners against Sevilla for Manchester City.
What a career Kevin De Bruyne has had. Anyway, ignoring the fact the Belgium is a dead ringer for the American Pie star — one for the younger generation there — it’s clear that City have landed themselves a gem of a player, albeit for a cool $85 million.
How José Mourinho failed to get the best out of De Bruyne is a question worth asking, but there is no doubt he has made an excellent start to his career in Manchester.
Five goals, a batch of assists, Champions League match-winner — he looks the part ahead of derby day at Old Trafford.
Of course, some stars shine brighter than others, and the last sighting of the real Shermanator was in an LA restaurant serving sushi.
De Bruyne, in contrast, appears to be on the cusp of great things. United have been warned.
11am kick off unless stated
Tomorrow’s games
Aston Villa v Swansea City
Two teams really struggling, although Garry Monk at least has credit in the bank after last season and the positive start to this campaign.
Tim Sherwood, on the other hand, has lost his past five league games and there are mumblings about his future.
Prediction: 1-1
Leicester City v Crystal Palace
Surprise packages maybe, but both clubs have been entertaining packages so far. In particular, Jamie Vardy has proved that Roy of the Rovers-style rises up the ranks still happen. Non-league football to international caps, Vardy deserves recognition as the leading league scorer and can inspire his side to victory here.
Prediction: 2-1
Norwich City v West Brom
Are West Brom the dullest team in the Premier League? Quite possibly. Norwich were taken apart by Newcastle, but 6-2 was a harsh scoreline. Expect Alex Neil to orchestrate a positive response over a stodgy Albion.
Prediction: 2-1
Stoke City v Watford
Three straight wins for Stoke and they look to have overcome early-season stumbles. Watford are finding a lack of cutting edge is costing them up front. Odds on Mark Hughes making it win number four.
Prediction: 2-0
West Ham United v Chelsea
Dmitri Payet will bid to continue his excellent form as the creative fulcrum of Slaven Bilic’s exciting side. West Ham are the best away team in the league, but home results put them only sixteenth, so this is a test against a Chelsea team that remain stuck in second gear — albeit with some high-powered parts seemingly waiting to click.
Prediction: 2-2
Arsenal v Everton
1.30pm
It’s eighteen games since Arsenal last lost at home to Everton, and the main question is whether they have recovered from the exertions of beating Bayern Munich in midweek.
Everton are unbeaten away from home in the league this season — that run may be brought to an end here.
Prediction: 3-1
Sunday’s games
Sunderland v Newcastle United
9am
Sunderland have won the past five Tyne-Wear derbies but this is a genuinely intriguing fixture. Newcastle showed attacking verve in the win over Norwich, while Sunderland exhibited long overdue defensive stability under new manager Sam Allardyce. An honourable draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur
11.05am
Spurs should be too strong for Bournemouth, who are drifting into a relegation battle as their squad adapts to a number of cruel injuries. Harry Kane to get back among the goals.
Prediction: 1-3
Man United v Man City
11.05am
A long journey back from Russia after a sluggish display in the Champions League is not ideal preparation for United.
Louis van Gaal’s team are, however, unbeaten at home in the league. City, even without Sergio Agüero, have the attacking players to claim a derby victory but it promises to be the game of the weekend.
Vincent Kompany’s fitness could be crucial.
Prediction: 1-2
Liverpool v Southampton
1.15pm
Jürgen Klopp will hope Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke are fit again — the duo’s return is vital to adding some potency to the team.
The wave of euphoria at Klopp’s arrival still engulfs Anfield and the players responded by becoming the first team to outrun Tottenham this season.
If they can repeat that intensity, a home win is on the cards.
Prediction: 2-1