With all the pain and suffering in the world today, it was good of Rio Ferdinand to raise morale.

If the outcome of the “Canelo” Álvarez and Gennady Golovkin fight left you furious, then fear not, former Manchester United defender Rio has decided to swap his boots for a brawl.

Make way for the “Prince of Peckham” or the “Fighting Pride of Manchester” coming out to Duran Duran. What could possibly go wrong?

Whatever his pugilistic skills, he will probably be more likely to lay a glove on his opponent that Crystal Palace will when they face Manchester City tomorrow.

Don’t forget to make sure your fantasy football teams in The Royal Gazette league are ready. For late entries, the code is 1129264-541165.

Here’s a look at this weekend’s games.

11am kick-offs unless stated

Tomorrow

West Ham v Tottenham Hotspur

8.30am

West Ham have tightened up and have lost just one of their past five games in all competitions as Slaven Bilic looks to turn around the mood in East London.

That said, surely Spurs will delight in being away from Wembley, and record a comfortable win.

Prediction: 0-2

Burnley v Huddersfield Town

No Nahki Wells yet for Burnley, who were taken to extra time in midweek. That raises the possibility of tired legs and after Huddersfield got a wake-up call at West Ham, I fancy them to up their game and get a point from this.

Prediction: 1-1

Everton v AFC Bournemouth

Just as Everton, for all the quality they have brought in, start to look a little toothless, so Bournemouth have kick-started their season with a win.

An open game could be in store, and that will suit the home side.

Prediction: 3-2

Manchester City v Crystal Palace

Eleven goals in their past two league games, with Jesus and Sergio Aguero working well in tandem, City take on a Palace side in turmoil amid managerial change and a total lack of goals. Home banker.

Prediction: 4-0

Southampton v Manchester United

United are flying after six wins out of seven but travel to St Mary’s to take on a team who have kept three clean sheets already. This could be tight and while the smart money is obviously on United, a stubborn Saints draw would not be a total surprise.

Prediction: 0-1

Stoke City v Chelsea

Stoke have raised their game against the so-called bigger clubs this season but with Kurt Zouma unavailable and Chelsea’s counter-attacking ability, I’m backing the away side’s chances.

Prediction: 0-2

Swansea City v Watford

At a glance, Swansea’s ability to dig in and defend under Paul Clement is now cemented. Can they open up and attack? They will be expected to here but Watford, despite their thumping at the hands of Manchester City, are a well-drilled side and should be able to put that behind them.

Prediction: 1-2

Leicester City v Liverpool

1.30pm

As an apologist for Liverpool’s defence so far this season, that sympathy has now run out after some dismal capitulations. Going forward, they are outstanding although hindered here by the suspension of Sadio Mane, but at the back questions are being asked. Jamie Vardy loves playing Liverpool, he has five against them, and will be licking his chops.

Prediction: 3-2

Sunday

Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United

Noon

Who would have put Newcastle fourth after five games? Not me. A youthful team with the astute Rafa Benitez at the helm, they are racking up points in spite of their ownership problems, ie Mike Ashley.

The momentum is with Newcastle and they can inflict some pain on their former boss, Chris Hughton.

Prediction: 0-1

Monday

Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion

4pm

The Gunners are stuttering into life without totally convincing but they should have enough to get past West Brom at the Emirates.

Not that an improved Tony Pulis side will make it easy. A home win, with the chance of a familiar Arsenal malfunction.

Prediction: 2-1