It doesn’t come any bigger than Manchester United against Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League (BPL).

English football equivalent of El Clasico takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday and two analysts are in the Red and Blue corner.

In the red corner, is a native of Lagos state who has a diploma in journalism from Nigeria Institute of Journalism and whose major career high was being head of sports in Revelation TV based in England. He has travelled far and wide yet he’s afraid when a plan is about to touch down. He’s not big in size but he owns the biggest electronic sports library in the country. Introducing Kayode Tijaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaani!

His opponent in the blue corner is a native of Ibadan in Oyo state, who ventured into broadcasting in 1996 but before then, was a trader at Isale Eko market. She represented Lagos state at two National Sports Festivals – Kaduna 1977 and Oluyole 1979. Her first degree is in Physical Education and she has a post graduate diploma in Mass Communication both from the University of Lagos. She holds her own in a male-dominated profession and she’s not afraid of death but what lies after. Introducing Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisha Falode!

Welcome to the BPL preview.

WEST HAM UNITED V MANCHESTER CITY  

Sunday we start with you. West Ham have taken just one point from their last six Premier League encounters with City. Do you see their lot improving?

Sunday: Get ready London, West Ham are set to be hammered to the underground station by Yaya Toure and co. It is true that Sam Allardyce and his players have been reveling in an unusual attacking play with Enner Valencia and Diafre Sakho impressive. Man City, however, will forget their Russian heartbreak – no thanks to Ahmed Musa – and smash the Hammers’ party at the Boleyn Ground. Aguero and Yaya should do the job. 1-3

Kayode: The Hammers have the serious intention to attempt to shock City as the Sam Alladyce’s  in form team will definitely put up a huge fight. With players the quality of newcomers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia who both scored in their 3-1 win against Burnley, anything can happen. But it’s Man City we are talking about and recall they defeated West Ham to win the BPL. And moreover, City wins most meetings between the two. 2-3

Aisha: West Ham are playing their best football in many years and that’s why they are 4th on the table. But they are up against champions Manchester City who will not want to lose any more grounds to a rampaging Chelsea. I agree with Sunday and Kay, I’ll go for an away win too. 2-3

LIVERPOOL V HULL CITY 

Liverpool have scored 10 goals in three league home games against Hull. Aisha, are you expecting another avalanche of goals?

Aisha: It is tough for Hull that their very next game after the 2-2 draw with Arsenal is another away fixture against a Liverpool side desperate for points. Steve Bruce’s side will find the Anfield atmosphere too intense. Liverpool to win this 2-1

Kayode: Liverpool are suffering right now defensively and are really missing Daniel Sturridge. They have conceded 12 goals in eight games and Hull’s draw with Arsenal also sends another message. Liverpool have been warned. I still see them winning this, though. 3-2

Sunday: Judging by Liverpool’s form this season, including Balotelli’s antic, they could be in for a long afternoon against a Hull City side who can make themselves hard to beat. With Super Mario and Rickie Lambert forgetting how the back of the net sounds, and the defence running helter-skelter, it is hoped that the Anfield belief of not walking alone will save them. Bring on Super Sterling. 3-1

SOUTHAMPTON V STOKE CITY 

Sunday, no team with a striped home shirt has finished in the top four of the BPL since your team, Newcastle, achieved that in 2002-03. What do you make of this tie? Are the Saints going to march on?

Sunday: As impressive as they were in the 8-0 bashing of Sunderland, the Saints are about to find out how it is to struggle to break down a stubborn Stoke side who can also pass it around pretty good. Ronald Koeman has been hailed as the magician for Southampton and Mark Hughes will use this game to break that wand this weekend, then their form will start waning from next week onward. 2-1

Aisha: The Saints are absolutely flying at the moment. They celebrated the player and manager of the month awards with the performance of the season so far in dispatching Sunderland 8-0 last weekend. Stoke also won but I feel Southampton will win this 2-1

Kayode: Coach Ronald Koeman will do well to let his players avoid the temptation of complacency after their magical eight goal win in their last game against Sunderland. The opposition here at St Mary’s are Stoke City, a team that is ruthless and fights till the end. Stoke is difficult to beat, they are physical and great at set pieces and Peter Crouch will give all sorts of problems. Great game this will be. 2-1

SUNDERLAND V ARSENAL    

Sunday, only two Premier League teams have kept a clean sheet after conceding 8-plus goals in the preceding match (Arsenal in 2011 after losing 8-2 to Man United and Wigan in 2009 after losing 9-1 to Spurs). Do you think Sunderland can imitate the duo?

Sunday: Oh dear! It’s not as if I don’t have pity on Sunderland at all because Arsenal are in town – actually I don’t have an iota of pity for the Mackems because as a Newcastle fan, the only thing that’d pacify me is their relegation! With Ramsey back for the Gunners, his industry in addition to Welbeck and Sanchez should heap more misery on Gus Poyet, who I hope wouldn’t be sacked until May when relegation is all but confirmed! 0-2

Aisha: The Sunderland players and coaching crew must have felt really miserable after the 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton. But their opponents Arsenal haven’t had much to cheer about recently either. I think this will be a 1-1 draw.

Kayode: Arsenal will attempt to consolidate on their position by attempting to win this at the Stadium of Light . Sunderland will still be smarting from their bashing at Southampton and the Gunners can capitalise if they still have the desire to compete for the top position. 1-3

WEST BROM V CRYSTAL PALACE 

Kayode, Palace have lost only one of their last eight encounters with WBA in all competitions. Do you see this streak continuing?

Kayode: Can WBA maintain the intensity they showed against Manchester United? Their opponents at the Hawthorns, Crystal Palace, are formidable and are so well organised both on and off the ball and coming from 1-2 home loss to Chelsea, they will put up a fight here. Bear in mind though, that Palace have not won at Hawthorns since 1973. 1-1

Aisha: West Brom came agonisingly close to beating Manchester United (winks at Kayode)last weekend but a late equaliser forced them to settle for a 2-2 draw. However, I fancy them for a win against Crystal Palace. 2-1

Sunday: West Brom are flying at the moment thanks to striker Berahino’s goals and I think they should see off Warnock’s Palace side who would always fight to the last minute. 2-1

Our soccer analysts have predicted a win for Arsenal but don’t change the station until you get their expert edge on the star match – England’s El Clasico!

Let’s go for a short commercial break.

Van Gaal and Mourinho

We are back!

SWANSEA CITY V LEICESTER CITY  

Aisha, the last six meetings between Swansea and Leicester have been home wins. Do you see a repeat of that?

Aisha: I think I do. After a very good start, the Swans are now beginning to find the going really tough in the BPL. But playing at home against Leicester who are doing worse, I think this will be a Swansea win. 2-1

Sunday: Some respite at last for Swansea as they should see off a plunging Leicester City side trying so hard to look a Premier League side. Gary Monk should earn a win after the drought I foresaw actually happened. Bony to bring the rain,‎ sorry, win. 2-0

Kayode: Swansea will definitely need to be ruthless in front of goal if they want the results here. Losing 2-1 at Stoke was a big blow but they are meeting Leicester knowing they are yet to win in the last five games. 2-1

BURNLEY V EVERTON    

Sunday, Burnley have not won any league game in eight attempts. Do you see a change of luck this weekend?

Sunday: I am actually going for a Burnley win! Yes! Sean Dyche’s side have toiled in the BPL and it is time for them to earn a win, the first of the few they’d manage before returning to the Championship. Everton are playing after a return from Europa league action and this could have an effect on their match fitness. 2-1

Kayode: Burnley are not a team to underrate but Everton must know how vital it is for them to attempt an away win to consolidate on their ambitions at Turf Moor. Everton of course know how dangerous and competitive Burnley are, after losing to them 1-0 in August 2009.It’s been a win each on head-to-head and this will be a game to fight for. 1-1

Aisha: I believe that Everton’s resounding 3-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend is the tonic needed to really get their season going. Burnley are struggling at the wrong end of the table and I don’t think they will get anything from this game. Everton to win this 1-2

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR V NEWCASTLE UNITED      

Pardew is still staying put, Sunday! What’s take on this game?

Sunday: Do I need to go through the pain of describing how my Newcastle would be beaten by Spurs? No! I’d rather use the opportunity to send this message to Alan Pardew: “Dear Pards, the lacklustre win over Leicester will not cloud our sense of judgment; we still want you out of the club, Regards. (www.sackpardew.com)” 3-1

Aisha: Spurs were very poor against Man City last time out while Newcastle got their first win of the season beating Leicester City. I’m betting this will be a 2-2 draw. Sorry, Sunday.

Kayode: Show down at White Hart Lane! Spurs leads 5-3 on head-to-head between these two rivals in recent times. Newcastle, it should be recalled, defeated Spurs at White Hart Lane in the last BPL meeting on November 10, 2013.There’s intense rivalry between these two teams. Spurs will be very fired up after losing 4-1 in their last game against Manchester City. 2-1

MANCHESTER UNITED V CHELSEA 

The Blues travel to Old Trafford with first-choice striker Diego Costa out of action, and second-choice Loic Remy racing back to fitness. Sunday, can Chelsea maintain their unbeaten run?

Sunday: Going to Manchester United with an unbeaten record was seen as end-time in the Fergie days. His sides were the unbeaten runs killers! (general laughter) Well, there is no Lord Ferg and Mourinho is back at Chelsea and flying. A comical defence is the home side’s mantra while their attack is a stuff of legends. Chelsea on the other hand have solidity from front to back but they will sorely miss Diego Costa. Wayne Rooney’s suspension will also affect United but I see them nicking this one. Hazard vs Di Maria is the headline duel here, and Falcao should score. 2-1

Aisha: Jose Mourinho goes up against his former boss Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford in this huge game. Chelsea strikers Diego Costa and Loic Remy may not be fit for this game but the Blues have other players who can score. Manchester United are having a very poor season by their high standards but I expect that they will lift their game against Chelsea. However, the visitors will still nick it 1-2 (waves a Chelsea flag)

Kayode: Moment of truth for Loius Van Gaal. This is where the hard work starts. Chelsea are playing their best football ever and can break any defence, least of all the very vulnerable, leaky, inconsistent United’s defence. Chelsea will surely score goals but if United’s arrays of amazing forward liners really come to the party, we are assured of a cracker, but I don’t see Chelsea losing this. Even though it is difficult to say (buries his head). 2-3

QUEENS PARK RANGERS V ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa have lost nine of their last 10 league games against London sides. Aisha, do you see another London team triumphing on Sunday?

Aisha: Aston Villa have shockingly lost 3-0 on three different occasions this season but QPR are bottom of the table although they put up a spirited fight against Liverpool last weekend. I’ll settle for a 2-2 draw

Sunday: QPR are battling with poor results, feud within the squad (Redknapp vs Taraabt), while club owner Tony Fernandes won’t stop updating his twitter account. He is his club’s mole and problem in my opinion. He should leave Harry to do the job or sack him and get another manager; save his club while he donates his internet devices to a safety deposit box, the London Metropolitan Police or a museum! (general laughter) Aston Villa are also on a poor run of results after their early season promise and they welcome back their prolific scorer, Christian Benteke but it will take a while before he gains sharpness to lift ‎the Villains. QPR to nick this encounter. 2-1

Kayode: Queens Park Rangers, still devastated by their agonising loss to Liverpool at Loftus Road, will most likely not want to lose to Aston Villa at Loftus Road. They dominated but lost to an unexpected own goal but Aston Villa need this too. It might end in a draw like both last played out in their last meeting in December 2012. Like Aisha, I go for same result. 2-1

Join us for another exciting edition of Barclays Premier League preview.

Bye for now!

WEEK 8 PREDICTIONS

 PUNDITS LEAGUE TABLE