There's some great fixtures in the Premiership this English Bonfire Night weekend, starting with a bang in the Saturday lunchtime fixture when Aston Villa, whose midterm fadeout has started early this season, entertain a resurgent Liverpool.

The traditional three o'clock kickoffs feature some real firecrackers, not least when Arsenal host the demoralised Sunderland for what should be an easy win, however Blackburn versus Charlton looks a bit of a possible damp squib and a probable 0-0 draw.

On the other hand, Fulham v Manchester City looks a real sparkler and could go either way; Newcastle should rocket against a struggling Birmingham; and West Ham should have too much gunpowder for those other Westies, West Brom.

The late afternoon fixture will be played after dark, so expect Portsmouth to be outshone by the high flying rocket that is Wigan Athletic.

The biggest explosions are reserved for Sunday when the twisted firestarters of Middlesbrough head for the obstinately soggy fuse we know as Everton. Literally anything could happen with these two unpredictable shooting stars in this late lunchtime game.

Without a doubt, the biggest bangs of all will emanate from Old Trafford, when the unpredictable catherine wheel that is Manchester United will be hoping to raise their game for the visit of the giant roman candle that is league leaders Chelsea at 4pm.

The week winds down with a Monday night barbecue when the crackers at Bolton Wanderers are visited by the giant thunderflash of Tottenham Hotspur. Stand well back for your own safety - sparks are surely going to fly between two ambitious teams currently locked together in joint third place.

This preview originally posted here on About Manchester United on Saturday morning but could not be placed here until now due to technical difficulties beyond our control.