Weekend football focus

Southampton v Newcastle
2pm Sunday, St Mary's - live on Sky Sports 1
Last season: 3 (Beattie, Bramble og, Griffit) 3 (Ameobi, Bowyer, Ambrose).
Referee: Chris Foy (St Helens)
Facts: Newcastle have gone nine away games without a win and haven't won a league match at Southampton since 1972
Standout bet: Shearer to score first goal - 9-2 (Bet365, P Power)
Newcastle did well enough without a manager last weekend and it will be interesting to see if they raise their game again under the control of the volatile Graeme Souness. Whether he can persuade the more lively members of his squad to toe the line will be revealed in due course but his relationship with the irritating Craig Bellamy may not be a marriage made in heaven.
Verdict: SOUNESS STARTS WITH A WIN

Man United v Liverpool
8pm Monday, Old Trafford - live on Sky Sports 1
Last season: 0-1 (Murphy).
Referee: Graham Poll (Tring)
Facts: None of the current crop of Liverpool players have scored for the Anfield club against Manchester United at Old Trafford
Standout bet: Liverpool win - 3-1 (P Power, Sky, Tote. Power will refund all losing singles if Steven Gerrard scores last goal or is sent off)
Provided Rio Ferdinand has made a note in his diary, Monday night at Old Trafford could see the long-awaited return of the young defender. It's been a long time and although Ferdinand has kept himself fit, it is bound to take time to get back in the swing of things. The consolation for Rio is that it could have been much longer and everyone would do well to remember that. As comebacks go, he could have chosen an easier one than Liverpool, who notched up a vibrant midweek win over Monaco.
Verdict: LIVERPOOL TO SPOIL PARTY

Crystal Palace v Manchester City
3pm Saturday, Selhurst Park
Tickets: £30-£40 (£10-£24 concs). Tel. 08712 000 071
Referee: Martin Atkinson (Leeds)
Facts: Referee Martin Atkinson takes charge of his first Premiership game. Palace have not lost at home to City since April 1991
Standout bet: Kevin Keegan to be next Premiership manager to leave his post - 7-4 (Bet365)
We may only be just over a month into the Premiership season but already Crystal Palace prayer mats are selling like hot cakes. It would indeed be a miracle if the Eagles survive and, on the evidence of the first few matches, they will be doing well to make 25 points. For Manchester City, however, the expectations are much higher and should City lose this one, Kevin Keegan would certainly look vulnerable. Palace's manager Iain Dowie was on the short-list for the Blackburn job, which was eventually taken by Mark Hughes, and fans will be relieved when he finally signs a new four-year contract.
Verdict: CITY SNEAK A WIN

Coca-Cola League

Brighton v QPR
3pm Saturday, Withdean Stadium
Away ticket info: All ticket. £21 (£13-£14 concs). Tel. 0870 112 1967
Last season: 2 (Knight 2) 1 (Padula).
Referee: Brian Curson (Leics)
Facts: Brighton haven't scored more than once since their 3-2 defeat at Reading on the opening day of the season
Standout bet: Match to finish 1-1 - 11-2 (generally available)
Ian Holloway was on the toilet when George Santos scored the winner at Crewe on Tuesday and may be tempted to stay there, but for the fear that Gianni Paladini would lock him in and throw away the key. Holloway has been denied the luxury of spending many pennies and his small squad may struggle at Brighton.
Verdict: HOLLOWAY CAUGHT WITH HIS PANTS DOWN

Millwall v Watford
3pm Sunday, The Den
Tickets: Millwall: £17-£23 (£7-£13 concs). Tel. 020 7231 9999. Watford: £17 (£12 concs). Tel. 01923 496010
Last season: 1 (Dichio) 2 (Dyer, Cook).
Referee: Paul Taylor (Herts)
Facts: Watford are unbeaten in five games. Danny Webber scored five in 31 games last season but has eight in eight so far this time
Standout bet: No goalscorer - 9-1 (Victor Chandler)
Millwall have discovered to their chagrin that the Channel Tunnel is not lined with gold, with chairman Theo Paphitis memorably mangling the English language and describing the UEFA Cup as worth "squiddly squab" but promotion to the Barclays Premiership would prove far more lucrative. Dennis Wise's side must find a way to keep the free-scoring Danny Webber quiet if they are to take the three points.
Verdict: WEBBER WINS IT

West Ham v Ipswich
3pm Saturday, Upton Park
Tickets: £23-£35 (£10-£17.50concs). Tel. 0870 112 2700
Last season: 1 (Defoe) 2 (Counago 2).
Referee: Rob Styles (Hants)
Facts: West Ham have not scored more than one goal in a home league match this season. Ipswich have gone seven since a draw
Standout bet: West Ham to win 1-0 - 7-1 (Bet Direct)
It doesn't take much to get those Happy Hammers excited these days and, suddenly, back-to-back wins have convinced the Upton Park faithful that the inaugural Championship Trophy is there for the taking. In the finest of West Ham traditions, Alan Pardew has taken the market trader's approach to transfers recently, shipping eight in and seven out this summer, but the new boys had better gel quickly to beat in-form Ipswich. Defender Calum Davenport, on loan from Tottenham, has been the most impressive but Welsh international Carl Fletcher, signed from Bournemouth, has also made a difference in the centre of midfield.
Verdict: SCORE DRAW

Brentford v Port Vale
3pm Saturday, Griffin Park
Tickets: £13-£17 (£3-£12 concs). Tel. 0870 900 9229
Last season: 3 (Tabb, Hunt, Rougier) 2 (McPhee 2)
Referee: Clive Penton (Sussex)
Facts: Sam Sodje's goal on his third appearance for Brentford last week was his first since scoring for Margate in September 2003
Standout bet: Brentford home win - 11-10 (generally available)
Brentford are launching their own beer to mark 100 years at Griffin Park and their thirsty supporters have had plenty to celebrate lately. Port Vale are still reeling from a heavy home defeat to Huddersfield and Martin Allen's side should extend their 100 per cent home record.
Verdict: CHEERS, ANOTHER HOME WIN

Grimsby v Leyton Orient
3pm Saturday, Blundell Park
Away ticket info: £16 (£6-£10 concs), available at turnstiles
Referee: Kevin Wright (Cambridgeshire)
Facts: Orient have not won at Grimsby since 1982 when Kevin Godfrey and Ian Moores scored for them in a 2-1 victory
Standout bet: Draw - 9-4 (generally available)
Not many teams would relish a weekend trip up north to Grimsby but given the form they're in at the moment Orient will fancy their chances of shining by the sea. Martin Ling's side are unbeaten all season, have won their last three matches and should keep the good times rolling. It's heady times in east London.
Verdict: AWAY DAY JOY