Derby Days Reignited (and Other Lesser Matters)

God help me, but I think Everton actually goes into this Derby matchup with a puncher’s chance (7:30, NBCSN).  The Redshite will no doubt be focused after their 7-2 thrashing away to Villa…but thhat veneer of invincibility has faded.  More importantly, Don Carlo has this bunch of Toffees believing in themselves.

Ordinarily, one could have a moan about not having supporters inside Goodison Park – but really, the weight of collective expectation can overwhelm.  And they are quick to start moaning if events start poorly.  Just focus on the football.  It’s been ten years to the day since Everton last beat the Shite.  That streak of futility needs to go on no further.

You get two more NBC/NBCSN fixtures today (though 3 of Sunday’s 4 are Peacock-only).  Chelsea host Saints in the 10:00 window (NBCSN), and a hammering could be imminent.  Chelski have too much attacking talent to struggle much longer.  Not at home, to the likes of these, anyway.

How good are Arsenal, anyway?  You’ll get at least a partial answer in their spotlight dance (12:30, NBC) trip to the Emirates.  Man City are in 14th, and a desperately wounded/cornered animal.  This will likely make better viewing than the #NuAIDS-altered JV slate.

Very Disappointed Dad Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (almost spelled that right on first go, swapped the “k” and the “j” is all) takes his Red Devils to Newcastle for a very intriguing finisher (3:00, Peacock).  Very early days, but Barcodes are in a comfortable (for them) 9th, while United enter the weekend in 16th, with a -6 goal differential.  Even with a game in hand, that is the kind of form that gets one the sack.  I am expecting a reaction today, but then again, I didn’t expect what I’ve seen to date in the least.

Villa are away to Foxy Footy tomorrow (2:15, Peacock), with those Midlands Twats 2nd in the table, match in hand, Prem-leading +9 GD.  Talk about the unexpected!  Spurs/Hammers (11:30, NBCSN) is the only non-streaming matchup.  There is a full-NBCSN Monday Night Footy double-dip (hey, matching the NFL schedule – THREE DAY WEEKEND WOO!!!)

Auburn (-3.5) at South Cakalaky (Noon, ESPN)

The Chickens have proven they are WAY better than #NuAIDS-ridden Vanderbilt.  Otherwise, they’ve been ass-flavoured ass.  War Damn Eagle is worthy of GAMBLOR hailing.

Kentucky (+6) at Tennessee (Noon, SECN)

I was hoping for MOAR value here, as both these teams are inconsistent af.  But Kenfucky has beaten UT like twice in 125 years, so less than a full 7 ain’t gonna do it.  Bet it’s fun, though.  Perhaps challenge Headliner to a game of horseshoes?

Texas A&M (-5) at Mississippi State (4:00, ESPN)

Did I mention that this was an underwhelming slate?  The fact that this is the only match close to watchable (no, I don’t count NC State/Duke, even though it will occupy my eyeballs) tells you all you need to know.  Classic let-down game for Bonfire Cult, and Dread Pirate Leach is 10-15 times better a coach than Rick Perry clone (but fatter) Jimbo Fisher.

Speaking of fat, this made me chuckle:

Georgia (+4.5) at Alabama (8:00, CBS)

Yes, I only previewed 4 fixtures (for good reason), all SEC (same).  But really, this one is the whole ball of wax.  Should Nick Saban’s #NuAIDS cancel this, dunno who will be sadder.  Hippo or the teevee folks.