It’s your weekend form guide and top flight predictions with SunSport’s Jim Munro – always a safe bet

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Wing back Marcos Alonso has scored three goals in his last four games for Chelsea

SIR ALEX FERGUSON knows a thing or two about winning the Premier League having stuffed 13 medals into his overcoat pockets down the years.

The former Man United boss liked to repeat the phrase: “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.”

Chelsea’s back line are taking that advice to a new level this season by adding goalscoring to their list of duties.

The Premier League table-toppers have won four of their last five games and each of those matches has featured at least one goal from a defender.

Wing back Marcos Alonso got the ball rolling with a double strike in a 3-0 win at champions Leicester on January 14.

A week later central defender Gary Cahill’s flicked header clinched a 2-0 win over Hull then Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic signed off duty for the Blues with a trademark piledriver in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Brentford.

David Luiz got in on the act converting a free kick from distance in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool before Alonso was at it again last weekend, scoring Chelsea’s opener in the 3-1 win over Arsenal.

Burnley are going to have to watch for those surging runs from defence in Sunday’s showdown if they want to protect their impressive home record.

The Clarets have picked up 28 of their 29 points this season from matches at Turf Moor, with only visitors Chelsea and Tottenham boasting better home records in the division.

Chelsea have the best away record in the top flight, losing just two of their 12 matches on the road.

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Saturday, February 11

Arsenal v Hull (12.30pm)

If you believe recent form is the only way to pick your winner, this is an away banker! It’s been two defeats on the bounce for Arsenal, including the 2-1 home defeat by Watford which was perhaps their worst display of the season. Hull arrive on the back of a 0-0 draw at Man United and a dogged 2-0 home win over Liverpool. Jim’s prediction: Arsenal back to winning ways.

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Henrikh Mhkitaryan is in stunning form for Manchester United

Manchester United v Watford (3pm)

It took a breakaway goal of real quality from Henrikh Mkhitaryan to inspire Man United’s 3-0 win at Leicester, in a game which was largely dull. Watford have just won back to back Premier League games for the first time since September, the first of those two matches being a surprise 2-1 win at Arsenal. But they have had just one win at Old Trafford down the years and that was in the League Cup in January 1979. Jim’s prediction: No sting in the tale here, Manchester United all the way.

Middlesbrough v Everton (3pm)

Boro haven’t won any of the last eight League and Cup clashes between these two with Everton winning the pair's last four games. Middlesbrough have picked up just 12 points from 12 home games this season. Everton have collected 15 points from their travels. Jim’s prediction: Everton to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to nine games in a score draw.

Stoke City v Crystal Palace (3pm)

Stoke have the appearance of a team chugging along nicely but have actually won just two of their last 11 League and Cup games. Palace fans will hope their team has recovered from the shock of conceding four first-half goals to fellow relegation candidates Sunderland last weekend. Jim’s prediction: Boss Mark Hughes to crack a smile as Stoke take all three points.

Sunderland v Southampton (3pm)

One of the best bits of business in the January transfer window was lowly Sunderland keeping hold of Jermain Defoe. His double strike in the stunning 4-0 win at Crystal Palace last weekend brought his tally to 14 goals in 24 League games for the Black Cats. Southampton have lost three games on the trot since confirming their place in the EFL Cup final. Jim’s prediction: More joy for David Moyes as Sunderland bag another three points.

West Ham v West Bromwich Albion (3pm)

West Ham have won six of their last 10 games played in all competitions and scored three goals three times in their last four matches, the exception being that horrible 4-0 home drubbing by Man City. The Baggies have picked up a score draw in each of their last three away games at West Ham. Jim’s prediction: History says score draw. Score draw it is.

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Harry Kane has netted seven goals in his last seven games for Spurs

Liverpool v Tottenham (5.30pm)

It’s not clear whether the Liverpool team bus ran over any black cats after their December 31 win over Man City but 2017 has been anything but a happy new year for Jurgen Klopp & co. Just one win in 10 games in all competitions, four defeats in the last five and no wins from any of their last five games played at Anfield is a mind numbing return for a club which had lost just one of its 21 matches leading up to the end of last year. It’s all smiles for Spurs who are unbeaten through 2017 so far, winning nine of the last 11 games played in all comps. Harry Kane continues to plunder the goals with seven in his last seven outings. Jim’s prediction: Liverpool are long overdue a good result so let’s pin a win on this one for them.

Sunday, February 12

Burnley v Chelsea (1.30pm)

See details of the incredible Coral New Customer Offer above. Jim’s prediction: A feisty draw.

Swansea v Leicester (4pm)

Be in no doubt, this game is HUGE in terms of where 2017 goes from here for these two clubs. Swansea have been resurrected under new boss Paul Clement with two wins from the last three games and a goal in each of those matches for Gylfi Sigurdsson. Leicester’s midweek FA Cup win brought some relief for the champions who are sinking fast after losing four straight League games. Jim’s prediction: The Swans beat off the Foxes with a home win.

Monday, February 13

Bournemouth v Manchester City (8pm)

Bournemouth are the neutrals’ favourites right now, with a whopping 55 goals being scored in their last 13 matches – more than four per game. But with no wins from the last six and the dust not yet settled after a 6-3 thumping at Everton, the Cherries are in real danger of being sucked into the relegation dogfight. Gabriel Jesus is Man City’s man of the moment. The £27m signing from Palmeiras has netted three goals in the last two games, keeping Sergio Aguero on the bench in the process. Jim’s prediction: Jesus to score for a third game in a row as City heap more misery on Bournemouth.