Football Today: Walker reminds us that it’s good to talk, Henderson shows his class

It’s a tad windy outside Football Today headquarters this morning – we hope you’re all safe and nicely tucked up indoors.

We’re looking forward to today’s Premier League action, but before we fire up the television we need to look at a couple of important talking points.

Walker reminds us that it’s good to talk

Ten years have passed since Gary Speed’s death, and the memory remains very raw for many people in football.

The ex-Premier League player died at his home in November 2011 aged just 42, leaving the football world shell-shocked.

Television presenter Dan Walker, who worked with Speed the day before his death, appeared in a moving tribute to his former colleague this morning.

Walker’s words are hugely important – if you are ever feeling down, talk to someone. It really can make a massive difference.

Henderson shows his class

Jordan Henderson has written at length in Liverpool’s matchday programme about his reasons for supporting the Rainbow Laces campaign.

The Reds’ captain talks about the need for football to become more inclusive and how his awareness has been raised by supporting the campaign.

Henderson says he doesn’t feel like he has earned the accolade of being an ‘ally’ of the community, but he undoubtedly has.

Showing solidarity and speaking publicly about homophobia makes a massive difference – Henderson deserves every ounce of the praise he receives.

Saturday football on TV

• Preston North End vs Fulham – Championship – Sky Sports
• Arsenal vs Newcastle United – Premier League – BT Sport
• Alaves vs Celta Vigo – La Liga – La Liga TV
• Juventus vs Atalanta – Serie A – BT Sport
• Notts County vs Dagenham & Redbridge – National League – BT Sport
• Bayern Munich vs Arminia Bielefeld – Bundesliga – Sky Sports
• Real Mallorca vs Getafe – La Liga – Premier Sports
• Brighton & Hove Albion vs Leeds United – Premier League – Sky Sports
• Venezia vs Inter Milan – Serie A – BT Sport
• Palmeiras v Flamengo – Copa Libertadores Final – BBC
• Villarreal vs Barcelona – La Liga – La Liga TV
• Nice vs Metz – Ligue 1 – BT Sport

One to watch

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa. Patrick Vieira vs Steven Gerrard. This one could be tasty.

Prediction

Sunderland, Forest Green and Port Vale look good bets to win today. The treble pays just over 5/1.