EPL: AVB shows how to lose friends...

From all the post-sacking analysis, it appears Andre Villas-Boas was running out of people to annoy.

Players, coaches, media, fans and, most crucially, his boss chairman Daniel Levy all fell out with the stubborn Portuguese.

No other profession arguably requires as many allies as football, where clubs are rife with egos, power struggles and agendas.

You might have thought after the Chelsea experience he’d have learnt to keep a few mates on side.

But then this is a guy who somehow fell out with his assistant Stefan Freund and relegated him in the pitchside seating order.

Petty does not do it justice — and it’s a trait of AVB that continues to dog him, an inability to rise above squables and maintain that vital aura of respect.

Fast-tracked to a ridiculous degree after his one-season of success at Porto, AVB was out of his depth in the Premier League.

He must swallow his pride and head back down the managerial ladder to learn his trade properly.

Only then can he consider dining at the top table again. 

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Liverpool v Cardiff

8:45am

Last weekend’s thumping of Spurs will mean little if the Reds can’t get past Cardiff at Anfield. The confidence and manner of that White Hart Lane spanking, which of course cost AVB his job, suggests a home win is almost a formality.

Prediction: 3-0

Crystal Palace v Newcastle

Palace put up a good fight against Chelsea last time out and, with Tony Pulis’ cap now fitting nicely, they have been galvanised with three wins in their past five games. 

Prediction: 2-1

Fulham v Man City

No Sergio Aguero for City, which is a blow, but it’s not like they’re struggling for replacements.  Fulham have improved but Everton were far from their best and they stuffed them 4-1. A City stroll.

Prediction: 1-3

Man United v West Ham

United’s midweek Cup win and victory over Villa should give them a bit of much-needed confidence. The Hammers have been struggling for goals in the league but now have a League Cup semi-final to look forward to. A hard-fought home win.

Prediction: 2-1

Stoke v Aston Villa

A mid-table dogfight, with the Potters favourites after losing only one in seven EPL games. Villa appear to have hit a sticky patch, with Christian Benteke a shadow of last season’s player.

Prediction: 2-1

Sunderland v Norwich

The Canaries have picked up some much-needed points recently and will fancy three more against a Black Cats side that are struggling badly. Lose this one and you fear the Championship beckons.

Prediction: 1-1

West Brom v Hull

Every time I’ve seen West Brom play this season, they look quite good without getting the points, which is of course what it’s all about and why Steve Clarke is now unemployed. Bore score draw.

Prediction: 1-1

SUNDAY

Southampton v Spurs

9:30pm

Tim Sherwood’s auditions to become the new Spurs manager didn’t get off to a good start with defeat to West Ham in midweek. Uncertainty reigns at the moment — and Saints can take advantage.

Prediction: 2-1

Swansea v Everton

12pm

A return to Swansea for Roberto Martinez, who is impressing now at Everton. Attacking football should win the day here — with the Toffees edging it. 

Prediction: 1-2

MONDAY

Arsenal v Chelsea

4pm

Arguably saving the best until last. The extra rest days will have done Arsenal good but this is big test of their title credentials after the 6-3 thrashing they took at Man City. Win and they are well and truly back on track. Lose and Chelsea leapfrog them. Both sides are leaking goals. Huge game. I expect plenty of drama. 

Prediction: 2-2