EPL: Jose won’t back down now

Don’t listen to Jose Mourinho. He won’t field the youth team on Sunday — even if he is genuinely prioritizing the Champions League now.

Such is Chelsea’s squad, they can still send out an excellent second string if they so choose. The Reds will surely be well-guarded against mis-placed complacency.

The thought Mourinho will simply gift Liverpool the title just won’t happen. He sees the long game — that next season will be Chelsea’s real chance after reinforcements in the summer — but it is not in his DNA to back down from a game of such importance at Anfield.

Arguably the biggest question is how Liverpool handle the pressure against such a rival now they are within touching distance of their first title in 24 years? So far, so good but they could be forgiven for getting a little shaky now glory is so close. This is the real test of their credentials. n

All 11am unless stated

TOMORROW

Southampton v Everton

8:45am

If Saints aren’t on the beach, they should be. Luke Shaw might even be in Manchester if you believe the stories this week. Either way, there is much, much more at stake for Everton.

Prediction: 1-2

Fulham v Hull

The Cottagers have won two of the past three at home and, with the Tigers surely with one, if not two, eyes on the FA Cup final, Felix Magath must be fancied to mastermind another win. The Great Escape is on!

Prediction: 2-1

Stoke v Tottenham 

Spurs, for all the money spent and hard-nosed posturing of manager Tim Sherwood, are not quite hitting the heights that are expected. Stoke are unbeaten in six games at home. 

Prediction: 2-0

Swansea v Aston Villa

One point from their past five games is relegation from by Villa and the pressure is on Paul Lambert. Swansea are virtually safe but will want a win to put all doubts to bed. 

Prediction: 1-1

West Brom v West Ham

WBA must pick up a win or risk getting caught by the likes of Fulham and Sunderland, who have both shown more encouraging form lately. 

One fears a draw will do them little good at this stage.

Prediction: 1-1

Man Utd v Norwich

1:30pm

Ryan Giggs takes charge, then, after the Chosen One has been confirmed as the Sacked and Out of His Depth One. It’s a brutal business. Giggs is a tough customer with the medals to back it up. Norwich look like lambs to the slaughter.

Prediction: 3-0

SUNDAY

Sunderland v Cardiff

8am

Boom! Love a six-pointer. This could go either way. Sunderland did incredible to beat Chelsea but their form against the teams around them is suspect. 

Prediction:  2-1

Liverpool v Chelsea

10:05am

If Chelsea can weather the early storm, anything can happen. The Reds will take a draw. 

Prediction:  1-1

Crystal Palace v Man City

12:10pm

Palace are safe and City should take advantage of that with a good win to keep them in the hunt.

Prediction:  0-2

MONDAY

Arsenal v Newcastle

4pm

The way Newcastle are playing, this should be a gift for the Gunners.

Prediction:  3-0