EPL: Can Wenger see it through?

If you believe the top managers, the title race is down to Arsenal and Man City.

Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini appear to be the only two willing to say they think their team can win it.

In Pellegrini’s case, he thinks his boys can win all four trophies, which is impressively ambitious if nothing else.

For Wenger, no-one can blame him for attempting to simply will his side to silverware — after all, it’s been nine years.

Brendan Rodgers has ruled out his Liverpool team, while Jose Mourinho masterminded the win of the season at City on Monday night and then claimed the Blues were not ready to win the league. 

If you believe that, then you’ve had too much swizzle.

It’s all baloney, of course — everyone thinks they can win. That’s why they’re in charge of the teams they are. 

For Wenger, especially, one feels this is a particularly big weekend. At Anfield, where Liverpool have lost just once in the EPL, a win would really send a message out.

Lose and the suspicion that his team lack the ability to last the course will have gone some way to being confirmed. 

 TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Liverpool v Arsenal

8:45am

Liverpool have been quick to remind everyone they have all the big teams at home in the second half of the season — and here’s one of them. It’s a game that could dictate each club’s campaign. I see goals but a draw.

Prediction: 2-2

Aston Villa v West Ham

Christian Benteke looks to have rediscovered his appetite for the game and, just like last season, could have a huge run-in. The Hammers are without Andy Carroll, who is suspended. A big blow.  

Prediction: 2-1

Chelsea v Newcastle 

So Newcastle have sacked Joe Kinnear, the head of recruitment who failed to sign one player permanently, and sold their best player, Yohan Cabaye.

Mid-table looks assured, which depressingly appears to be what their ownership want. 

Prediction: 3-0

Crystal Palace v WBA

Palace are 12th in the form table, which is encouraging. Tony Pulis’ side look compact and aggressive, the opposite of WBA it has to be said. Pepe Mel’s way may be the right way long term but it’s a tough time to implement a new philosophy. Eagles to get another important win.

Prediction: 2-1

Norwich v Man City

Stung by their defeat to Chelsea, a response is a must for City at Carrow Road. The Canaries have the best defensive home record from ninth place down so this is a bigger test for City than many might think. Mind you, Chris Hughton’s side also have the worst goal record at home so 1-0 to City could be a winner.

Prediction:  0-1

Southampton v Stoke

Super Saints steamrollered Fulham last week — although they aren’t the first to do that — and they are red-hot favourites to see off the Potters as well. Adam Lallana has one foot in Brazil right now.

Prediction: 2-0

Sunderland v Hull

The aforementioned form guide — the past six  games — has Sunderland sixth and unbeaten in the past four league games. Adam Johnson is firing on all cylinders. Home win. 

Prediction: 2-1

Swansea v Cardiff

1:30pm

Michael Laudrup’s sacking crept up on some but a run of poor results has them just two points off the relegation zone. It’s a huge decision at this stage of the season, which could go either way depending with unproven Gary Monk in charge. What a build-up to the South Wales derby. 

Prediction: 1-2

SUNDAY

Tottenham v Everton

9:30am

Two clubs with ambitions of the top four and the Champions League. Tim Sherwood likes his teams to attack and while Everton have impressed, injuries could mean this is a tough one to negotiate.

Prediction: 2-1

Man Utd v Fulham

12pm

United can’t lose this one, right? Three defeats in their past six league games does not bode well...but then Fulham are dreadful at the moment and it will take a huge upset on René Meulensteen’s return to Old Trafford.

Prediction: 2-0