EPL: Can Solskjaer tame Mr Tan?

From the outside, it appears a terrible decision.

The only thing higher than Cardiff City’s egocentric owner Vincent Tan’s trouser line appears to be his level of ignorance regarding professional football.

He also, depending on who you believe, tries to influence team tactics at half-time and is not adverse to sending his manager emails filled with threatening job ultimatums.

But the chance to return to the Premier League proved too good to turn down for former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He looked at the current team, the stadium and promise of money to spend in the transfer market and decided it was a gamble worth taking.

It’s also easy to overlook the basic DNA of a football manager: someone whose basic skillset has to include the belief that he/she can turn any team into worldbeaters. 

A rookie in the dugout Solskjaer may be but he knows the Premier League inside out and the only thing that may surprise the Norwegian over the coming months is unlikely to be on the pitch.

It may, though, come from the boardroom.

This weekend the Premier League takes a breather for the FA Cup third round, which is traditionally one of the best days on the English football calendar. Can one of the lower league clubs upset a so-called big club? Who will stake an early claim for a trip to Wembley in May? Here’s a look at four top  games:  

TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Newcastle v Cardiff

Solskjaer’s first task is to get past Newcastle in the Cup — a tough task.

The Magpies weren’t at their best against West Brom on New Year’s Day but Alan Pardew has fashioned an effective side and in Loic Remy and Yohan Cabaye have two outstanding French players.

Solskjaer will be expected to hit the ground running in the league, so this tie may be his one chance to feel out his new players before the relegation battle resumes.

Prediction: 2-1

Arsenal v Tottenham

The quirk of the draw has thrown up a North London derby that never fails to have a real edge to it. In short: they despise each other. Spurs seem to have recovered their poise after Andre Villas-Boas’ sacking and new boss Tim Sherwood’s simpler attacking philosophy is more in tune with the club’s traditions.

Emmanuel Adebayor, back in favour and in form, will be the focus of attention as he takes on his old club. It’ll be hostile— and high-scoring. 

Prediction: 3-2

SUNDAY

Derby v Chelsea

10:15am

Jose Mourinho’s team will be favourites but Derby are a Championship club seemingly on the up and this game will be a useful marker as to whether they are ready for promotion. 

Impressive foundations were laid by Nigel Clough and now former England manager Steve McLaren has taken the job on and run with it. 

A loss on Wednesday ended a nine-game unbeaten streak and while no-one is saying they are favourites, the Rams could give Chelsea a scare.

Prediction: 1-2

N. Forest v West Ham

8am

This is a game that normally wouldn’t get any overdue attention but Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is under the pump.

Injuries haven’t helped his cause and neither did his captain Kevin Nolan, whose petulant challenge against Fulham got him sent off for the second time in four games. Forest, under the prickly but effective management of Billy Davies, are unbeaten in seven in the Championship. Another defeat for Big Sam and the pressure really will be on.

Prediction: 2-2