EPL: League battles back in focus

Well the FA Cup weekend confirmed a couple of things.

Firstly, that it sucks to be West Ham at the moment and, secondly, that the majority of fans couldn’t wait to get it over with so the Premier League could  resume.

Of course, try telling that to fans of Forest, Yeovil and Rochdale, who were among the clubs to record heroic wins.

But you could tell how low the Cup stands in many clubs’ priorities by the number of ‘it’s-a-special-competition’ comments  forced from various midtable managers’ mouths.

It’s a default setting — and a defence mechanism from angry traditionalists in the UK.

Just ask Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert, whose cliche dictionary went AWOL at the crucial moment and saw him admit that, frankly, ‘he could do without the Cup’.

So now we’re back to games that, rather sadly, in 2014 mean more to the survival and legacy of top-flight clubs.

Lambert and Villa were booed off after being dumped out of the Cup at home to Sheffield United. Wembley dreams over.

But it’s okay, I’m sure fans will revel in the return to the battle for... err... 11th place. n

 TOMORROW

All 11am unless stated

Hull v Chelsea

8:45am

Just one goal conceded in the past five games for Chelsea as they appear to be steeling themselves at the right time of the season. Hull are midtable on merit but it’s hard to look past the Blues.

Prediction: 0-2

Cardiff v West Ham

Sam Allardyce’s job hangs by a thread and defeat to Cardiff — in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first Premier League game in charge‚ could bring the end for Big Sam. They’ll need a huge turnaround in form to trouble the Bluebirds. 

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Norwich

Everton look to have shrugged off the defeat to Sunderland and it’s hard to see Roberto Martinez allowing a repeat of that limp performance. The Canaries have won just two on the road in the league all campaign.

Prediction: 3-1

Fulham v Sunderland

Can’t imagine a huge amount of quality being on show here in a match that promises to be a nervy relegation scrap.

The Cottagers have now signed almost as many new coaches as players — so at least the dressing room will be lively. 

Prediction: 2-2

Saints v West Brom

Come on, surely the irony of Adam Lallana snitching on referee Mark Clattenburg has not been lost on anyone.

Players bombard the official with expletives and flecks of spit and then when they discover a ref that has the wit and backbone to cut him down — ‘you’ve changed since you’ve played for England, Adam’ — they can’t take it.

I’m with the ref. For once.

The reason I mention it still is because Saints are still complaining. They’ll win this one, though.

Prediction: 2-1

Spurs v Crystal Palace

Well, Tim Sherwood’s radical 4-4-2 shake-up came a cropper against Arsenal, who dared to play a less linear game that’s been winning matches for, I don’t know, 10 years or so. Luckily for Tim, 4-4-2 should do for plucky Palace. 

Prediction: 3-0

Man Utd v Swansea

1:30pm

There is a worrying feeling doing the rounds that, rather than the problem just being the squad, United may have handed a six-year deal to the wrong manager. Three defeats on the bounce for David Moyes and he’s now just straight up blaming referees. 

After the Swans’ win at Old Trafford in the Cup, can they do it again in the league? The Old Trafford crisis would reach breaking point if they do. 

Prediction: 1-1

SUNDAY

Newcastle v Man City

10:05am

City’s slickers look mightily impressive at the moment and, crucially, like they have plenty in reserve.

It’s hard to see how Newcastle, for all their ability can stop it. Oh... wait... hang on... City have lost four away? Ship goals? Interesting.

Prediction: 1-2

Stoke v Liverpool

12:10pm

The Reds suffered away defeats to Chelsea and Man City recently but they’ve been a lot better at dispatching sides like Stoke this season. The Potters have been a mixed bag but have lost only once at home. 

Prediction: 2-3

MONDAY

Aston Villa v Arsenal

4pm

So Villa couldn’t beat Sheffield United but have aspirations of getting one over the Gunners. Theo Walcott’s injury is a blow for Arsene Wenger and you have to think he’s on the look out for strikers at the moment. In the meantime step forward the indefatigable Giroud.

Incidentally, Arsenal fans, how long ago does that opening day defeat to Villa seem now?

Prediction: 1-2