EPL: Sherwood plays risky game

Tim Sherwood is starting to resemble one of those pesky terrier dogs.

You know the kind — those frenetic mutts that buzz around your feet and jump head first into your thigh at the slightest
invitation.

It’s fun for a while but then one day you snap — and it’s all you can do not to drop-kick it over your garden fence.

Sherwood, obviously, possesses far greater intellect and tactical nous than your average canine — although some fans may disagree — and he comes across as a man unafraid of self-belief and confrontation. 

When he first took over that was quite refreshing, especially after the boring mumblings of the much-maligned Andre Villas-Boas.

But Sherwood seems unable to switch gears and introduce a little subtlety into his approach.

Maybe he’s giving out big love to his squad down the training ground, throwing the proverbial arm around every shoulder he can find.

If so, he’s sure not doing that in public, lambasting them after the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea for not having the cojones to play for Spurs.  They are all, he says, playing for their futures.

He might be now, too. History does not reflect well on managers who dish out their dressing room dressing downs in front of the camera.

For all of Paolo di Canio’s crazy antics, criticizing his Sunderland team saw his players revolt against him. Result: sacked.

The other favourite was when Hull City boss Phil Brown conducted his half-time tongue-lashing on the pitch — in front of their fans.

His players were humiliated and Brown’s career has since spiralled downwards.

Sherwood says he is planning for next season. He might be being a little optimistic. 

All 12pm unless stated

TOMORROW

Hull City v Man City

9:45am

Out of two cups in a matter of days. This could either deflate City beyond repair or focus all their energies on the league. Has to be the latter, right? The backlash starts at Hull.

Prediction: 1-3

Everton v Cardiff City

Cardiff’s morale-boosting win over rock-bottom Fulham has injected some much-needed belief — and points — into their survival equation. Away at Everton will present a much tougher challenge, though.

Prediction: 2-0

Fulham v Newcastle 

Does anyone think Fulham will survive? Really? Manager Felix Magath has pedigree but turning the club around in such short notice seems a job too far.

Toon manager Alan Pardew has been suitably chastised for his head-butt and is banned. His team shouldn’t need him here, to be honest.

Prediction: 0-1

Southampton v Norwich

The Canaries’ capitulation at Villa will not fill their fans with confidence heading to an impressive-looking Saints. 

England duo Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez should have a field day at St Mary’s on a comfortable day for them on the south coast. 

Prediction: 3-0

Stoke v West Ham

The Hammers’ defeat to Everton interrupted a good run of form for Sam Allardyce’s side. Stoke have the sixth-best home record in the division and have lost just twice there all season. Score draw. 

Prediction:  1-1

Sunderland v C. Palace

Fascinating relegation encounter, this. Palace are a well-drilled unit now, while Sunderland have regained confidence under Gus Poyet. The Black Cats have the more creative players and their form merits favouritism. It’ll be close, though.

Prediction: 2-1

Swansea v West Brom

It’s difficult to foresee anything other than relegation for the Baggies with the way they are playing.

Boss Pepe Mel looks to be the wrong man at the wrong time for them. 

Swansea are not out of danger either but they should have enough at home to pick holes in the away side’s defence.

Prediction: 2-0

Aston Villa v Chelsea

1:30pm

Villa’s home form seems to be improving — two wins out of the last three — so if they can keep Chelsea at arm’s length for the first half, they may have a chance of stifling the title contenders. The Blues’ class should see them through, though.

Prediction:  1-2

SUNDAY

Man Utd v Liverpool

10:30am

A rarity, this one, in that United find themselves looking up at Liverpool in the table. The home side won’t need any motivation but they face a Reds side full of attacking vigour. Suarez and Sturridge should enjoy facing this particular United defence.

Prediction:  1-2

Tottenham v Arsenal

1pm

North London derby, which will either light a fire under Tim Sherwood’s reign, for the better, or potentially damage it beyond salvation.

Prediction:  1-2