EPL: Is Moyes a lost cause for United?

The Premier League is a lot like Netflix — just pick your drama.

Every club has a boxset in them from the events of this season but the most high-profile one is arguably the most addictive.

Like driving by a car crash, you can’t help but be captivated by the fall from grace at Old Trafford.

A good comeback win against mediocre Greek opposition and an away win over mid-table West Ham had people suggesting this was the springboard manager David Moyes needed.

But the passive derby defeat to Man City saw them outclassed... again.

Quite frankly, Moyes  looks out of his depth. For one thing, is anyone else tired of hearing Moyes utter the words ‘hope’ and ‘try’ before games as if he’s somehow expecting Ronaldo-shaped angels to descend on the pitch at a critical moment to provide some attacking cutting edge? Please, David, at least make it sound like you’re in control.

That’s a personal gripe but the second reason is the one more likely to get him sacked — and it’s the restrictive nature of his tactics. While the top five teams, on the whole, have players playing in between the lines with fluidity, mobility and invention, Moyes’ set-up looks static, rigid and from a bygone era. 

The so-far hapless Marouane Fellaini epitomizes this but in Juan Mata, Moyes has brought a player whose game has been built around creativity. If the Spaniard’s  ‘wandering’ left midfield role is working, I’m Craig Cannonier. I’m afraid the top teams in England are playing a different brand and level of football to United. And nothing so far suggests Moyes has an answer to that. 

All 12pm unless stated

TOMORROW

Man Utd v Aston Villa

9:45am

Despite their shortcomings this season, United should get the better of midtable Villa. United have won 10 of their past 11 home games against them so history is with Moyes’ team. This game should give them a little respite ahead of Bayern in midweek.

Prediction: 2-0

Crystal Palace v Chelsea

Palace are hanging in there as they attempt to stave off an immediate return to the Championship. They could make life hard for Chelsea but with only two goals from open play in their past five games, surely it’s a nailed on away win.

Prediction: 0-3

Southampton v Newcastle 

Both teams in mid-table no man’s land, although Saints look the more accomplished and cohesive unit at present. 

Prediction: 2-1

Stoke v Hull

Mark Hughes has quietly re-energized Stoke, who have now lost only once in their past eight games in the league, including winning three of the past four. On home form alone, Stoke would be sixth.

Prediction: 2-0

Swansea v Norwich

The Canaries’ win over Sunderland last week was a huge confidence boost but they have lost their last five away games. The Swans grabbed a point at lacklustre Arsenal but both sides have more to do to stay up.

Prediction:  2-0

West Brom v Cardiff

One of the biggest games of the weekend without doubt. Defeat for Cardiff and you have to say they are all but down. The Baggies are in the mire too and there are appalling stats everywhere you look.

Cardiff’s porous defence will cost them here.

Prediction: 3-2

Arsenal v Man City

2:30pm

The big games just keep on coming and, on recent displays, City look much more capable of rising to the occasion. The Gunners have had the wind beaten out of them after the shambles at Stamford Bride, while City have the title in their sights.

Prediction:  1-2

SUNDAY

Fulham v Everton

9:30am

Just four home wins all season for the Cottagers and it’s hard to see that changing against Everton, who have won four straight games and have Lukaku back firing again.

Prediction:  2-2

Liverpool v Spurs

12pm

Crowds lined the streets as the team bus drove up to Anfield in midweek, which may be a little premature in some people’s eyes but does confirm the feeling that genuine belief has returned to Anfield. They are in the title shake-up but know they must continue to win. Spurs will not lie down and are more than capable of putting a damper on Reds’ title talk.

Prediction:  2-1

MONDAY

Sunderland v West Ham

4pm

Hammers fans don’t like Sam Allardyce and the feeling appears mutual. They’re almost safe but surely it’ll end in tears?

Prediction:  1-0