A stretched out programme of Premier League games and there’s still lots to play for if you’re at the top or bottom this weekend.
Form teams meet at Villa Park
It is no surprise to see Chelsea sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League form table right now. Rafa Benitez has really got the team motoring right now. Makes you wonder what he could do if he was given the full season but that’s a discussion for another day.
Anyway, they are unbeaten in their last six and have cured the travel sickness that saw three away defeats on the bounce not too long ago. But before you chalk this one down in the coupon, Villa are flying too.
They are fifth in the form table and while they have pulled away from the drop zone, another win would make them safe for sure. Paul Lambert’s side looked magnificent against Sunderland and eked out a fine away win at Carrow Road last week. As the only Premier League game on this Saturday, thanks to the FA Cup, this 12.45 kick-off has the makings of a cracking start to the weekend.
And with the result affecting the relegation, and the Champions League, race it will be eagerly watched by fans of many, many clubs.
Swansongs at Old Trafford and Goodison
Looking at these two fixtures last weekend you may have been tempted to ignore them. But after a wild week, the meeting of Manchester United and Swansea at Old Trafford and Everton and West Ham at Goodison Park on Sunday will now be front, and back, page news.
Alex Ferguson’s final game in charge at Old Trafford is sure to be an emotional one for the man himself and the fans and the game will largely be secondary to the celebration of his achievements over 26 years at the helm.
Over in Liverpool, another long-standing manager is saying goodbye. David Moyes will leave Everton after 11 years to take over from Fergie and he will get a fond send off from the Toffees faithful too. Again, the game is a dead rubber for both sides so the post-match scenes will probably be the highlight there too.
Football tends to do these sorts of days very well and it is fitting that both great servants get a chance to bid farewell their fans, and vice versa, before they depart.
Drop zone latest
With Wigan engaged at Wembley, the three teams just ahead of them have a real chance to put clear blue water between them and the Latics. And all three have winnable games.
Norwich take on a West Brom side who are in full holiday mode now, as Steve Clarke tries out a few different options ahead of next season.
Newcastle travel to QPR and there is surely no fight left in Harry’s mob now while Sunderland are at home to Southampton, who are not quite safe yet either. If we were a gambling person we would say that Norwich and Newcastle could nab all three points but Sunderland are the ones under most pressure in a classic ‘relegation six-pointer’. The Black Cats play Tottenham, away, on the final day, so the Southampton game is a massive must win for Paolo Di Canio while the Saints could do with just one more victory as well.
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