1. Which young gun can shine brightest as Liverpool host Tottenham?
FOOTBALL MAY BE a team game, but generally speaking, sides rely on two or three players to provide the goals and the inspiration to win matches. Tottenham and Liverpool have been no exception to this rule in recent times.
For Spurs, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane have been the two main men in an attacking sense, while at Anfield, Raheem Sterling (though doubts have emerged about his fitness) and to a lesser extent, Philippe Coutinho, have been the two biggest creative influences of late.
Remarkably, given the level of influence they have in their respective teams, none of the aforementioned quartet are currently older than 22.
And whichever of the four is most dominant tonight may well have a decisive impact on the game’s outcome. Based on their superb Kane-inspired performance at the weekend, Spurs appear to have the edge going into the match, though Liverpool will be hopeful of emulating the level of performance that saw them win convincingly at Tottenham earlier in the campaign.
2. Can Cesc Fabregas’ return inspire Chelsea?
Chelsea may have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points at the weekend, but their victory against Aston Villa was less than convincing.
Paul Lambert’s side scored their first goal in 659 minutes of football against the Londoners, and were holding them right up until the 66th minute, when Branislav Ivanovic’s superb strike ultimately sealed his side’s victory.
However, Jose Mourinho’s team’s below-par display could be partially excused on account of the absence of arguably their two best players — Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa.
While Costa remains suspended for his actions in the League Cup against Liverpool, Mourinho confirmed yesterday that Fabregas would return for their clash with Everton.
The Toffees showed an admirable level of spirit that belied their recent poor form during the Merseyside Derby at the weekend, so Fabregas — who has an incredible 15 assists so far this season — may prove invaluable in unlocking their improving defence on Wednesday evening.
3. Will Van Gaal listen to his critics?
(Falcao has often struggled for United this season)
Following Man United’s underwhelming and somewhat fortuitous 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday, the club were heavily criticised.
There were two common arguments, namely: Wayne Rooney is not a midfielder, and Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie cannot play together up front.
It will therefore be interesting to see whether the Dutch manager acts on these ostensible problems, or stubbornly persists with them.
James Wilson, with his pace and enthusiasm, is one player who could bring a different dimension to the United attack. And with Van Persie and Falcao both injury-prone and presumably a little tired from their match at the weekend, resting one or the other in favour of the youngster, for a match in which they host the Premier League’s fourth-from-bottom side, would certainly not be considered an undue risk.
4. Battle of the overachievers
At the start of the season, Southampton and West Ham were both regarded as relegation candidates by some pundits.
They meet tomorrow night with both teams having thoroughly exceeded expectations.
The Saints, despite having lost some key players at the start of the season, are flying high in third place, while although their form has suffered of late, the Hammers were in and around the Champions League spots until recently.
Yet for Ronald Koeman’s men in particular, the top-four dream is still very much alive, and defender Jose Fonte earlier this week confidently and justifiably suggested that the club are under far less pressure than their more high-profile rivals to secure a place in next year’s Champions League. A win against Sam Allardyce’s men tomorrow would consequently add considerable credence to Fonte’s claims.
5. Absence makes the heart grow fonder as far as Yaya is concerned
Yaya Toure has taken plenty of criticism this season, and perhaps the star has a right to feel a tad aggrieved.
Yes, he has failed replicate the stunning form that inspired City to the title last year. And true, his lazy demeanour, along with incidents such as birthday-cake-gate, add fuel to critics’ fire.
However, it’s clear that City are a far inferior outfit without the talented midfielder. Toure’s absence has been conspicuous, with the reigning champions failing to win any of their last five matches without him.
Manuel Pellegrini has suggested that neither Toure nor his Ivory Coast teammate Wilfried Bony will play against Stoke tomorrow night following their successful African Cup of Nations exploits, however surely the veteran boss must be tempted to at least place them on the bench.
With City now seven points behind Chelsea in the title race, another slip-up in a tricky fixture away to Stoke would leave the Londoners’ lead starting to look insurmountable.
Originally published at 7am
