Part one: Arteta’s return to Goodison Park – Preview

Mikel Arteta’s return to Goodison Park this week will be of tremendous significance to the way in which David Moyes’ team are perceived.

To honour that as an Evertonian, I will write a two-part series specifically concerning the Arsenal game. This, the first, will take the form of a preview of Wednesday’s game – there’ll be details of the second later.

Before I get stuck in, let me give you  a bit of background. Mikel Arteta used to be my favourite Everton player – one that marked a clear departure from the doldrums of Scot Gemmill and Mark Pembridge-era football at Goodison Park.

His ball retention and dead-ball ability, along with the occasional wonder goal and most importantly, his tendency to make the opposition look foolish and often inferior, rendered him a unique weapon in Everton’s previously weak artillery.

But do not let me fool you the same way, I must inform you, you have already been fooled. Arteta’s departure from Goodison was not the widely-reported hammer blow that seems to have been taken as read.

Detrimental influence

In terms of his influence, well waning wouldn’t do it justice; if not non-existent then probably detrimental given his latter years (yes years!) were defined by a chronic inability to clear the first man.

Hand on heart, I was happy to see him go, and certainly for that price. In terms of his destination, I genuinely feared that the big stage would show him up.

Gladly, that has not been the case and I have no problem admitting that.

But as far as I’m concerned, the lynchpin to Everton’s creative dimension was always Steven Pienaar and if not him then Leon Osman.

Arteta was originally brilliant but ultimately lazy, wasteful, weak, frustrating and unreliable, and for a cynic such as this one, the cracked paint that taints a pretty picture has tainted it forever, and no amount of former glory will ever restore it.

On the subject of how the crowd should greet him, I would lend support to Ian Marshall’s call for Arteta to be given a terrific reception. I certainly hope that is the case. All the hours spent cursing his rubbish corners were, on balance, ultimately worth the screamer against Liverpool, the unbelievable 93rd minute equaliser against Manchester United and the early years when he really was fantastic.

Tremendous form

Best not to dwell on the past though so let’s shift swiftly to the present. Arsenal come to Goodison in outstanding form: five consecutive league victories, eighteen goals scored, just four conceded. To make matters worse, even if Everton manage to take the lead, Wenger’s men will remain confident having come from behind to win the last four games.

As an Arsenal sympathiser, not only have I been impressed with them, I have been delighted. On a personal level, I was really disappointed to witness Andrey Arshavin’s poor form and subsequent loan departure – he was my favourite player in the world once.

Also, Arsenal’s failure to get the fourth against AC Milan was sad to see – it was so nearly the sort of YouTube classic performance that could have single-handedly eradicated their reputation as bottlers.

The ‘one man team’ tag is a slightly false one too. Imagine Liverpool without Gerrard, Manchester United without Rooney, City without Silva.

If Arsenal are a ‘one man team’, then so are all the rest, or are Van Persie and co simply their respective teams’ best players and most consistent match-winners?

And besides, isn’t Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain already (easily) one of the best players in the Premier League?

Fantastic opportunity

Wednesday’s game couldn’t be more important. If Arsenal win, they present themselves with a fantastic opportunity, one almost unimaginable during the miserable start to the season. Win would leave Chelsea with the enviable task of requiring victory away at Manchester City to avoid being left six points behind in fifth place.

Not to mention that three points would demand a home victory against Stoke of Spurs to prevent a side whose superiority seemed not only suggested but established letting slip a 12-point gap and third place.

If the will-he-won’t-he-yes-he-obviously-will Harry Redknapp-saga effect continues and Tottenham let Arsenal overtake them, that would represent a phenomenal accomplishment for the Gunners, given they were widely tip to finish fifth whilst Spurs were touted as title candidates.

For Everton, the message couldn’t be simpler: beat Arsenal and cultivate the uniquely Evertonian momentum that just might get us through against an in-form Swansea next week and most crucially, a buoyant Sunderland in the FA Cup quarter-final replay.

All pretensions at objectivity aside, we’ve got a fantastic chance. Arsenal have been brilliant as an attacking force but despite their decent defensive record of late, they have allowed plenty of chances. And now we have Jelavic.

Duncan Ferguson

Rangers are one of my numerous second teams ever since the days of Duncan Ferguson, and to a much, much lesser extent, Ian Durrant.

That is to say I knew what we were getting when we signed the Croatian and I was delighted. Day by day since his arrival, I have suggested to my dad that we have a great player and goalscorer in our midst and Jelavic is really starting to back that up.

I’d really like to see Leon Osman played inside to match the sort of role that Arteta will play for Arsenal. Not in any way a tactic to combat the Spaniard, merely because I believe the best assets to Osman’s game (article coming soon) can be utilised this way.

A night match at Goodison against one of the top four is just about as perfect an opportunity as you could be presented with to transform what has been a miserable week for David Moyes and his men into the sort of spirit-lifting spectacle that defines his reign at Goodison.

Optimism is certainly possible: Pienaar owes us one after the derby, Baines should take it up a notch as a consequence, but more so than anything, what will have me on the edge of my seat is the new man up front.

So you two on the left, Osman and dare I tempt the most curious of fates to include Royston Drenthe, my advice is simple: just give him a decent chance.

Part two will be a reaction to the game and Arteta’s performance in particular. You can expect it early on Thursday.

By Chris Smith

FA Cup quarter-finals/ Premier League predictions

This week’s set of predictions is poignant for me given the increased importance of        Everton’s fixture. Though a 12:45 kick-off is not the ideal time, Goodison Park is just the location to restore what had been a great run of form.

David Moyes’ apparent ‘a fall comes before pride’ philosophy will forever be a black mark against in my book but he is of course the sort of manager who can channel negativity.

Moving on to a less subjective, more wide-reaching approach, victory for Manchester United at vulnerable Wolves would open up a four-point gap over Manchester City with Mancini’s men facing an arguably-rejuvenated Chelsea in their next fixture.

With the Europa League done and dusted, things are just about to get fascinating and you can bet your bottom dollar that Alex Ferguson is delighted to have the chance to apply the pressure first.

Remember to play along if you can be arsed: one point for a correct result, two for a correct score.

Last week’s score: 4 (Worst so far)

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Saturday March 17, 2012

The FA Cup quarter-finals

Everton 3-1 Sunderland (12:45)

Well if anyone read my David Moyes article from earlier this week, you will know my feelings on this on already, but just to recap: Everton absolutely must win.

The performance has to be impressive also, and with Nikica Jelavic, Royston Drenthe but most importantly, Leon Osman, returned to the line-up, I expect plenty of chances for the Blues.

Sunderland will fight because of course there is an evident spirit there but Sessegnon’s absence through suspension will be key. I think he’s a fantastic player and without his ability to link the play, I see Sunderland being penned back as Everton try to right the wrong of midweek.

Jelavic is just the sort of striker a player with Osman’s vision requires to win a game. Fingers crossed.

Tottenham 3-0 Bolton Wanderers (17:30)

Despite Harry Redknapp’s lack of post-match dignity last week, I’ll admit that Tottenham deserved to beat Everton. And though their form has been really poor of late for a team that were talked about as title candidates earlier this season, if Spurs finish third and win the FA Cup, that would constitute a brilliant season.

Redknapp is a fantastic motivator and his side have so much quality on the ball and in the box that you can only anticipate goals against an admittedly improved though still decidedly woeful Bolton defence. Pacier, quicker in the mind, and far more clinical, I think 3-0 Spurs may actually be  an underestimate.

The Barclays Premier League

Fulham 2-0 Swansea (15:00)

Martin Jol’s side missed a chance last week. Villa were there for the taking and Fulham should have advantage.

A victory would have meant the Cottagers had taken 19 points from the last 21 available; that momentum would have made the visit of a confident Swansea a lot more straight forward.

The enormity of the gulf in resources between Brendan Rodger’s team and Man City really puts that victory in context so credit where it’s due. That said, Swansea are a pretty poor away side and cannot impose themselves like they do at home.

Fulham, the archetypal home side will build up enough pressure, and with Pogrebnyak and Dempsey up front, I really look forward to watching the highlights.

Wigan 1-2 West Brom (15:00)

I would have backed Wigan for three points here if they’d have got their just desserts from the Norwich game, but that opportunity lost  is indicative of their general wastefulness/ lack of composure in front of goal. I like Martinez of course, I mean everyone likes Martinez, but I take issue with this whole he plays’ the right way’ thing people say.

As far as I see it, he plays ‘the right way’ the wrong way in that any quick-paced, slick combination of ball retention and attacking should supplement a solid defence rather than compensate for the lack of one.

Take West Brom, for example. They are unlikely to lose this game as because Roy Hodgson places so much importance on the need to maintain shape and reduce risk.

Call it safe, call it boring, I say that savvy is probably more apt. Given the bags of attacking talent in Peter Odemwingie, Shane Long and increasingly James Morrison means they have a real chance of nicking any game, so I’ll take a punt on this one.

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Sunday February 18, 2012

The FA Cup quarter-finals

Chelsea 2 -0 Leicester City (14:05)

Even though Chelsea beat Napoli convincingly in the end, I wouldn’t say that convinced me. Watching that game, I was struck by a thought that is possibly lacing the dreams of Arsenal fans everywhere: imagine if they drew Barcelona in the quarters. Genuinely, I would expect an aggregate score line of something like 10-2.

The Chelsea of old would have swept the floor with Leicester but I expect the Foxes to compete in this game. Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Birmingham was a decent result and you always have a chance when there is a striker like Beckford up front (let me just stress as an Evertonian, I mean that on a strictly novelty basis given his cup record). Chelsea’s superior ability to defend and convert chances will be the difference.

Liverpool 2-1 Stoke City (16:00)

If I am painfully honest, I’d have to say that Liverpool are probably the best English cup side. For two reasons really: firstly (and obviously), they bloody win loads of them, and secondly, because their games are always fantastic: 5-4 vs Alaves, 3-3 vs AC Milan, 3-3 vs West Ham, and obviously 2-2 vs Cardiff recently.

Liverpool excel in the cup and an away quarter-final at Anfield is as close to a write-off as they come.

I don’t particularly rate this Liverpool side at the moment, but as the general performance and productivity of the squad has improved, I have simply channeled that cynicism into Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson comments. If Stoke can nick a goal and employ those scandalous time-wasting tactics, they have a chance of a result.

My friend Stocky told me a statistic this week that I judge meaningful enough to form the last word, so here’s doing that justice. Liverpool’s record when they have started  Gerrard, Carroll and Suarez: played three, won three, scored 11.

The Barclays Premier League

Wolves 0 -3 Manchester United (13:30)

This is quite simply one the worst possible fixtures for Terry Connor and his side. I really fell sorry for him; the transformation in mentality, belief and momentum that is required is monumental, so his current failure to effect that is hardly a fair indictment. That said, fact is the raw material of the sports journalist and to that end, Wolves are a shaken, weak and beatable team at the moment, and Manchester United, well they want to win the league.

Stung by the lesson they were given for 180 minutes of their Europa League tie with Bilbao, I expect the Old Trafford title machine to find its critical gear. Wayne Rooney’s form has been outstanding but beyond his abundant natural ability, he has shown the sort of relentless desire and clinical efficiency that defines champions. Sub-standard defence vs ruthless attack. No contest.

Newcastle 2-0 Norwich City (16:00)

Newcastle’s unfortunate defeat to Arsenal contained lots of positives, the most important of which for me was the performance of Hatem Ben Arfa. I think he has been impressive all year but of late, has begun to work harder for the team.

He strikes me as the sort of player who can create a chance out of nothing and convert it easily – a godsend of an asset when you consider Newcastle’s two brilliant strikers Ba and Cisse.

Like I said previously, Norwich deserved to be beaten last week against Wigan and as I do not rate Roberto Martinez’s side whatsoever, the Canaries must be out of form as far as I can tell. Newcastle to get back to winning ways with the three said attackers t0 dominate.

By Chris Smith

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Premier League predictions

If you are a returning reader who has taken to offering me in good faith the slightest slither of the vast pie chart that is your total internet usage, then as this week’s Premier League predictions is a little longer than previous ones, I have a request: ‘please sir, can I have some more?’

Do not fear, there are circumstances far more mitigating than mere self-indulgence and egotism; there is a post-weekend, rearranged Merseyside derby for one thing.

To offer the most minimal, meaningless compensation for my decreased conciseness, I have formatted the page in what I consider to be an infinitely superior format to its predecessor. So if anyone reading this suddenly finds themselves caught in the throes of ‘format-appreciation’ to coin a phrase, then you can consider yourself lucky I’m so pedantic. Enjoy!

Last week’s score: 6

Saturday March 10, 2012

Bolton 2-2 QPR (12:45)
QPR were on the front foot for large parts of the game with Everton, and with a bit of composure, could have taken three points and though I wasn’t too impressed with their performance in truth, I believe the return from suspension of Djibril Cisse will galvanise the side.

Bolton did well against Manchester City in that they were not humiliated which really is an accomplishment considering the mismatch of talent. I expect them to fight here, a win would take them above QPR and possibly out of the relegation. The combination of desperation and crap defending will make for a good old relegation thriller.

Aston Villa 1-2 Fulham (15:00)
Fulham were fantastic against Wolves and the fact that they had 19 shots on target says it all. Talk about a replacement, after only three games, Pavel Pogrebnyak has just two less than Bobby Zamora managed in six months. The impressive victory continues an excellent spell of form for Jol’s men who have followed up defeat at the Etihad with three consecutive league victories.

The fact that Fulham are brimming with confidence (which really does serve as a testament to the sort of effect Martin Jol can have as a manager) and Aston Villa seem weak, incoherent and directionless, is enough to tip it in favour of the form side for me. Fulham victory and plenty of abuse to follow.

Chelsea 3-1 Stoke City (15:00)
This seems a bit of a strange prediction I think, but you know when things just seem to follow an odd pattern in football? I wouldn’t find it the least bit surprising to see Frank Lampard return to scoring action, Fernando Torres to come good and Chelsea to look like a decent side again. Sometimes a change is all that’s needed.

They looked good against Birmingham and a 2-0 away victory against Chris Hughton’s team is a fairly decent result. Juan Mata should have allowed Torres to take the penalty I think. I just expect Roberto Di Matteo and whoever he names on the teamsheet to be greeted with far more optimism than has been shown of late and that really could be the decisive factor in Chelsea’s revival.

Sunderland 1-2 Liverpool (15:00)
Last season, Luis Suarez had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirt at the Stadium of Light. For me, Suarez’s ability to take players on, outpace defenders and get in behind is best showcased away from home as sides tend to sit back and soak up pressure at Anfield. Last year’s 2-1 victory for the Reds was is a case in point. I think that Sunderland will miss Sessegnon as he has that natural ability to link the play and move Sunderland up the pitch.

I know that Nicklas Bendtner scored a penalty against Newcastle, and that some supporters fancy him to get a few goals, but in my opinion, he is such a rubbish striker that, in ironic contrast to the Dane’s peculiar belief that bad luck causes each of his misses, I believe good luck assists all of his goals. Martin Skrtel is one of the best defenders in the league at the moment and alongside Jamie Carragher, Liverpool should have enough protection for Suarez and dare I suggest Andy Carroll to go and win the game.

Wolves 2-1 Blackburn (15:00)
I felt for Terry Connor last week. Having earned a laudable draw at St. James’ Park, the worst thing he could have asked for was a side in the sort of form Fulham were. It’s just another unfortunate aspect of Mick McCarthy’s departure; he had to be sacked after the West Brom game, there is no doubt about that, but two tough away trips to Newcastle and Fulham are the hardly the sort of games you would mark down as confidence-builders.

Blackburn at home is however. Despite Rovers’ impressive away return in terms of goals, they represent a realistic chance of victory for Wolves. Level on points but split by the symbolic dotted relegation graphic of misery, this match couldn’t be better poised. I expect an exciting game and Paul Robinson to play well but Wolves to find just enough spirit for the win.

Everton 1 -1 Tottenham (17:30)
As a Blue, I am in two minds about this fixture. Firstly, the prospect of playing a Tottenham side hurting from the devastating efficiency of Manchester United’s attacking last week is a cause for concern. On the other hand however, a night match at Goodison is always a special occasion.

For perhaps the very first time living memory, Everton have a fully fit squad with long-term absentees Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman, Jack Rodwell, and Seamus Coleman all featuring in the 0-0 reserve derby at Goodison this week. Obviously this is a cue for another injury crisis but hopefully it occurs late enough in the game for us to have already made our mark on a Tottenham side depleted itself after the withdrawals of Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon against Stevenage.

Sunday March 11, 2012

Manchester United 3-1 West Brom (14:00)
Given his long spell on the sidelines, you could argue that Ashley Young has had to establish himself twice at Old Trafford. It is a real indication of his ability that after a handful of games, he was able to brilliantly score England’s momentary equaliser against Holland, create Ryan Giggs’ 90th minute winner against Norwich and take the game beyond Tottenham’s reach with two outstanding goals. His return to the team will be like a bolt of adrenaline for United, hopefully England too.

I expect a more confident showing from United after a good win at Spurs. West Brom are a great side at the moment, they’ve been on top for every minute of their last three consecutive victories, having scored 10 and conceded just two. United look more like their old selves of late and this game represents a great chance to prove it. Form used to stand for nothing at Old Trafford, so let’s see.

Swansea 0 – 2 Manchester City(14:00)
So poisonous is the chalice that the Chelsea job has become that even a fledgling manager of a Welsh team, an ex-Chelsea coach no less, moved quickly to rule himself. It also speaks well of him. But of course, this is no ordinary Welsh side, this is a really talented, co-operative bunch and one that I personally am looking forward to seeing developed next year.

Despite their home record, Swansea do give away chances at the Liberty Stadium and Manchester City are too good for that, so for me, I anticipate a bit of a cagey game, settled by either brilliance or precision.

Norwich 2- 0 Wigan (16:00)
Despite just one defeat in four games, Wigan look like a relegation side and if we’re all honest with ourselves, they’ve looked like one for a year years now. Martinez is often lauded for playing the game ‘the right way’. For me, he plays ‘the right way’ the wrong way as his sides consistency lack both leadership and finishing ability. Going into a relegation battle bereft of these two assets is like entering a gun fight equipped only with scathing insult: you are going to get your comeuppance eventually.

Since the excellent win at Swansea, Norwich have lost three games in a row but I fancy Lambert’s men raise their game in the knowledge that three points will leave just two short of the magical though contextually irrelevant 40-point mark.

Monday March 12, 2012

Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle United (20:00)
Prior to the AC Milan game, I wrote that an Arsenal victory of any kind could really set them up to secure fourth place (Shameless plug) and I think the experience of Tuesday’s impressive win will bear that out. If Arsenal beat Newcastle, Alan Pardew’s men can give up on the Champions League dream and Arsenal’s concerns for the rest of the season will be focused squarely on London rivals, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Robin Van Persie will want to make amends for his costly miss, not that he needs to. And with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain thankfully having secured his starting-place, I tip Arsenal to earn a comfortable victory.

Tuesday March 13

Liverpool 2-1 Everton (20:00)
I was really tempted to go for a draw here but having backed Everton to get one good result already in this piece, I think its probably wise not to get carried away. And besides, I expect Suarez to be diving left, right and centre, and we all know how that story ends.

Liverpool were unlucky against Arsenal as they have been for most of their home performances as an Evertonian, I must admit I respect the way Liverpool will always be on their game for the derby, especially at home. Without meaning to bleat on, I believe the difference with be that little goofy sod up front through whatever means.

By Chris Smith

San Siro humiliation could save Arsenal’s season

There is no denying that Arsenal’s response to the 4-0 San Siro embarrassment has been first-rate. They swept the floor with Tottenham in similar fashion to Manchester City earlier this season, and to follow it up with the incredibly uplifting victory at Anfield is really beyond all expectations.

The Gunners now begin a vital part of their season. To all intents and purposes, the Champions League dream is dead in the water, but was it ever alive anyway? Arsenal’s folding against Milan reflects the side’s tendency to crumble under the spotlight.The bottom line is Arsenal are not brave enough to win the Champions League and if it wasn’t Milan, it would only have been Barcelona, Madrid, Munich. Perhaps if Arsenal had made it further in the competition, their probable exit from the competition would have hit them harder a-la post-Birmingham 2011.

Whether this fleeting suggestion crystallises into bold prediction remains to be seen but that wretched night in Milan may prove the saviour of Arsenal’s season. In the blistering 19 days that has flown by since, Arsenal have gone from seeming hopeless in their quest for fourth to looking good to battle Tottenham for third.

Saturday’s win over Liverpool ends the Reds’ push for Champions League football, leaving them ten points adrift of Arsenal. If the Gunners beat Newcastle in their next home game, the Magpies’ will be equally stranded, nine points behind. This month Chelsea face Manchester City and Tottenham in the same week, not to mention that they’ve just sacked their manager and have two potential sources of doom hanging over them with both Napoli and Birmingham to play.

Chelsea’s other Premier League fixtures this month are Stoke (h) and Villa (a) and of the four games mentioned, I predict they will get a minimum of two points, a maximum of seven (I predict five). Compare this to Arsenal’s next four: Newcastle (h), Everton (a), Aston Villa (h) and QPR (a) . I have them to take a minimum six points and a maximum of twelve (I predict nine). All that speculative mathematics aside for a second, the bottom line is that a successful domestic month for Arsenal, and they could give themselves a real opportunity going into both sides’ clash at the Emirates on April 21.

Which brings us to Tottenham who really do have a great run in. Chelsea are the only side in the current top eight that Redknapp’s men will face and Spurs have taken 23 points from a possible 30 against these sides this season. So they look good for third. But the evidence of uncertainty at White Hart Lane is there for all to see.

Surely, the inevitability of Redknapp’s exit will continue to effect the players negatively.  Spurs have been great this season and deserve the acclaim of finishing third, but in just one week, Arsenal have clawed back six of ten points, so it is by no means a sealed deal. To be within striking distance of a team that has been so consistently impressive is an achievement in itself given Arsenal’s disastrous start.

What is imperative is that the Gunners keep their dignity and do not allow themselves to be humiliated as has so often been the case. Exit from the Champions League is all but confirmed but the game can still be used as a positive. If Arsenal can beat Milan, they will take great momentum into a crucial set of fixtures. It is likely that Ibrahimovic will again terrorise Arsenal’s defence after a 14-minute hat-trick at the weekend against Palermo but Arsenal have to show the sort of character that has got them through the last two big games.

All too often the Gunners have been crushed as unrealistic expectations have crumbled before their eyes. If (when) Arsenal are knocked out of the Champions League, the whole club will not only be geared in the direction of finishing fourth, they will be in a great place to achieve that aim.

A good March and Arsenal could have real breathing space, something I think even the most ardent Wenger-hater would accept as positioning the club well to push on in the summer. Things have come to a head for the Frenchman this season. At times, he has looked out of touch and the end of the road really has been in sight, but for me, I feel all supporters would accept fourth place as long as that was backed up by significant transfer activity, the sort of deals that would allow Arsenal to challenge for titles once again.

By Chris Smith

FA Cup Predictions

Having been away for a bit, I haven’t posted anything for a few days. What better way to get back in than the bloody FA Cup eh? Feel free to comment on any of the predictions I make, or offer predictions of your own, and look-out for an article on my visit to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin coming soon.

Last week’s score: 6

FA Cup fifth-round

Saturday February 18, 2012

Chelsea 2 – 0 Birmingham City (12:30)
Chelsea have been absolutely atrocious this season and their fans have every reason to be worried. Birmingham however have had a great year as Chris Hughton has further enhanced his good reputation. Priority may be important in this tie. Although they are still in the Champions League, the FA Cup is Chelsea’s only realistic chance of silverware for me and so I expect a decent showing. Birmingham however find themselves just two points off third place in the Championship with a game in hand, so are unlikely to favour another cup run after their own European adventure. Poor quality game I imagine, Chelsea to do enough.

Everton 2 – 0 Blackpool (15:00)
Everton have been fantastic in recent weeks and that is mainly down to the return of Steven Pienaar and Landon Donovan. The American plays his last game before heading back to the USA and so I expect another great performance. Cup-tied Pienaar’s absence will be a loss, but I expect Everton to perform well regardless. Blackpool have been great recently, and as an admirer of their side, particularly of Matt Phillips, I am glad to see them back up there. They will give a good account of themselves but a Johnny Heitinga-spearheaded Everton defence will keep them at bay.

Millwall 2 – 1 Bolton Wanderers (15:00)
I do not rate either of these sides at the moment and I expect a particularly dull game. Two consecutive defeats has somewhat derailed Bolton’s recent revival and an awkward trip to The Den is not exactly ideal for getting back on track. Millwall have been poor of late but despite that I anticipate a typically committed performance from them. They will just about deserve the win and I fancy them to nick it with a late goal.

Norwich City 3-0 Leicester City (15:00)
This game will be a real indication of how far Norwich have come. I expect them to hammer Leicester from start to finish and they will not be  flattered by this scoreline at all. Leicester have been inconsistently impressive but more consistently abject and they look devoid of the sort of spirit which is the lifeblood of Paul Lambert’s side. Norwich play some great football, their players are tremendously committed, and the Carrow Road crowd is one of the best in the league. An easy 3-0.

Sunderland 2- 1 Arsenal (17:15)
Sunderland get an immediate chance to avenge Thierry Henry’s late winner at the Stadium of Light last week, but this time they face an Arsenal side sapped of all confidence having been crushed 4-0 on Wednesday by AC Milan. Arsenal’s performance was an embarrassment that night and given Martin O’Neill’s well-reported man-management skills, I see Sunderland taking full advantage of that. If Sunderland get an early goal, there will be only one winner for me.

Sunday February 18, 2012

Crawley 1 – 2 Stoke City (12:00)
Despite Stoke’s mid-week defeat to Valencia, I anticipate Tony Pulis’ men being up for this one – not least because it was a home tie. Crawley will naturally will have a spring in their step, not just because the quarter-finals beckon but also because they are a buoyant, confident side these days. They will challenge Stoke all over the park, but Pulis will have prepared his team for this. Stoke can match anyone for work-rate on their day and will have sufficient quality in the final third to claim the victory.

Stevenage 0 – 3 Tottenham (14:00)
Tottenham are the best team to watch in the Premier League. Most people say Manchester City, but I have watched too many boring games of theirs to agree. Harry Redknnapp’s teams have always been great viewing and with the endless stream of talent at White Hart Lane, Tottenham have done their manager’s talent justice. Aside from ability, Spurs’ attitude is first-rate, they take no game lightly. Stevenage had a great win in mid-week away at Sheffield Wednesday and will prepare for the game confidently. Unfortunately for them, Spurs are just too good, simple as that.

Liverpool 3 – 1 Brighton (16:30)
After a week in which Liverpool and its staff have rightly been ridiculed, Kenny Dalglish and star striker Luis Suarez will be glad to get away from the media furore their mutually moronic behaviour caused. All that being said, Suarez is a great player and will undoubtedly score in this game. The apologies may serve to clear the air for Liverpool which could lead to the team playing with less pressure at home. If so, expect Liverpool to dominate the game over a thoroughly decent Brighton side who defeated Newcastle in the last round.