Blues’ Benitez in last chance saloon

Players’ performances have dropped a level due to the awareness that Rafa won’t be around next season.

Chelsea 2 Wigan 1

Jose Mourinho’s shadow lurks ominously over under pressure Spanish gaffer Rafa Benitez. Players’ performances have dropped a level due to the awareness that Rafa won’t be around next season. The unthinkable chop is even fathomable unless Chelsea beat Wigan.

Spurs 2 Newcastle 1

What a signing Moussa Sissoko is turning out to be. Two man of the match performances against Aston Villa and Chelsea in which six points were gathered has lifted spirits. A triumvirate with Chiekh Tiote and Yohan Cabaye will trouble any side. Alan Pardew’s French connection should expose Spurs’ soft underbelly.

Norwich 1 Fulham 1

These two teams are in a wretched run of form. The Cannaries December luster has completely deserted them while Fulham cannot recognise themselves from the shambles of the last two months. I cannot see how these strugglers are going to be separated. Time for Chris Hughton and Martin Jol to earn their wages.

Stoke 1 Reading 0

Reading just cannot stop putting points on board. This is something I find puzzling because I feel they have the weakest squad in the division. Stoke’s form has been woeful in recent weeks but Tony Pulis will command his aerial aces to pick up three points from this tie.

Swansea 1 QPR 0

Goalie Julio Caesar’s immaculate displays have ensured Rangers have the best defensive record this year. Exactly how to translate this solid foundation into victories has been complicated by new signing Loic Remy’s groin injury. Swansea will juggle their squad in readiness for the Carling Cup final against Bradford City.

Southampton 2 Man City 2

Talisman Yaya Toure’s return from another disastrous African Nations Cup outing will give City impetus. But will it be enough to dislodge energetic, exuberant Southampton? I have my doubts. The Saints have been excellent since Mauricio Pochettino (remember Old Trafford) took over and I can see the spoils hared.

Liverpool 2 West Brom 0

Liverpool acquitted themselves well in a difficult week, matching both Man City and Arsenal toe for toe at difficult away grounds. Daniel Sturridge’s goal ratio has eased the burden off Luis Suarez while Lucas Leiva’s re-emergence has exposed Joe Allen for what he is – a mid table team player. West Brom will suffer.

Man United 1 Everton 1

The league leaders have a nine-point comfort zone over noisy neighbours City. This should allow Sir Alex Ferguson to rotate his side ahead of the clash with Jose Mourinho’s Los Blancos. Expect Everton to exploit the absence of Robin van Persie and perhaps Rio Ferdinand as Fergie looks for freshness.

Sunderland 1 Arsenal 1

Sunderland have rediscovered their oomph, their late capitulation at Reading notwithstanding. This appears to me like a stonewall stalemate against the inconsistent Arsenal, who ground out a 1-0 victory over Stoke last weekend.