SATURDAY

WEST HAM     1-1    LIVERPOOL  2.45pm

This is a tricky tie. The Hammers beat all of the big sides but Manchester United (a draw) in the first half of the season. Slaven Bilic always seemed to come up with new ideas and approaches to bigger opponents and that is how they overran Liverpool at Anfield. But ‘small’ teams that upset the bigger opponents in the first leg often find themselves at the disadvantage in subsequent fixtures and this could be one of them. I expect Liverpool to approach the game both cautiously and with more determination than they did at home. But if the Hammers can withstand a possible onslaught, then a draw is possible.

SUNDERLAND  2-1  VILLA             5pm

Is this a relegation fight or a dead wood game? Both sides look resigned to their fate but Big Sam isn’t going to give up. The gum-chomping Black Cats manager has turned Sunderland around into a fighting team, but the rewards have not been forthcoming. Aston Villa have drawn their last two games, showing gut to come from behind, and that should give them more hope. However, the Stadium of Light will favour the hosts.

NORWICH      2-2  Saints                              5pm

The Canneries were undone by a late goal at home to Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, but if they picked some lessons from the defeat, this fixture should not give them much trouble. Southampton must be ruing an opportunity to boost their place on the log when they threw away a lead at West Ham to lose 2-1. The defeat came on the back of a convincing 4-0 thrashing of table leaders Arsenal. But both sides will not want to lose this game.

Man UTD             2-1          SWANSEA           5pm

Could this be the payback time? Louis van Gaal has refused to quit. He feels he is still in position to turn the season around and has confidence that the players are still doing all they can for his philosophy to blossom. For that, Manchester United showed a lot of desire against Chelsea in midweek, but the dour draw could do nothing to lift pressure on Van Gaal. Swansea were in scintillating form when they played the Red Devils, winning 2-1 in Andre Ayew’s debut home game for the Swans. Now the scorer and creator of the two goals that downed Red Devils will be at Old Trafford to try and write Van Gaal’s epitaph. Can he? Yes. But United should prevail in this game and win.

LEICESTER      1-1    B’MOUTH      5pm

When the two sides met in the first round, my bet was on The Cherries, but they fell flat to Claudio Ranieri’s new tactical acumen. Since then, The Foxes have turned into title contenders, while The Cherries have been wallowing in the relegation zone for one too long a time. The return of Artur Boruc, though, has been a boost as the goalkeeper has helped Bournemouth win games and only lose to Arsenal in midweek. I fancy Bournemouth to come good against the tired Foxes who were kicked and butted around by Manchester City’s hard game in midweek.

ARSENAL      4-1   NEWCASTLE   7.30pm

Table leaders Arsenal are scenting the title now, but the storyline often begins changing around February. This is why this fixture should be a foregone conclusion with the Gunners overrunning Newcastle like they are wont to do every other season at The Emirates. The Magpies have showed some promises recently, but so have the Gunners, who are riding high on Mesut Ozil’s assist prowess to win games.

SUNDAY

EVERTON      2-1   SPURS                               6pm

The Toffees just struggle against Spurs. They always fight for a draw in the end, but this time, they could get that win if Romelu Lukaku keeps his form into the game. The Belgian is joint league top scorer with 15 goals. Beating Spurs will give Everton more desire to compete for top four.

OTHER FIXTURES

WEST BROM       1-3          STOKE

WATFORD           1-2          MAN CITY

Pardew plot early Hiddink headache

SUNDAY

PALACE     2-2    CHELSEA            3.30pm

Diego Costa returns to Chelsea tomorrow to try and help the Blues give Guus Hiddink his first game since returning to Stamford Bridge after Jose Mourinho’s sacking mid-last month. The Brazilian-born Spain striker scored twice in a 2-all draw at home to Watford when he was booked and suspended. Hiddink has already told the striker to focus on scoring rather than playacting and fighting and will be drilling the same into Costa’s head before this game. But whether an old dog can pick a new trick awaits to be seen. Selhurst Park is not an easy place to visit, so a draw