It’s Friday, the end of the working week and that only means one thing: time to sit down and watch loads of football.
Last weekend provided us with the demolition of Tottenham Hotspur courtesy of Manchester City and also evidence that Cardiff are not to be taken lightly.
As ever, here is three things for you to look out for this weekend in the Premier League.
1) Andre Villas-Boas’ D-Day
Following that awful, awful battering that Spurs received at the hands of Manchester City last weekend a ‘source‘ close to the club spilled the beans saying that AVB’s position as manager was in danger as the board were unhappy with how poor results have been since the massive summer outlay on new players.
These are testing times for Spurs and this weekend they host the in form Manchester United at White Hart Lane and you have to feel that if AVB and his charges are going to turn this season around, they have to get a positive result against David Moyes’s team. If not, then the dark murmurs of AVB’s departure will continue and the pressure will only intensify.
2) Crystal Palace to notch another vital win
After a very bleak return to Premier League life, Crystal Palace finally secured their second win of the season as they put in a very impressive performance away from home to grab all three points against Hull. The showings have improved from the Eagles following Ian Holloway’s departure and with confirmation of Tony Pulis as the new manager could have a galvanising effect on the team.
This weekend they travel to Norwich who are teetering precariously above the drop zone and another win for Palace will provide some valuable momentum as they attempt to drag themselves out of the bottom three. Norwich manager Chris Houghton will prepare his team accordingly and it should be a real battle as both teams are desperate for points.
3) Do or die for Martin Jol
There is something very likable about Martin Jol. The deep, croaky voice which sounds as though it has been created by a 40 a day habit and the straightforward, say it as you see it, interview technique he possesses make him a favourite.
Unfortunately, though, being a likable person doesn’t keep you in a job if your team is not doing so well and Jol’s Fulham are not doing very well at all. Many believed that after last weekend’s loss to Swansea that would be that for Jol but he has been given one more chance.
This weekend’s opponents are the struggling West Ham who have been playing no striker for much of the season and it has not been working. Questions have been raised as to whether or not Sam Allardyce is the man for the job meaning that this is a must win for both teams.