It’s crunch time in the Barclays Premier League, with battles breaking out all over. Here are the six games you cannot afford to miss this weekend:
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea
(Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, exclusively on FOX Soccer)
WHAT THE GAME IS: At the moment, Aston Villa are safe from relegation. Their fans, however, are not safe from the wretched football that manager Alex McLeish has deployed. On the other side of the coin is Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo: The “interim” man has worked his magic with the Blues and made them must-see TV again.
WHOM TO WATCH: Villa’s Gabby Agbonlahor must be wondering where it’s all gone wrong. He’s gone from hot prospect and surefire England man to an afterthought. Agbonlahor does have gifts, though; This game is the kind of stage that screams “shop window.”
There is no doubt we’re about to witness a rare sighting — a Fernando Torres goal in the league. The Spaniard hasn’t found the back of the net since Sept. 24 in the Prem, but his performances in recent weeks have been outstanding. He’s going to get one soon.
WEBSTER’S WISDOM: Villa took advantage of since-ousted manager Andre-Villas Boas’ dithering tactics last time around at Stamford Bridge, but in this meeting, the Blues are a completely different animal. A draw or win on the road for Chelsea seems the only logical result.
QPR vs. Arsenal
(Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, exclusively on FOX Soccer Plus, 2GO)
Manchester City vs. Sunderland
(Saturday)
WHAT THE GAME IS: Man City set a Premier League record by winning 20 consecutive home matches after downing Chelsea last Wednesday. If the title race is to continue to Man City's April 30 showdown with Man United, City need to pick up No. 21. Sunderland know that a league double won’t ease the pain of their FA Cup exit, but they’d love to play spoiler — and spoiler is a role that Martin O’Neill’s team does well.
WHOM TO WATCH: Body language is critical at this stage of the season, and Roberto Mancini never shies away from expressing his feelings. Right now he looks like a man possessed by demons. He’s got to get back to being the cool Italian on the sideline if he hopes to soothe his side’s shattered nerves.
If anyone has broad enough shoulders to carry City to the promised land, it is Yaya Toure. For my money, the Ivorian is the key to City's final push. His all-around game is perfectly suited to the Premier League, and I believe he has the character to lift his teammates. My only concern is fatigue: He was the heartbeat for his country for six weeks earlier this year in the African Cup of Nations.
Nicklas Bendtner was something of a laughingstock at Arsenal — his bold statements about his ability, combined with a dismal performance on the field, directly resulted in the lack of respect he received. Let’s be honest, though: He had a hard time hitting a cow’s backside with a banjo while at the Emirates. But the change in scenery seems to have helped him. He’s been impressive at Sunderland of late and has been a successful rehabilitation project.
WEBSTER’S WISDOM: I thought City would get something at Stoke last weekend. I didn’t think it would be just one point. This weekend, the pressure is going to be excruciating at the Etihad, but Mancini’s men will come through and take all three.
Newcastle vs. Liverpool
(Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET, exclusively on FOX Soccer Plus, 2GO)
Tottenham vs. Swansea
(Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET, exclusively on FOX Soccer)
Blackburn vs. Manchester United
(Monday)
