With two stonking FA Cup games this weekend it means there’ll be six League games which I’ll cover over the break…<!--more-->

Man Utd v Villa

Fergie’s fury was undoubtedly unleashed midweek as Utd were deservedly beaten by a euphoric Wigan who had never taken so much as a point off Utd before.

Rooney got it both barrels from SAF after a weak challenge in midfield and was also a bit lackadaisical closing down Maloney when he scored. He was then replaced with 30mins to go. Against Villa, if he’s not dropped, then I expect to see him with a rocket up his arse.

Nani came back into the fold and might see some more game-time here. While Scholes will play after being rested, Villa have drawn their last two games and aren’t quite out of strife yet. SAF’s unbeaten in his last 30 games against former players. He’s won  52 out of 70. I don’t really expect McLeish to improve the record of the young pretenders.

Norwich v Man City

The title race isn’t quite over yet after Utd’s defeat at Wigan. At the same time, City were taking four off WBA. Importantly, Silva, Nasri, Aguero and Tevez all showed some form.

Yaya Toure is still a doubt while Balotelli is suspended which could afford Tevez another start.

Norwich have lost only one of their last seven home games (against Man Utd) and remain in the top half of the table after an excellent win at WHL.

Mancini has bizarrely claimed that five points is too much ground to make up on Utd. It’s hard to see where he’s coming from with comments like these. Maybe it’s mind games? Frankly, these are the words that I can envisage SAF using as the stick to gleefully hit him with.

Sunderland v Wolves

Sunderland have won two of their last nine. It’s not unusual to see MON’s teams get off to a storming start before slowing right down as his trusted men start running on fumes.

Sess might be faring better than most as he had a mini-break with his three match suspension. He may also benefit from the return of Bendtner after injury, who is in good form (jeez it feels strange writing that).

What better way to get back to winning ways than play a dispirited Wolves side who have picked up 1pt from 24 since sacking McCarthy. O’Shea and Campbell could feature for the Black Cats while Berra will likely replace the suspended Bassong.

Swansea v Blackburn

Blackburn are back down to 2nd bottom after four defeats in a row, and it’s a bad time to be hitting that sort of form. They should at least be encouraged by the fact that Swansea have also lost their last four games.

Swansea don’t have any new injury problems but Rodgers might mix things up as he felt compelled to apologise for The Swans weak surrender in their 0-3 at QPR. Danny Graham hasn’t scored in his last eight games.

The Yak scored four the last time these two met.

WBA v QPR

In contrast to their relegation rivals Blackburn, QPR are hitting decent form at just the right time. Well, in home games at least.

Their away form is still poor but they’ll need to change that as they have a nasty run-in. Cisse is still suspended, while Mackie and Zamora are doubtful.

WBA should have Brunt and Ridgewell and possibly Odenwingie and fortune available and will look to add to their recent upturn in home games, where they’ve won three out of four. A huge game for QPR.

Arsenal v Wigan

RVP hit the scoring trail midweek after incredibly going four games without a goal. Santos  could make another appearance if Gibbs doesn’t pull up. While Rosicky might regain his spot at the expense of Ramsey. Walcott remains red-hot at the moment.

I earmarked Maloney at the start of the season as one of the players that could help keep Wigan up. After injury he is now really coming into form and scored an excellent winner against Man Utd midweek. There is still a lot of work to do but with only two losses in ten they are really hitting form at the right time.

It’s still a big ask to gain anything at The Emirates though. Rodallega will most likely miss out again.