Why Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal could fight out the FA Cup at Wembley in May, why Manchester City will finish second, and will Wolves get relegated?
Columnist Jake Lane gives his thoughts on the hot topics in football:
MY FAVOURITES FOR THE FA CUP:
Spurs – and not just because they are the highest placed team left in the competition but against Watford, they weren’t at their best but still got the result that was needed, something you need to be masters at when progressing in cup competitions.
If not Spurs, then their North London rivals, Arsenal as so far for them, things have seemed to be going for their way, what with ‘THE Henry moment’ against Leeds and the way they bounced back from two goals down to knock out Villa.
This needs to be a turning point for them if they are going to make fourth. Winning the cup could be fate too as this is their 125th anniversary season.
PREMIER LEAGUE:
Manchester City will not win the league, not this year.
This season is all about how Mancini’s men learn to bounce back from defeat and in my opinion, they have not done this yet and therefore will not be champions come May.
Losses to Chelsea and Sunderland in the league, their premature exit from the Champions League (be it their first season in the competition), defeats to Manchester United and Liverpool in the FA and League Cups respectively meant that last night against The Toffees, they had to get a result – and on paper, they should have.
They lacked bottle and desire, two things their red neighbours have shown consistently over the years and in abundance.
United are the kings of bouncing back and this is why I believe it will be them sitting on top of the Premier League tree when the season concludes.
RELEGATION:
I like Mick McCarthy and I like Wolves but unfortunately, it could be Championship football for them again next season if they don’t buck their ideas up and fast- they were not by any means at their worst last night but were punished for lapses of concentration.
The Wanderers are now without a win in nine games and are conceding far too many in games at Molineux.
Wolves do have the players to keep them in the division, with the likes of Kevin Doyle, who is on a barren run which he will want to see the back of and Steven Fletcher who has bagged nine so far this term up front.
Also in midfield, Matt Jarvis and Emanuel Frimpong, the latter of who made a quick recovery from a nasty facial injury and much to the relief of the Wolves faithful after he has been a revelation since arriving from Arsenal on loan.
But for me, it is the loan signing of Spurs and Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong who can give them both the experience and physical presence needed to stay in the best league in the world.
– Follow Jake on Twitter at @jakeey8
Agree or disagree with these views? Let us know
image: © Danny Molyneux
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
