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 I don't think words exist to describe this season. Манчестер Юнайтед and Liverpool out of the FA Cup, the Kopites losing their 12th game of the season as they departed at the hands of Reading mid-week, while at least one member of the seemingly impenetrable 'big four' have looked vulnerable on a weekly basis.
So much so, the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham, Man City and Birmingham - yes, Birmingham (we predicted them to finish bottom by the way, oops!) - are in with a genuine chance of gatecrashing the Champions League places. While we all know deep down that the eventually the league will revert to the norm, with each withering display from one of the league's giants, the hope that an unprecedented level of breakthrough remains.
This weekend is full of potential banana skins, as the big four face off against their conquerors. United host Burnley, looking to avenge their early season defeat at Turf Moor, while Chelsea host Sunderland; vanquishers of Liverpool thanks to a certain balloon. Rafa's men will be hoping to avoid similar misfortune as they travel to Stoke, who were only beaten by Chelsea in September thanks to a late, late goal from Florent Malouda.
Owen Coyle's first game in charge of Bolton will be a trip to Arsenal, but he will hope to repeat his heroics at Burnley where the victory over United must list amongst his career highlights. The Trotters have secured draws against City and Spurs this season, so there is an outside chance of an upset.
So read our previews and predictions, but who can accurately predict any fixture in a season like this? My only advice would be to sit back and enjoy!
Game of the week: Man United vs Burnley
as previewed by Jack Stansfield
League-champions Манчестер Юнайтед will be keen to get back on track on Saturday with a win over newly-managed Burnley. Following two disappointing results, Alex Ferguson will no doubt throw everything at the game with an eye for his side to return to winning ways.
United famously lost to a heroic Leeds side in the FA cup and drew 1-1 with an in-form Birmingham in their last two fixtures. However, still only one point behind leaders Chelsea, the Mancunians still have an eye on the title. Yet with Arsenal hot on their heels, Ferguson's men know that they can ill-afford any further slip-ups.
Burnley have hit a dip in form of their own. The winter period proving a testing obstacle for the Lancastrians. Having not won in the league since the end of October, the Clarets, too, are hungry for a return to form which saw the side impress in the early parts of the campaign.
The recent departure of manager Owen Coyle to rivals Bolton may spice the tie up somewhat. With players keen to impress their new boss Brian Laws, add to that the atmosphere of a local rivalry, a fiery team effort should be in store.
However as form guides go, Манчестер Юнайтед should be in line for another home victory. United have only lost once at home all season, scoring eight goals in their previous two Old Trafford fixtures.
Burnley, on the other hand, have only taken one point from away matches thus far, losing ten away ties since the season's beginning.
Laws could have dreamt of an easier opening match to his Burnley campaign and the ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager will certainly have a task on his hands taking his first side to Old Trafford.
In terms of players, Man United are still without long-term absentees John O'Shea and Owen Hargreaves, though Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Portuguese winger Nani are in contention to feature. Darren Fletcher is suspended for the game following his dismissal at St. Andrew's on Saturday.
Burnley have a few key players ruled out of the tie too. Captain centre back Steven Caldwell is still out with a groin strain, alongside midfielder Chris McCann and Jay Rodriguez. Martin Paterson could well make his long awaited return to the side following a lengthy period out with a knee injury.
No doubt new boss Laws will receive a whole-hearted performance from his players, desperate to prove their worth, but while impressing your new manager is one thing, taking points from a determined Манчестер Юнайтед at Old Trafford is another.
A much-needed victory for the reigning champions will end a nasty spell for the club who've been witness to a shopping list of injuries and numerous match upsets. Ferguson more than anyone will know that Saturday's tie is the perfect opportunity to keep title hopes alive and begin to put pressure on league-leaders Chelsea.
Verdict: Laws' hope for a perfect start ruined by a United side desperate to return to winning ways.
Saturday, 16th January 2010
Chelsea vs Sunderland - Verdict: Title-chasing Chelsea too much for spirited Sunderland.
Everton vs Man City - City's revival under Mancini continues as Toffees continue to come unstuck.
Portsmouth vs Birmingham - Verdict: Birmingham’s unbeaten run to continue as they add to Pompey’s woes.
Stoke vs Liverpool - Verdict: With both teams in form but lacking goals, Liverpool look the more likely to edge it and make it three wins in-a-row.
Tottenham vs Hull - Verdict: Tigers tamed by 'Arry's hot Spurs
Wolves vs Wigan - Verdict: Wolves to feast on rare victory
Sunday, 17th January 2010
Aston Villa vs West Ham - Verdict: Red hot Villa to Hammer Zola
Blackburn vs Fulham - Verdict: Rovers roar to important victory to maintain their distance from the relegation zone
Bolton vs Arsenal - Coyle to instil fighting spirt in Trotters, just enough to snatch a draw against an injury-hit Arsenal.
For full previews and accounts of all these games, please visit www.football-previews.co.uk
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