In just over two weeks, Jose Mourinho could continue his impressive winning streak if Tottenham beats Manchester City in the League Cup final.
You would not bet against the Portuguese from devising tactics to spoil Pep Guardiola’s men from equalling Liverpool’s record of winning the tournament for four consecutive years.
Even if he wins the trophy, it might not save the ‘Special One’ from getting the sack as the London club is struggling in the Premier League.
The club is currently sixth in the table with 49 points from 30 games, but Mourinho has rubbed his players the wrong way by blaming them for their league position.
When told last week after the 2-2 draw with Newcastle that his teams are usually good at holding leads, Mourinho told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Same coach, different players. There are mistakes which I probably should not even call mistakes because they are related to qualities that players have.”
Those comments upset several players. There has been talk of a dressing room revolt – something Mourinho is no stranger to, having seen similar reactions at Chelsea (twice), Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Although Spurs still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the Champions League, the fixtures list is not kind.
Tottenham has to face Manchester United, Everton, Manchester City and Leicester, all of whom are fighting for a Champions League berth.
His old side United visits on Sunday (11.30pm) and looks capable of grabbing all three points.
It is also determined to erase the nightmare of its 6-1 home defeat.
Since that horrible day in October, United has slowly but surely found its footing and is now second in the standings with 60 points, 14 behind Manchester City.
The other standout fixture will see Liverpool attempting to win its first match at Anfield this year when it hosts Aston Villa.
Like United, Liverpool is also hoping to gain revenge for a thrashing it received in October when it was humiliated 7-2 by Villa.
City faces Leeds in the early kickoff on Saturday (7.30pm) in what should be an exciting match with plenty of goalmouth action.
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Fulham vs Wolves (3am)
Manchester City vs Leeds (7.30pm)
Liverpool vs Aston Villa (10pm)
SUNDAY
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea (12.30am)
Burnley vs Newcastle (7pm)
West Ham vs Leicester (9.05pm)
Tottenham vs Manchester United (11.30pm)
MONDAY
Sheffield United vs Arsenal (2am)
TUESDAY
West Brom vs Southampton (1am)
Brighton vs Everton (3.15am)
