English Premier League: Jose Mourinho exit to give Chelsea fresh impetus

Match to catch

Manchester City have been put under pressure this season as, following their massive summer spending spree, it is Manuel Pellegrini’s side who are the natural successors to chastened champions Chelsea. There are no expectations on current leaders Leicester, Manchester United are in transition under Louis van Gaal and City’s opponents on Monday, Arsenal, have a history of failing to turn their talent into titles. But the Etihad outfit have buckled too often recently, losing to Stoke and Liverpool and only drawing with rock-bottom Aston Villa. Captain Vincent Kompany and star striker Sergio Aguero could return against Arsenal and City need them if they are to make a statement and beat their main rivals for the Premier League crown. Arsene Wenger’s Gunners, however, should be confident of putting down a marker themselves. Prediction: Arsenal 2 Man City 1.

Keep an eye on

So Chelsea finally lost patience with Jose Mourinho and sacked the ‘Special One’ on Thursday, but it came as little surprise after the Portuguese further isolated his players with his ‘betrayal’ comments following last week’s loss to Leicester. The team wasn’t playing for him as most players had been singled out for public criticism or unceremoniously dropped at some stage during their disastrous start to the season. Mourinho was happy to create an all-for-one siege mentality when things were going well, but after the tide turned he started to hang his players out to dry. With Mourinho still in charge, the Blues wouldn’t even have been sure of seeing off lowly Sunderland at Stamford Bridge this weekend, but the managerial change will undoubtedly see a turnaround in fortunes. Prediction: Chelsea 3 Sunderland 1.

For the purists

Swansea’s players have been criticised for immediately switching from their poor performances under Garry Monk to a much-improved showing in their narrow defeat away to Manchester City last weekend under caretaker Alan Curtis. But if, as expected, the club decides to appoint former Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa as Monk’s replacement, the widely respected Argentine will stand for no such nonsense. Moving for Bielsa may be a gamble considering he speaks no English, but he is renowned for getting the best out of players and he would be a welcome addition to the Premier League. On Sunday the Swans take on injury-hit West Ham, who are five matches without a win. Prediction: Swansea 1 West Ham 0.

Showing form

Everton (unbeaten in 6) host leaders Leicester (unbeaten since September) in what promises to be a cracking Saturday afternoon showdown. Both meetings between these sides last season ended in 2-2 draws and there’s no reason to think there won’t be plenty of goals again, particularly as the Toffees’ Romelu Lukaku is aiming to score in his seventh successive league game and perhaps even threaten Jamie Vardy’s new EPL record of 11. Prediction: Everton 2 Leicester 2.

Need a win

Aston Villa are in danger of joining the ranks of the worst-ever Premier League teams as they approach the half-way stage of the season with just six points and few reasons to believe a first win since the opening day is just around the corner. On Saturday evening they visit a Newcastle side who have beaten Liverpool and Tottenham in their last two matches and finally have some momentum under former England boss Steve McClaren. Prediction: Newcastle 2 Villa 0.

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Think I’m way off the mark? Tweet me your English Premier League predictions via @MartinDownerGN.