Many questions may be answered this weekend about what may have happened this season in English football, from the team that will go home with the Premier League (PL) title between Arsenal and Manchester City, to whether Chelsea can wake up from the eggs following their dismissal of Liam Rosenior.
Manchester City have topped the log following their win over Burnley in the Championship in midweek.
This result moved Arsenal to the top even though the points are equal (70).
Things at Chelsea are in chaos following the sacking of Rosenior, who hired him in January.
This weekend, Chelsea have a chance to forget about the league as they have an FA Cup match against Leeds United.
The FA Cup games will not stop the progress of the league, however, as Arsenal will host Newcastle in a game that gives them a chance to return to the top even though they will be ahead of City by a game.
Manchester City v Southampton (Wembley Stadium, FC Cup semifinal, today at 6.15pm)
Since Manchester City is sitting at the top of the PL log, it should be coming and going until they are in this match against a team that failed to collect full points at home in the Championship game against Bristol City in the middle of the week.
Although Southampton have eliminated teams that are considered difficult in England in the FA Cup this season, including Arsenal, but Pep Guardiola’s team looks like they won’t even need a third gear to secure a place in the final.
What should be starting to rule the mind of those connected with City is that this team is in a position to end the season with three important cups as the Carabao Cup is in the bag.
Arsenal v Newcastle (Emirates Stadium, PL, today at 6.30pm)
Mikel Arteta and his team are forced to win the league game against Newcastle following their kneeling in the City cage last weekend.
It goes without saying that Arsenal played better football when they were beaten by City, but this must continue to strengthen their chances in the title race.
Regardless of the importance of the points, Arsenal’s win will put the pressure back on City because a game in hand does not mean that the points are in their hands.
Chelsea v Leeds (Wembley Stadium, FA Cup semifinal, tomorrow at 4pm)
Things are a mess at Chelsea following their sacking of Rosenior after being beaten 3-0 by Brighton Albion on Tuesday. It was the fifth time in a row that this London team was defeated in the league.
In all these league games that Chelsea have been beaten in a row, they have not scored a goal, which was the last time that happened in 1912.
This FA Cup game will give Calum McFarlane, who has been suspended until the end of the season, the opportunity to sit down with the players and say what they want since reports that they could not be heard by Rosenior have not been put down on social media.
Premier League games this weekend
Saturday: 1.30pm – Fulham v Aston Villa; 4pm – West Ham v Everton, Wolves v Tottenham, Liverpool v Palace; 6.30pm – Arsenal v Newcastle.