In that free-scoring period there seemed to be no stopping him: he may not have been on the scoresheet against the Canaries, for example, but he playedexcellently and threatened constantly, and it was his (off-target) header from James Maddison’s corner that Tim Krul flapped into his own net for the equaliser in a 1-1 draw. ButsinceChristmas he has not scored at all, and in six league games this calendar year he has had only eight shots – 50% of them against Manchester City last weekend – and only four ontarget,themost recent against Chelsea on 1 February, 235 pitch minutes ago. For a start there’s Villa’s venerable League Cup tradition – its first winners, in 1961, and victors of memorable finals in 1977,1994 and 1996 – and then there’s the fact that victory will make no difference to existing fixture burdens. Of course, Villa’s injury depletions, leaky defence and City’s dizzying, rotating array of attacking talent could makeforanotherhorribly one-sided domestic cup final, but Dean Smith’s side tasted Wembley glory last year too and shouldn’t be overawed. TD With Manchester City not in league action this weekend this is an opportunity for Liverpool can open their lead at the top to a ludicrous 25 points – more than opponents Watford’s haul for the season so far. The Hornets have several players returning from injury, including Tom Cleverley and Ismaïla Sarr, who both came off the benchatOldTrafford last week, and the question is whether it is worth risking their recuperation in this game, which they are unlikely to win whoever they choose, or wiser to protectthemformoreimportant and winnable battles. SB • Watford v Liverpool (Saturday, 5.30pm) During their horror-run of fixtures, West Ham pretty much met expectations – losing each of the games everyone thought they would, and surrendering a two-goal lead to draw the one they might have won. A manager who is surely in the last chance saloon as far as future Premier League appointments are concerned, Moyes will havefewmoresterner tests of his motivational skills than Saturday’s game in Stratford. SB • Bournemouth v Chelsea (Saturday, 3pm) Newcastle could do without having to entertain a Burnley side whose recent league run of four wins and a draw has put them within sight of European qualification.
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