Three things to look out for during this weekend's Premier League action

After all the fun and frolics of the festive period, 2014 is now officially in full swing and following last weekend's FA Cup third round antics we return to Premier League business.

As we enter matchday 21 things remain extremely tight at the top of the table but after two late goals against Cardiff on New Year's Day, Arsenal are still top but the chasing pack are well within touching distance.

Here are three things to look for during this weekend's Premier League action.

1) Can Sam Allardyce rescue his job?

Incredibly, West Ham have conceded 11 goals in their last two games. Ok, fair enough, no team goes to the Etihad and doesn't let in at least four goals but it was the lack of effort and desire from Allardyce's team that has dismayed fans. 

Injuries haven't helped, of course, and there is still no sign of the £35m/£15m man Andy Carroll who Allardyce took a huge gamble on in the off season. The gamble, unfortunately for the Hammers, hasn't' come off and they have dropped all the way into the relegation zone. One more calamity and surely Big Fookn' Sam will be shown the exit door. This weekend's trip to Cardiff is of massive importance.

2) Will Swansea heap more misery on Moyes?

David, David, David, where did it all go wrong eh? Three losses on the bounce? Out of the FA Cup? Losing to bottom of the table Sunderland? Tom Cleverly?!!!!!! What!

Manchester United's slayers in the FA Cup, Swansea City, return to the scene of the crime on Saturday evening looking to deliver another right hook to Moyes's already bloodied face.

Perhaps Moyes will blame the refs again, as seems to be the popular choice for the Scotsman nowadays, or perhaps United will win the game and the Red Devils will begin to snap out of this awful run of form they have been on. Like D:Ream said, right?

3) Newcastle vs Manchester City to be game of the weekend.

Have Manchester City done enough to convince us all that they aren't crap away from home anymore? If it were put to me then I would say no as they were unable to overcome Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the FA Cup. 

On Sunday, they travel to Newcastle to take on Alain Parjuf's beret wearing band of merry men who have been pretty good at home so far this season. In fact, the Magpies have been pretty decent everywhere they go this season and they are right in the mix for a spot in the top four this season.

Two good teams with good players equals a good game of football. Well, that's what I'm predicting anyway.

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