Stephen Ireland has made more headlines this season for comments made to newspapers than he has for any particularly fine performances on the pitch.
The on-loan Newcastle midfielder has been slating Gerard Houllier, the city of Birmingham and the Irish FA this week, although Ireland might finally get the chance to let his football do the talking with the player set to make a debut for the Magpies on Saturday.
Many people expected United to be involved in a relegation scrap at this stage of the season, although Alan Pardew’s team can go as high as 6th with a win and they are enjoying a run of four matches without defeat.
Joey Barton has caused a ripple this week after talks over a new contract stalled, although the manager has dismissed reports that the midfielder might refuse to play this weekend.
“I saw a couple of whispers last week – not in the national media – that he didn’t want to play,” said Pardew. “It’s absolutely not true. He’s desperate to play tomorrow [against Everton].
“Joey’s commitment to play for us. Don’t doubt that. He’s going to come in early and try and play through that injury.”
Meanwhile, Everton’s 2-0 win over Sunderland last weekend gives them some breathing space although they were since knocked out of the FA Cup by Reading and David Moyes was not happy about it.
He also angrily rejected claims by Marouane Fellaini’s father that the player should not have featured against the Black Cats, something which has led to the Belgian being ruled out for the season.
The Scot said: “That’s completely wrong. We would never do that, it’s a load of rubbish.”
Match betting odds:
Newcastle, 13/8 with Stan James
Draw, 12/5 with Paddy Power
Everton, 19/10 with Paddy Power