All eyes will be on new Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood this weekend — the gilet-wearing, “heart-on-sleeve” boss who revitalised Tottenham before many grew tired of his chest-thumping theatrics.

The cocksure Sherwood’s spell in charge at White Hart Lane was far from a disaster but it featured an often abrasive attitude towards his own players and occasionally the club’s board, who never really appeared to trust him.

His Spurs team struggled against top-four sides and he regularly resembled a man on an emotional precipice, while everyone wondered why he was getting so hysterical over a halfway-line throw-in.

Still, his impact will be immediate — his first training session was, yawn, described as “electric” by one player — but Villa were so stagnant under Paul Lambert that Sherwood probably needed only to crack a joke about Gabby Agbonlahor’s creepy moustache to lift spirits.

The real test for Sherwood, though, is not whether he wins this weekend — which is likely — but whether in a year’s time the Villa fans and players still want him around.

Tomorrow’s games

11am kick-off unless stated

Aston Villa v Stoke City

A Sherwood-inspired Villa to come out of the blocks like a starved greyhound chasing a plump hare, trampling an indifferent Stoke side before retreating to the barracks and hailing their new manager as the ultimate leader of men and the saviour of Midlands football. A home win, basically.

Prediction: 2-0

Chelsea v Burnley

A game that seems incredibly insignificant when viewed alongside the behaviour of a group of Chelsea “fans” in Paris this week. At the time of writing, three people have been banned from Stamford Bridge and investigations are continuing after the group chanted a racist song and stopped a black Parisian from boarding the train. Wonder if those involved will cheer a Willian winner?

Prediction: 3-0

Crystal Palace v Arsenal

North London derby defeat aside, Arsenal have been impressive of late — one defeat in eight competitive fixtures — and while a trip to Selhurst Park will be a battle, Arsene Wenger’s side appear better equipped than usual to deal with it.

Prediction: 1-2

Hull City v Queens Park Rangers

Formulaic press statements aside, it’s hard to imagine Chris Ramsey was the manager QPR had in mind to replace Harry Redknapp. However, his influence in youth football circles is substantial and, of course, he managed what Redknapp failed to do — lead QPR to an away win. Hull’s home form is not great — three wins in 12 — so another away success is possible.

Prediction: 1-1

Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion

Made no mistake, Sunderland were outplayed by Bradford in the FA Cup and a reaction is likely. West Brom have drawn their past three games in the league and their newfound solidity will be crucial.

Prediction: 1-2

Swansea City v Manchester United

Interesting to see if Ander Herrera keeps his place in the side after a good showing in the FA Cup. United, for all the debate over style and formations, have won three of their past four Premier League games.

Prediction: 1-2

Manchester City v Newcastle United

1.30pm

Seven points behind leaders Chelsea so a win is obviously essential. Yaya Toure is back and Wilfried Bony is in contention for his debut. Newcastle should be no match.

Prediction: 3-1

Sunday’s games

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United

8am

Enticing London derby this — West Ham have had an excellent season, although the manner of their FA Cup exit was disappointing.

Spurs, despite the defeat at Liverpool, have been in good form and are just three points behind fourth-placed Southampton.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Leicester City

10.05am

Buoyed by a good win in Europe, Everton should continue their recent recovery against Leicester, who have lost nine of their past 11 away games and are on a four-match losing streak.

Prediction: 2-0

Southampton v Liverpool

12.15pm

Big game at St Mary’s as Liverpool seek to claw back further the gap between the two teams. Emotional return for Adam Lallana who is expecting a mixed reception.

Saints are not intimidated by the so-called big clubs visiting — just ask Arsenal — and they will be tough to beat.

Prediction: 1-1