Former Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier was in Bermuda last week and said the country could punch above its weight as long as it continues to invest in coaching.

It is worth applying those comments to the English national team, which has consistently underachieved for the past two decades, with the perception being that British managers employ tactics that increasingly bring no chance of success.

In the Premier League, just eight of the 20 teams are managed by Britons. None of those men manage a team in the top six, with seven managing sides in the bottom half of the table.

The last British manager to get a top job was David Moyes at Manchester United and his failure may have ruined the chances of any other ever getting a top job.

The Football Association has tried to buck this trend by appointing Gareth Southgate as the national coach but the early signs of his tenure are not good,

He has the talent at his disposal but does not appear to be able to play the type of football needed to be successful at international level. Here’s to another two decades of World Cup disappointment.

11am kick-offs unless stated

Tomorrow

Manchester United v Liverpool, 8.30am

Despite coming from two goals behind to win at Crystal Palace on Monday, Manchester United are still stuttering in the league and the home fans are not going to appreciate José Mourinho’s likely defensive tactics here.

Liverpool are in flying form at the moment and are fancied to be victorious against their big rivals. Prediction: 1-2

Everton v

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton picked up a magnificent win at home to Arsenal last week to ease themselves clear of the battle for relegation but may struggle at Goodison Park. Sam Allardyce’s Everton team are woeful on the road but have won their last two home matches. Prediction: 2-0

Huddersfield Town v

Swansea City

A win for either of these teams would dramatically improve their chances of avoiding relegation. Swansea’s improvement in the league under Carlos Carvalhal has been largely based on their brilliant home form. They have been less consistent on the road and may suffer another defeat here. Prediction: 2-1

Newcastle United v

Southampton

Another big name at the foot of the table, Newcastle are unbeaten at home in the league this year and can take a huge leap towards safety. Prediction: 1-0

West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City

Media reports in Britain suggest the only reason Alan Pardew has not been sacked as manager of West Brom is because nobody is willing to take the job.

Pardew’s team are all but relegated, has lost their last five league games, and will struggle to contain Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. Prediction: 1-2

West Ham United v Burnley

West Ham have conceded four goals in their last two matches and are in desperate need of a win to avert an alarming slide down the table.

Burnley look assured of a top-eight finish this season, which is an amazing achievement by Sean Dyche, and they can pick up another point here. Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Crystal Palace

Antonio Conte may have one eye on the Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday but his team will need to avoid complacency against a Crystal Palace side who threw away victory against Manchester United on Monday. Expect Chelsea to play with at least one striker here in contrast to their pathetic display against Manchester City last week. Prediction: 1-1

Sunday

Arsenal v Watford, 9.30am

Arsène, please put everyone out of their misery. You were the Pep Guardiola of your era but you and your team are a laughing stock.

Leave while you have a shred of dignity left. Arsenal will probably win this match comfortably but what does that matter? Prediction: 3-1

AFC Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur, noon

Bournemouth have been on a good run lately but may run into a stumbling block here. Tottenham have lost just once in the league since November and that came away to champions-elect Manchester City. Harry Kane looks pretty much certain to score. Prediction: 0-2

Monday

Stoke City v

Manchester City, 4pm

Stoke’s next four matches are against Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham. It’s perfectly feasible they will end up with no points during that run and almost certain to be relegated. Prediction: 0-2