The wheels well and truly came off for Roberto Martinez in the Merseyside derby in midweek.

For once he was unable to revert to his default post-match analysis of describing his players as “phenomenal” or, in defeat, “outstanding”.

It’s a level of optimism that fans have long since grown tired of, especially when the defence is more inviting than a Dark n’ Stormy at Cup Match.

The Spaniard’s saving grace is the FA Cup semi-final tomorrow against Manchester United — if he can deliver a trophy some, if not all, may be forgiven.

The match, of course, is as important for Louis van Gaal as it is Martinez, with the Dutchman also looking to offset a disappointing campaign with some Wembley glory.

The winner will surely fancy their chances of overcoming either Watford or Crystal Palace in the final.

11am kick off unless stated

Tomorrow’s games

Manchester City v Stoke City

8.45am

Kevin de Bruyne’s return to fitness and the first XI has coincided with City regaining some swagger and, despite drawing at Newcastle, they will expect to brush aside Stoke, who have stuttered badly as their season runs down.

Goal machine Sergio Agüero is tuning up nicely for the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

Prediction: 3-0

Aston Villa v Southampton

Just when you think things couldn’t get any worse for Villa, Gabby Agbonlahor’s behaviour has proved dodgier than his creepy ‘tache and two new, high-profile board members have resigned after falling out with owner Randy Lerner via e-mail. Confirmed relegation may free them up, but expect a well-drilled Saints team to add to Villa’s misery.

Prediction: 0-2

Bournemouth v Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois is suspended and Chelsea are team in limbo until Antonio Conte takes over as manager. The Londoners could well play a number of youth players but Bournemouth will see this as a chance to rubber-stamp a hugely impressive first season in the Premier League.

Prediction: 2-1

Liverpool v Newcastle United

Liverpool are likely to field a second-string team ahead of their Europa League semi-final but, as they showed against Bournemouth, that may be little consolation to Newcastle.

Rafael Benitez’s impact is starting to show and his team have impressed in their last two outings. The overriding feeling, though, is that the club have left it too late to sort out their self-inflicted mess.

Prediction: 2-1

Sunday’s games

Sunderland v Arsenal

10.05am

Arsenal’s season is petering out and they are in the midst of a fans’ mutiny; supporters basically fed up with their side choking at the same time each season when title silverware appears within their grasp.

Sunderland look the best equipped to stay up out of the endangered clubs and will no doubt get in the face of some of their more cultured opponents.

Prediction: 1-1

Leicester City v Swansea City

12.15pm

No Jamie Vardy for the league leaders after his dive proved too cynical even for the cynical world of football. He has scored 22 of his team’s 59 goals with six assists. Will he be missed? Is the Pope a Catholic?

How Claudio Ranieri marshals his troops will be vital. Swansea were last seen with sombreros under their arms, heading for the beach. Home win.

Prediction: 1-0

Monday’s game

Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion

4pm

Given West Brom’s indifference to facing Arsenal yesterday, it’s hard to see them rousing themselves enough to disrupt Tottenham’s bid to reel in leaders Leicester.

Harry Kane, in particular, looks hungry and ready to lead the Londoners’ charge.

Prediction: 3-0