What’s worse? Being called “babies” by walking ego Zlatan Ibrahimovic or having the moral compass that is John Terry stand up for you?

Either way, Chelsea didn’t come out of Wednesday night’s defeat covered in glory — by the result or the team’s behaviour.

The squabbling, diving, intimidation and straight-up nastiness of the second leg at Stamford Bridge was a horrible reflection of where the game is right now.

To hear Terry then explain all that with the throwaway line “it’s part of the game” was enough to reach for an old VHS of the 1987 FA Cup Final and wash yourself clean with constant replays of Keith Houchen’s diving header. A time when men were men and footballers were Gary Mabbutt.

Let’s hope the Barclays Premier League gives us something similar to marvel at this weekend.

Tomorrow’s games

11am kick-offs unless stated

Crystal Palace v Queens Park Rangers

8.45am

QPR are three points from safety and if they continue to defend as they did against Spurs last weekend, the Championship beckons.

Palace, on the other hand, look a lot more sturdy and, although they have just one win in the past four games, anything other than a home win will be a surprise.

Prediction: 2-0

Arsenal v West Ham United

West Ham’s season continues to slide into mediocrity — a shame after their excellent first half of the season.

No wins in seven for Sam Allardyce’s men and they have lost their past nine meetings with Arsène Wenger’s side, who are fresh from ousting Manchester Unuted from the FA Cup.

Prediction: 3-1

Leicester City v Hull City

Nigel Pearson’s side are in all kinds of trouble at the foot of the table and they need a remarkable run — starting now — to get out of trouble.

Hull have regrouped and have lost just one of their past five games.

Prediction: 0-1

Sunderland v Aston Villa

All of a sudden the Tim Sherwood effect has kicked in — a winning team that is, not the accompanying pitch invasion.

While Gustavo Poyet remains a divisive figure among his own fans, Wins — and goals — have been in short supply for both teams, but Villa have the momentum.

Prediction: 1-2

West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City

Stoke are flying after three straight wins in the league and sit an impressive eighth, setting their sights on the stalling Southampton.

West Brom are bruised from two straight defeats by rivals Villa and they will get little respite here.

Prediction: 0-1

Burnley v Manchester City

1.30pm

No win in six for Burnley means they are in the deep stuff. The visit of the champions is the last thing they need and City, for all their disappointments in the past couple of weeks, should collect three points.

The memory of the corresponding fixture, when City let a two-goal lead slip as George Boyd and Ashley Barnes earned an unlikely point for the newly promoted club, will be fresh in manager Manuel Pellegrini’s mind, however.

Prediction: 1-3

Sunday’s games

Chelsea v Southampton

9.30am

Rather surprisingly, Chelsea have won only five of their past 11 games in all competitions.

They are far from their best right now — but neither are Southampton, who at least stopped the rot against Palace last time out.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Newcastle United

Noon

Classic second-season syndrome for Roberto Martínez at Goodison Park, where they seem to be concentrating on the Europa League.

This fixture is a good opportunity for them, with Newcastle ambling towards another insignificant mid-table finish. Who wants it more?

Prediction: 2-1

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur

Noon

Focus is intensifying on United’s lacklustre performances, especially after the home defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup.

This will be another test against a good Spurs side, who possess the most in-form striker in the league in Harry Kane.

Prediction: 1-1

Monday’s game

Swansea v Liverpool

4pm

Liverpool should have recovered physically after the tired-looking draw in the Cup to Blackburn. Underestimate Swansea at your peril, though, and Brendan Rodgers’s side will have to be at their best to collect maximum points.

Prediction: 0-2