Birmingham City vs Sunderland
Alex McLeish’s men have picked up four crucial points from their last two games to arrest a worrying slide, and this is one fixture they’ll have identified as one they can win, particularly since Sunderland appear in freefall since the departure of Darren Bent. Asamoah Gyan is struggling to fulfill Bent’s role as the Mackems’ primary goalscorer, and things aren’t going well at the other end of the pitch either with ten goals conceded in their last three games. Don’t expect fireworks in this one, but a home win is the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Birmingham 2 – 1 Sunderland
Blackpool vs Wigan Athletic
Blackpool opened up the season with a resounding 4-0 win away to the Latics, but the fairytale has since threatened to turn into a bad dream with Ian Holloway’s side now just one point above the relegation zone. Their tremendous belief and team spirit seems to have taken a hit and they are now finally beginning to look like the true sum of their parts. They will take some encouragement, however, from Wigan’s poor away form, which is among the worst in the league. With home advantage and signs of improvement against Arsenal, I think Blackpool might take this one – just.
Prediction: Blackpool 3 – 2 Wigan Athletic
Everton vs Blackburn Rovers
Indications suggest Everton are set to finish the season strongly, while Steve Kean’s Blackburn are at risk of turning a bad patch into a catastrophe. They are nine games without a win and just three points above the relegation zone. Everton haven’t lost in six, and although they have been far from swashbuckling at home, I expect them to have too much for Blackburn in a gritty encounter.
Prediction: Everton 1 – 0 Blackburn Rovers
West Bromwich Albion vs Chelsea
Roy Hodgson’s start at West Brom has been as good as his Liverpool tenure was troubled, and the Baggies, now 10th in the table, are seven games without defeat. Their unbeaten run faces a serious test this weekend though against a Chelsea side who themselves haven’t lost in six, but the midweek Champions League exit and the continuing trials of Fernando Torres have made the Chelsea dressing room far from a happy one. I think West Brom could come out of this one with a creditable point.
Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 1 – 1 Chelsea
West Ham United vs Aston Villa
Avram Grant’s West Ham have struggled to find consistency all season, having looked a top-half side on some weeks and Championship-bound on others. Aston Villa eased their own relegation concerns with a win over Newcastle last week, and this game is probably more important for the home side than the away as a result. A few slips and Gerard Houllier’s men will be right back in it again, however, and I think the Frenchman will be under pressure again at about 5pm this Saturday.
Prediction: West Ham United 2 – 0 Aston Villa
Arsenal vs Liverpool (Sunday, 16:00)
Liverpool’s hopes for fourth place have faded recently, but they will be all but extinguished with defeat at the Emirates, where they are yet to win. Arsenal are still chasing an improbable title, and I think that with their fragile confidence, the first goal will determine the outcome of this one. Boosted by the returns of Alex Song, Johann Djourou and Wojciech Szczesny, Arsenal may be favourites, but I think the blossoming partnership of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez will do enough to earn Liverpool a point.
Prediction: Arsenal 1 – 1 Liverpool
Newcastle United vs Manchester United (Tuesday, 19:45)
The league leaders visit a Newcastle side all but assured of survival this season, with only Manchester City of the top seven winning so far at St. James’s Park. Newcastle are a hard side to second guess even at home, however, while United will be playing a few days after an intense Manchester derby in the FA Cup semi-final. United have made a habit of grinding out wins this season, and they’ll be favourites for this one as well.
Prediction: Newcastle United 0 – 1 Manchester United
