Matchday Preview: Sunday 27th February- Tuesday 1st March

Sunday, 27 February

West Ham v Liverpool, 13:30

In West Hams last two games they showed the sort of character Avram Grant will be hoping for more of if they are to get themselves out of the relegation zone. The emergence of both Ba and Obinna as potential goal scorers, added to the threat of Cole and the industry of Parker give them an edge over fellow strugglers. Liverpool however have proved that they are a somewhat rejuvenated side under Kenny Daglish and the goal scoring form of Raul Meireles has been fantastic. Rumours that Andy Carroll will make his debut are perhaps premature but even without him Liverpool should at least get a draw in London

Man City v Fulham, 15:00

Mark Hughes brings his Fulham side to the City of Manchester Stadium eager to avoid the kind of humiliation visited upon them by Tevez and co. in November. Off the back of a draw and a good display he will be pretty confident of putting up a good show in this fixture, Fulham are a well organised outfit with Clint Dempsey in excellent form. City will hope Edin Dzeko’s two goals in the Europa league mid-week will help kick start his involvement in their forlorn title charge. With Chelsea hot on their heels, this is a fixture City need to win.

Monday, 28 February

Stoke v West Brom, 20:00

Stoke like to kick, West Brom like to play, both sides will try to inflict their game on the other and this game could either be fantastic or dismal. The Baggies need it more, but Stoke are the better team. Draw?

Tuesday, 1 March

Chelsea v Man Utd, 19:45

A vital fixture in the race for the title, one in which Chelsea will look to reimpose themselves on the leaders and put their names back into contention for at least an automatic Champions League spot. Despite the hype and the money, the Blues in-form forward is Anelka and he needs to start, possible with Torres and Drogba on the bench. United will be more cautious with Rooney possibly the lone forward and a packed midfield. With United in stop-start form and Chelsea hungry they should win this.

Matchday Preview: Saturday 26th February

Aston Villa v Blackburn, 15:00

Big game for Villa as they look to pull away from the pack down the bottom of the table having drawn with fellow strugglers Blackpool last time round. Blackburn will be hoping for at least a point out of this to ensure they don’t get dragged down themselves into what is an incredibly tight bottom half of the table. Villa, with Bent in reasonably good form, should have too much for Rovers.

Everton v Sunderland, 15:00

Everton must hope that their dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Chelsea will kick start their season as they look to drive towards the European place their squad quality deserves. Sunderland however are no pushovers and will look to exploit Everton’s lack of pace all over the park with the constant harrying of Richardson and Henderson and counter attack play. Everton will try to get Cahill into the game as much as possible, when he plays well, Everton play well. Too close to call, but with home advantage Everton may nick it.

Newcastle v Bolton, 15:00

Newcastle are still in a strange post-Carroll period and they certainly haven’t replaced the long hair Geordie, despite Leon Best’s best efforts. They will look to play around Bolton’s midfield, and with Barton in form they do have one of the most creative English players in the league. Bolton on the other hand have slowed down since their early season run of form propelled them into the Europa League places and with Elmander and Davies misfiring have come to rely on Klasnic and on-loan Daniel Sturridge. It really depends upon which Bolton and which Newcastle turn up but I expect Bolton to be too strong for the Toon Army.

Wigan v Man Utd, 15:00

Third last in the table and struggling for constancy, Roberto Martinez’s Wigan will look to hit United hard and fast, capitalize on some European night tiredness. Blessed with some of the finest individual performers of the season in N’Zogbia, Rodellega and even McCarthy, Wigan are a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde team and really need to find results from wherever they can. United on the other hand need to win to stay top, simply put, with Arsenal in such good from, victory is paramount. They still rely heavily on Nani to deliver and this, along with the workman like defence and the odd moment from the frontline should see them through against Wigan

Wolverhampton v Blackpool, 15:00

Blackpool will be buoyed but tired after their fantastic midweek victory over Spurs and Holloway will look to continue this momentum, with Cambell proving a revelation up front and Charlie Adam still pulling the strings. Wolves have actually played quite well this season, recording some fabulous victories over top table opposition but it’s their lack of from against the teams around them that have cost them and McCarthy must question the mindset of his players if this trend continues against Blackpool. I fancy Wolves to get something from this.