Aston Villa vs. Manchester United
Manchester United have been far from convincing this season, but every week they manage to get it done. Aston Villa too have been unconvincing, but their form has been hot and cold and they lie 10th in the league. United have a very good record at Villa Park and I don’t see any reason for that to change.
Key Man: Nani
He has been the creative drive behind United’s season and has weighed in with an impressive four goals this season. Villa will face a stern test if Nani is one good form tomorrow afternoon
Prediction: 0-2
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Manchester City vs. Birmingham
City got a fair bit of stick for their defensive tactics in the Manchester derby on Wednesday so they will be keen to impress in front of their home fans against a Birmingham side who are failing to reproduce their form of last year.
Key Man: Ben Foster
If Birmingham are going to get anything from this game then you would imagine that Ben Foster is going to have to play well to keep the likes of Carlos Tevez, David Silva and James Milner at bay.
Prediction: 2-0
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Newcastle vs. Fulham
To put it mildly, Newcastle’s form is erratic. Following up a win at the Emirates with a defeat at home to Blackburn must have fans tearing their hair out. Even if you don’t know what’s coming next from the Toon, you can be pretty sure what you’re going to get from Fulham – a draw. Seven draws from 12 games leaves Fulham in the unflattering position of 15th.
Key Man: Clint Dempsey
After their loss, Newcastle could be jittery and the inform, temporary striker Clint Dempsey could make things difficult for the Magpies.
Prediction: 2-2
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Tottenham vs. Blackburn
Tottenham’s league form is poor and their high league position is perhaps a little deceiving. They come off a disappointing draw with Sunderland while Blackburn ripped up the form book by winning at Newcastle. Spurs can’t afford to lose this one and I don’t think they will, but it won’t be pretty.
Key Man: Rafael Van der Vaart
His goalscoring record at White Hart Lane is magnificent and if he were to find the net again he would put Spurs on the way to an important three points.
Prediction: 2-1
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West Ham have let leads slip in their last two games, both of which finished 2-2, but there are signs that they are steadily improving. Blackpool will hope to make the right kind of headlines again after Ian Holloway’s selection controversy.
Key Man: Scott Parker
Runs the West Ham midfield and will provide the engine for a West Ham win.
Prediction: 3-0
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Wigan vs. West Brom
West Brom don’t have a win in three games, but have still been playing reasonably well. Wigan can always pick themselves up for big games, but this could well turn out to be another disappointing afternoon for the Latics.
Key Man: Peter Odemwingie
A mid-week goal scoring return for Odemwingie in his first start since 2nd October will be good news for West Brom fans, but bad news for Wigan fans.
Prediction: 0-1
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Wolves vs. Bolton
Bolton are looking like a good side this year under Owen Coyle and their 6th place is ample reward for their good performances. Wolves are playing well, but aren’t picking up points. Wolves have been fantastic against the top four but could fail to pick themselves up for a home game against Bolton.
Key Man: Kevin Davies
Match winner last weekend and a good performance from him could silence the Molineux crowd and increase the pressure on Wolves.
Prediction: 1-1
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Stoke vs Liverpool
Liverpool had the chances to beat Wigan on Wednesday but could only manage a draw, yet they will fancy their chances in this one. Stoke snatched a win in mid-week but haven’t been playing well lately and an on-form Liverpool and Torres could be too much.
Key Man: Steven Gerrard
Gerrard has been playing very well lately and was unlucky not to score against Wigan. For Torres to play well, Gerrard will have to play well.
Prediction: 1-3
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Everton vs. Arsenal
Arsenal played well, but were a little fortunate to get past Wolves on Wednesday. Arsenal have three away wins in this season, the joint best in the league. Everton have slipped a little lately and will be desperate to get something from this game.
Key Man: Mikel Arteta
Yet to register an assist, but has been playing well and could be Everton’s most important player.
Prediction: 1-0
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Chelsea vs. Sunderland
Chelsea are still top of the league and are still playing well, even of their results have been less emphatic lately. Sunderland got a hard-earned point at White Hart Lane on Tuesday, but a trip to Stamford Bridge will be daunting for the Black Cats, especially after losing 7-2 there last season.
Key Man: Frank Lampard
Could finally return now fit, and while unlikely to play 90 minutes could start after Michael Essien’s red card against Fulham.
Prediction: 2-0
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