Chelsea v Bolton
Key Battle: Chelsea have been appalling of late but they can get the better of Bolton if Didier Drogba shows up and outmuscules Zat Knight.
Player to Watch: Gary Cahill plays against his old team for the first time as he looks to shore up a leaky defence.
Talking Point: After a disastrous run can Chelsea get themselves back to winning ways?
Prediction: 2-0
Newcastle v Wolves
Key Battle: Newcastle forward Demba Ba will hope to continue his awesome goalscoring form against Wolves and Roger Johnson.
Player to Watch: Sylvain Marveaux has been nowhere to be seen for much of the season but the talented Frenchman has ability in abundance.
Talking Point: Wolves play their first game without Mick McCarthy – will things improve at all?
Prediction: 2-0
QPR v Fulham
Key Battle: Shaun Wright Phillips will be up against Fulham’s strong defence with the likes of Brede Hangeland and hope to get the better of them.
Player to Watch: Fulham have been impressive of late and Clint Dempsey has been particularly good, scoring aplenty.
Talking Point: The West London derby is a bigger game for the hosts who are battling against relegation and need points quickly
Prediction: 0-1
West Brom v Sunderland
Key Battle: West Brom were spectacular against Wolves last time and Peter Odemwingie will hope to pick up where he left off, but will have a tough defence marshalled by John O’Shea to get past.
Player to Watch: Lee Cattermole can be the difference if allowed to foul his way to victory, as referees often allow him plenty of opportunity to put his foot in before punishing the midfielder.
Talking Point: West Brom have been poor at home this year – can they improve that against a tough Sunderland?
Prediction: 1-0
Wigan v Aston Villa
Key Battle: Villa’s best player is Stephen Ireland, but whether he gets to play and pit himself against Mo Diame is in doubt.
Player to Watch: Jordi Gomez is a creative outlet for Wigan who can score goals and may be crucial
Talking Point: A game Wigan will need to win if they are to keep alive their hopes of avoiding the drop – and one they will hope to take three points from, too
Prediction: 2-1
Man City v Blackburn
Key Battle: Sergio Aguero will hope to pick up where he left off against Porto in the week and Blackburn’s porous back line will hope to have Chris Samba back.
Player to Watch: David Silva is City’s best player by some considerable distance and has hauled his team into title contention this season.
Talking Point: City are surely cast iron favourites against relegation candidates Blackburn, aren’t they?
Prediction: 3-0
Arsenal v Tottenham
Key Battle: It will be up to Gervinho to get the better of Kyle Walker if Arsenal are to return to winning ways against their historic rivals.
Player to Watch: Robin van Persie will hope to pick up where he left off against Blackburn at the Emirates in their last match here, when he scored three and set up more.
Talking Point: Arsenal have had a tumultuous week – can they improve against their arch rivals?
Prediction: 2-2
Norwich v Man Utd
Key Battle: Norwich’s impressive play this season has owed much to Grant Holt and he will keep Chris Smalling busy on Saturday.
Player to Watch: United will hope Wayne Rooney is back from illness to spearhead his team’s charge
Talking Point: Norwich have been superb this season and United have been impressive throughout, if not spectacular.
Prediction: 1-1
Stoke v Swansea
Key Battle: Leon Britton is the man who passes and passes for Swansea and up against the brute force of Stoke and Dean Whitehead Swansea will be tested.
Player to Watch: Nathan Dyer has been the provider of many goals so far this season for Swansea and the impressive winger will be key.
Talking Point: Brains always beat brawn, right?
Prediction: 3-1
