Stoke v Blackburn
Key Battle: Stoke rely on height and aerial presence, mainly through Kenwyne Jones, but he will have a tough job up against Chris Samba on Saturday.
Player to Watch: Junior Hoilett has been outstanding all season and he could be the key man if Blackburn are to come away with anything
Talking Point: Blackburn have done everything but win in recent weeks – can their luck change against a team who have lost five in a row?
Prediction: 0-0
Bolton v Everton
Key Battle: Bolton have found a bit of form lately and Ivan Klasnic has been prolific this season. He will hope to get the better of in form Phil Jagielka.
Player to Watch: Tim Cahill has yet to discover his form but it will surely come sooner rather than later
Talking Point: Everton are threatening to click into life, but so are Bolton – who will come out on top here?
Prediction: 1-1
Chelsea v Wolves
Key Battle: Chelsea have been struggling desperately of late, but if Juan Mata can get the better of Jamie O’Hara, things could change this weekend
Player to Watch: Fernando Torres needs to rediscover his goalscoring touch for Andre Villas Boas’ men.
Talking Point: After a catastrophic few weeks, will this be the day things change for Chelsea
Prediction: 3-1
Man Utd v Newcastle
Key Battle: Wayne Rooney will need to use all his cunning to unlock a Newcastle defence which has been superb this season.
Player to Watch: Patrice Evra – Newcastle were undone by overlapping full backs against Man City, and an organised back line will need to be stretched by United’s attacking full back to be breached.
Talking Point: Newcastle have lost their unbeaten run but still have confidence after another good performance against Man City. United’s defence is much improved of late too.
Prediction: 0-0
Norwich v QPR
Key Battle: Norwich City have looked lively since their return to the big time, but so have QPR. The battle between Wes Hoolahan and Joey Barton in midfield should be fascinating.
Player to Watch: Anthony Pilkington has been one of the Canaries’ most impressive performers – how will he do against the Hoops?
Talking Point: Both sides commit to attack and neither have anything to lose after a good start to the campaign – should be an open match
Prediction: 4-2
Sunderland v Wigan
Key Battle: Nicklas Bendtner will hope to rediscover some goalscoring form to give Sunderland a precious win.
Player to Watch: Sebastien Larsson has been Sunderland’s best player this year and his contribution should be crucial if they are to get back to winning ways
Talking Point: Wigan are poor at the moment but they have always had spirit under Roberto Martinez. Can they take advantage of fragile opponents?
Prediction: 0-1
West Brom v Tottenham
Key Battle: Jonas Olsson has been solid as ever for West Brom but will face one of the best wingers in the league at the weekend when Gareth Bale comes to town
Player to Watch: Scott Parker has been immense for Tottenham this year – he could run the show
Talking Point: Spurs are in breathtaking form but Roy Hodgson’s organised Baggies could prove a far tougher team to beat than Aston Villa
Prediction: 0-0
Arsenal v Fulham
Key Battle: Brede Hangeland will have to be at his inspirational best to keep out the seemingly unstoppable Robin van Persie.
Player to Watch: Theo Walcott has been in good form this season but hasn’t scored as many as he’d like.
Talking Point: Martin Jol’s commitment to attack should make for an exciting game, but it could also be costly against a revitalised Arsenal.
Prediction: 2-0
Swansea v Aston Villa
Key Battle: Richard Dunne will be stretched by a probably expansive Swansea this weekend, for whom Scott Sinclair’s running could stretch their opponents.
Player to Watch: Leon Britton’s passing has been near perfect this season, and Villa will have to watch him carefully.
Talking Point: A poor Villa have been unimpressive this year, and against a confident passing side Alex McLeish tends to send his team out to put in a few strong challenges.
Prediction: 2-0
Liverpool v Man City
Key Battle: City have been superb all season but David Silva will have to get the better of Brazilian Lucas in midfield to prosper.
Player to Watch: Charlie Adam’s passing was superb against Chelsea and if he can continue that kind of form, City may have trouble containing Luis Suarez.
Talking Point: Liverpool’s pressing game against Chelsea was superb and if they can produce more of the same, they can trouble City’s questionable defence.
Prediction: 2-1
