Aston Villa v Arsenal
Key Battle: Gervinho has been in superb form for Arsenal and his direct running and trickery could be too much for a poor Aston Villa defence, in which Richard Dunne will hope to rediscover some form.
Player to Watch: Theo Walcott had his poorest game of the season against Manchester City on Sunday and will hope to prove a point at Villa Park.
Talking Point: Villa’s record against decent teams this season is dire, can they arrest that against Arsenal?
Prediction: 0-1
Man City v Stoke
Key Battle: Ryan Shawcross will be tasked with helping Stoke keep out the threat posed by Edin Dzeko, who could play in what is likely to be a physical encounter.
Player to Watch: David Silva has been the best player in the league and his skill and technique will contrast greatly with the brutish Stoke midfield.
Talking Point: Stoke rely on their traditional long throws, long balls and over the top physical challenges. City meanwhile, play short passing football with technique key. With their physical power, could they be too much for Stoke?
Prediction: 6-0
Newcastle v West Brom
Key Battle: Newcastle are without a win in five and will hope that Demba Ba rediscovers his scoring form against West Brom, for whom they will hope Jonas Ollson is on his best form.
Player to Watch: Chris Brunt has been a creative spark for West Brom all season – can they spring a surprise on Newcastle?
Talking Point: Can Newcastle get back to winning ways after a poor run?
Prediction: 2-0
Everton v Swansea
Key Battle: Everton and Swansea both play good football, and the battle between Joe Allen and Marouane Fellaini in midfield could be key.
Player to Watch: Louis Saha is usually the man Everton rely on for goals – will he deliver against the Swans?
Talking Point: Two teams who concede few and score fewer – will there be any goals?
Prediction: 0-0
Fulham v Man Utd
Key Battle: Wayne Rooney has rediscovered his form and will be up against Brede Hangeland, who will be out to make his life tricky.
Player to Watch: Antonio Valencia could be important for United as they look to him to create for Rooney.
Talking Point: Fulham have a good defence, whilst United have not been prolific of late; can they spring a shock?
Prediction: 0-0
QPR v Sunderland
Key Battle: Kieran Richardson will give Anton Ferdinand a tough test and whether Sunderland can cut open their opponents will be vital.
Player to Watch: Joey Barton is a controversial figure and he is never too far from controversy.
Talking Point: Two of the leagues worst teams, can Martin O’Neill inspire Sunderland?
Prediction: 1-2
Wigan v Liverpool
Key Battle: Charlie Adam has been a key player for Liverpool this season and his ability to influence proceedings against Mohamed Diame in midfield will be interesting.
Player to Watch: Wigan have been in good form and Jordi Gomez is a goalscoring threat Liverpool’s defence will look to contain.
Talking Point: Can Wigan follow up an impressive draw with Chelsea by a similar result against Liverpool?
Prediction: 0-3
Tottenham v Chelsea
Key Battle: Gareth Bale will be vital if fit for Spurs, and his pace and skill can cause all kinds of problems for Jose Bosingwa.
Player to Watch: Luka Modric comes up against his former team and will hope to show what he can do against them.
Talking Point: Tottenham’s impressive form has halted of late, but Chelsea’s defence is ravaged by injury.
Prediction: 1-1
