Liverpool v Newcastle
Key Battle: Liverpool were wasteful against Blackburn but Newcastle have an even better defence so this could be another long evening for the home team. Luis Suarez will have to have his best shooting boots on to get the better of Tim Krul.
Player to Watch: Andy Carroll could be up against his former club and how he does may be key.
Talking Point: Newcastle have been in poor form until their win against Bolton, but Blackburn are even worse and they took a point from Anfield. Can Liverpool get their home form back on track?
Prediction: 1-0
Man Utd v Blackburn
Key Battle: Chris Samba could be the only senior centre back on the pitch and he will need to keep Wayne Rooney quiet for Blackburn to have any chance.
Player to Watch: With all of United’s injuries at the back it could be a profitable afternoon for Junior Hoilett.
Talking Point: After two 5-0 wins in a row, there is surely nothing in this one for the bottom team in the league?
Prediction: 2-0
Arsenal v QPR
Key Battle: Arsenal come up against Joey Barton once more, the man who has earned Arsenal players a combined nine games of suspension in the last two matches he has played against them. Alex Song will want revenge.
Player to Watch: Robin van Persie has one match to break Alan Shearer’s calendar year goalscoring record.
Talking Point: After a draw at home to Wolves Arsenal need to get back to winning ways.
Prediction: 3-0
Bolton v Wolves
Key Battle: Bolton have been dire and Gary Cahill could be playing his last game up against Steven Fletcher for Wolves
Player to Watch: Stephen Hunt works hard and could make the life of a lacklustre Bolton defence a difficult one.
Talking Point: With an impressive defensive showing against Arsenal can Wolves carry that on against Bolton?
Prediction: 1-3
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Key Battle: Didier Drogba may be back and ready to take on James Collins and the Aston Villa back line.
Player to Watch: Daniel Sturridge has been Chelsea’s best player this season by some measures
Talking Point: Villa are a poor team and showed it again against Stoke this week. Chelsea need a win to keep their Champions League hopes on track
Prediction: 3-0
Norwich v Fulham
Key Battle: Grant Holt has been impressive this year for Norwich and he will be up against Fulham’s Philippe Senderos.
Player to Watch: Bryan Ruiz is showing signs of bursting into life for Fulham after a slow start.
Talking Point: Fulham had a great draw at Stamford Bridge in their last game whilst Norwich lost at home to Tottenham. Away win?
Prediction: 2-1
Stoke v Wigan
Key Battle: The typically long ball Stoke continue to be the team no one wants to play or to watch. Wigan will try to play their football but will have to ride the over the top challenges from the home side.
Player to Watch: Victor Moses has looked lively in recent weeks for Wigan.
Talking Point: Will it be football which prevails, or a style more closely resembling rugby?
Prediction: 1-2
Swansea v Tottenham
Key Battle: Scott Parker will have to be at his best against one of the league’s best passing midfields, with Joe Allen key to Swansea’s system.
Player to Watch: Gareth Bale was sensational against Norwich and in his first Premier League game in his native Wales will want to show his best form.
Talking Point: Two superb passing teams go head to head, but both have good defences too.
Prediction: 0-0
West Brom v Everton
Key Battle: Chris Brunt will be hoping to carve open the Everton back line but will have to get the better of Marouane Fellaini in midfield.
Player to Watch: Leon Osman has been key to most of Everton’s recent goals and his ability will be vital.
Talking Point: Two well organised teams who can play good football and are hard to beat. Who will come out on top?
Prediction: 1-2
Sunderland v Man City
Key Battle: Lee Cattermole represents something of a human cannon – you never quite know when he will go off and you want to keep well clear. But Yaya Toure will have to get the better of him.
Player to Watch: David Silva, City’s best player, will need to get the better of the Sunderland defence
Talking Point: City will dominate possession but will be up against an organised, typically defensive Martin O’Neill team who will tackle hard.
Prediction: 1-1
