Liverpool v Arsenal
Key Battle: Liverpool come into this off the back of a cup win in which Dirk Kuyt was superb, and he will cause Arsenal’s defence and young Kieran Gibbs all kinds of problems
Player to Watch: Tomas Rosicky was superb against Tottenham, putting in arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt – can he repeat it?
Talking Point: Both teams had euphoric victories last week, but Carling Cup wins can sometimes lead to a league hangover.
Prediction: 1-1
Blackburn v Aston Villa
Key Battle: Blackburn are struggling still against the drop but have stabilised after an awful start. Yakubu will hope to power in the goals up against Carlos Cuellar
Player to Watch: Morten Gamst Pederson has been one of Blackburn’s better players and his creative ability will be key.
Talking Point: Villa are without Darren Bent and Robbie Keane has gone back. A dour and defensive team, will they cope with a Blackburn team strong at home?
Prediction: 3-1
Man City v Bolton
Key Battle: Sergio Aguero will cause all kinds of problems to the Bolton back line and Zat Knight, who may wish he isn’t playing.
Player to Watch: David Silva is the key man in the City team and once again, his ability to carve open the Bolton defence will be pivotal.
Talking Point: There’s not a chance of a Bolton win in this one, is there?
Prediction: 4-0
QPR v Everton
Key Battle: QPR will be up against it on Saturday and will hope that Anton Ferdinand is able to stem the flow of the Everton attacks, which will orchestrate from Steven Pienaar.
Player to Watch: Leon Osman makes things happen for Everton and QPR will have to watch him carefully
Talking Point: QPR have lost to worse teams at home recently – can they improve against an improving Everton?
Prediction: 0-2
Stoke v Norwich
Key Battle: Stoke will try their usual game but it will be harder for them against a tactically astute Norwich. Grant Holt will pose Ryan Shawcross problems
Player to Watch: Anthony Pilkington will probably be the main creative force on the field and may cause Stoke problems.
Talking Point: Stoke are a team who have survived on set pieces and throws for a while, but a tactically clever Norwich have both style and substance, a combination which should do for inferior opponents.
Prediction: 0-4
West Brom v Chelsea
Key Battle: Peter Odemwingie is in superb form and up against Chelsea’s creaky defence he will be confident of getting the better of David Luiz.
Player to Watch: Juan Mata has been the best player for Chelsea on numerous occasions this season and will look to him once more.
Talking Point: Andre Villas Boas seems to be fighting ever more for his job – but West Brom are a tough opponent.
Prediction: 1-1
Wigan v Swansea
Key Battle: An intriguing battle between two teams who like to pass the ball. Leon Britton will hope to dominate against Mo Diame in midfield.
Player to Watch: Scott Sinclair is a key maker and taker of goals for the Swans and he will be a pivotal player this weekend.
Talking Point: Two teams who try to play the ball on the floor – who will come out on top? Wigan need the win more.
Prediction: 2-1
Newcastle v Sunderland
Key Battle: Tim Krul has been one of the best keepers this season but Simon Mignolet is not far off – it could be a battle of the goalies.
Player to Watch: Demba Ba has been the taker of many of Newcastle’s goals – and he will be key here.
Talking Point: Two teams who are difficult to beat – will there be any goals at all?
Prediction: 0-0
Fulham v Wolves
Key Battle: Wolves and Roger Johnson will have to keep out Pavel Pobrebnyak, who will be confident after a superb start to life in England.
Player to Watch: Bryan Ruiz has been so creative for much of this season and Wolves will have their work cut out keeping him away from their defence.
Talking Point: Terry Connor got off to a great start last week can he continue against Fulham?
Prediction: 2-0
Tottenham v Manchester United
Key Battle: Spurs will be without Scott Parker, placing more onus on Sandro to step in and compete against Paul Scholes in midfield.
Player to Watch: Luka Modric is the brains in the Spurs side and he will be key for them if they are to break down United.
Talking point: Can Spurs bounce back from a disastrous result last weekend?
Prediction: 2-1
