Norwich v Southampton
Key Battle: Sebastien Bassong has enjoyed a good season with Norwich and will have to be at his best to keep Rickie Lambert quiet.
Player to Watch: Morgan Schneiderlin has enjoyed a new lease of life under Mauricio Pochettino and his runs from midfield will be a danger for Norwich.
Talking Point: These two sides are both battling to stay clear of the relegation battle and therefore this game will be a cagey but crucial affair.
Prediction: 2-1
QPR v Sunderland
Key Battle: Adel Taarabt will hope to influence proceedings here by getting space in behind Sunderland’s midfield, so will have to break free of the attentions of Lee Cattermole.
Player to Watch: Loic Remy, if fit, can be the key figure for the Hoops as they look to find the net.
Talking Point: This is the kind of game QPR really need to win if they are to survive in this league. Sunderland may just offer ideal opposition.
Prediction: 1-0
Reading v Aston Villa
Key Battle: Hope Akpan has been a revelation for Reading but it will be tough for him to influence proceedings here, and Aston Villa will hope that Brett Holman can dominate in midfield.
Player to Watch: Andreas Weimann has been one of Villa’s best players this season and his thrusting runs forward could be key.
Talking Point: Reading need the points as do Villa, so this is a real six pointer and a game which is a must win for both sides.
Prediction: 1-2
West Brom v Swansea
Key Battle: Youssef Mulumbu will be tasked with shutting down Swansea’s neat passing rhythm and preventing Leon Britton dictating play.
Player to Watch: Michu’s runs in behind the West Brom backline will be a major danger.
Talking Point: Both of these sides have enjoyed good seasons but have little left to play for – who will come out on top here?
Prediction: 2-1
Newcastle v Stoke
Key Battle: Papiss Cisse will hope to continue his good form by getting the better of Stoke’s limited but physical centre back Ryan Shawcross.
Player to Watch: Moussa Sissoko has been the cream of the crop in Newcastle’s January signings, and his power and technique can do for Stoke.
Talking Point: Newcastle are improving and moving away from the relegation scrap, whilst Stoke are a poor team going nowhere. Only one outcome in this one, surely?
Prediction: 3-0
Liverpool v Tottenham
Key Battle: The league’s two best players this season, Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale, go head to head in this clash.
Player to Watch: Coutinho has been an impressive and useful capture for Liverpool and his unpredictability could be a real danger for the visitors.
Talking Point: Tottenham have a good recent record against Liverpool, but this is a tough game to predict between two impressive sides.
Prediction: 1-1
