This weekend's action in the Barclays Premier League could have the potential to be very pivotal in every area of the league table. Here's a brief preview of the games along with predictions for each game.
Everton vs Man. Utd
The weekend kicks off with Everton hosting league leaders Manchester United and welcoming back old boy Wayne Rooney. The in-form striker will grab all the headlines returning to Goodison. Victory for the champions will see them go top if only for a while with Chelsea playing at 3pm. The return to match sharpness of play maker Mikel Arteta will be key to Everton's chances as they look to continue a great run of one loss in 11 games (including a home win against Chelsea) but key men Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill have both been ruled out..
Prediction: Rooney the difference maker again in a close, hard-fought win for United. 1-2
Arsenal vs Sunderland
Arsenal return to domestic action with what should be an easy home win against a struggling Sunderland side. However, even with the Black Cats struggles (no wins in 12 games) they can gain some confidence that no matter who is in goal for Arsenal they can exploit a lack of confidence and form. Arsenal should be able to impose themselves against a team that has looked lost recently.
Prediction: Arsenal to continue Sunderland's poor form in a comfortable win. 3-0
West Ham Utd vs Hull City
A six-pointer if ever there was one. Only goal difference keeps West Ham above Hull as 15th hosts 17th. Both sides will be desperate for a win to get some daylight above the relegation zone. Confidence is high at Upton Park and the return of key man Carlton Cole will be massive. Hull have begun to slide down the league worryingly and need a result to stop the rut.
Prediction: West Ham's main man Cole continues his return to form as the Hammers have enough to get past a dogged Hull side. 2-0
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea
Wolves are coming off a good home win over Spurs and will field a full team against the title chasers and will be somewhat galvanised after the league imposed a ridiculous fine on the Black Country team. Chelsea are coming into the game fresh having not played midweek and have far too much for Wolves.
Prediction: Wolves are unable to deal with Chelsea, whose class shines through. 0-3
Portsmouth vs Stoke City
Another week of turmoil for the South coast team and another huge game in their fight for survival. Avram Grant's side are now in a must-win scenario every week and play host to a Stoke side short on goals away from the Britannia (one goal in six away games) but high in confidence after draw with Manchester City, which they were unlucky to win. Still, Pompey's us against the world attitude will see them determined to get a result. Don't expect it to be a game for the purists.
Prediction: A battle in the Fratton Park trenches sees both sides come away with something and Stoke continue to be unbeaten in 2010. 1-1
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