Part two of my weekend preview takes a look at the games being played on Sunday. The standout fixture is one between 4th and 5th place Manchester City and Liverpool, the result could go a long way to decide who wins the coveted final
Champion's League place.
Blackburn Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers
This games sees Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce taking on his former club in a Lancashire derby. The match will also showcase an intriguing clash of style between Allardyce's long ball ethos and his incumbent Owen Coyle's more footballing style. Rovers are showing good form, winning three of their last five, and Bolton still finding their feet under Coyle.
Prediction: Allardyce will be eager to get one up on his former employers and Bolton's lack of a goal threat could be the difference. 1-0
Aston Villa vs Burnley
Aston Villa come into this game finding some form again after a poor run which saw them win one game in seven and with the Carling Cup final next week. One cause for concern for Martin O'Neill will be his side's lack of goals. Brian Law's side know that their survival doesn't depend on performances away from Turf Moor, because they do struggle away from home.
Prediction: Villa have too much for Burnley as the Clarets struggles on the road continue. 3-1
Fulham vs Birmingham City
Craven Cottage plays host to the dark horse for game of the weekend. Both sides play an entertaining brand of football and look to be safe at this stage of the season. Birmingham will look to bring an end to the min-blip they're going through. Fulham themselves seem to have gotten over their blip and the form of Damien Duff has been key to the Cottagers revival.
Prediction: Fulham just see off the Blues in an entertaining game. 3-2
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Potentially the game that could decide the final Champions League place. If City were to win it would give them a four point advantage over Liverpool with a game in hand. Coming off a draw away to Stoke, and reports of player-manager bust ups, Roberto Mancini will expect a performance from his side. Liverpool themselves are coming off a poor performance in the Europa Cup. If Rafa Benitez attacks City's shaky defence they could come away with something, or get torn apart on the counter-attack.
Prediction: City are frustrated for long periods by the visitors but go one step closer to Champion's League football. 2-1
Wigan Athletic vs Tottenham Hotspur
The final game of the weekend sees the inconsistent Wigan play host to a Spurs side lacking in confidence after losing away to Wolves. The reverse of this fixture saw Wigan take a 9-1 thumping at White Hart Lane, Jermain Defoe grabbing five. Spurs have missed Aaron Lennon desperately and could find the quagmire of a pitch at the DW stadium tough to adapt to. Wigan will look to play maker Charles N'Zogbia to try and inspire them to a victory.
Prediction: The state of the DW Stadium pitch sees a dull game end in a draw. 1-1
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