Weekend Preview

This week only sees five games played this weekend in the Premier League because of the F.A. cup fixtures. It is a big weekend for teams involved in the relegation dog-fight, with five of the bottom six clubs all in action.






Arsenal vs Burnley

Burnley are awful away from home, fact. They will not make a dramatic recovery this weekend and pull off a sensational upset. Their form in general has been poor of late and will at best try to frustrate their hosts for long periods. Arsenal showed their title-winning credentials in last week's come from behind away win. What happened to Aaron Ramsey was awful but Arsene "I didn't see it" Wenger must get his side to forget as best they can to continue their form and push for the title.

Prediction: Wenger's men win at a canter, the only question is by how many? 4-0


West Ham United vs Bolton Wanderers

Both sides have shown enough recently to suggest they have enough to pull themselves away from relegation. West Ham were plugging away while their squad was wearing thin, but clever signings in January and return to fitness of key players has breathed new life into the team. The Hammers home form is key to their survival and should see them press on to finish in mid-table. Bolton have convinced me under Owen Coyle that they be ok also. Coyle took his time to instill his philosophy on the squad but it seems to be paying off.

Prediction: Both teams are showing form lately but West Ham shade a close game. 2-0


Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United

Mick McCarthy's high profile decision to field a weakened team away to United resulted in a loss and a ridiculous fine. This time around McCarthy will field a full team that probably deserved something out of their last home game to Chelsea. Alex Ferguson's charges come in off the back of their Carling Cup success will fancy their chances against the relegation battlers. Wolves defensive struggles will more than likely continue against one of the most in-form players in the world, Wayne Rooney.

Prediction: A brave Wolves side can't handle the Red Devils as Ferguson's side coast to victory. 0-3


Everton vs Hull City

Goodison Park is a very difficult place to get a result. Even when the Toffees are off form, not many teams make the trip to Merseyside and get a result. David Moyes' men will look to recover from their loss in Europe and put in a similar performance to the one that saw them beat Man Utd. Things are not looking good for Phil Brown's side. They have been struggling for form and will hope that new signing Amr Zaki and the returning Jimmy Bullard can inspire them to get the results needed to survive. Goals are a premium for the Tigers and will hope that Zaki can discover the goal scoring touch he had in his early days at Wigan.

Prediction: The Tigers as always put on a spirited display but can't handle a talented Everton side. 3-0


Wigan Athletic vs Liverpool

The awful pitch at the DW stadium has been re-laid and should make for some better football than was witnessed during Wigan's last home game. Wigan have been struggling for form and signs are not looking good for Roberto Martinez' side. They seem to have everything going against them, last week's dubious penalty for Birmingham an example, and now they face a Liverpool that has Fernando Torres coming back to fitness and form. The Spaniard's sensational goal scoring form will lift the Reds who have struggled for goals this year.

Prediction: Liverpool begin to find their form as Torres and Gerrard start to form the partnership that was so successful last year. 0-2