Manchester United v Liverpool
Always a fierce derby, and this is set up to be one of the fiercest to date. Luis Suarez, having come off the bench against Sp**s midweek for his first appearance since his 9 match suspension, is set to start his first game back since the ban came into effect. The victim of the crime? One Patrice Evra of Manchester United. Expect to see goals in this game to follow the suit of many of the magnificent games between top of the table teams this season. United haven't been their usual selves this year, but then again, it has been a very, very strange year in the Premiership. I think United will have too much for Liverpool today, and they will come out on top at Old Trafford.
Prediction: 3-2
Blackburn v QPR
After their mauling at the hands of Arsenal, Blackburn will be desperate to recover quickly, and recover quickly they must or they will soon face a huge uphill struggle to stay in the Premier League. Arguably their two key players, definitely two important players for them, Samba and Yakubu look set to both start after an (injury?) and suspension respectively had them miss Blackburn's trip to the Arsenal. QPR are without Cisse after he attempted to throttle (OK, maybe that's a little harsh) a Wolves player last week. They are, however, still fresh and rejuvenated by several new signings, including the debutant scorer versus Wolves last week Bobby Zamora. Both defences look like they will leak goals, so again expect to see a high scoring match, and I can see them seeing out a draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Bolton v Wigan
I'm afraid I just cannot look past Bolton for this one, after watching Wigan producing several below par performances this season (and that's being kind) and seeing Bolton stage a huge recovery in January from their disastrous first half of the season.
Prediction: 1-0
Everton v Chelsea
An interesting one, and a hard one to call. Everton haven't been up to their usual standards this season, but traditionally start badly and finish on a high. Loanees Royston Drenthe and Landon Donovan have energised the team a bit, and the tradition looks set to continue. Chelsea meanwhile have suffered one of their worst first halves of the season in a very long time. Their defence isn't the solid back line it used to be, but the new arrival of Cahill from Bolton coupled with David Luiz's improved performances have made it stronger. The quality that one is used to seeing from a Chelsea side in past years (players like Drogba, Lampard and Terry at their primes) is not there anymore, but they will be hungry for victory after the devastating blow of dropping a 3-0 lead versus Manchester United. Both teams will be up for it, i'm going for a draw here.
Prediction: 1-1
Fulham v Stoke
Both sides have had a pretty poor season, but Fulham are looking a bit better at home, and Stoke pretty dismal away from home. I think this one will be close, but Fulham to edge it with Dempsey on song.
Prediction: 2-1
Sunderland v Arsenal
My main call of attention today, and after Sunderland were pushed to extra time against Boro midweek, I think the Gunners will gratefully take three points today. The introduction of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain recently has been brilliant for the team, and with him and RvP expected to start, I can't see a fatigued Sunderland side being able to stop them. Arsenal's defence is, however, typically vulnerable to stupid goals.
Prediction: 1-2
Swansea v Norwich
The Swans have stunned the Premiership with confident, passing football this season, and they have been rewarded with what looks to be another League in the Premiership (at least). Norwich, another promoted side, have also done extremely well, and I can see the two sides cancelling each other out with very different games. I'm going for a bore draw here.
Prediction: 0-0
Sp**s v Newcastle
As an Arsenal fan, I've found myself thinking, praying, that Spurs will not and cannot keep up their incredible form in this campaign. However, this week, I genuinely think they will drop points. Newcastle's forward duo of the two Demba's looks lethal, and I can see this being an exciting, flowing game, that will see them both picking up a point.
Prediction: 1-1
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