A look ahead to the weekend's matches
Aston Villa v Man City
Roberto Mancinis side appear to have refound the battling qualities that made them champions. Their defence is sure to be tested by Christian Benteke, the spearhead of an Aston Villa side that remains in relegation trouble but can take heart from how they performed in the recent 2-1 defeat at Arsenal.
Odds Aston Villa 6-1 Man City 8-15 Draw 11-3
Spurs v Arsenal
Tottenham have not finished above Arsenal since the 1994-95 season and this game should go a long way to determining whether they can break that pattern. André Villas-Boass side currently have a four-point advantage over their rivals, they are also unbeaten in 11 games,. Arsenal, however, have won the last two north London derbies 5-2.
Odds Tottenham 6-5 Arsenal 2-1 Draw 12-5
Everton v Reading
Last weeks late defeat at Norwich appears to have caused serious damage to Evertons hopes of qualifying for the Champions League and so David Moyess team have no other option but to beat Reading if they are to maintain any realistic hopes of achieving a top-four place.
Odds Everton 2-5 Reading 8-1 Draw 7-2
Wigan v Liverpool
Out of the Europa League and unlikely to make the Champions League, the danger for Liverpool is that they lack motivation for the remainder of this season. Brendan Rodgers has urged his players to finish strongly, starting with this fixture, one which has surprisingly proved difficult for them in recent years. The hosts will be boosted by their 3-0 win at Reading.
Odds Wigan 7-2 Liverpool 4-5 Draw 11-4
Swansea v Newcastle
The Liberty Stadium welcomes back the heroes of Wembley but the priority for Michael Laudrup, however, is that his players do not let their League Cup success be a precursor to an end-of-season slump. Newcastle have won three of their last four games but their captain, Fabricio Coloccini, is out injured.
Odds Swansea 6-5 Newcastle 12-5 Draw 12-5
Chelsea v WBA
West Bromwich Albion have become regular executioners for recent Chelsea managers, defeats inflicted at the Hawthorns having effectively done for André Villas-Boas and Roberto Di Matteo. Now the hat-trick actually appears on if Steve Clarkes return to Stamford Bridge yields a third successive league success.
Odds Chelsea 4-9 West Brom 8-1 Draw 7-2
Man Utd v Norwich
As Alex Ferguson ponders the number of players he needs to rest ahead of Tuesday nights all-important meeting with Real Madrid, the Manchester United manager will be mindful of the pain surrounding his sides 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road last November. Chris Hughton’s Optimism will be bolstered by that win,
Odds Man Utd 4-11 Norwich 11-1 Draw 9-2
Southampton v QPR
The QPR manager, Harry Redknapp, is expected to receive a hostile reception from the home crowd when his side visit St Marys. He has more pressing problems to deal with – QPR are bottom of the table and without a win in six matches. A defeat today could make relegation unavoidable.
Odds Southampton 10-11 QPR 3-1 Draw 12-5
Sunderland v Fulham
Sunderland will once again be without their captain, Lee Cattermole. Fulham could have Simon Davies available for the first time in almost a year after the winger overcame his knee complaint. The Stadium of Light has seen fewer goals than any other ground in the top flight this season.
Odds Sunderland 7-5 Fulham 12-5 Draw 12-5
Stoke v West Ham
West Ham travel without their captain, Kevin Nolan, out with a toe injury sustained in Mondays meeting with Tottenham. Both mid-table clubs will be hungry for a win, The host’s defence will have to manage without Robert Huth, who was given retrospective three-match ban after elbowing Fulhams Philippe Senderos.
Odds Stoke 11-10 West Ham 11-4 Draw 9-4
