As is typical of this time in the season - everything is getting cluttered and tonight and tomorrow's games are critical for so many teams. Man Utd are now on cruise control with the most threatening team being Chelsea.At the bottom - West Brom look doomed - whilst Boro and Blackburn show glimpses of improvement. It's all still to play for.
Predictions for this week are as follows:
Liverpool vs Sunderland
The red side of Mersey must be getting a little frustrated as their team slip out of the title race. Torres is out. But Gerrard is back. Strangely though - Sunderland must fancy their chances of escaping with a point. I think they will run it close but just get edged out.
Prediction: Liverpool 1 Sunderland 0
Portsmouth vs Chelsea
Chelsea are back on track and Portsmouth won't have wanted this fixture at this time. Lampard is pulling the strings and Hiddink has them working together. Pompey are at best battlers but have a very shaky defence.
Prediction: Portsmouth 0 Chelsea 2
West Brom vs Arsenal
It's always questionable if West Brom are as bad as their results reflect. They play open football - and that may not be good against the most open team in the league. Arsenal have been frustrated by recent draws and are due a win.
Prediction: West Brom 1 Arsenal 2
Blackburn vs Everton
Blackburn have a strong quality but much depends on the involvement of Roque Santa Cruz. Everton are weaker without Arteta - but with Cahill on good form they are always in with a chance. This should be a physical and even match.
Prediction: Blackburn 1 Everton 1
Fulham vs Hull
It's hard to pick Hull at all anymore. They still scrap away but have been in decline for so long now. They are in danger of getting sucked into a relegation battle. Fulham on the other hand have had an excellent season and are hard to beat at home.
Prediction: Fulham 2 Hull 0
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
The circus that is Manchester City host the team that might have stumbled in their push for a title push. It was always optimistic anyway. The ridiculous slip against Stoke was unacceptable and now they face a City side who only get their points at Eastlands. Villa have talent and firepower. They should get the points.
Prediction: Manchester City 1 Aston Villa 2
Newcastle vs Manchester United
Such is the strength in depth of Man Utd that they can throw in a few young names or reserves and still win matches. They are formidable. Newcastle did give them some problems earlier in the season. It's unlikely they will repeat that.
Prediction: Newcastle 1 Manchester United 3
Stoke vs Bolton
Stoke need the points big time. If they lose here they are in real trouble. They should be motivated by the recent draw at Villa. Bolton are on a bit of a hot streak and can give anyone a game on their day. This should be tight and the outcome could leave both unsatisfied.
Prediction: Stoke 1 Bolton 1
Tottenham vs Middlesbrough
How will Spurs be after their cup final loss? They might be very deflated. There sole mission now is to survive. The problem for them is they face a Boro side looking motivated and lively. Tottenham have plenty of injury worries. Boro must fancy their chances.
Prediction: Tottenham 1 Middlesbrough 2
Wigan vs West Ham
Wigan have been struggling to get going lately. They don't get beaten heavy by anyone but they struggle to get goals. West Ham should feel relieved they stopped the skid with a win over Man City. But without two of their more dependable players - Collins and Behrami - they might struggle. Yet just when I think they are down they pull of a surprise.
Prediction: Wigan 1 West Ham 1
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