Everton v Man Utd

This one looks a bit ominous for the Toffees. David Moyes’ reasoning for delaying the signing of his contract are unclear but the uncertainty it caused has effected his players. Without a win in a run of seven games which has seen Everton lose to their local rivals and get knocked out of both the UEFA Cup and the Carling Cup, there’s little to suggest the Blues have a realistic chance of beating Man Utd. Yakubu is out of form and could be replaced by former United man Louis Saha, not something which will unduly worry his former team-mates. Defensively Everton are struggling and haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet all season and against a United team which has hit its goal scoring stride there is a real danger of this one turning in to a romp. Alex Ferguson’s side have kept five clean sheets in a row and barring a sudden improvement in Everton’s form they should keep another one here and win comfortably. As for goalscorers it really could be any one of United’s forward line but with Everton struggling at the back Vidic and Ferdinand will fancy coming up for set pieces. So that’s pretty much any United player.

Chelsea v Liverpool

Their records in the Premier League and the Champions League are almost identical but while Liverpool are scraping through nearly every game Chelsea have really improved from their early lacklustre form and are looking the team to beat, especially domestically. These games are generally pretty tight but at Stamford Bridge the Reds have really struggled to get results. With Torres out Liverpool will be missing their most effective attacking player but there’s always Gerrard.
The encouraging for Liverpool fans is that as of yet they’re still unbeaten and if they can find a way to keep that run going this weekend Rafa Benitez will be happier than Big Phil. Plus they won’t have to deal with Didier Drogba or Joe Cole, two players who have caused Liverpool problems in the past. With a defensive set-up Liverpool will be confident of restricting Chelsea, they may not bring the Blues’ unbeaten home record to an end but they should come away with an important point.

The rest:
Sunderland v Newcastle

Newcastle have improved under Joe Kinnear and are a good bet to get a point in this local derby. Another 2-2 draw anyone?

West Brom v Hull

Two teams playing better than anyone expected, including them. Looks a draw but if Hull can win at the Emirates why not the Hawthornes?

Blackburn v Middlesbrough

Both teams are struggling for consistency but the beating Boro took against Chelsea should motivate them enough to beat a Blackburn side that doesn’t know who it is yet.

Man City v Stoke

Robinho hasn’t been banging in the hat-tricks like expected so City won’t be winning much this season. They should be good enough to beat Stoke though.

Spurs v Bolton

Spurs desperately need a win. They probably won’t get one. Draw

Wigan v Villa

Two pretty decent sides who both know where the goal is. They’re Wigans goals though so they should find them a little more easily.

West Ham v Arsenal

Unless the Hammers are leading at half time they’re going to lose this one. They won’t be so they will.

Portsmouth v Fulham

Portsmouth will want to bounce back from their UEFA Cup defeat. Fulham have been losing though not by much. 2-1 home win.