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Drama and deals on deadline day

January 31, 2012

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The Premier League bursts back into life following a weekend of FA Cup drama and Manchester City will have the chance to tighten their grip on the title race.

There are five games on Tuesday, with City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham looking to pile pressure on Arsenal who are in action 24 hours later.

The action on Tuesday takes place under the backdrop of the subplot that is transfer deadline day but with the focus firmly on the games, allow ESPN to preview all the action below...

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Everton v Manchester City

Form: Everton are unbeaten in three, but have won only two of their last six, while table-topping City suffered back-to-back defeats this month - against Manchester United and Liverpool - before responding with two wins and a draw. City were not in FA Cup action over the weekend; Everton beat Fulham on Friday.
Key battle: If there's one thing this season has taught us, it's that if you can't get to grips with City schemer David Silva, then you will struggle to get anything from the game. Marouane Fellaini, a scorer in that win over Fulham, will need to keep his discipline - not always his strength - and keep a very close eye on the Spanish midfielder.
Player to watch: Vincent Kompany is once again eligible for City, having served a four-match ban, and the pressure will be on him to provide a significant step up from the quality provided by the shaky Stefan Savic, who deputised in his absence.
Talking point: City have tasted defeat in this fixture in each of the last few seasons, and under Roberto Mancini have traditionally found life hard against the Toffees. Is this where their grip on the Premier League crown will start to come unstuck?
Bet of the day: The draw: 5/2 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

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Manchester United v Stoke

Form: United crashed out of the FA Cup at the weekend at Anfield, but won the three games they played before that, including trips to Arsenal and Manchester City. Stoke have lost just one of their last six, and picked up a creditable draw at Liverpool in their most recent Premier League away game.
Key battle: Peter Crouch found the target when these teams met at the Britannia earlier in the season, and he represents Stoke's greatest goal threat. If the visitors can't get themselves on the target - and set-pieces will be key - then they could be in for a long, punishing evening at Old Trafford.
Player to watch: Rio Ferdinand is expected to make a return from injury in this one, and he badly needs to get some games under his belt if he is to go to Euro 2012. Has he played enough - and well enough - to force his way into Fabio Capello's England squad?
Talking point: Will David de Gea retain his place in goal for Manchester United after he looked vulnerable against the high ball during the defeat to Liverpool?
Bet of the day: Robert Huth to score anytime: 11/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

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Tottenham v Wigan

Form: Polar opposites in terms of form, with Wigan having not won since taking three points against West Brom on December 10. There have been some notable efforts in that period, including draws with Chelsea and Liverpool, but losses such as their most recent outing at QPR have left them at the foot of the table. A trip to Tottenham is a daunting one, with Harry Redknapp's side having lost just once at home in the league this season.
Key battle: Tottenham have scored in every home league game this season and a Wigan defence that has shipped 45 goals this term will be in for a tough day. Gary Caldwell has insisted belief will be key to getting a result, but it is more likely that the outcome will hinge on how he copes with the threat of Emmanuel Adebayor.
Player to watch: Tottenham suffered a rare home defeat last term at the hands of Wigan, with Hugo Rodallega bagging the only goal of the game. With horses for courses in mind, Rodallega - who has been linked with a move to Spurs - could be set for a big day at White Hart Lane.
Talking point: Wigan are rooted to the foot of the table and in danger of being cast adrift. It was only on the final day of last season that they staved off relegation. The struggles continue at the DW Stadium but the club have steadfastly backed manager Roberto Martinez. Is it the right policy?
Bet of the day: Emmanuel Adebayor sat out the loss to Manchester City on account of the terms of his loan deal and drew a blank against Watford in the FA Cup. The Togo striker is likely to be champing at the bit and we are taking him to grab the opening goal: 3/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-1

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Swansea v Chelsea

Form: Swansea have won many fans with their approach to life in the Premier League and they are well set to retain their place in the top flight. But they will entertain a Chelsea side on the back of two defeats, one to Sunderland in the league and the other at the hands of Bolton in the FA Cup. While the Swans will be delighted with a 17th-placed finish, the expectation at Chelsea is far higher. They are, though, struggling to keep tabs on Manchester City and Manchester United and whisper it, the aim may have been revised down to a top-four finish. The Blues have looked more assured at the back in recent weeks, they have not conceded in their last four, and they will look to build on that in Wales.
Key battle: Swansea have conceded just 27 goals and much of that is due to the stunning form of keeper Michel Vorm. A certain Fernando Torres has copped his fair share of flak in the past 12 months. Goals have proved hard to come by but he did bag one of the three he has scored in the league for Chelsea against Swansea earlier in the season. During that contest Torres had the look of a player on the brink of finding his best form, but on 39 minutes he was sent off and he has not recaptured his best. This trip to the Liberty Stadium could well hand Torres the perfect platform to exorcise his demons.
Player to watch: With Ramires facing a month on the sidelines through injury and Frank Lampard battling with a thigh problem, Chelsea are struggling for attacking drive from midfield. With that in mind, Juan Mata will have to take on extra responsibility. The Spanish schemer has shown flashes of real quality in the months since his move from Valencia, but there have been occasions when he has gone missing in games. Swansea will attempt to get the ball down and play and that approach could well suit Mata. Can he deliver?
Talking point: Andre Villas-Boas arrived at Stamford Bridge to widespread fanfare. He said at the time that he was at Chelsea as part of a long-term project. A season of frustration in the Premier League has put him in focus. At present Chelsea are sat in the final qualifying place for the Champions League. Their grip on that spot is hardly vice-like, but if they are to secure a spot at Europe's top table it will have to be built on grinding out results against the Swanseas of this league.
Bet of the day: Fernando Torres scored the first goal against Swansea in September and we are tipping him for a repeat: 5/1 with bet365
Prediction: 0-2

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Wolves v Liverpool

Form: Wolves are struggling and without a win in six, while Liverpool have knocked both Manchester City and Manchester United out of the cup competitions in their most recent two matches - although before that, they hit a real low-point during a 3-1 defeat at Bolton.
Key battle: Steven Gerrard is back in action at a fortunate time for the Reds, with another key midfielder, Lucas, still out injured. The Liverpool skipper might be entering the twilight of his career, but he has contributed crucial goals against City in recent weeks, and will want to re-state his quality ahead of Euro 2012. Emmanuel Frimpong, who returned to training on Friday, has another chance to add to his growing reputation.
Player to watch: It can only be Andy Carroll, who Liverpool reportedly wanted to swap for City striker Carlos Tevez during the transfer window. Carroll had one of his better games against United in the FA Cup, setting up Dirk Kuyt's winner, but he needs plenty more performances like that in order to justify the £35m fee Liverpool paid for him last year.
Talking point: Kenny Dalglish says he wants Carroll to stay, the player himself has vowed to make himself a success - but would either of them honestly have been satisfied with the outcome of the first 12 months?
Bet of the day: Craig Bellamy to score first: 9/2 with bet365
Prediction: 0-2

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