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Faltering Tottenham aim to slay fierce rivals

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This weekend Chelsea side aim to keep hold of their slim lead at the top of the table, while Arsenal and Manchester United both look to leapfrog the Blues. Meanwhile at the bottom of the table, West Ham go searching for a first away league victory at Anfield, where struggling must make do without Steven Gerrard.

For predictions and talking points ahead of all ten weekend matches, read on for ESPN's preview...

Saturday

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Form: The Gunners have reignited their title charge with back-to-back triumphs away from home, while Tottenham recorded their first win in five against Blackburn last weekend.
Key battle: Peter Crouch has tormented Arsenal in the past - scoring a hat-trick against them when a Liverpool player - so Sebastien Squillaci will have to ensure he is on his game aerially.
Player to watch: Robin van Persie. Got through 45 minutes for Netherlands in midweek, so the striker will be pushing for a start against the Gunners' great rivals.
Talking point: Last season Spurs beat Arsenal in the league for the first time since 1999 - can they now repeat the feat by recording a success at the home of Arsene Wenger's men?
Prediction: 1-1
Bet of the day: Peter Crouch last goalscorer in a 1-1 draw, 51/1 at Stan James

Birmingham City v Chelsea
Form: Chelsea looked unstoppable a few weeks ago, but their title challenge has become derailed in recent weeks and they were well beaten by Sunderland last weekend. Birmingham are struggling to keep their heads above water having slipped into the relegation zone following a stuttering run of form.
Key battle: Alex looked like he would be out for this one, but Chelsea have delayed the Brazilian defender's surgery so that he can play. Nikola Zigic, who hasn't set the Premier League on fire since joining from Valencia, will aim to offer him a stiff test.
Player to watch: Alexander Hleb. Alex McLeish has called on the former Arsenal man to improve his form, and a clash against the champions offers him an ideal chance to snap out of his slumber.
Talking point: How resilient are Chelsea going to be with a less than 100% Alex in there? Have they taken a risk over his long-term fitness?
Prediction: 1-2
Bet of the day: Chelsea to win from behind, 7/1 at Stan James

Liverpool v West Ham United, LIVE ON ESPN
Form: Roy Hodgson looked to have lifted the gloom surrounding the club when he masterminded a run of six matches unbeaten - but the squad's deficiencies have resurfaced in recent weeks, culminating in a hugely disappointing 2-0 defeat at Stoke last time out.
Key battle: After looking laboured in their offensive movements for so much of the season, Liverpool are beginning to find a bit of attacking fluency. The resurgent Fernando Torres is likely to have a couple of presentable chances against the league's bottom club, so Rob Green will need to repel most of what the Spaniard aims in his direction.
Player to watch: There's no Gerrard - the skipper is out for a month with a hamstring injury - meaning someone in central midfield has got to step up for Liverpool. Christian Poulsen has vowed to improve, so Hodgson will be hoping that the Dane can make his mark in one of the less taxing fixtures the Reds will face this season.
Talking point: Both managers are under a whole heap of pressure at present, meaning a win for either would do much to decrease the heat swarming around them.
Prediction: 2-0
Bet of the day: Liverpool to win with a clean sheet, 7/5 at Stan James

Manchester United v Wigan Athletic
Form: The volatile Latics are a punter's nightmare, with inconsistency the only guarantee, but they look to be coming into a run of form after piecing together a run of two games unbeaten. United, third in the table, have won only one of seven away league games - but the Red Devils look dominant at Old Trafford, where they are unbeaten this season.
Key battle: Most of Wigan's attacks either start or end with Hugo Rodallega and Charles N'Zogbia, meaning that United's right-back - most likely the youngster Rafael da Silva - will need to keep a close eye on the dangerous Colombian.
Player to watch: Dimitar Berbatov looked to have silenced his critics in the early part of the season, but he's in the midst of a barren run in front of goal. It has to end sooner or later, so Wigan must be mindful of the threat the Bulgarian offers.
Talking point: With defensive trouble at Chelsea, United could have a huge opportunity to overtake the Blues at the top of the table. Is this team good enough to take their chance?
Prediction: 3-0
Bet of the day: Darren Fletcher first goalscorer, 14/1 at Stan James

Bolton Wanderers v Newcastle United
Form: Bolton, who have been so impressive under Owen Coyle, don't look like they are about to relinquish their position just outside the top four after impressive recent wins over Wolves and Spurs. Newcastle followed up their triumph at Arsenal by picking up one point in their next two games, so they could do with finding a result.
Key battle: Getting a grip of the game in midfield is going to be hugely important at the Reebok, so Kevin Nolan - up against his old side - will be aiming to get the better of Stuart Holden in the middle of the park.
Player to watch: Andy Carroll made his England debut in the week and was one of few players to impress for Fabio Capello's men. Can the Newcastle hitman assure himself of a place in future squads by maintaining his club form?
Talking point: Newcastle are four points away from Manchester City in fourth, and five away from Birmingham in 18th. How good is this side, and which team will they be closest to in May?
Prediction: 2-1
Bet of the day: Bolton to win by exactly one goal, 3/1 at Stan James

West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
Form: Stoke flirted with the relegation places early in the season, but they've clawed their way into mid-table after back-to-back wins at the Britannia. West Brom are heading in the opposite direction off the back of a four-game winless streak.
Key battle: The Baggies have won a lot of fans for their pass-and-move style, but can they battle their way to victory when Delap is arrowing his lethal darts into the area? Roberto Di Matteo's defence will be tested.
Player to watch: Jermaine Pennant has played well since joining Stoke on loan from Real Zaragoza, prompting Tony Pulis to confirm that he'd like to bring in the right winger on a permanent deal. Could Pennant force his way into the England reckoning?
Talking point: Two contrasting styles here, as West Brom's methodical approach contrasts with Stoke's more direct style. Which is the more effective in this league?
Prediction: 2-0
Bet of the day: Chris Brunt to score first in a 2-0 West Brom win, 40/1 at Stan James

Blackpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Form: Wolves have been plunged into relegation danger after losing each of their last three, while the home side have picked up a creditable six points out of the last 12.
Key battle: Matt Jarvis, who was unlucky to miss out on a spot in the England squad, has been in scintillating form for Wolves - can Neal Eardley cope with him?
Player to watch: Richard Kingson in the Tangerines' net. First-choice 'keeper Matt Gilks has earned rave reviews this season, but he's been ruled out for two months - so Kingson needs to step up.
Talking point: If Wolves slump to another defeat at Bloomfield Road, will relegation become inevitable?
Prediction: 2-1
Bet of the day: Both teams to score, 8/13 at Stan James

Sunday

Fulham v Manchester City
Form: City enter off the back off two 0-0 draws at home, with manager Roberto Mancini being heavily criticised for his overly cautious style of play. Fulham desperately need a win to cool relegation fears after slipping to within one point of the trapdoor to the Championship.
Key battle: Mancini v Mark Hughes, as City managers old and new try to mastermind a crucial triumph.
Player to watch: Gareth Barry. The England midfielder must find a performance to cement his place for both club and country, having looked anonymous for both in recent weeks.
Talking point: Hughes, sacked as City manager at around this time last year, will be desperate to prove a point to the visitors' owners. Can Mancini survive another defeat?
Prediction: 1-1
Bet of the day: The draw, 9/4 at Stan James

Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa
Form: Draws have been the story of Villa's season thus far - they've had five in all - while Blackburn have triumphed in two of their last three clashes.
Key battle: Villa need to fight against the sense of panic that seems to creep in every time they nudge themselves into a lead - they've dropped 12 points from winning positions this season.
Player to watch: Robert Pires has made a dramatic return to the Premier League after signing a deal with Villa. If he's fit enough to make a debut, it will be intriguing to see how far he's fallen since his Arsenal pomp.
Talking point: Is anyone going to step up and score some goals for Blackburn? No-one has netted more than two times for them in the league this season.
Prediction: 0-0
Bet of the day: Less than 2.5 goals, 8/11 at Stan James

Sunderland v Everton
Form: Having embarked on their traditional laboured start to the season, Everton looked to be on a charge before they fell to defeat against Arsenal on Sunday. Sunderland, unbeaten at home this season, were superb last week as they thumped Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Key battle: Stop Sunderland's strikers scoring and you will pick up a result, more often than not - Darren Bent and Asamoah Gyan have scored all but two of the club's league goals this season.
Player to watch: Jordan Henderson looked overwhelmed on his England debut during the week, so he'll have a point to prove on his return to club action.
Talking point: A fit-again Bent is set to give Steve Bruce a selection headache. Surely the Sunderland boss can't change the team that beat Chelsea?
Prediction: 1-0
Bet of the day: Asamoah Gyan to score first in a 1-0 Sunderland win, 27/1 at Stan James

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