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Edin Dzeko has some big money to pay back © PA Photos

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We can now draw breath with the transfer window closed, but only briefly as the action kicks back into gear on the pitch and title chasers and relegation battlers are in action on Wednesday. Read on for our preview of the Premier League fixtures…

Birmingham v Manchester City
Form: On the face of things, Birmingham have won their last two games, although they have had to come from behind on both occasions; in the Carling Cup against West Ham and then against Coventry in the FA Cup on Saturday. Their league form is slightly more concerning for Alex McLeish - Blues are without a win in eight games, which leaves them hovering one point above the relegation zone, and they were hammered 5-0 on their last league outing at Old Trafford. City, meanwhile, are sitting pretty in the Champions League places, but will look to kick on after defeat to Aston Villa last time out.
Key battle: Edin Dzeko scored his first goal for City as they drew 1-1 at Notts County, and the Bundesliga's top scorer last season has a real eye for goal. Ben Foster has conceded 31 goals this season - fewer than Newcastle who are in the top half of the table - and McLeish has been grateful for his keeper's services this term. If Foster can keep Dzeko at bay, Birmingham will have a fighting chance of snatching a result.
Player to watch: With Birmingham the second-lowest scoring side in the division, manager McLeish may look to hand on-loan striker Obafemi Martins his debut. The former Newcastle frontman has scored just two goals for Russian side Rubin Kazan, but McLeish will hope the Nigeria international will soon settle back into the familiar territory of the Premier League.
Talking point: City, by their standards, were relatively restrained in the January transfer window, with Dzeko, at a cool £27 million, the only import, and Roberto Mancini opting to jettison Emmanuel Adebayor, Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz out on loan. Has Mancini finally stopped tweaking and is now happy he has a squad capable of challenging for the title?
Bet of the day: Dzeko to score first in a 3-1 Manchester City win: 45/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-3

Blackburn v Tottenham
Form: Tottenham head to Ewood Park looking to get their faltering push for the top four back on track. Harry Redknapp's side have won just one game in all competitions since New Year's Day, against Charlton in the FA Cup, and morale will need improving following their mauling at Fulham in the FA Cup at the weekend. Redknapp saw Michael Dawson sent off at Craven Cottage and a defensive crisis could force him to hand Jonathan Woodgate a shock appearance. Spurs will come up against a Rovers side who appear on far more stable ground, with Steve Kean seemingly having appeased the squad following the departure of Sam Allardyce. A host of key figures have pledged their futures to the club and Kean was a player in the transfer market signing Mauro Formica on a permanent deal and Roque Santa Cruz and Jermaine Jones on loan. Rovers are well placed in mid table and a win would see them close to within four points of Spurs.
Key battle: There will be steel and silk on show at Ewood Park and this may be won in the midfield. Keith Andrews made his first start of the season for Rovers at the weekend and he will be charged with the task of ruffling the feathers of Tottenham's ballplayers. A true battle of steel and silk.
Player to watch: Jonathan Woodgate has had a torrid time with injuries throughout his career, which makes it hard to believe he has put the problems behind him. But the indications from Spurs are that Woodgate has responded superbly to treatment on his leg injury and is approaching full tilt. He is sure to be rusty, but his class may carry him through if Redknapp opts to hand him a start.
Talking point: Redknapp failed with a deadline-day bid for Charlie Adam, having signed Steven Pienaar earlier in January. How many midfielders does he need? There are players of the quality of Niko Kranjkar and Jermaine Jenas who can barely get a kick and you worry that the tinkering may have an unsettling effect on a side that were rampant earlier in the season.
Bet of the day: Jonathan Woodgate to steer Tottenham to a clean sheet: 2/1 with bet365
Prediction: 0-1

What frame of mind will Charlie Adam be in? © Getty Images

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Blackpool v West Ham
Form: This really does have the look of a relegation six pointer, with Blackpool suffering an alarming dip and West Ham struggling to keep their heads above water. Blackpool have lost their last three games by one-goal margins, so the alarm bells are not ringing yet. And with the transfer window now shut, Ian Holloway can focus his attentions on keeping his side in the Premier League. The task facing Holloway's counterpart Avram Grant is arguably more daunting as he enters February with the team propping up the table, but he has brought in new faces in the shape of Wayne Bridge, Demba Ba, Gary O'Neil and Robbie Keane and the Hammers head to Bloomfield Road on the back of victory over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
Key battle: New strikers will be on show, with Blackpool likely to field James Beattie and the Hammers set to unleash Keane. So often you see strikers bagging goals on their debuts, but which if any will come up with the goods?
Player to watch: Blackpool dug their heels in to retain the services of Charlie Adam in January. He was reportedly far from happy when no deal materialised on deadline day, but has since come out and reaffirmed his commitment to the club. The true test will come on Wednesday and there will be plenty watching on with interest.
Talking point: Robbie Keane has come in saying he has nothing to lose by joining West Ham and he is probably correct, as he will be the big fish in the pond as opposed to kicking his heels on the bench at Tottenham and it could just spark a revival.
Bet of the day: Robbie Keane to score first in a 2-1 win for West Ham: 55/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-2

Bolton v Wolves
Form: Bolton are in freefall in the Premier League, having picked up just one point since Boxing Day. Manager Owen Coyle spent the January window ensuring his side did not lose big names Gary Cahill and Johan Elmanader and he was successful. The two now need to repay their manager for his faith. Elmander's goals have dried up, with his last goal in the league coming in that win over West Brom on Boxing Day. But Bolton's excellent start to the season does leave them in a far better position than Wolves, nine points better off to be precise. Wolves have won just once in the league this year, but it was an unforgettable 1-0 victory over champions Chelsea. They have been leaking goals in recent games, 13 in their last four in all competitions. Mick McCarthy has kept faith with his players and will look for some bite at Bolton.
Key battle: Johan Elmanader appears to have forgotten where the back of the net is and Wolves defender Christophe Berra will be keen to ensure that run continues.
Player to watch: Daniel Sturridge was made available for loan by Chelsea and Bolton were successful with their bid. It is clear Sturridge is a rough diamond but this is a stage where potential has to be transferred into results and the striker may see this as a shop window, what with Chelsea bringing in £50m Fernando Torres.
Talking point: Wolves confounded the critics by staving off relegation last season and they have a similar battle on their hands, but does McCarthy have enough quality in the ranks to pull off the great escape again?
Bet of the day: Daniel Sturridge to score on his debut: 8/5 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Andy Johnson is primed to fire © PA Photos

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Fulham v Newcastle
Form: Mark Hughes has repeatedly claimed that his side will only improve as the season progresses and it seems Fulham's players are backing up that statement, as they have been in flying form in recent weeks. Their only defeats since Boxing Day have come narrowly to Liverpool and Tottenham and they slugged the latter 4-0 in the FA Cup at the weekend. Hughes has a settled defence that operates with efficiency, a midfield that is masterminded by Danny Murphy and a forward line that has been led superbly by Clint Dempsey and they are a side full of confidence. They entertain a Newcastle side who could resemble punch-drunk boxers, following the sale of Andy Carroll to Liverpool. Carroll had not played for a month, but he was the talisman of the team and Alan Pardew will have to raise morale. Their form of late has been solid, but he will need to find a goalscorer to prevent anxious glances being peered over towards the drop zone.
Key battle: Andrew Johnson is a striker who looks like he is primed to explode. He has battled back to fitness and he could use his pace to unsettle Magpies centre halves Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson.
Player to watch: With Carroll no longer leading the line, Newcastle need someone to step up and Kevin Nolan could be that man. The club captain has produced a string of fine displays this term and he will be needed to drive the side on.
Talking point: With the record in front of goal of Shola Ameobi, Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands and Nile Ranger nothing to write home about, the sale of Carroll will be talked about for the remainder of the season. It was a huge amount of money, but that will count for nothing if the goals dry up and the club slip into the relegation places.
Bet of the day: Andrew Johnson to score first in a 3-0 win for Fulham: 55/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-0

Liverpool v Stoke City
Form: Liverpool are having a solid, if unspectacular revival under Kenny Dalglish, and have managed to string two wins together for only the second time this season. Seven points in their last three games have seen them return to the top half of the table, and they will be looking for another three points at home to the Potters, whose results have been erratic.
Key battle: John Carew may not have got his name on the scoresheet, but the big Norwegian looked lively against Wolves on Sunday, and Daniel Agger could have his work cut out denying Carew his first goal for Stoke.
Player to watch: It was all about the strikers at Anfield, with Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll arriving to replace Fernando Torres, but their is a certain Liverpudlian defender who has slipped under the radar. Jamie Carragher has battled back from a shoulder injury and could be set loose on Stoke. His commitment to the cause is just what Liverpool need.
Talking point: When will Andy Carroll make his debut? Liverpool forked out a whopping £35 million for the Magpies man, but he may not get a chance to show his worth anytime soon. Carroll has not played since December after being sidelined with a thigh injury, and Reds fans will be impatient to see their new man in action.
Bet of the day: John Carew to hit the target: 10/3 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

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