• Premier League Preview

Gunners reload as Reds head into battle with old rivals

Laurent Koscielny and Wojciech Szczesny will look to put past mistakes behind them against Sunderland © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Title still United's to lose - Wenger
  
• News: Fergie's mind games are pointless - Dalglish
  

Manchester City's clash with Wigan on Saturday evening is live on ESPN, which will be available for free to all Sky (UK and RoI), Virgin Media, TalkTalk and UPC (RoI) viewers as part of ESPN's Free Weekend

Betting - Liverpool to dent United's title bid

The conclusion of the Carling Cup and continuation of the FA Cup may have occupied much of the action in the past week, but the Premier League still found a way to steal the headlines as current champions Chelsea opened up the title race by beating league leaders Manchester United on Tuesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side now head to Liverpool - where Kenny Dalglish, and possibly even Andy Carroll, will be looking to inflict further pain - in the weekend's standout game, while Arsenal are one team hoping to put last Sunday's failings behind them as they focus on the targets still available to them over the remainder of the campaign.

Saturday

Arsenal v Sunderland
Form: Arsenal have lost just one of the last six, but that defeat came in last week's Carling Cup final, which was seen as an ideal opportunity for the Gunners to end their long wait for a trophy. Injury-ravaged Sunderland have lost four on the spin, conceding 11 goals in the process, prompting speculation that their season has come off the rails.
Key battle: Asamoah Gyan v Laurent Koscielny. The French defender was starting to win round the Arsenal fans before enduring a difficult afternoon against Birmingham, when Nikola Zigic gave further weight to the theory that he struggles against physical strikers. Gyan will attempt to use his strength and pace to ruffle a few feathers, particularly as there are question marks over Koscielny's fitness.
Player to watch: Wojciech Szczesny. The finger of blame was pointed firmly in his direction following the defensive mix-up that allowed Obafemi Martins to win the Carling Cup. How will the young Pole respond to the disappointment?
Talking point: How will Arsenal cope without Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott? March promises to be a make-or-break month for Arsene Wenger's men, and they could be without the key attacking trio over a crucial period.
Bet of the day: Gyan to score first: 9/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

Manchester City v Wigan Athletic - LIVE ON ESPN
Form: City have thrown in the towel on their title pursuit after a run of one win from five league games, while Wigan are giving themselves a chance of beating the drop, having conquered Blackburn and drawn at Anfield in recent weeks. That said, they were hammered 4-0 by Manchester United in their last outing.
Key battle: Whoever is tasked with quashing the threat of David Silva will have a significant role to play in the Wigan midfield. There are suspicions that City are light on creativity if Silva fails to shine, so his direct opponent may have the outcome of the game in his hands.
Player to watch: Edin Dzeko. The Bosnia striker, a big-money arrival from Wolfsburg in January, will be expected to fill his boots against unheralded opposition such as the Latics. Having been benched for the FA Cup win over Aston Villa in midweek, Dzeko will be under pressure to find the back of the net.
Talking point: How has news of Kolo Toure's failed drug test affected the City dressing room?
Bet of the day: Carlos Tevez to score first and City to win: 3/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-0

Birmingham City v West Bromwich Albion
Form: Carling Cup winners Birmingham have won four of their last five, while West Brom are without a win in any competition since January 15.
Key battle: West Brom v set-pieces. The Baggies have conceded more goals from dead-ball situations than any team in the league, so David Bentley will be relishing the prospect of whipping a few balls into the area.
Player to watch: Carlos Vela. The on-loan Arsenal striker looks to be on a one-man rescue mission for West Brom, having found last-gasp equalisers against Wolves and Stoke. Can he continue the good form? And if so, will he break his way into Wenger's first-team plans next season?
Talking point: Has Roy Hodgson learnt what it takes to pick up wins away from home? His record with Fulham and Liverpool was terrible - and if that trend continues, the Baggies could find themselves in the Championship.
Bet of the day: Vela to score last: 15/2 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Bolton Wanderers v Aston Villa
Form: Villa have lost just one of their last seven league encounters, with the January arrival of Darren Bent seemingly making a big difference, while Bolton have taken seven points from 12.
Key battle: Stuart Downing has been on fire for Aston Villa this season, with his performance in the 4-1 win over Blackburn a particular stand-out, so Paul Robinson will need to stop the winger cutting inside onto his favoured left foot.
Player to watch: In much the same way as Jack Wilshere impressed on loan last year, Chelsea youngster Daniel Sturridge has excelled since moving to the Reebok on a short-term deal, scoring four times in four games. Does he have what it takes to break into the first XI at Stamford Bridge?
Talking point: Gerard Houllier controversially rested several key players during the FA Cup tie at Manchester City, with the league seemingly an overwhelming priority. Was that necessary, considering Villa seem to be pulling clear of the drop zone?
Bet of the day: 2-1 Villa, 10/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-2

Damien Duff will be keen to get another goal against the club where he began his career © PA Photos

Enlarge

Fulham v Blackburn Rovers
Form: Blackburn have lost four of the last five in all competitions, while Fulham have quietly compiled a four-match unbeaten run that has eased relegation fears.
Key battle: Damien Duff, who scored the Cottagers' equaliser at Manchester City last week, will fancy his chances against Blackburn's 35-year-old right-back Michel Salgado.
Player to watch: With Ryan Nelsen suspended following a red card against Villa, a lot of pressure rests on the shoulders of Grant Hanley, the 19-year-old defender who has appeared six times this season.
Talking point: Steve Kean's future has been the subject of speculation this week after bookies slashed odds on him being the next manager to leave. How many more defeats can he survive before Rovers' owners wield the axe?
Bet of the day: Fulham to be winning at HT and FT: 8/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-0

Newcastle v Everton
Form: Newcastle have all but guaranteed their place in the Premier League next year, despite the loss of Carroll, although they've won just one of their last six. Everton looked to have turned a corner when they picked up wins against Chelsea and Sunderland in recent weeks, but they succumbed to a tame 1-0 defeat at home to Reading in midweek.
Key battle: Leighton Baines' raids down the left flank have provided nine goals for Everton this term, so Danny Simpson will need to block off the avenues of attack.
Player to watch: Stephen Ireland is poised to make his Newcastle debut, and he'll be desperate to revive his career after a forgettable couple of years at Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Talking point: David Moyes has cut a dejected figure at Everton of late - and, with no sign of a cash injection at the club, could this be his last season at Goodison Park?
Bet of the day: The draw: 11/5 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

West Ham v Stoke City
Form: After an important - and impressive - victory over Liverpool, the 19th-placed Hammers have now only lost once in their last five games and currently sit tenth in the form table. Stoke, in contrast, are actually tenth in the league, but Monday's draw with West Brom was a worrying continuation of a recent poor run (three defeats in four) that sees them 19th in the form book.
Key battle: Thomas Hitzlsperger - slotting in alongside Mark Noble and Scott Parker - has had a major impact since returning from long-term injury, which will put a lot of pressure on Rory Delap to prove he is more than just a long-throw specialist.
Player to watch: Demba Ba has scored three goals in his two starts since joining the club and, having been on the verge of joining Stoke until he failed a medical, will desperately want to improve on that impressive early record.
Talking point: Tony Pulis has said £7m Ba is a "massive injury risk" who could break down at any time, but will his transfer look like a no-brainer if he keeps West Ham up - and possibly helps send the Potters down?
Bet of the day: Neither side is particularly hot defensively, and Avram Grant's questionable motivation skills could negate his side's form advantage. A 2-2 score draw looks a decent look: 14/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-2

Sunday

Liverpool may not be the same side they once were, but Kenny Dalglish will be keen to continue rectifying that when he comes up against old foe Sir Alex Ferguson © PA Photos

Enlarge

Liverpool v Manchester United
Form: The home side are actually the form side for this one, although a draw with Wigan and most recent defeat to West Ham will be slightly worrying following four encouraging wins on the spin. United also come into this one on the back of a defeat - to Chelsea, in controversial circumstances - with another loss to Wolves their only blemish in an otherwise dominant run in the league. But the absences of Rio Ferdinand (calf injury) and Nemanja Vidic (suspension) will give Ferguson cause for concern.
Key battle: Dalglish against Ferguson. Their rivalry dates back to time spent in the Old Firm reserves as players in the 1960s, but it is as managers that they have most frequently clashed. After being defeated in the FA Cup his first game back at the start of the year, it will be interesting to see what Kenny has learned over the last months that can help him outwit his title-chasing opponent.
Player to watch: Chris Smalling. The debate may rage as to whether or not it was a penalty on Tuesday, but either way the young former Maidstone United centre-back can consider himself unfortunate. How will he bounce back from that disappointment, especially with the prospect of Carroll to face for part of the game and only Wes Brown for support?
Talking point: United are bidding to finally eclipse Liverpool's proud record of 18 league titles, completing Fergie's initial promise to knock the Reds 'off their f***ing perch'. A win will go a great distance to achieving that milestone, but Liverpool will be acutely aware a defeat could also throw a real spanner in the works.
Bet of the day: Only one in the last 21 games between these two sides has ended in a draw - which might make the outcome less likely for some but more likely for others. Looks value in a score draw - perhaps Man Utd to lead at half-time, all square at full-time? 14/1 with bet365.
Prediction: 1-1

Wolves v Tottenham
Form: Mick McCarthy's men have gone on a decent run of form recently - thanks in part to on-loan Jamie O'Hara, who is ineligible for this game - winning twice (against Manchester United and Blackpool), drawing once and losing three times in their last six in the league. They have a decent record against the top teams in the league - somewhat odd considering they sit in the bottom three - but were beaten 3-1 last time they faced Tottenham, who have recently soldiered on without the likes of Gareth Bale but still won their last four prior to a shock upset against the Tangerines.
Key battle: Kevin Doyle is one of the best strikers in the Premier League when it comes to holding up the ball and harrying central defenders. Michael Dawson will want to avoid being caught cold - like he was against Fulham in the FA Cup - and provide a platform for his team to grab a key victory.
Player to watch: Jermain Defoe has so far failed to score in the Premier League this season. After coming through an injury scare while on a training camp with the rest of the squad in Dubai, he will surely want to break his duck prior to the big European night that looms large on the horizon.
Talking point: While both sides need a slight upturn in form to achieve their aims for the season, will Spurs' extra distraction of the Champions League clash with AC Milan take their eye off the ball in this one - or concentrate the players' minds even more?
Bet of the day: Tip Tottenham to edge this one as players compete for their place in the team to face Milan. 2-1 away win: 17/2 with bet365
Prediction: 1-2

It's time for Fernando Torres to score - is it also time to see him partnered with Didier Drogba for a full game? © PA Photos

Enlarge

Monday

Blackpool v Chelsea
Form: Ian Holloway's side could barely look more like a relegation side - bottom of the form table with a meagre four points from their last six games. A victory against Spurs suggests they still have a certain chutzpah about them, however, although the suspension of DJ Campbell and continued absence of Charlie Adam could spell disaster. Chelsea, ominously, might well feel like they have turned a corner after seeing off United this week - even as they wait for Fernando Torres to find his shooting boots.
Key battle: Holloway and his players' apprehension. Shorn of arguably their two star players this term, and facing a team that beat them 4-0 earlier this season and seems to be on course for a revival, Ollie's famous - and seemingly unique - motivational techniques will be given a stern test.
Player to watch: Torres. Carlo Ancelotti may say he is unconcerned whether or not the striker scores - and to an extent that is probably true - but the Spaniard will certainly be relieved to get off the mark and Blackpool's porous defence should give him a couple of juicy opportunities.
Talking point: Can Torres and Didier Drogba really not play together? Having given the partnership little opportunity, angering the Ivorian in the promise, is this not a perfect game for Ancelotti to allow the duo to try and forge an understanding?
Bet of the day: Chelsea should win, and comfortably, but the Tangerines have never failed to score at Bloomfield Road this season. James Beattie looks a decent punt to score last: 14/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-3

For the first place to see every goal from every Premier League match, check out ESPNGOALS.com on your mobile (UK only)

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.