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United aim to tighten grip at the helm

ESPN staff
March 18, 2011
Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez will look to continue their flourishing partnership against Bolton © Getty Images
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Injury-hit leaders Manchester United welcome Owen Coyle's Bolton to Old Trafford, while Arsenal have the dual aim of getting their season back on track and staying hot on the heels of Sir Alex Ferguson's men at West Brom. There's an intriguing London derby in store as Spurs host West Ham and the ESPN cameras will capture the action between Everton and Fulham.

Saturday

Manchester United v Bolton
Betting: Davies to capitalise on injury-hit United
Form: United resume their Premier League programme with renewed confidence. After seeing off Arsenal in the FA Cup, they dumped Marseille out of the Champions League on Tuesday to reach the last eight for the fifth season in succession. However, Sir Alex Ferguson has a host of injuries to contend with - particularly in defence - and Bolton will be hoping to inflict a third league defeat in a row on the pace setters. Bolton begin the match with high hopes, they are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, winning five.
Key battle: Gary Cahill has been a rock at the heart of the Bolton defence this season and, deservedly, has won rave reviews for his performances. Javier Hernandez has seen his stock rise, too, with his pace and finishing leaving many to liken him to previous goal-poacher Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. All eyes will be on their personal duel.
Player to watch: Hernandez may be hogging the limelight, but a re-emerging Wayne Rooney is threatening to steal his thunder. The England striker looks to be regaining his touch and that's bad news for Bolton's defenders.
Talking point: Bolton last beat United in November 2007, with a narrow 1-0 win at the Reebok Stadium. With United's crippling injury list growing by the day, Owen Coyle's men must fancy their chances of an upset - although the league leaders' home form is not to be scoffed at.
Bet of the day: Wayne Rooney to score first and United to win 2-0: 16/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Fulham - LIVE ON ESPN
Form: Since beating Chelsea in the FA Cup last month, Everton have enjoyed an unbeaten run in the league, winning twice and drawing once. The Toffees sit ninth in the table, though they are only six points above West Ham in 18th, so they are not out of the woods yet in terms of relegation. Fulham, meanwhile, are in the middle of a purple patch themselves, stringing together an unbeaten run in the league lasting five games.
Key battle: Jack Rodwell has been in the headlines recently, with Everton boss David Moyes insisting the England youngster won't be going anywhere in the summer. If he gets the better of Danny Murphy in midfield, Rodwell's admirers will only increase.
Player to watch: With Tim Cahill missing, the onus will be on Jermaine Beckford to lead both the line and Everton's goal threat. He's shown he is capable on occasions, bagging six in the league in an encouraging season for the front man.
Talking point: Everton's home record against Fulham in the Premier League is remarkable. In nine games at Goodison Park, they've been victorious on every occasion. An undoubted bogey team for the Cottagers.
Bet of the day: Beckford to score first and Everton to win 2-1: 45/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

Tottenham v West Ham
Form: Spurs welcome an in-form West Ham outfit to White Hart Lane for Saturday's London derby. Avram Grant's men have won their last two in the league, scoring six goals in the process, and their fight to avoid relegation looks to be gaining momentum. Spurs, currently occupying fifth spot, have dropped four points from their last two league outings and, if they want to snatch the final Champions League qualifying spot, they need to get back to winning ways, and quickly.
Key battle: Scott Parker is as important to West Ham as Luka Modric is for Spurs. So many games are won and lost in the engine room and, whoever bosses the middle of the park, should be on the winning team.
Player to watch: All eyes will be on Gareth Bale as Spurs look set to recall the Welshman for his first start since January. His pace and driving runs could cause the West Ham back four all sorts of problems.
Talking point: Spurs are unbeaten on their own patch since suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Wigan in August. Is White Hart Lane becoming a fortress?
Bet of the day: Bale to be first goalscorer: 7/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

Aston Villa v Wolves
Form: Villa's preparations for their clash with Wolves have been less than smooth, with Richard Dunne and James Collins disciplined over an incident last week. They have won just one of their last five, although knowing that 23 of their 33 points have come at Villa Park should provide some comfort. Wolves are unbeaten in three and looked a team on the up during their pulsating 3-3 draw with Spurs.
Key battle: Nigel Reo-Coker isn't one to shy away from a midfield battle but he will have to be on his mettle if he is to get the better of an equally combative Karl Henry .
Player to watch: Ashley Young has been flying down the wing in recent weeks and it is little wonder his excellent displays have seen him rise to the top of the club's scoring charts - he's on eight for the season in all competitions.
Talking point: If Wolves are to avoid the drop they must address their dismal away form - they've only managed one win on the road all season.
Bet of the day: Villa to win 2-0: 8/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-0

Ian Holloway's Blackpool are without a win in the league since beating Tottenham on February 22 © PA Photos
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Blackburn v Blackpool
Form: Both sides enter this relegation six-pointer on the same number of points, with Rovers lying above Blackpool in 14th due to a superior goal difference. Blackburn are on the slide, they've taken one point from five games and they have shipped seven goals in their last two fixtures. Blackpool steadied their ship with victory over Spurs on February 22, although they've not picked up a point since.
Key battle: Craig Cathcart missed the loss to Chelsea through illness but he should return to bolster the Tangerines' defence . Jason Roberts will not give him an easy ride so expect a classic physical confrontation.
Player to watch: Blackpool's talisman Charlie Adam is back after suspension and the midfield maestro should be fresh and raring to go.
Talking point: Why is Blackpool's away form better than their home form? They've racked up 17 points on their travels compared to 15 at Bloomfield Road.
Bet of the day: A 2-2 draw: 10/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-2

Stoke City v Newcastle
Form: Stoke will still be on cloud nine after beating West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend to book a trip to Wembley and Newcastle will attempt to bring them crashing down to earth. Stoke have not exactly excelled in the league of late, they've found the net once in four games and are without a win in that sequence. Meanwhile, Newcastle's form has been patchy, their last three encounters have seen them win, draw and lose.
Key battle: Kevin Nolan and Matthew Etherington are enjoying tremendous seasons and both men have an eye for goal. Whoever links up with their strikers best, should provide their team with a platform to go on and secure three points.
Player to watch: Leon Best netted in the defeat to Everton to take his tally for the campaign to six, slowly helping Newcastle fans to forget Andy Carroll.
Talking point: A closer look at Newcastle shows their potential. They have accumulated exactly the same number of points away from home as they have at St James' Park. If they improve in both, while maintaining their consistency, is a top six finish next season feasible?
Bet of the day: Leon Best to score first and a 1-1 draw: 40/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

West Brom v Arsenal
Form: Everyone is aware of Arsenal's current plight. In the past fortnight they have lost a Carling Cup final, been knocked out of the Champions League and seen their FA Cup dreams dashed by long-time rivals Manchester United. There is some good news for Arsene Wenger, they are only three points adrift of United in the league and hold a crucial game in hand. Albion have responded to new manager Roy Hodgson in positive fashion, drawing two and winning one but they remain embroiled in a relegation scrap.
Key battle: Arsenal's defence is going through a crisis of confidence and Peter Odemwingie will be keen to pile on the misery.
Player to watch: Samir Nasri dazzled in the early part of the season and the Frenchman needs to rediscover his from if Arsenal are to end their trophy drought.
Talking point: Jens Lehmann is back on the Arsenal books but surely Manuel Almunia will start between the posts?
Bet of the day: Nasri to score first and a 1-1 draw: 40/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Wigan v Birmingham
Form: Birmingham's Carling Cup hangover has to end soon - Alex McLeish's side have not won since their stunning triumph over Arsenal. Alarmingly for McLeish, Blues are missing a host of key players but he will be desperate for a win to ease their relegation fears. Wigan's form makes for sorry reading. They've only won one in 11 and boast only three victories at home - the fewest in the league.
Key battle: Jean Beausejour is in red-hot form in front of goal, netting three times in his last five appearances. Midfield destroyer Mohamed Diame will be tasked with keeping the Chilean under wraps.
Player to watch: If Wigan are to escape their current predicament, Hugo Rodallega needs to start banging in the goals.
Talking point: Part of Wigan's problems lie in their inability to score. The Latics have gone an embarrassing 295 minutes, in all competitions, without a goal.
Bet of the day: Birmingham to win 2-1: 12/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-2

Fernando Torres is still looking for his first Chelsea goal © Getty Images
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Sunday

Sunderland v Liverpool
Form: Liverpool endured a chastening night in Europe on Thursday night, failing to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit as Braga held them to a goalless draw at Anfield. Steven Gerrard will not be available for the trip to Wearside because of a groin injury .
Key battle: Raul Meireles has certainly found an extra gear over the last few weeks and his range of passing has helped invigorate Liverpool going forward. Stephane Sessegnon is equally creative for Sunderland, and he could prove too tricky for Liverpool's defence.
Player to watch: Steven Gerrard will not be available so Dirk Kuyt will need to step up. He did so against Manchester United, albeit alongside the Liverpool skipper, and the way he interlinks with Luis Suarez could prove pivotal.
Talking point: Where have Sunderland's goals gone? Kieron Richardson's scoring run appears to have dried up, leaving Asamoah Gyan to carry the burden.
Bet of the day: A 1-1 draw: 5/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Manchester City
Form: Chelsea may have qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals courtesy of a goalless draw in midweek, but their limp display against Copenhagen hardly got the pulses racing. However, their league form has shown signs of improvement and they should be confident coming off the back of successive wins. Roberto Mancini has admitted he is concerned with his squad's energy levels so a trip to Stamford Bridge is hardly the ideal tonic. Still, City have 22 away points - only Arsenal have more.
Key battle: Carlos Tevez loves playing against Chelsea - he's scored five in his last four games against them, with United and City. Subsequently, John Terry may need to produce another heroic performance.
Player to watch: Fernando Torres was dropped to the bench against Copenhagen but the Spaniard had arguably his best moments to date in a Chelsea shirt and he will be hunting a first goal for the club.
Talking point: Would City have moved for Torres had they not already bought Edin Dzeko in the January transfer window?
Bet of the day: Torres to score and a 1-1 draw: 30/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

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