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Arsenal aiming to make most of game in hand

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Betting - Baggies to pile woe on Chelsea

With Manchester United going toe to toe with Manchester City in the FA Cup this weekend, Arsenal have a chance to trim their rivals' lead at the top of the Premier League to four points. The Gunners' game in hand is hardly a foregone conclusion, however, as they welcome a rejuvenated Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Elsewhere, Chelsea look to bounce back from their Champions League exit with a trip to West Brom, while there are relegation six-pointers between Birmingham and Sunderland, and Blackpool and Wigan.

Saturday

Birmingham v Sunderland
Form: Sunderland finally brought their lengthy goal drought to an end last weekend but a 3-2 defeat to West Brom was their third league loss in a row. Worryingly for Steve Bruce, his side have scored two in five matches (one of which was an own goal by West Brom's Nicky Shorey), while at the other end they've shipped 12 over the same period. Birmingham drew at Blackburn to take their recent points tally to four from a possible six, helping to ease their relegation fears.
Key battle: Lee Bowyer may be 34 but his appetite for a midfield scrap has not diminished. Lee Catermole should provide the veteran with the type of challenge he craves.
Player to watch: If Sunderland are to get out of their current slump they need to find the back of the net on a more regular basis. Asamoah Gyan has nine league goals to his name and the quicker he gets to double figures the better Sunderland's chances are of retaining their Premier League status.
Talking point: Wigan Athletic are the only team with a worse goals record in the league this season than Sunderland and Birmingham. Don't expect a thriller in this one.
Bet of the day: A 1-1 draw: 5/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Blackpool v Wigan
Form: Blackpool are struggling to keep their head above water, losing four of their last five games. A single point separates them from the drop zone and they'll be desperate to record a first victory since their 3-1 win over Tottenham on February 22. Wigan were on the up having claimed four points from a possible six but the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last time out was another blow to their survival hopes.
Key battle: Craig Cathcart has done his reputation no harm this season but if Hugo Rodallega turns up as he can, the Northern Ireland centre-back will be in for a long shift.
Player to watch: Charlie Adam is another whose status has risen considerably this year and, if Blackpool manage to avoid relegation, their talisman will undoubtedly be behind their escape.
Talking point: Ian Holloway's side have scored in every one of their home matches this season. Wigan could be in for a long afternoon considering their last win on the road came on Boxing Day against Wolves.
Bet of the day: Blackpool to win 2-1: 8/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

Everton v Blackburn
Form: Everton's emphatic victory away to Wolves moved them to 44 points and surely sealed their Premier League survival. Blackburn, meanwhile, are making steady rather than spectacular progress, taking two points from their last two matches. A first victory since January 23 is a top priority for Rovers.
Key battle: Chris Samba thrives on a bruising, physical encounter. Everton striker Victor Anichebe likes to throw his weight about, leaving the two set for a head-on collision.
Player to watch: Leon Osman is profiting from a run of games and he'll be looking to add to his growing number of assists.
Talking point: One of the reasons Everton are still in with a shout of securing Europa League football next season is their fantastic home form. Should they avoid defeat against Rovers, it will stretch their unbeaten run at Goodison Park to nine games.
Bet of the day: Everton to win 3-1: 12/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-1

West Brom v Chelsea
Form: Chelsea's woes continued in midweek when they were dumped out of the Champions League at Old Trafford. Second place is a realistic target in the league, their domestic form has been solid of late, but they face a West Brom side who are motoring under Roy Hodgson. The Baggies twice came from behind to stun Sunderland 3-2 and they are unbeaten since early February.
Key battle: Youssuf Mulumbu covers a lot of ground over the course of 90 minutes but Ramires will give his lungs the ultimate endurance test.
Player to watch: Didier Drogba came off the bench at Old Trafford and reminded everyone of his devastating finishing abilities with a terrific strike. If Fernando Torres gets the nod over him again then it will be pretty clear who is picking the Chelsea team.
Talking point: The champions smashed six past the Baggies on the opening day of the season but the chances of a repeat score line are slim, at best.
Bet of the day: Drogba to score first and a 1-1 draw: 30/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Arsenal can close the gap on Manchester United to four points if they beat Liverpool on Sunday © PA Photos

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West Ham v Aston Villa
Form: West Ham have been unable to profit from fellow strugglers Blackpool's current plight, with back-to-back defeats denting their survival aspirations. When you are battling for Premier League survival, goals are paramount and the Hammers have only netted two in their last three league ventures. Victory over Newcastle propelled Villa up to 14th but they are not out of the danger zone yet.
Key battle: Stewart Downing is always going to divide opinion among fans. However, he has been in top form recently, providing a great option down the right flank. Wayne Bridge's questionable defensive attributes will come under intense scrutiny.
Player to watch: Darren Bent has flickered into life in recent weeks, without ever showing his best form. Even when he's not at the top of his game he has goals, and lots of them, in him.
Talking point: Avram Grant believes nine points from 18 will secure his side's Premier League status. A third defeat in a row would make that aim a considerably tall order.
Bet of the day: A 2-2 draw: 10/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-2

Sunday

Arsenal v Liverpool
Form: Arsenal are still very much alive in the title race after putting three past a hapless Blackpool. Their game in hand could prove pivotal, however, with victory guaranteed to take them within four points of United - with Sir Alex Ferguson's men still to visit the Emirates. Liverpool responded to their shock defeat at West Brom with a 3-0 thrashing of Manchester City and they'll be giving everything to nail down sixth spot.
Key battle: Laurent Koscielny has endured a difficult season and the last person he would want to face now is an in-form Andy Carroll.
Player to watch: Carroll notched his first goals for Liverpool since his £35 million move on Monday, helping the Reds rout Manchester City. Now he knows where the goal is, he won't want to miss the opportunity to cash in.
Talking point: Liverpool are aiming to secure their first away win over Arsenal in more than a decade. Will they break their Gunners jinx?
Bet of the day: Carroll to score first and Arsenal to win 2-1: 75/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

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