Following the record breaking weekend that graced the Premier League only days ago, Saturday’s action has a lot to live up to. However, with a Manchester derby and a game at The Hawthorns that could have a vital say in deciding who will get relegated, there is much to look forward to.
The action kicks off just after midday at Old Trafford where the red devils take on the ‘noisy neighbours’ from across the city. Until last weekend, United were unbeaten and looked to be cruising to the title. However, a shock defeat at Wolves has cast a small element of doubt over the United’s ability to continue their impressive form. The defeat at Wolves can hit Ferguson’s men in one of two ways this weekend. For United, either the loss was a timely reminder that United need to maintain their ruthless streak, which can be put straight this weekend with a convincing win over City, or the defeat has shocked the United invincibles and defeat at the hands of the blue half of Manchester could really open up the title race.
Ancelotti has ruled Chelsea out of the title hunt, and Arsenal are unable to put a consistent run of form together. This was typified by the amazing comeback that Newcastle managed produce from four goals down against The Gunners last weekend. City meanwhile are adamant that their attentions are focused on gaining Champions League qualification. However, the impact this derby game can have on the remainder of the season could be significant. If United win, the race will be between Arsenal and United, with United clear favourites. However, defeat by City and a win for Arsenal would lower the gap to only one point, and with United having to play Chelsea twice in the remaining games a few question marks can be placed against the certainty of the title heading to Old Trafford again this season.
The derby itself should be a fiery affair. The return of Tevez to Old Trafford always adds an extra level of excitement to the clash, while Ferdinand is out for the reds, and there is uncertainty surrounding De Jong’s fitness for City, both of whom are key players. Mancini was criticised for only going for the draw in the last league derby, and this will be a real test of character for the Italian in determining where his side’s fortunes really lie this season.
Elsewhere, Arsenal will look to set the record straight from their collapse at Newcastle with a convincing victory over Wolves, who remain in the bottom three. Van Persie has begun to show brilliant form, while Walcott is also getting the goals. However, The Gunners still look shaky at the back, while Wolves continue to do well against the bigger sides.
West Brom host West Ham in the battle against relegation. The Baggies have appointed Roy Hodgson as their new manager, which will give them hope of maintaining their status in the league, while West Ham have had good news themselves this week as they have won the rights ahead of Spurs to move into the Olympic Stadium. Both sides are craving the points, and a win for West Brom would put clear daylight between themselves and the opponents at the foot of the league.
Birmingham welcome Stoke to St Andrews, with The Potters chasing the points to consolidate their mid-table position. Stoke came from behind to win last weekend with Huth grabbing the goals, while Zigic is beginning to show signs of justifying his heavy price tag for Birmingham.
Blackburn host Newcastle, who have replaced their former striker Andy Carroll with thirty four year old Shefki Kuqi. Kuqi left Swansea by mutual consent in January, and it will be interesting to see how the fans react to such a signing. Blackburn will be looking to extend their recent good form, but will face a tough task in doing so against a side on a high after their comeback next weekend.
Aston Villa travel to Blackpool who conceded five against Everton last weekend. Villa will welcome the return of England goalscorers Bent and Young as they look to climb the way up the league to a more respectable league position. Blackpool need four more wins in order to stay in the league, and always have goals within their side, but currently face a goalkeeping crisis, with stories suggesting that James Beattie may have to go in goal.
On Merseyside, Liverpool welcome Wigan to Anfield. After a memorable win last Sunday against Chelsea, Dalglish will want his side to kick on against sides such as Wigan in order to further heighten his credentials of becoming manager on a full time basis. Suarez could get the nod to start, while Wigan will hope to continue their fairly good run of results that they appear to get against Liverpool.
The evening kick off promises goals as Tottenham go to Sunderland. Spurs grabbed a vital winner in the dying moments of their game against Bolton, which maintains their pursuit of the top four. Sunderland meanwhile will hope to continue their own push for European qualification as they turn to Gyan as the main man to get the goals in the absence of Bent.
On Sunday, Everton take on Bolton at The Reebok with Saha in brilliant form. Bolton have struggled for wins this calendar year after a fantastic start to the season. Recent signing Sturridge has grabbed vital goals already under Coyle’s management and could force his way into the starting line up as he looks to enhance his reputation.
Finally, the weekend’s action is rounded up with Chelsea travelling the short distance to Fulham. Ancelotti appears to have stopped the rot that threatened to ruin Chelsea’s season and with signings Torres and Luiz set to make a real impact, Chelsea could yet have a lot to say this season.
