Photo by toksuede.

The stage is set. The actors have rehearsed their lines. Now we’re ready for the play to begin. Except today’s two matches have no script and we have no way of knowing how they’ll turn out. It’s spontaneous theatre played out on the hallowed pitches of Stamford Bridge and the Boleyn Ground.

The first match of the day features two teams who know each other quite well recently. It’s West Ham United against Birmingham City in what is turning into a relegation clash. The reason the two teams know each other so well is that they just finished playing each other in the Carling Cup two-legged semi-final. While Birmingham eventually won that match in extra time, today’s match between the two teams will be a different affair. Believe it or not, but West Ham United are on a run of form right now and playing a more spirited and erratic brand of football that is producing goals. Birmingham City, too, are all fired up after qualifying for the Carling Cup Final at Wembley and giving Manchester City a shock mid-week with a 2-2 draw.

Following the relegation battle between West Ham and Birmingham is a match of a different pedigree featuring Chelsea versus Liverpool. Ignoring the Fernando Torres story for a second, it’s a massive match for both teams. Chelsea needs to win to try to narrow the gap near the top of the table and to get back into consideration for a run for the Premier League title or at least to get into second or third place. Liverpool are on a run right now and three points will definitely help their cause to qualify for the Europa League.

Whatever happens, the game promises to be an exciting affair.

Before, during or after today’s matches, post your questions, rants or observations about the games in the comments section below.