Manchester City v Aston Villa (2:45 pm live on Fox Soccer Channel). This is big for both sides. Manchester City wants to keep it’s distance from the relegation zone, Aston Villa just wants to return Arsenal’s serve. Two things have to worry Manchester City right now. The first being the absence of Craig Bellamy and Robinho. The second being the fact Villa have ten away wins this season. Right now Villa have more to lose, but they won’t be losing this one. Manchester City 1 Aston Villa 2
Newcastle United v Manchester United (2:45 pm live on Setanta Sports). I expect Manchester United to play their full strength eleven here. When Manchester United play them in the league, it’s just no contest. I expect another three points for the Red Devils. Newcastle United 0 Manchester United 2
Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers (2:45 pm, on delay Setanta Sports 11:00 pm). Rory Delap will be back from suspension for Stoke. Bolton is looking to win their four match in five. Two sides who play similar direct football at this stage in the season only leads me to believe in one result, draw. Stoke City 0 Bolton Wanderers 0
Wigan Athletic v West Ham United (2:45 pm, live on Setanta Xtra. On Setanta Sports 4:45 pm). Wigan should get a boost with the return of Antonio Valencia and Mido. West Ham looks to build on the Manchester City result. Will we see Savio Nsereko start this one? Only one point separate these two sides, a point is what I see both sides getting in this one. Wigan Athletic 1 West Ham United 1
Blackburn Rovers v Everton (3:00 pm, on delay Fox Soccer Channel 5:00 pm). Blackburn may get a blessing in disguise with Jason Brown in goal instead of Paul Robinson (injury doubt with a bum shoulder). Everton continue to amaze without the lack of a proper forward. Can Sam Allardyce’s side make it two in a row? I don’t think it’s likely. Blackburn Rovers 1 Everton 2
Fulham v Hull City (3:00 pm, on delay Setanta Sports 6:30 pm). I hate to sound so cruel about this match, but until Hull City can prove they can get 3 points, I just can’t pick them. This won’t be easy on the eyes, but Fulham should prevail. Fulham 1 Hull City 0
Tottenham Hotspur v Middlesbrough (3:00 pm, no TV). This match is all about how each side responds to different fortunes last weekend. It’s also the one match I don’t have a clue how it’ll go. When that happens, I just go for the score draw. Tottenham Hotspur 1 Middlesbrough 1
