Battle at both ends !!

Man Utd extended their lead at the top of the League after convincing win over Liverpool which ensured that they complete their customary double over Liverpool season after season !!! .. No thanks to Mascherano for getting a needless red card and an FA charge which might extend the current ban to 3 or 4 matches … Man Utd would have won against Liverpool with or without Mascherano.

Chelsea have now become the biggest threat to Utd’s title defence as they have a much easier run to the end of the season. The game against Man Utd in late April will be very important to both the teams ..

A couple tricky games this weekend  …

Man Utd vs Arsenal

An important game for Utd which they should win to extend their lead over Chelsea. However, after the international midweek games, some of the key players will tired and needs to be seen how their performances will be. Utd have depth in strength and should win this game. Villa have been performing badly in their last few games and have virtually dropped out of the race for the UEFA spot.

Prediction : A comfortable win for Man Utd.

Bolton vs Arsenal

Arsenal are falling behind in the title race in an alarming fashion as they have yet to register a win in 5 games. 4 points out of 15 allowed Chelsea to do catch-up and they will have a daunting task to recapture the 2nd spot from Chelsea. Adebayor has lost his “power” ever since he changed his hairstyle, Van Persie is still not at his best and their record at Reebok Stadium sucks badly !!

Bolton are fighting for their lives and have been losing narrowly in recent games. They will employ their usual rough tactics and long ball strategies to unsettle Arsenal and I have a feeling they will succed in denying Arsene Wenger’s team the win ..

Prediction : Bolton to surprise !! .. +1.5

Derby vs Fulham

If there is a game that you will expect Derby to win, this is the game !! .. Derby are still rooted to the bottom of the table and relegation looks more certain with 7 games to go. However, they have been playing very well lately and Paul Jewell has done very well in the market by bringing ex-Man Utd keeper Roy Carroll to Pride Park. He will be again on the spot in this match against a goal shy Fulham team.

Fulham have not won away this season and will be looking for a win against Derby to extend the relegation fight to the end of the season. They do not have enough firepower in front and a lot of dependance is on McBride.

Prediction : Derby to sneak their second win of the season .. +1.5 !!

Other Games :

Sunderland vs West Ham - Sunderland Narrow Win

Birmingham vs Man City – Draw

Portsmouth vs Wigan – Portsmouth Win

Reading vs Blackburn – Tough one to call but I am going with Reading home win !!