EPL Week 35: Preview of Saturday's Games

Man City vs Man United

Man City should see Ireland and Bridge return from injury for this match whereas Zabaleta will return from his suspension. On United’s part it looks likely that Rooney will be fit to play, but Ferdinand will miss the match.

Man United have won the last three Manchester derbies and although City have been on better form recently it wouldn’t be unwise to peg United as the winners. If United lose this match it will be their worst run of form since August 2007.

Birmingham vs Hull

On-loan keeper Joe Hart returns to the Birmingham side this week after being ineligible to play his parent club Man City last week. Top scorer Jerome has had a minor back injury, but is still expected to play. Hull will be without Hunt, Garcia, and Dawson due to injuries.
 
Hull's form is bleak at best; they have lost seven of their last eight matches and haven’t shown much sign of improvement, added to which they have not won away all season. Birmingham aren’t exactly on fire either, but they should have no problems beating Hull.
 

Blackburn vs Everton

Everton are going to be without Arteta again due to his continuing groin injury. There are a few other casualties in the Everton camp, but Arteta is by far the most influential. Blackburn should see the return of Samba and Olsson, but Emerton will face a last minute fitness test.

Both teams are on pretty good form as it stands, Everton are unbeaten in their last seven games and Blackburn are unbeaten in their last eight games at home. Historically the Toffees perform pretty well in this fixture, but the match could easily go either way.


Fulham vs Wolverhampton

Fulham are looking forward to the return of Pantsil, who has not played since December, although Elm and Dempsey are likely to remain sidelined. Wolves skipper Henry is serving the second match of his three match ban.

Wolves have gone three games without scoring, and although they were valuable draws they don’t look likely to threaten an on form Fulham side at home. Fulham are unbeaten in their last four matches and they certainly look like a team who should easily outclass Wolves.

Stoke vs Bolton

Stoke’s Fuller is likely to return from his ankle injury and James Beattie could make his first start in two months, Etherington will face a last minute fitness test to determine if he is fit to play. Bolton may see the return of Gardner although Holdem and Basham won’t quite be ready to play.

Bolton’s form has been pretty poor in 2010 whereas Stoke have had one of the best run’s of form in the league, and with the home field advantage you’d expect them to win the match without too much difficulties.


Sunderland vs Burnley

Sunderland captain Cana will face a last-minute fitness test, but Cattermole is almost certain to miss the match. Mensah, who has missed the last three matches may also return, depending on fitness. Burnley should start an unchanged side from the one which beat Hull.

Sunderland have been leaking goals recently and haven’t kept a clean sheet in six games. Although this is a bad statistic Burnley’s is even worse, they have the worst defensive record in the Premiership this season, so potentially this could be a high scoring match.
 

Tottenham vs Chelsea

Palacois will be absent from the Tottenham side due to suspension and Kranjcar will be out for the rest of the season. Ashley Cole should be on the Chelsea bench after having recovered from an ankle injury.

Tottenham’s home form has been pretty good and they are unbeaten in their last nine home games. Chelsea on the other hand are by far the better side and have won their last four games. They should be able to beat Tottenham, although a draw seems far more likely.

Joe Lazar also writes at AllSportVoices