EPL Preview: Tottenham Ready To Cause More Misery for Arsenal

Newcastle vs Manchester United

Man United will be looking to put behind their FA Cup exit by moving one step closer toward winning the Premier League. They managed to do so slightly without even playing at the weekend after Arsenal's draw with Liverpool.

It leaves Man United six points clear at the top of the table, with a better goal difference as well. They will be extremely confident against Newcastle, despite the setback against Man City at Wembley. The defeat also ends a run of consecutive victories that has put Man United in pole position for the title.

For Newcastle, it will be an extremely different scenario as they do not have much to play for in the remaining six games of the season. European qualification and relegation seems to be beyond them and looking forward to the next season will already be on the minds of the Newcastle players.

Man United could take advantage of this situation by moving nine points clear of Arsenal, who do not play a day later. Newcastle also have quite a lot of injuries to contemplate with, while Man United will have most of its senior squad fit and ready to face the northeast side.


Chelsea vs Birmingham

Chelsea managed to maintain their focus against West Brom, despite their season crumbling under their very own eyes. Chelsea doesn't have anything to play for this season except the job of securing the Champions League qualification places. That too looks very likely at the moment after Man City's faltering form has given a five-point cushion for Chelsea.

It could be increased to eight points with a victory over Birmingham, who seem to have overcome the threat of relegation after a few nervous weeks.

Birmingham were fast sliding down the table, but have managed to steady things in the last few matches. The two victories over Bolton and Sunderland have provided a five-point cushion for Alex McLeish's men, but he will not be taking anything for granted at the moment.

The away match at Stamford Bridge provides the ultimate test for his side, but he could take advantage of the fact that Chelsea's players will already be having beaches on their mind.

This home game, however, provides the perfect opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti to get Fernando Torres off the mark. However, replacing the in-form Didier Drogba is going to be a huge task for Fernando Torres at the moment.


Tottenham vs Arsenal

Arsenal's title hopes are hinging on balance after their draw with Liverpool at the weekend. Arsenal looked to have closed the gap on Man United, but the late penalty has put Man United the firm favourites for the title. It would mean that Arsenal would have to go for a sixth consecutive season without a trophy.

Tottenham supporters, without doubt, will look to take advantage of this situation by heaping more misery on to their North London rivals. They could also improve their chances of finishing in the top four as they could move level on points with Man City with a victory.

It is going to provide the biggest inspiration for Spurs, who have a good record against their rivals in recent years. Tottenham have ended up on the losing side in just one of their previous four meetings at White Hart Lane, which should suggest a difficult match for Arsene Wenger's men. Their season could be over with yet more dropped points.

Both teams do not come into the match in the best of forms after they have managed just one victory apiece in their last five matches. Tottenham are still struggling with injuries to their defenders.

Jan @ livescoredaily.com