English Premier League Preview: 10 February Is Crucial at Both Ends of the Table

Wednesday Feb. 10 seems to have snuck up on us, but it could be a huge night in the course of this Premier League season.

Both leaders Chelsea and reigning champions Manchester United have testing away trips to Everton and Aston Villa respectively, where Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex Ferguson will both be desperate for wins, knowing their rivals could easily slip up.

For the hosts in these games, it presents an opportunity to once again state their European credentials.

Martin O’Neil’s Villa are part of the four team fight for a Champions League place, and have extra incentive to win after fellow high flyers Man City beat Bolton last night. Plus, Liverpool faces a tough trip to the Emirates, more on that game in a moment.

Everton will want to wipe the memory of their Merseyside derby defeat during the weekend, and what better way to do it than against the current league pacesetters.

Tonight is likely to be John Terry’s last game for a week or so as he has been given compassionate leave in the wake of the recent allegations about his private life.

A key aspect of tonight could be that Chelsea kicks off at Goodison Park 15 minutes later than United does at Villa Park. Thus giving us the scenario that the Blues will know how their nearest challengers have fared, and will have at least a quarter of an hour to match or better their result.

If Ancelotti’s side do better United’s result, they will extend their lead to at least three points, a crucial amount. Any slip up in future games doesn’t automatically see them knocked off the top.

Of course, if Rooney and co can see off a strong Villa side they have the chance to regain top spot by the slimmest of margins.

Whatever the outcome tonight, whether the difference be one point or five, it will have massive significance on the title race psychologically, given the tough nature of both sides’ games.

Another huge encounter comes at the Emirates, between Arsenal and Liverpool; two sides whose fortunes have reversed in recent weeks.

Gone are Arsenal’s title aspirations, no matter what the manager says, and so is the grim mood surrounding Anfield after Rafa Benitez guided his side to victory over local rivals Everton to continue an unbeaten run that now stretches back five games.

Victory in North London tonight would suddenly put the Merseysiders just two points behind Wenger’s sides. That will only add to the anxious atmosphere around the Emirates, especially with Villa, Man City, and Spurs also closing in.

In the season where the top teams all seem to be beating each other rather than the Big Four dominating, this round of games could prove crucial.

It's also a big night at the other end of the table, with West Ham and Wolves both facing must win home games, whilst Hull will be looking to build on their win over Man City by getting a result at Sam Allardyce’s Blackburn.

By about 10 PM, we could have a much clearer picture of where this season is going, or maybe less idea than ever. The race for the title could be down to a point, and the four-way race for fourth could become a five-way race for third and fourth.

Before I go lie down to process all that here’s my prediction: wins for Chelsea and Arsenal, a point for United at Villa, but defeats for West Ham, Wolves, and Hull.