Verdict: 0-2
Match preview
Fulham v Tottenham (1300 GMT)
I thought that Fulham might struggle this season to reproduce the form that saw them finish seventh in the Premier League at the end of the last campaign.
But they beat Manchester United 3-0 last weekend and I think the achievements of Roy Hodgson and his team deserve high praise.
They are big and strong and very difficult to beat at home.
This is the sort of fixture that Tottenham must ensure they do not lose if they are to achieve a top-four finish.
I think this might be quite an open and entertaining contest.
Verdict: 2-2
Match preview
West Ham v Portsmouth (1300 GMT)
For West Ham read Portsmouth, and for Portsmouth read West Ham, such are the similarities of many of the problems that both club's have.
They both might have to sell in January and are desperate for points.
Quite often when two teams who are scrambling for a victory meet, they cancel each other out and the match ends in a draw.
Verdict: 1-1
Match preview
Burnley v Bolton (1400 GMT)
This is a derby and I reckon it will end all square.
Burnley, with their reliance on home form, will be looking to beat struggling teams like Bolton at Turf Moor so I think a draw would represent a better result for Gary Megson's team.
Bolton's last fixture was postponed and so they will go into the match feeling fresh.
This could be something of an old-fashioned encounter. We might even see some tackling.
Verdict: 1-1
Match preview
Manchester City v Stoke
Manchester City's home form is excellent and I would not be surprised if Robinho played and showed all his tricks in front of his new manager.
I don't think Saturday will be a problem for new boss Roberto Mancini - but there are the long-term issues he needs to sort out.
I'm not sure that the balance of the side has been right, especially when City do not have the ball, while there are also questions about the dressing room.
Emmanuel Adebayor's body language and the way Robinho goes missing away from home are problems that need addressing very quickly.
Verdict: 2-1
Match preview
Sunderland v Everton
Sunderland's home form is really good but they have not won since they defeated Arsenal on 21 November.
Everton have been doing OK considering that they have had injury problems.
However, I think they will only be able to paper over the cracks for so long and they need key players back to help maintain and improve form.
I think Sunderland will narrowly edge this contest.
Verdict: 1-0
Match preview
Wigan v Blackburn
I'm never really sure which Wigan team is going to turn up for any given game - and I don't mean in terms of the personnel that Roberto Martinez selects.
Blackburn are going through a dip in form. They don't lose many at home but failed to trouble Tottenham at Ewood Park in their last game.
As with Burnley versus Bolton, I reckon this could be another feisty Lancashire derby.
Verdict: 2-1
Match preview
Liverpool v Wolves (1730 GMT)
Not only do Liverpool desperately need to win this game - they also need to sit down and analyse why Rafael Benitez persists in picking so many defensive players despite a run of form that has seen his team win just three of their last 12 games.
That situation needs to change - and quickly, or he will have to suffer the consequences.
Liverpool selected what I consider to be seven defensive outfield players at Portsmouth.
There was the back four plus Javier Mascherano, Lucas and Emiliano Insua, normally a left-back, playing in midfield.
With that selection, Benitez is then asking Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres to go and win the game.
I know that Wolves won at Tottenham but I don't think they are that strong on the road and I think Liverpool will win this fixture.
Verdict: 2-0
Match preview
SUNDAY
Arsenal v Aston Villa (1330 GMT)
This will be a sterner test for Arsenal that their previous home game against Hull, which the Gunners won 3-0.
The contest will be all about Arsenal's passing, movement and midfield control versus Villa's counter-attacking football and cutting edge in attack. Villa are certainly quick and direct on the break.
I think this will be something of a cat and mouse game, with Villa sitting back and looking to hit them on the break.
Verdict: 1-0
Match preview
Hull v Manchester United
I didn't think Hull were all that bad at Arsenal - and their penalty miss when 1-0 down was a big moment in that game.
I think the Tigers are in better shape than they were earlier in the season but against the top teams I don't think they create enough chances.
I know that Manchester United have defensive problems but I think they still have enough quality on the pitch to pick off a side like Hull.
The biggest problem for the Tigers will be getting hold of the ball.
United put out an under-strength side against Hull in the last game of last season and were too good then - and I don't anticipate problems in this match.
Verdict: 0-2
Match preview
Mark Lawrenson was speaking to BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher | 
Навигация
