Premier League preview

Arsenal – Arsenal produced a masterclass in attacking football in their last league game, beating Blackburn 6-2. The fact that Thomas Vermaelen, a centre-back, is their top scorer shows how they are scoring goals from all over the pitch. Defence however still remains a key area for them, shown by the fact that they conceded twice against Blackburn while scoring six. Birmingham however shouldn't cause Arsenal many problems in this area.
Man to Watch: Cesc Fabregas
Birmingham – Alex McLeish has maintained his defensive tactics all season and this was evident in their game against Burnley two weeks ago, where he packed his midfield. However Burnley were still able to carve them open and Arsenal will undoubtedly do the same, meaning this could be a high scoring game. In attack Birmingham's Christian Benitez has been causing teams problems but he is short so they will be unable to exploit Arsenal's main weakness, their relative lack of height at the back.
Man to Watch: Christian Benitez
Prediction: Arsenal victory 4-0

Aston Villa vs Chelsea

Aston Villa – Aston Villa's last game was a 1-1 with Manchester City and they face an equally tough test this time around against Chelsea. James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor will be boosted by their England appearances against Belarus but may be fatigued. They will look to take the game to Chelsea in front of their own fans so will need to be careful of counter-attacks.
Man to Watch: Gabriel Agbonlahor
Chelsea – Chelsea have a more talented midfield than Villa and this could be crucial in this clash. Drogba can create chances on his own up front but Chelsea's midfield will be crucial in both getting back to help the defence with Villa's pace but also in orchestrating attacks. These are two of the best defences in the league so there could be limited goals.
Man to Watch: Didier Drogba
Prediction: Chelsea to steal it 2-1

Everton vs Wolverhampton

Everton – Everton were part of a scrappy 1-1 draw with Stoke in their last game and struggled to find the back of the net despite having twice as many shots on target than Stoke. Louis Saha has been scoring a lot this season and if he is on form goals shouldn't be a problem. Everton's defensive record is still very impressive and Wolves will have to work very hard to break them down.
Man to Watch: Louis Saha
Wolverhampton – Wolves were very unfortunate not to get anything out of their game with Portsmouth two weeks ago; they looked good going forward and were on the wrong end of some poor decisions. Mick McCarthy before the Portsmouth game called it their most dangerous game of the season since Portsmouth were trying to find some form and would have seen Wolves as the perfect chance. The crucial question is whether the Wolves players will look to bounce back with a good performance or if they have had their confidence greatly knocked.
Man to Watch: Greg Halford.
Prediction:1-0

Man Utd vs Bolton

Man Utd – Man Utd were almost shocked in their last Premier League game by Sunderland. The fact that the Black Cats came away disappointed with a draw said it all. This proved that teams who challenge Utd for possession and really have a go can cause problems at Old Trafford. However with the quality Utd have in their squad they are always capable of scoring goals and they will surely be looking for an emphatic result to bounce back with.
Man to Watch: Ryan Giggs.
Bolton – Bolton do not have the quality that Sunderland do, especially in attack, however a physical approach to Saturday's game could really help them. If they can challenge Utd for possession and not give them much time on the ball then a draw is definitely possible, but a win is probably a step too far. Their battling display at the Reebok against Tottenham was very impressive but whether they can replicate this at Old Trafford is unclear.
Man to Watch: Kevin Davies.
Prediction: Man Utd to win 3-0

Portsmouth vs Tottenham

Portsmouth – Portsmouth recorded their first win of the season in the last round of matches. This statistic is slightly unfair as they have looked good for the last few games and deserved more points. Saturday will be a big game for two reasons. Firstly they will be trying build some momentum in results. Secondly it is the return of Harry Redknapp. How much of an effect on the game this will have remains to be seen but, regardless of how the fans behave, the Pompey players left from Redknapp's reign will almost certainly be looking to get a result over their old boss.
Man to Watch: Younes Kaboul
Tottenham – Tottenham have been churning out impressive results over the lower league teams in particular this season. Last game's draw at Bolton will be seen as a slight blip and this game should be a return to form, especially as Redknapp will be looking to get a good result over his old club. Tottenham haven't been short of goals this season and even without Jermain Defoe's good form have had 12 different people score for them, this goalscoring record indicates the threat that midfielders like Aaron Lennon pose as well as the strikers.
Man to Watch: Aaron Lennon
Prediction: Tottenham to win 2-0

Stoke vs West Ham
Stoke – Stoke produced an impressive battling display against Everton in their last game and could have stolen a result. At home in the league they have been as steady as ever and even managed to get a good point from Chelsea. They are always well organised and close down the opposition. They should be record a win here although it probably won't be spectacular.
Man to Watch: Ryan Shawcross
West Ham – West Ham have really struggled in the league so far this season and the last minute equaliser against a 10-man Fulham typified this. They play attractive football and at times look dangerous, but all too often Carlton Cole looks isolated. This poor run of results but positive style of football seems to have made them everyone's favourite underdog. Home or away doesn't seem to make much of a difference for the Hammers, and away at the Britannia could easily be another unhappy ending.
Man to Watch: Carlton Cole.
Prediction: Stoke to win 1-0