Weekend Football Focus

Birmingham v Liverpool
3pm Saturday, St Andrew's
Last season: 0-3 (Owen, Heskey, Gerrard)
Referee: Howard Webb (Rotherham)
Facts: Before finding the net in his last two Liverpool games, Fernando Morientes hadn't scored a club goal since the European Cup semi-final against Chelsea for Monaco in May.
Liverpool's main ambition for the remainder of the season, apart from beating Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final that is, will be to overhaul their Merseyside rivals Everton and finish in the same position as last season in the Premiership - fourth. Rafael Benitez's side are one place below Everton and five points behind, but will be more than hopeful of bridging that gap now that recent signing Fernando Morientes has found his scoring boots. Birmingham ended last season in 10th spot and would be ecstatic if they were offered that now, especially after missing out on Newcastle misfit Craig Bellamy who preferred to join Celtic on loan instead. The Blues' poor form in front of goal could be their downfall tomorrow.
Verdict: LIVERPOOL ON TOP

Blackburn v Norwich
3pm Saturday, Ewood Park
Referee: Steve Dunn (Bristol)
Facts: Chris Sutton (2) and Rob Newman were Norwich's scorers when they last won at Ewood Park - 3-2 in August 1993.
A third Premiership win of the season edged Norwich closer to that dreaded dotted line and next up is another massive match, this time against Blackburn who are certainly not trouble-free themselves. A win for the visitors would close the gap between the pair to just two points and draw Mark Hughes's outfit back into the relegation fight. Blackburn will look to the man every other club loves to hate, Robbie Savage, to stamp his own brand of authority on the match and Ewood Park will certainly not be a place for those of a nervous disposition.
Verdict: NO WINNER HERE

Bolton v Middlesbrough
5.15pm Saturday, Reebok Stadium - live on PremPlus
Last season: 2 (Davies, N'Gotty) 0
Referee: Alan Wiley (Burntwood)
Facts: Bolton have conceded one goal in their last five matches. Injury-plagued striker Malcolm Christie has made just 26 appearances for Boro since his £3 million move from Derby in 2003.
Bolton had a bit of a wobble around Christmas but since then they've been one of the form teams of the Premiership. A win for Sam Allardyce's team tomorrow would put them above Middlesbrough and right on course for a European adventure next season. Middlesbrough will be without the suspended Ray Parlour and a host of injured players.
Verdict: HOME WIN

Everton v Chelsea
12.45pm Saturday, Goodison Park - live on PremPlus
Away ticket info: Sold out
Last season: 0-1 (Mutu)
Referee: Mike Riley (Leeds)
Facts: Excluding the FA Cup third round game against Scunthorpe in which he didn't play, Frank Lampard has scored three and assisted on seven of Chelsea's last 12 goals.
With the flying Dutchman, Arjen Robben, out for one month or three, depending on who you believe, this is a crucial time for Jose Mourinho. It's a time for the big players to stand up and Chelsea certainly have plenty of them. High-flying Everton are still chasing a European spot and will be hopeful of causing a minor surprise tomorrow. However, they have beaten Chelsea only once in the last 14 matches between the two and though they managed to salvage a fortunate point at Southampton last weekend, they didn't look that impressive. It could be a good time for Chelsea to play them.
Verdict: CHELSEA SHOW THEIR METTLE

Man City v Man United
1pm Sunday, City of Manchester Stadium - live on Sky Sports 1
Last season: 4 (Fowler, Macken, Sinclair, Wright-Phillips) 1 (Scholes)
Referee: Steve Bennett (Orpington)
Facts: Wayne Rooney hasn't won an away game at Manchester City, losing 5-1 and 3-1 in both games he played against them for Everton. Roy Keane, who hit his 50th United goal last week, hasn't scored away from Old Trafford since October 2003.
Manchester United's magnificent recent form has prevented Chelsea having everything their own way at the top of the table, but their supporters are more concerned with the off-field battle against Malcolm Glazer than this little local difficulty. With militant trade unionist Gary Neville on their side, though, anything is possible and United should see off City before taking on Glazer, Nike and the rest of the capitalist conspirators.
Verdict: VICTORY FOR RED NEV

Portsmouth v Aston Villa
3pm Saturday, Fratton Park
Last season: 2 (Sheringham, Berger) 1 (Barry)
Referee: Barry Knight (Kent)
Facts: Portsmouth have scored two goals on each of the last six occasions that Aston Villa have visited Fratton Park. Villa have gone seven away games without a win.
Both these two sides are, barring something catastrophic, assured of another season in the Premiership so there isn't a vast incentive for the rest of the season, apart from collecting a few more quid for finishing up the the table. Tottenham's new striker Ahmed Mido exposed the shortcomings of the Pompey defence last weekend and Villa will be hoping they can do something similar.
Verdict: HONOURS EVEN

FA CUP FOURTH-ROUND REPLAYS

Fulham v Derby
3pm Saturday, Craven Cottage
Tickets: £18-£25 (£5-£10 concs). Tel. 0870 442 1234
Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
Facts: Derby, who are unbeaten in five away matches, haven't won at Craven Cottage since 1969. Luis Boa Morte's last goal for Fulham was at Newcastle in November.
Unfortunately, Fulham's Premiership season has been nothing to write home about. Therefore, it would be good to see Chris Coleman's team have a decent run in this year's FA Cup, particularly now that their captain Lee Clark is back and fit again. George Burley's Derby, however, will be a tough nut to crack, especially on their travels, where they have the best away record in the Championship with nine wins.
Verdict: FULHAM EDGE HOME