There is the rarity of all Saturday’s Premier League games kicking off at 3pm, with important fixtures at both ends of the table. Two sides looking over their shoulders meet at Villa Park, with Gerard Houllier’s men looking set for a crucial three points.

Aston Villa v Blackburn

Villa knocked Rovers out of the FA Cup last month and the home side look likely to repeat the dose when Steve Kean’s men return to the Midlands. The home side are just three points outside the bottom three but it’s their away form that has led to their slump.

Villa have lost just three times at home in 13 league games and have lost just one of their last eight games. Meanwhile, despite sitting in 11th, Rovers are just five points from the drop zone and their recent form will be a concern. One win in six indicates Blackburn are a team on the slide, and a lack of goals will also worry the Rovers faithful.

Match Bet: Darren Bent to score 2 or more @ 5/1

Wigan v Man Utd

A new surface at the DW Stadium looks set to play into United’s hands and Fergie’s men look set to extend their lead at the top. Wigan have relayed their patchy pitch in the last fortnight which means a better pitch for the leaders to perform on.

Latics will also be without key on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley, who is in illegible, and although Rio Ferdinand is still sidelined, the visitors should prove too strong for an inconsistent Wigan who remain in the bottom three.

Match Bet: Draw HT / Man Utd FT @ 3/1

Wolves v Blackpool

A huge game for both sides in their battle for survival, but the pressure will firmly be on the shoulders of the home team. Wolves are currently bottom and have struggled against fellow relegation candidates this season – losing at home to the likes of Wigan and Aston Villa and being held by West Ham.

Blackpool will have received a massive boost from their midweek win over Spurs and will go in search of a sixth away win of the season. The absence of the suspended Charlie Adam will be a blow though, and that may swing things in favour of Mick McCarthy’s men.

Match Bet: Both teams to score @ 8/13

Everton v Sunderland

Forget the Cup win over Chelsea, this is the big test for Everton in front of their restless home fans….and it’s a game they can’t afford to lose. David Moyes’ men are just three points from the bottom three and have, amazingly, won just four of their 12 league games at Goodison. A lack of firepower is a continued problem and the Blues need Tim Cahill to deliver following his recent spell with Australia.

Sunderland are looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat, although the Black Cats are not playing as badly as the form guide suggests. Steve Bruce’s men have won two of their last three away games and could welcome back Fraizer Campbell.

Match Bet: Draw @ 5/2

Newcastle v Bolton

Alan Pardew has quietly gone about his business since his controversial appointment and knows two more wins should see the Magpies safe. Their home form has been impressive of late, with the Toon taking seven points from their last three fixtures and a win will see them move above their opponents in the table.

Newcastle’s hopes of another win will probably be helped by Bolton’s continuing FA Cup run. Wanderers are into the quarter-finals and that, combined with several injury problems, may see them slip out of the battle for a place in Europe.

Match Bet: Kevin Nolan to score @ 2/1

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