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Van Persie to spark United

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Twelve Premier League sides are in action at 3pm on Saturday afternoon, with title hopefuls Manchester United (11/5 – Outright) looking to bounce back from defeat at Everton on Monday night.

Manchester United v Fulham

Not many pundits would have expected the Cottagers to be three points better off than United heading into this game, but that is the case after Martin Jol’s men’s five-star display against Norwich City.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side had to wait two extra days to start their campaign but fluffed their lines at Goodison Park amid a defensive injury crisis and a headline-grabbing performance from Toffees star Marouane Fellaini.

United are still stretched at the back for this weekend but the fact Fulham are traditionally poor away from the capital suggests a Robin van Persie-inspired home side will take all three points.

Verdict: Van Persie to score two or more – 9/2

Aston Villa v Everton

Villa endured a season to forget last term but things did not go to plan for Paul Lambert’s first game in charge when they went down 1-0 at promoted West Ham last weekend.

The success of Lambert’s tenure with the Villans will largely be decided in front of the demanding Villa Park faithful who have seen their side slump from Champions League hopefuls to relegation candidates inside only a couple of seasons.

Everton, who shocked Manchester United on Monday, continue to perform miracles under David Moyes on a shoestring budget and have the attacking flair to make it two wins from two following a stalemate at half-time.

Verdict: Draw/Everton – 9/2

Norwich v QPR

There were 10 goals involved in Norwich and QPR’s respective season openers – however neither side managed to find the back of the net as they were spanked by Fulham and Swansea respectively.

QPR’s embarrassment came in front of their own fans at Loftus Road which was a shock given Mark Hughes’ men’s rich vein of home form towards the end of last year.

However, bank on Chris Hughton to lead his side to victory at Carrow Road for his first home game given the fact the Rs have not beaten the Canaries in the last five league games between the clubs.

Verdict: Norwich to win 2-1 – 8/1

Southampton v Wigan

With due respect this is hardly the most glamorous of Premier League games although it was always on the cards they would be pointless going into the match after Saints started with a clash at Manchester City while Wigan lost out to Chelsea.

However, Nigel Adkins’ side managed to score twice against the champions and were actually leading with 20 minutes left to play at Eastlands before Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri struck for the Blues.

Latics, who are set to lose Victor Moses to Chelsea imminently, are known as slow starters and will have their work cut out at St Mary’s as Saints’ vociferous fans welcome the return of Premier League football to their ground.

Verdict: Saints to win – 11/10

Sunderland v Reading

Sunderland managed to hold Arsenal at the Emirates in their opener which was about as much luck as the Black Cats could have hoped for last weekend.

Since then they have managed to land Steven Fletcher for £14m from Wolves as they look to add a cutting edge to the side which was lacking last season.

But the Royals have a star hitman of their own in the shape of Russian Pavel Pogrebnyak and he has been on board for a while – in contrast to Fletcher who is likely to start this one on the bench.

Verdict: Draw – 5/2

Tottenham v West Brom

Last season this was a battle between veteran managers Harry Redknapp and Roy Hodgson – but neither will be in the dug-outs this time around, with the former out of work and the latter installed as England manager.

Both clubs have taken big gambles on their new men at the helm – Chelsea flop Andre-Villas Boas at White Hart Lane and long-term number two Steve Clarke at the Hawthorns in his first managerial post.

Clarke did get off to a winning start last weekend against former employers Liverpool as AVB’s men lost out to Newcastle.

Regardless, Spurs will have too much for the Baggies on the day and don’t be surprised if Jermain Defoe – in tandem with Emmanuel Adebayor – steals the show now he has found a manager who seems to believe in him again.

Verdict: Defoe hat-trick – 20/1

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Kagawa the catalyst for United

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Sir Alex Ferguson has put the wheels in motion for deposing newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City by bringing in Shinji Kagawa from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United fans will be hoping he is the first of many through the door at Old Trafford this summer.

The Scot’s decision to re-sign veteran Paul Scholes last season was viewed as an act of desperation by the anti-United brigade but news of the capture of the exciting Japan international, subject to a medical and work permit, must be taken as proof that the 70-year-old will not sit back and allow the club’s “noisy neighbours” to rule domestically.

Ferguson has historically concluded any close-season business swiftly, while counterpart Roberto Mancini has yet to show his hand in the transfer market since guiding City to a first title in 44 years.

The champions can be backed at 11/8 with totesport to win back-to-back Premier League titles, with United priced 2/1 to bounce back next season.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the club,” said a club statement.

“The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June. Further details will be announced in due course.”

Ferguson made a personal check on Kagawa in the DFB Pokal win against Bayern Munich at the end of the season and the deal, costing an initial £12m, is expected to rise to £18m with add-ons.

At just 23, Kagawa has yet to peak and the size of the transfer should appease match-going supporters concerned about a lack of funds to strengthen an engine room shy on world-class creative talent.

They will now be hoping the game’s longest-serving manager does not stop at the signing of Kagawa in one last hurrah before sailing off into the sunset.

Embarrassed by their own high standards in Europe last season, United fared better on the home front and were only denied a record 20th domestic crown on goal difference on the final day of the season.

Cynics have argued winning it would have masked a number of personnel issues Ferguson must face if United are to compete against the best again.

A marquee centre-forward to complement England striker Wayne Rooney could now move to the top of Ferguson’s wish-list.

For now at least, the signs are positive that Ferguson is plotting one last great rebuild to cement his legacy.

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United to maintain advantage

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There are three games in the Premier League on Sunday and, as is usually the case at this stage of the season, the outcomes could have major significance at the top and bottom of the table (totesport – Premier League).

Manchester United v Everton (12.30pm)

United’s blip, if it was just that, at Wigan earlier this month will probably be forgotten if they see off Everton (2/7 – match prices) at home this weekend, and there aren’t many people around who think this will result in anything other than another victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to edge them closer to a 20th title (1/7).

Rivals Manchester City will have let out a howl of frustration when they realised it was David Moyes’ side who are the visitors as the Blues have a truly awful recent record at Old Trafford. You have to go back to August 1992 for the Merseysiders’ last win there, while their recent Premier League record at United reads: played five, lost five.

Ferguson’s title-chasers may have got a helping hand, or should that be dive, last week when they saw off Aston Villa with the minimum of fuss but, even with Ashley Young’s theatrics, the result was never in doubt and expect more of the same in this one.

How Everton (10/1, draw 9/2 – match prices) react to their heartbreaking FA Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool at Wembley will be key to how much of an easy ride the Red Devils get on Sunday, but they still have a very outside chance of claiming a European place to inspire them and, more importantly, the small target of trying to finish above their Mersey rivals in the table.

However, we envisage nothing other than a comfortable home win here with 2-0 at 5/1 appealing in the correct score market.

Wolves Man City (4pm)

The aforementioned City (4/1 Premier League outright) know three points at Molineux is a must if they are to remain in the title race and, with the Manchester derby around the corner, expect them to maintain the light pressure on United with a routine victory.

The 6-1 thrashing of Norwich last time out, which included a rejuvenated Carlos Tevez hat-trick, showed the rest of the league that City can still turn on the style after what had been a faltering last month or so and they will approach this trip to the Black Country hoping to rack up a similar goal difference-boosting scoreline.

It is unlikely to be as easy as it turned out at Carrow Road with Wolves knowing they need a win themselves to somehow try and prevent them from slipping back into the Championship and this one could be level at half-time with that in mind. So Draw/City – HT/FT at 7/2 may well be worth a punt.

Expect Tevez and Aguero to again be the tormentors in attack, though, and both should be backed to score anytime at 8/11 to ensure City still retain an interest in the title going into the derby and all but relegate doomed Wolves.

Liverpool v West Brom (4pm)

This game is probably more notable for the return of Roy Hodgson to Anfield than anything else but Liverpool will be determined to secure a much-needed home victory (4/9 – match prices) as, so far, they have accumulated their lowest points total at Anfield for many a season.

The Reds have won just five games in front of their own fans and have drawn a whopping nine – easily the highest amount in the whole division.

That sort of record led Hodgson to be sacked in January 2011 after barely six months in charge and, while Kenny Dalglish is getting much more time than his predecessor, he knows home form has not been good enough and another slip-up here will not be tolerated despite the celebrated success in the Cups.

The Baggies (13/2 to win, draw 7/2 – match prices)  have proved a difficult side to beat all campaign, however, and are well clear of trouble now at the bottom as they sit 13 points above the drop zone. Hodgson will want to prove a point and is sure to set up his side to be solid in the hope Dalglish’s men again fail to break down so-called weaker opposition.

Andy Carroll has looked a different player in recent weeks and his two late winners in the last two games will give him the confidence to believe he can yet be a success at Anfield so is worth backing at to score first at 5/1 while a narrow 2-1 win for the Reds also looks appealing at 7/1.

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Rooney to rescue United

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No doubt the pressure is back on Manchester United in the Premier League title race after Wednesday night’s results.

The Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat to Wigan means a win against Aston Villa is a must if they are to keep Manchester City at arm’s length in the title race. However, Alex McLeish’s men are in desperate need of three points to stave off the threat of relegation and won’t make life easy for United.

A quick look back at past results would suggest Sunday should be a stroll in the park for the Manchester side, with Villa winning just one of their last 32 league games against the Red Devils. They also have managed just one win at the Theatre of Dreams in the last 30 visits. However, Wigan had an equally dismal record against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men before Wednesday night and look what happened there.

Ferguson was livid with his players after their defeat at the DW Stadium and you’d expect a reaction from United, with the Scot suggesting he will bring back Paul Scholes after he sat out Wednesday’s game. The 37-year-old was at his masterful best as United brushed aside QPR on Easter Sunday. His experience, coupled with Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand’s, is likely to prove vital over the next five games, with Scholes’ presence likely to act as a calming influence for the younger players.

Along with Scholes, United will be looking towards Wayne Rooney to do the business for them, the England striker having scored nine goals in the last nine matches. As you might expect, United are a short price to win the game, with 1/4 being offered, while Villa are 11/1 and the draw is 5/1. As such, you might have to look elsewhere for a bit of value and Rooney to score first at 13/5 looks a good bet given he has broken the deadlock in five of the last six matches in which he has scored.

United should be comfortable winners and you can get them at 8/11 to win to nil, a likely scoreline given Villa’s troubles in front of goal as they have managed to score more than one goal only once in the last nine games.

No doubt Villa will make life awkward for United, getting plenty of men back behind the ball and packing the midfield, as has become manager Alex McLeish’s style. However, when you are looking for a win, this tactic perhaps isn’t the way to go about things and the best they can seemingly hope for is a draw, with 0-0 on offer at 14/1.

Many Villa fans will be nervously looking over their shoulders after a run of one win in 11 matches, leaving them just six points clear of the drop zone. McLeish’s appointment clearly hasn’t worked, the former Birmingham City boss failing to use the assets he has correctly. The Scot has had little money to spend but his biggest signing, Charles N’Zogbia, hasn’t done it for him so far.

The former Wigan man is one of four players returning to the Villa set up after Monday’s 1-1 draw with Stoke, with Carlos Cuellar, Ciaran Clark and Nathan Delfouneso also available.

Even with a few fresh faces in the team, it is going to take a minor miracle for Villa to get anything out of the game and United should be able to breathe a bit easier come Sunday night.

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City praying for United slip

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Wednesday night may well bring another twist in the Premier League title race as both Manchester United and Manchester City (14/1 – Premier League Outright) are in action as we enter the business end of the campaign.

The Red Devils are firmly in the driving seat at the top of the table with eight points separating themselves from local rivals City, and the defending champions travel to the DW Stadium to take on a Wigan Athletic side who are fighting for survival (Wigan 9/1, draw 4/1, United 1/3 – Match Betting).

Wigan were extremely unlucky not to get something out of their last outing against Chelsea, as they were denied any points by a late goal from Juan Mata at Stamford Bridge.

Having looked down and out a few months ago, Latics have got themselves back in with a chance of survival as only goal difference is keeping them in the bottom three.

Wigan have proved they are capable of running the big teams close but manager Roberto Martinez might have to look at other games for points, as United are just doing enough to get the wins they need at the moment and they should bag the three points.

The title race is out of City’s hands and all they can do now is keep the pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson and his men and hope they have an uncharacteristic slip-up.

West Brom are the next obstacle for the Citizens and the West Midlands outfit will be looking to make life difficult for City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday (City 1/4, draw 5/1, WBA 12/1 – Match Betting).

The Baggies got back to winning ways last week with a 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the Hawthorns. Striker Peter Odemwingie will be looking to cause the Blues defence problems but with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez likely to feature in the absence of the suspended Mario Balotelli, City should have too much firepower and a win looks highly likely.

In the race for a top-four finish and the battle to avoid relegation, rock-bottom Wolverhampton host Arsenal at Molineux in what will be another tough game for Wolves boss Terry Connor (Wolves 7/1, draw 18/5, Arsenal 2/5 – Match Betting).

The inexperienced boss has really been thrown in at the deep end since the sacking of Mick McCarthy and he will now have to try and get something from a clash with the Gunners, who will still be on a high after their 1-0 win over City.

Arsenal are looking to consolidate their spot in third place in the Premier League table and there will be no risk of them taking their foot off the gas at this stage of the season.

Wolves are really up against it and having survived relegation last term, it looks like they could be playing second-tier football next season, with the Gunners set to claim all three points at Molineux.

Queens Park Rangers are lingering just above the relegation zone on goal difference and they too have a crucial game on Wednesday when they host Swansea City at Loftus Road (QPR 11/10, draw 12/5, Swansea 5/2 – Match Betting).

The Hoops never stood a chance at Old Trafford in their last outing once midfielder Shaun Derry was sent off in controversial circumstances.

The Welsh outfit will be looking to play their normal passing game but with Rangers desperate to secure the win to avoid dropping into the bottom three, QPR might just battle to a narrow victory over the all-but-safe Swans.

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United ready for Rovers return

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Monday night will see Manchester United return to the ground where they secured the Premier League crown last year, as they take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park looking to extend their lead at the top of the table this season (Blackburn 15/2, draw 7/2, United 2/5).

With rivals Manchester City dropping points in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, United have the chance to go five points clear if they can overcome a resurgent Rovers side.

The mind games between United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson and City’s Roberto Mancini have been rife over the past few weeks, with the Italian tactician predicting their rivals will only draw their game on Monday night.

United are in fine form, though, and will be fully expected to get three points against Blackburn, as they have notched up nine wins in their last 10 games.

The defending Premier League champions did come unstuck against Rovers at Old Trafford, when these two teams met earlier in the season in what was one of the shock results of the season.

United could welcome back Rio Ferdinand, as the veteran defender has recovered from a back injury and will be able to add his vast experience to the back-four.

Ferguson has challenged Wayne Rooney (5/2 First Goalscorer) to continue his fine form by scoring a goal in every game for the rest of the campaign.

The former Everton star scored a crucial penalty to help United secure their 19th league title last year and will be looking to get his name on the scoresheet again at Ewood Park, to help the club make a big step towards taking number 20.

By no means will the league’s frontrunners have it all their own way, as Rovers manager Steve Kean has got his side battling hard in games as they fight for their lives near the bottom of the table.

With just goal difference separating Blackburn from a place in the relegation zone, every game in crucial for the men from Ewood Park they will not writing this game off as unwinnable.

Results over the weekend have not helped their cause and their defeat to local rivals Bolton in their last outing will not have done their confidence any good.

However, Blackburn do have some quality players dotted around their squad and none more so than their striker Yakubu (8/1 First Goalscorer) and the young an exciting talent David Hoilett.

This duo are likely to cause the likes of Ferdinand problems at the back so don’t be surprised to see either name on the scoresheet on Monday night.

Both teams have so much to play for at either end of the table, so these games can go either way at this the business end of the Premier League season.

However, on their current form, Mancini’s prediction of a draw looks unlikely and United should extend their lead at the top of the table with another win, with games running out for City.

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United set to return to summit

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Manchester United may have been knocked off the top of the table by rivals Manchester City on Saturday, but with only goal difference separating the top two, a Red Devils victory against Fulham on Monday will fire them three points clear.

With the title race entering its final stages, things have begun to heat up between the two Manchester sides at the top of the Premier League.

The war of words off the field is well and truly on after Sir Alex Ferguson angrily responded to claims by City’s Football Development Executive Patrick Vieira that bringing Paul Scholes out of retirement was an act of desperation.

The Scot duly criticised City’s decision to bring Carlos Tevez back into the fold after his self-imposed exile, the United boss also insisting he had ‘plenty of ammunition’ to throw back at City should they continue to engage in mind games.

Entering mind games is all part of Ferguson’s and United’s well-worn path to title glory, which obviously includes a strong finish in the run-in.

While City appear to be floundering, United are clicking into top gear at the right time, winning 25 points from a possible 27 since losing back-to-back games at the turn of the year.

They are also doing so in fine style – the Red Devils have scored 73 goals in 29 league games, the most by any top-flight club at this stage of the season since Tottenham in 1963-64.

Fulham meanwhile go into this game hoping to bounce back after two successive defeats – the latest a 3-0 home hammering by Swansea.

However, Old Trafford is probably the worst ground for the Cottagers to go to looking for a win – they have only avoided defeat there once in 49 years, a 3-1 victory in 2003.

Since then, United have racked up eight consecutive home wins over the Londoners, scoring 22 goals.

It isn’t surprising therefore that United are just 2/9 for the victory, meaning you will have to look elsewhere for betting value.

With 10 goals in his last eight league and cup games, Wayne Rooney simply cannot be ignored in the first scorer markets. He is 5/2 to score first, with the odds of 11/4 to score two or more also worth considering.

It is also worth noting that the Red Devils have won nine penalties this season, more than any other team. So the 9/2 on offer for United to score from the spot could be a more creative punt.

Fulham have failed to score in their last four games at the home of the Champions and their only goal in the previous match was an own goal by Rio Ferdinand. So the correct score markets to nil in United’s favour are my tips.

United (4/5 to win to nil) have scored two or more goals in each of their last 15 league games so the 2-0 United correct score at odds of 11/2 is worth backing.

However, given Fulham’s woes in the North West, the 13/2 on offer for a 3-0 home win is my prediction.

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United march on as Stoke bow out

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Premier League pair Manchester United and Stoke continue their respective Europa League adventures on Thursday as United host Ajax and the Potters face a daunting trip to the Mestalla.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United were dumped out of the Champions League in the group stages but demonstrated they are still a force in Europe with a 2-0 win at the Amsterdam Arena in their first leg tie.

Ajax face a huge battle if they are to reach the last-16, with the Dutch side needing at least a 2-0 win themselves if they are to force the tie into extra time.

The Eredivisie outfit need to attack from the off if they are to stand any chance of reaching the next round and, as anyone who watches the Premier League regularly will know, United are always a threat on the break.

There have been reports that England international Wayne Rooney missed training on Wednesday and is a doubt for Ajax’s visit. However, the Old Trafford outfit should still be too strong for the Dutch side, even without their star man, with the likes of Javier Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov more than capable of filling the void.

The reigning Premier League champions are the 1/3 favourites to seal the victory, while Ajax are 8/1 and the draw can be backed at 4/1.  However, considering the fact that Ajax simply have to throw men forward it may be worth backing United at 8/11 to secure the win with a -1 handicap, even if they are without Rooney.

In contrast Stoke have a mountain to climb if they are to keep their European campaign alive.  The Potters suffered a 1-0 first-leg defeat at the Britannia Stadium and need to win at the Metsalla if they are to progress in the Europa League.

Valencia are a tough side on home soil and they have only lost two La Liga matches at the Mestalla to date.  Stoke have a reasonable away record domestically, but it is hard to envisage them getting anything at Valencia, even if the Spanish side decided to rest key men Roberto Soldado and Ever Banega as they did in the first leg.

Potters boss Tony Pulis has vowed to name a strong side and go for the win in Spain, but the task ahead of them is a great one and Stoke’s European adventure could well come to an end on Thursday night.

Valencia are 4/9 to secure the win and it is hard to see anything other than a victory for the high-flying La Liga outfit, while a Stoke victory is priced at 13/2 and the draw can be backed at 16/5.

Both Manchester United and Valencia are amongst the favourites to seal Europa League glory, with United priced at 4/1 and Los Che 9/1 to seal the title.  Stoke and Ajax, who have first-leg deficits to recover, can be backed at 80/1 and 200/1 respectively to secure the Europa League crown.

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Reds to upset United flow

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The Premier League is beginning to reach boiling point at both ends of the table and Saturday gives us a number of fixtures which could have big ramifications at the top and bottom. We start with the big game between Manchester United and Liverpool before moving onto a relegation six-pointer and intriguing clash at Goodison Park in the bid to pick out some winning bets for Saturday.

Manchester United v Liverpool 12:45pm

The meetings between these two are normally red letter days in the Premier League and this one is no different, with United going for a 20th title and the Reds desperate for a top four finish. United produced one of the comebacks of the season last week at Chelsea, although the Blues’ lack of defensive ability certainly helped their cause. However, any team that comes from 3-0 to secure a share of the spoils is bound to be full of confidence.

Liverpool’s home form has been less than impressive this season but on the road they have looked solid and been tough to beat, recording victories at Arsenal and Chelsea. The Reds will also fancy their chances having won two out of the last three against United, albeit they were all at Anfield. Liverpool’s record isn’t the best at Old Trafford, with just two wins in the last nine but at 7/2 the price is too good to turn down.

The return of Luis Suarez is likely to prove to be a catalyst for the game and if you fancy the Uruguayan to fan the flames of hate at Old Trafford further by scoring he is priced at 15/8 to hit the back of the net at anytime. Suarez is likely to start up front having been rested against Tottenham, meaning Andy Carroll could drop to the bench despite his good form.

Bolton v Wigan 3pm

These two north-west outfits are in grave danger of falling through the trap door this season and as such will view this encounter as the perfect chance to get one over on their relegation rivals. Before last weekend’s defeat to Norwich, Bolton were beginning to put a run of form together. The loss at Carrow Road shouldn’t have set the Trotters back too far though as they created enough chances to have secured a share of the spoils. Bolton boss Owen Coyle made some shrewd acquisitions in January and with players returning from injury they should have too much for Wigan.

Wigan have looked doomed for a number of weeks now and, despite a 1-1 draw with Everton halting a run five consecutive defeats, you get the feeling the Latics have had their time in the top flight. A lack of goals and too many individual errors at the back have cost Roberto Martinez’s men time after time and they show no signs of solving either issue.

Bolton are evens to beat Wigan, with a 2-0 win for the home side price at 7/1.

Everton v Chelsea 3pm

Chelsea’s players are probably still wondering how they didn’t manage to beat United last week, having been 3-0 up with just under 40 minutes to play. The result will have knocked the confidence of Andre Villas-Boas’ men and the way with which they surrendered that three goal lead so meekly will have Blues supporters worried.

Chelsea are 5/4 to win at Everton, a price which is very short when you consider they have won just one of the last five at Goodison Park in all competitions. The Toffees have shown they are more than capable of upsetting the big boys recently with a great win over Manchester City. David Moyes shopped well in January to add some much needed depth to his squad, Landon Donovan again doing the business for the Scot.

Chelsea have looked fragile this season and Everton know how to make a team feel uncomfortable. The Toffees are on offer at 9/4, with the draw also a solid bet at 12/5.

Elsewhere on Saturday, QPR travel to Blackburn for another relegation six pointer. Can Mark Hughes’ expensive ensemble do a job against one of his former clubs? The R’s are priced at 21/10 to pick up a much needed win. There is also a big game down at White Hart Lane as Newcastle look to keep their hopes of fourth alive with a win over Tottenham. Spurs should round off a good week for Harry Redknapp and are priced at 4/9 for the win.

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Spurs and United scent top spot

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There are seven Premier League games all kicking off at 3pm on Saturday and, by the end of the day, Manchester United and Spurs could have moved level with leaders Man City at the top. There is plenty to get your teeth into therefore and here we look at some of the key games.

Man Utd v Bolton

With City not in action until Monday, this will be seen as a must-win game for United as they look to close the gap at the top. City have a three-point lead going into the weekend but that should be wiped out come 5pm on Saturday with relegation-threatened Bolton not looking likely to cause a big upset at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson needed a reaction from his players following successive defeats to Blackburn and Newcastle in the league and he got it when his side saw off City in a fiery FA Cup third-round clash last weekend.

He knows losing to struggling Bolton side (United 1/6, Bolton 18/1, draw 6/1 – match prices) is unthinkable and nothing other than a comfortable home win looks on the cards here.

Prediction – Home win.

Spurs v Wolves

Similarly, the chances of a coupon-busting away win in this one look remote. Spurs are in superb form and saw off Everton 2-0 in midweek without really ever getting into third gear.

They host a Wolves side who have won just once on their travels all season and, despite Mick McCarthy’s side claiming a good draw at Arsenal over Christmas, the Black Country side getting anything from White Hart Lane seems extremely unlikely.

Harry Redknapp says Tottenham can maintain their title challenge (7/1 – Premier League outight) throughout the second half of the season and they don’t look like slipping up this weekend.

Prediction – Home win.

Chelsea v Sunderland

Before Martin O’Neill’s arrival at the Stadium of Light, this would have been viewed as a home banker as well but the Northern Irishman has galvanised the Black Cats (15/2 to win) and this could well throw up the shock result of the day.

O’Neill has guided his new team to five wins in his first seven games in charge and they head to Stamford Bridge full of confidence.

Chelsea (2/5) are in pole position to secure fourth place in the Premier League at the minute but know a slip-up could let Arsenal or Liverpool in and this will be a good barometer of their credentials.

Expect a tight clash and O’Neill to continue his fine start in charge by claiming a point (7/2).

Prediction – Draw.

Liverpool v Stoke

If Chelsea do fail to secure all three points, Liverpool can take advantage by beating Stoke at home (Liverpool 4/9, Stoke 7/1, draw 10/3 – match prices). The Reds have had a difficult few weeks off the field but there was finally some good news this week when skipper Steven Gerrard committed the rest of his career to the club.

A 1-0 first-leg, Carling Cup semi-final win at Man City on Wednesday means they go into this game on a high and should continue their top-four pursuit with another win.

Stoke will make things difficult, though, and have former Liverpool man Peter Crouch in their side, who is worth backing at 5/2 to score anytime against his old club but expect a hard-fought home win in this one.

Prediction – Home win.

Blackburn v Fulham

Another week goes by and still Steve Kean is in charge at Ewood Park despite poor results and seemingly every Rovers fan calling for him to be sacked.

He will face more calls to quit from unhappy home fans this weekend and, against this backdrop, Fulham at 7/5 can go to Lancashire and claim all three points to crank up the pressure on the Scot even further.

A draw at Liverpool and the fantastic win at Manchester United over Christmas earned Kean some time but successive defeats against Stoke and then Newcastle in the FA Cup last weekend mean those results now seem a distant memory (Blackburn to win 2/1).

Fulham are in good form and followed up a well-earned point at Chelsea over the festive period with a late win at home to Arsenal before easily seeing off Charlton 4-0 in the Cup last time out.

Prediction – Away win.

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