The weekend preview

With Valentine’s Day coming up, will there be any love loss between teams this weekend?

Saturday’s early kick-off sees Manchester United entertain Liverpool at Old Trafford. There’s no doubt morale in the United camp will be high having turned the Chelsea game on its head last weekend. The Red Devils have been awarded – and scored – four penalties in their last two matches and this fixture is not shy of conceding another one. Liverpool go into the game on the back of a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur, but the introduction of Luis Suarez was definitely a positive. However, I think, like always in this fixture, United will prove too strong at home.

In Lancashire, it’s the relegation threatened clash featuring Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic. Having thrashed Liverpool and drew with Arsenal, Wanderers were on a brilliant run of form before the loss against Norwich City. The departure of Gary Cahill doesn’t look as though it has really affected them and this is without their new American signing Tim Ream. Meanwhile, Wigan are in deep trouble at the bottom of the table. They find themselves five points off safety and have not won a game since early December. This fixture is very important in taking a step closer to knowing who may get relegated this season and although the Reebok is a tricky place to go, Wigan may fancy their chances.

The handful of 3pm fixtures also hosts Sunderland’s home match against Arsenal. The Black Cats are in wonderful form having only lost to Chelsea this year and winning their other matches in all competitions. The midfield and especially Stephane Sessegnon is now scoring wonder yet important goals whilst the defence are playing a big part in their success; keeping four clean sheets in six games this year. This season has yet again proved a rollercoaster ride for Arsenal. They sit sixth in the league and just three points off Champions League qualification, but a very nervy start to the season has cost them the Premier League title. On the other hand, the Gunners also have a star in their hands in the shape of Robin Van Persie, but if Sunderland keep him quiet I think they can get the three points.

Saturday’s other matches include: Blackburn v QPR, Everton v Chelsea, Fulham v Stoke, Swansea v Norwich and Tottenham v Newcastle.

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Sunday’s matches sees Wolves v West Brom and Aston Villa entertain Manchester City.