Aston Villa v West Ham

It's not been a great few weeks for Villa but they will be looking to put the pressure on Everton in the run-in to the season.

Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke have done a fantastic job with West Ham but they are down to the bare bones.

Verdict: 2-0

Arsenal v Chelsea (1715 BST)

Two months ago neither of these sides was sure the season was going to offer any silverware. Now, though, they are both in place to challenge on a number of fronts, which is a testimony to the strength of their respective squads.

Unusually of late Chelsea have been conceding goals, whilst Arsenal have defensive concerns of their own.

Drogba, with the bit between his teeth, and Lampard could be too much for Toure and Silvestre.

Verdict: 1-2

SATURDAY

Liverpool v Blackburn (1245 BST)

This is the last home game for Liverpool before the Hillsborough memorial on Wednesday and, given their desire to shake off their Champions League defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday as well, I'm sure there will be a very special atmosphere at Anfield for this one.

It's Blackburn, it's Sam Allardyce, Rovers will be physical and they will be strong, but after getting out of jail against Tottenham last week, I can't see them getting anything here.

A bounce-back win for Liverpool, for me.

Verdict: 2-0
Match preview

SATURDAY

Blackburn v Tottenham (1245 BST)

Harry Redknapp's got Spurs on a roll and Ledley King looks like he'll be playing after his little chat with England boss Fabio Capello during the week.

Harry's also got his creative players back and there's competition for places, but Blackburn are just doing enough and are full of scrappers and battlers - and Spurs don't tend to do well in the north-west.

Verdict: 1-1

Portsmouth v Everton (1245 GMT)

Pompey should have won against Middlesbrough last weekend and conceding a late goal will not have helped their cause one bit.

But as good as Everton have been under David Moyes this season, Fratton Park is still a difficult place to go despite the poor results they've had there.

I think this one will end goalless.

Verdict: 0-0

Man Utd v Liverpool (1245 GMT)

Both teams had excellent results in Europe this week but this is all about the race for the Premier League and, as far as that is concerned, even if Manchester United lose on Saturday they are still massive favourites for the title.

I fancy this for a draw. While Rafael Benitez surprised a lot of people in midweek with the way his side set out to get at Real Madrid from the start, there's no way you will see them do the same at Old Trafford - that's not in his psyche at all.

He will go and try not to concede, frustrate United, and then nick a winner - but I'm going to go for a goalless draw, which United won't be overly dismayed about at all.

Verdict: 0-0

SUNDAY

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND

Arsenal v Burnley (1330 GMT)

Burnley's record in the Cup has been fantastic this season. Not just their record, but the way they have played has been outstanding. They are a proper, hardworking football team.

The problem is that is has been an awfully long season for them. Also, Arsenal could be about to welcome back four or five players - and that will significantly boost their forward power.

Verdict: 2-0

Man City v Aston Villa

Manchester City are still a bit Jekyll and Hyde at home and away - great at Eastlands, but they just can't get it right on their travels.

Villa, meanwhile, are starting to hiccup a bit. To concede those two late goals against Stoke on Sunday will have driven the management mad and they can't afford to do that too often.

This is a match between two classic counter-attacking teams, really, so it might just be a case of who blinks first.

Verdict: 1-1

Everton v Aston Villa (1430 GMT)
If it's anything like the Premier League game in December this will be a Cup classic. That was a game Everton didn't deserve to lose and Villa didn't deserve to win.

Villa are a counter-attacking team and they'll be up against a Toffees side who have improved at home.

Verdict:1-1

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURE

Portsmouth v Man City (1500 GMT)
Following Harry Redknapp was a very difficult job for Tony Adams at Fratton Park and having to sell their best players - but they were unlucky against Liverpool last weekend.

Man City don't have much of a physical presence up front and have to play on the counter-attack, so Pompey have a chance here.

Verdict: 1-1