Weekend previews

A look at the weekend matches in the English Premiership

Bolton v Chelsea

Only Manchester United have found a way to beat André Villas-Boas’ team this season, with the likes of Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge adding an exuberance that has been lacking at Stamford Bridge in recent times. This spells danger for Bolton, who have lost five in a row.

Odds Bolton 5-1 Chelsea 8-15 Draw 3-1

Blackburn v Manchester C

A bizarre week for Manchester City but for a side that has not kept a clean sheet in 11 matches, it is the absences in defence that will worry Blackburn’s manager, Steve Kean. Martin Olsson is suspended, while Scott Dann, Gael Givet and Michel Salgado were all injured in the 3-1 defeat at Newcastle.

Odds Blackburn 5-1 Man City 4-7 Draw 11-4

Wolves v Newcastle

Three consecutive league defeats means Wolves’ impressive start to the season has quickly been forgotten, and Mick McCarthy will find it hard to arrest the slide against in-form Newcastle. Alan Pardew’s sides are unbeaten in nine top-flight matches, and their defence has the best record in the Premier League.

Odds Wolves 29-20 Newcastle 37-20 Draw 11-5

Sunderland v WBA

With Sunderland having barred Titus Bramble from the club, Michael Turner, fit after serious knee trouble, returns to central defence where he must help contain Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long. Should Sunderland stumble, Steve Bruce’s managerial future on Wearside looks in trouble.

Odds Sunderland 6-5 WBA 9-4 Draw 9-4

Aston V v Wigan

Aston Villa are undefeated in the Premier League, but having drawn five of their six games the home supporters still doubt Alex McLeishs credentials. He is up against Roberto Martínez, who turned down the chance to take over at Villa Park for what is proving to be another season of struggle at Wigan.

Odds Aston Villa 4-7 Wigan 5-1 Draw 11-4

Everton v Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish is back at Goodison as Liverpool manager for the first time since the 4-4 FA Cup replay that precipitated his resignation in 1991. Everton hope Tim Cahill overcomes injury and a goal-scoring drought against rivals who have won eight of their last 11 Premier League visits.

Odds Everton 37-20 Liverpool 29-20 Draw 11-5

Tottenham v Arsenal

A win for Tottenham at White Hart Lane and Harry Redknapp’s side would lead Arsenal by five points, with a game in hand. The visitors did not impress in their Champions League win over Olympiakos but three wins in a row for Arsène Wenger’s team must have come as a relief, even if those matches were at the Emirates, with Shrewsbury among the victories. Odds

Tottenham 11-10 Arsenal 23-10 Draw 12-5

Swansea v Stoke C

Stoke’s Matthew Etherington will have a late test on a leg injury. Swansea have won just once in their seven league and cup matches and seem ill-equipped to counter their opponents’ power game. The hosts influential midfielder Leon Britton is a doubt with a back problem.

Odds Swansea 8-5 Stoke 33-20 Draw 11-5

Fulham v QPR

Fulham have not exactly made a stellar start to life under Martin Jol, failing to win any of their first six league games, but the 2-0 win at Odense in the Europa League suggests they are going in the right direction. The same can be said of QPR, who are unbeaten since Tony Fernandes took over the club.

Odds Fulham 19-20 QPR 3-1 Draw 23-10

Manchester U v Norwich

Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling are still out for United but it is unlikely Norwich have enough mobility in the forward areas to overly worry them. Besides, they will likely spend most of the time protecting their own goal, especially if, as expected, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernández return.

Odds Man Utd 1-6 Norwich 14-1 Draw 9-4