The weekend's matches in the English Premiership previewed

Manchester C v Manchester U

You may have heard there is a game on Monday night – by all accounts, this is the most significant Manchester derby that has ever been staged. Roberto Mancinis team have dropped only two points at home all season while United have the best away record in the division. Something has to give.

WBA v Aston Villa

Tuesday night’s home defeat against Bolton means Aston Villa go into this derby only three points clear of the relegation zone and with Alex McLeish’s position looking untenable. The Villa manager, who faced vitriolic abuse at the end of the Bolton game, will at least be able to call on some senior players at The Hawthorns, with Gabriel Agbonlahor, Richard Dunne and James Collins all set to start.

Chelsea v QPR

The pre-match handshake may no longer be an issue, but John Terry will still draw the focus as Chelsea return to domestic duties. Victory will be imperative if a top-four spot is to be achieved, but tweaked hamstrings and general fatigue may influence Roberto Di Matteos selection. QPR have not won in the league at Stamford Bridge since 1983.

Everton v Fulham

Everton’s display at Old Trafford last week showed the side has not downed tools following their FA Cup defeat to Liverpool and, indeed, the prospect of finishing above their rivals is sure to keep them motivated. They will fancy their chances of defeating Fulham, given the London club has not even gained a point at Goodison Park since 1959.

Swansea v Wolves 

Terry Connor’s tenure has realised just two points from 10 games and the irony would be considerable if he finally gets a first win now his side have been relegated. Swansea, with only one victory in their last six, have been in holiday mode for some time, but keeping hold of the coveted Brendan Rodgers this summer is now their main concern.

Sunderland v Bolton

While Sunderland fans contend with fears that the FA may yet choose Martin O’Neill as the next England manager, relegation avoidance continues to dominate Bolton’s agenda. Sunderland, who may offer David Meyler a rare start in midfield, are anxious to end a run of four games without a goal.

Wigan v Newcastle

Roberto Martínez warned his players that the job was not done after the wins over Man United and Arsenal seemed to ease their relegation fears and defeat at Fulham, coupled with their rivals picking up points, has proved him right. Martínez may have to do without Franco Di Santo but Hugo Rodallega could return. A win for Newcastle will keep them in fourth ahead of a pivotal midweek trip to Chelsea.

Tottenham v Blackburn

In theory, Tottenham’s prospects are in reasonable shape since they are just three points away from fourth place. The trouble, of course, is the decline in their form since the start of speculation linking Harry Redknapp with the England job. If there is any comfort, it lies in that fact the remaining fixtures see them face Blackburn, Bolton, Villa and Fulham.

Stoke v Arsenal

Chelsea’s progression to the Champions League final has increased the prospect of fourth place not being enough to earn a spot in Europe’s elite competition next year, making third critical. Arsenal have failed to win either of their last two games and with Newcastle, Tottenham.

Norwich v Liverpool

Victory for the hosts would draw Norwich level with Liverpool, which speaks volumes for how much each of these clubs has confounded expectations. Grant Holt has scored more league goals than Luis Suárez and Andy Carroll combined and will be confident of adding to his haul against a side who have conceded in all but one of their last 11 games.