Weekend previews

A look ahead to the weekend's matches in the English Premiership

Chelsea v Arsenal

The hosts have won only one of his six domestic games to date, with the team appearing on edge far too often at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal will at least not arrive intent merely on blanket defence, which should present space in which to play, but the visitors won 5-3 in this arena last term.

Odds Chelsea 4-5 Arsenal 10-3 Draw 13-5

Tottenham v Manchester U

Tottenham will be hoping to claim a rare league double over Manchester United and, have lost only once in their last 13 games in all competitions. However, Spurs have not beaten United on home soil since 2001 and the league leaders have been in imperious form of late although there is a doubt over Nemanja Vidic.

Odds Tottenham 2-1 Man Utd 11-8 Draw 12-5

WBA v Aston Villa

It has been a difficult start to the new year for both of these teams. West Brom have slumped to three straight defeats, including last weeks late, surprise collapse at Reading. while Paul Lamberts side having not won since mid-December. The visitors could at least be boosted by the return of defender Ron Vlaar.

Odds West Brom 8-11 Aston Villa 9-2 Draw 11-4

West Ham v QPR

QPR looked dead and buried after their 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool three weeks ago, but since then they fortunes on the field have revived and they pipped Newcastle United to the signing of Loïc Remy. The France striker is likely to go straight into the starting line-up at Upton Park. Harry Redknapp has an excellent record against his old club, however.

Odds West Ham 11-10 QPR 11-4 Draw 12-5

Swansea v Stoke

Tony Pulis has seen his team pick up just one win from their past seven games. The Potters face a Swansea side who have tasted defeat at home just twice all season and are sure to be fresh given many of the players who were rested for Wednesdays FA Cup loss at Arsenal. Only one point and one place separates these teams.

Odds Swansea 5-4 Stoke 14-5 Draw 12-5

Liverpool v Norwich

Liverpool need to start as they finished at Old Trafford and Brendan Rodgers has a decision to make on Joe Allen and whether the time is right to rest Raheem Sterling. After a 10-game unbeaten run, Norwich have lost four and drawn one of their last five league games and have won away from home only once this season.

Odds Liverpool 1-3 Norwich 8-1 Draw 4-1

Wigan V Sunderland

Roberto Martínezs side sit just one place above Aston Villa in 18th and while buoyed by last weeks 1-1 draw at Fulham, the long-term injury suffered by Ivan Ramis during the same match has made their task of surviving more difficult. Sunderland will be encouraged by last weeks 3-0 home win over West Ham but will be eager to forget their FA Cup third-round exit to Bolton.

Odds Wigan 11-10 Sunderland 5-2 Draw 9-4

Manchester C v Fulham

Last weeks heartening 2-0 win at Arsenal, Manchester Citys first league outing in the absence of Yaya Touré, who is on Africa Cup of Nations duty, showed their resolve. Fulham are 23 points behind the hosts and have won only twice away all season, so this match should end with only one result.

Odds Man City 2-7 Fulham 12-1 Draw 5-1

Southampton v Everton

Southamptons supporters are likely to be in open revolt at the change in the dugout, with Mauricio Pochettino an unknown quantity. Two defeats in 12 league games hardly suggests crisis and Everton, competing for Champions League qualification, will provide a stern test of the new mans credentials.

Odds So’ton 12-5 Everton 11-10 Draw 2-1

Newcastle v Reading

Alan Pardew and Brian McDermott once worked together at Reading where Pardew, then the Berkshire clubs manager, made McDermott his chief scout. Danny Guthrie, formerly of Newcastle, will be anxious to prove a point in visiting colours. Pardew says he loves Brian to bits but such affection could be tested today.

Odds Newcastle 5-6 Reading 7-2 Draw 11-4