EPL quick picks. Due to time constraints, FULL round analysis will not be available. Arsenal v Bolton
Summary: A stuttering Gunners side take on the faultering Bolton Wanderers in what promises to be an interesting affair between boys and men. Despite Arsenal's well documented drop in form compared to their brilliant past, they are undefeated in 6 Premier League outings and still a slight chance at making a run for the title. This latest streak has culminated in impressive results against Chelsea (2-1 win) and Liverpool (1-1 draw). Following an incredible run of 3 away wins on the trot, Bolton have won 1 of their last 5 Premier League outings - losing the rest. The away team have been besieged by injuries and will remain without key figures Steinsson, Cahill (indefinite), and Nolan. In turn, Arsenal miss defenders Gallas and Silvestre but recall the services of Toure, Clichy, Denilson and Song. Fabregas remains out.
Verdict: Bolton will find it difficult to cover for the absentees in the spine of the defence, so we can expect Van Persie and/or Adebayor to get on the scoresheet if they are on their game. Arsenal still lack natural width in the absence of Walcott but Bolton's key injuries are too hard to ignore.
Pick: Arsenal -1
Arsenal 1 - 0 Bolton
Newcastle United v West Ham
Summary: This fixtures pits two teams in contrasting form, with Newcastle's form graph taking a slight dip and West Ham's a slight upward curve. Following a run of 6 outings without defeat, Newcastle drew away to Wigan and were embarassed 5-1 at home to league leaders Liverpool. A dissapointing scoreless draw at Hull in the FA Cup means that a Newcastle side beset with injuries will need to play the return leg next Wednesday evening. In total contrast, West Ham are on a run of 3 wins in a row including a comfortable 3-0 win in the FA Cup over Championship side Barnsley. As hinted earlier, Newcaslte have a host of injuries to contend with as no less than 8 players are unavailable for this encounter. This list includes key figures in Martins, Viduka, Butt, Barton, and the ever present Beye. West Ham retain the services of long term absentee Kieron Dyer, and Scott Parker from suspension.
Verdict: Newcastle's bubble seemed to have burst a fortnight ago when they were swept aside in a 5-1 defeat which could of been much, much worse if it wasn't for the heroics of keeper Shay Given. West Ham is no Liverpool but they are an improving side under the guidance of rookie manager, Gianfranco Zola. Newcastle are depleted in all areas of their team but the key battle for mine is in the middle of midfield. Newcastle will miss the fighting qualities of Butt and possibly Guthrie which will hand the initiative to the energetic Parker and combatitive likes of Mullins and Noble.
Pick: West Ham +0.25
Newcastle 2 - 2 West Ham
Everton v Hull City
Summary: Consistant Everton take on early high flyers Hull City in what promises to be a pulsating contest. Everton are a team in fine form despite playing the last month with no recognised strikers. This is no longer the case with Anichebe returning to the fold but strong team ethics and the fine form of midfield duo, Arteta and Fellaini, have ensured that Everton have a realistic opportunity at Europe next season. Following an incredible early season run, Hull City look to be fading, with only a single win in their last 12 competitive fixtures. Everton's high publicised missings in attack remain with Saha, Yakubu, and Vaughan still not within sight of returning. Better news is that midfield cover Segundo Castillo is available again after injury. Hull City may regain the services of Gardner, Dawson and Folan in a squad with very few injury concerns.
Verdict: Everton have kept 5 clean sheets in a row (all competitions) and will fancy themselves against a Hull City team who have conceded 14 goals in their last six outings, the most in the Premier League! Everton's home form has been poor till this stage with only 2 wins but that seems to have strengthened in the last month with positive results against Chelsea (0-0) and Sunderland (3-0 win). Arteta is arguably the most in-form player in the Premier League at the moment and with fellow midfielders Pienaar, Osman, Cahill, and Fellaini in fine fettle, Everton just have too many guns for a stuttering Hull City side.
Pick: Everton
Everton 2 - 0 Hull City
Wigan Athletic v Tottenham
Summary: One of the form team's in the Premier League, in Wigan, do battle against one of the biggest dissapointments of the season, in Tottenham. Wigan have won 4 of their last 6 EPL contests and will be eager to exact revenge on today's opponents after their 3-1 defeat in the FA Cup last week. Tottenham can look at this game with some optimism after their cup exploits, recording back to back victories in the FA Cup and Carling Cup. Left-back Assou Ekotto is out through suspension while Defoe makes his debut after his transfer from Portsmouth. Wigan have a fully fit squad to choose from apart from long term absentee in Sibierski.
Verdict: Tottenham's star players in Pavlyuchenko and Modric are beginning to shine with some bright performances in recent weeks. Add to this the freshness that Jermaine Defoe will bring to the side and Spurs can look at this fixture as a great opportunity to jump seven places up the table.
Pick: Tottenham +0.25
Wigan 1 - 0 Tottenham
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