Birmingham City v WBAArsenal v Sunderland
Newcastle United v Everton
Fulham v Blackburn
Bolton v Aston Villa
West Ham United v Stoke City
Manchester City v Wigan Athletic
Liverpool v Manchester United
Wolverhampton v Tottenham
Blackpool v Chelsea
Everton v Birmingham City
Saturday, March 5
Arsenal v Sunderland
Verdict: Following the dissapointing 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City in the League Cup Final, Arsenal redeemed themselves somewhat with a 5-0 midweek win over Leyton Orient (FA Cup). Arsene Wenger made wholesale changes in that game so we should see a fresh Gunners side against struggling Sunderland. The Black Cats go into this game with the worst form in the league. The 2-0 defeat at Everton was their fourth defeat on the bounce.
Arsenal may regain the services of midfielder Aaron Ramsey after his return to fitness from a broken leg but Van Persie, Fabregas, Walcott, and Song are definitely out. Sunderland has an even more crippling injury list with Wellbeck, Cattermole, Turner, Onuoha, and Campbell all out for this game. Despite Arsenal having a date with Barcelona on Tuesday, I doubt they will put no less than 100% in this game especially after Manchester United's defeat at Chelsea.
Pick: Arsenal -1ah @1.85 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Arsenal 0 - 0 Sunderland
Bolton v Aston Villa
Verdict: Bolton's dream of playing European football next season is still very much alive as they currently occupy 7th place. Their recent 1-1 draw at Newcastle stretched their unbeaten run to four games and just one defeat in their last 7 (in all competitions). In midweek, Aston Villa manager, Gerard Houllier, let everyone know of his priorities as he made wholesale changes in the 3-0 FA Cup loss at Manchester City.
Aston Villa will welcome the return of Bolton's nemesis, Darren Bent, who was ineligible to play in the midweek FA Cup fixture. Bent has amassed 10 goals against Bolton while Ashley Young has hit the target against the Trotters in 5 consecutive matches. Despite their attacking strengths, the visitors are decimated by injuries at the back with centre-back Richard Dunne joining Cuellar on the sidelines while Collins and Luke Young are doubtful. Aston Villa has kept only one clean sheet in their last 23 encounters while Bolton are not short of their defensive frailties. Spaniard, Marcos Alonso, is set to play only his 3rd game this season, in the absence of Sam Ricketts, while Paul Robinson's lack of pace will be targeted. Both teams to score in this one.
Pick: Over 2.25 goals @1.75 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Bolton 3 - 2 Aston Villa
Fulham v Blackburn
Pick: Fulham -1ah @2.16 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Fulham 3 - 2 Blackburn
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