The third round of the FA Cup, followed by a catch up fixture midweek has re-shaped the race to the finish line in May, as Tottenham are now level with Manchester United, and just three points adrift of leaders Manchester City, who were knocked out of yet another competition by their cross-town rivals. The Premier League welcomes back Mark Hughes to the managerial post, adding QPR to a CV which boasts stints at Manchester City, Fulham and Blackburn. But the round kicks off at the Hawthorns with a crunch-clash between West Brom and Norwich.
Saturday January 14
West Brom v Norwich
West Brom have suffered two successive 1-0 losses at the hands of Everton and Tottenham, while Norwich have only been defeated once in their last 6.
The Baggies have recently announced the signing of Scotland Under-21 midfielder Scott Allan from Dundee United. But the bad news comes through key midfielder Chris Brunt, who looks to be sidelined for an extended period after scans revealed a broken ankle suffered on New Year's Day against Everton. Shane Long has missed the last two matches, which has enabled striker Simon Cox to revel up front - his latest performance signed off with a hat trick in the 4-2 FA Cup triumph over Cardiff City to give manager Roy Hodgson a selection headache ahead of Saturday.
The Canaries sit comfortably in mid table at the turn of the year with a successful festive period. Oli Johnson has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent, the striker made 23 appearances since his arrival in January 2010. Paul Lambert's men marched on into the 4th round of the FA Cup after defeating Burnley - Grant Holt and Steve Morison continuing their good run of form in front of goal.
The Hawthorns hosted a dour 0-0 draw the last time these two met in the Premier League back in 2004.
Prediction: West Brom 1-1 Norwich
Tottenham v Wolves
Tottenham have drawn level with second-placed Manchester United, while Wolverhampton had a streak of three draws broken by Chelsea last outing.
The Spurs' dream run continues - a victory on Saturday will see the north Londoners on equal points with league leaders Manchester City for two days at least. Ironically, Harry Redknapp's men ran 'riot' in the catch up fixture against Everton - Aaron Lennon returned to form with a goal, and Benoit Asou-Ekotto's strike worthy of a goal of the year contender. Gary Cahill still remains as a transfer target, however the prized defender finds himself in the middle of a bidding war between Spurs and Chelsea.
The Wolves sit on 17 points, just 3 points away from last-placed Blackburn. Mick McCarthy has issued his concern at potentially losing key striker Steven Fletcher, but the manager did confirm the landing of Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong on a loan deal. A 0-0 draw to Birmingham in the FA Cup has earned the Wolves a dreaded replay.
The corresponding fixture in 2010 saw the Spurs come back from 1-0 down to score three times in 13 minutes for a 3-1 victory.
Prediction: Tottenham 3-0 Wolves
Chelsea v Sunderland
A full match preview of Chelsea v Sunderland coming soon
Blackburn v Fulham
After rocking Old Trafford, Blackburn slumped to a 2-1 home defeat to Stoke, as Fulham overcame Arsenal at Craven Cottage to be undefeated in their last three outings.
Despite sitting bottom, the Rovers can see light at the end of the tunnel with just three points separating them from safety. However Steve Kean's men have been stung by the news of Christopher Samba's desire to leave - the defender believing it is time for 'change'. Junior Hoilett has been approached by Newcastle, the side which ensured the Rovers' FA Cup exit at the weekend. Blackburn's efforts to land Andy Johnson failed with a bid deemed inferior by the Cottagers, however, in better news, Scott Dann is nearing a return from a testicular injury.
Martin Jol's side followed up a win against the Gunners with a 4-0 battering of Charlton in the FA Cup third round. Clint Dempsey continued his career best form with a hat-trick, before Damien Duff added the icing. Speculation of an offer made for Catania's Maxi Lopez were made public by the Italian club's sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco.
The last meeting in Lancashire saw Dempsey cancel out Samba's strike in a 1-1 draw.
Prediction: Blackburn 1-2 Fulham
Aston Villa v Everton
Aston Villa were defeated 2-0 at home to Swansea, after defeating Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, while Everton's four-game unbeaten run came to a screaming halt with two-successive defeats.
The inconsistencies shown by the Villains sees them deservedly sit mid table, however an attractive brand of football in recent times could prove the needed boost for a change in fortune. Darren Bent featured in the 3-1 FA Cup victory over Bristol, but the striker still remains subject to transfer speculation, which is set to increase with the signing of LA Galaxy star Robbie Keane on a short term loan.
The Toffees have been one of the biggest disappointments of the year - a loss to Bolton at home summing up their first half of the season. Landon Donovan has made an impact on return, however not even the American could find the target in a total of 13 attempts by David Moyes' men at White Hart Lane. Manchester United's Darron Gibson has been targeted by the Merseysiders in a reported £2million move. FA Cup triumph against non-league side Tamworth will prove no momentum swing for the Evertonians heading into this clash.
An early goal from Luke Young proved to be the difference the last time these two met at Villa Park.
Predictions: Aston Villa 1-1 Everton
Manchester United v Bolton
Manchester United are looking to prevent a third consecutive league defeat, while Bolton have enjoyed wins in their last two away fixtures.
The Red Devils had the chance to leap cross-town Manchester City at the league's summit over the New Year, but a poor defensive showing which has resulted in six goals leaked sees the reigning champions remain in second. Sir Alex Ferguson's men received an extraordinary boost last Sunday - first when Paul Scholes announced his sensational return to the club's playing squad just hours before the FA Cup third round clash with City, before Wayne Rooney inspired his side to a 3-2 victory to knock their noisy neighbours out of the competition. Midfielder Anderson nears full fitness, as does Chris Smalling, while Tom Cleverley looks to start running outdoors next week after suffering his initial injury in the first clash between the two sides earlier in the season.
Trotters manager Owen Coyle will feel positive with safety in sight, but a character building 2-1 victory at Goodison Park was immediately cancelled out by a poor showing in the FA Cup third round against Macclesfield, which is set to be replayed. Defender Gary Cahill looks likely to take his place at Old Trafford despite well documented rumours of a move to London. Strikers Ivan Klasnic and David N'Gog have discovered fine touch in front of goal in recent times, and will look to expose an unsettled United defence.
An 88th minute strike from Dimitar Berbatov proved to be the difference the last time these two met at the Theatre of Dreams.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Bolton
Liverpool v Stoke
Liverpool have won just once in their last four outings, while Stoke's only defeat in the last six has been to league leaders Manchester City.
Reds legend Steven Gerrard has announced a contract extension - the captain also ensuring his side sits in pole position when he struck home a penalty to defeat Manchester City 1-0 in the Carling Cup first leg at Etihad Stadium. Manager Kenny Dalglish has decided to loan out Danny Wilson to Blackpool, before slamming rumours of a potential return by Andy Carroll to Tyneside. Luis Suarez continues to serve his eight-match ban, which will enable Craig Bellamy to use his hustle and bustle against a daunting Stoke defence.
The Potters have been one of the Premier League's form sides of recent times, and now see themselves within striking distance of this week's opponent, fifth-placed Liverpool. Despite falling behind, Tony Pulis' men fought back to secure a fourth-round FA Cup berth with a 3-1 victory over Gillingham. Manager Pulis is not looking to spend big in January, however a bid for VVV Venlo striker Michael Uchebo is not out of the question, while midfielder Glenn Whelan has secured his immediate future with a three-and-a-half year deal at the Britannia.
It was Suarez and now-Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles who provided the Reds with a 2-0 victory in the corresponding fixture at Anfield last season.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-0 Stoke
Sunday January 15
Newcastle v QPR
Newcastle returned to form with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Manchester United, while QPR said goodbye to manager Neil Warnock after succumbing to their fifth defeat in six games.
The Toon recovered from a poor recent run of form by defeating the champions, which extended into the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn. Superstar striker Demba Ba will be dearly missed as he attends international duty at the African Cup of Nations, while speculation continues about a big money transfer for the Senegalese striker. Hatem Ben Arfa was super in his last start - a wonder goal topping off a man of the match performance and a strong claim for a starting berth in this fixture.
Loftus Road has welcomed new manager Mark Hughes, who has pledged his long term existence at the west London club. The unheralded sacking of Warnock has drawn a hostile response from Rangers fans - the ex-Rangers manager not having the chance to look at the January window with the financial backing of club chairman Tony Fernandes. However Hughes will get the chance to formulate movements, with defenders Christopher Samba and Alex high on the club's priority list.
It was Peter Beardsley's brace which saw home the Magpies the last time these two met at St. James' Park in 1996.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 QPR
Swansea v Arsenal
Swansea have lost just once in their last six outings, while Arsenal have recorded just three wins from the same number of fixtures.
The Swans defence has been stingy as of late with just three goals conceded since early December. The club is looking to tie up a loan deal for promising Chelsea midfielder Josh McEachran, whilst in attack, Danny Graham continues his rich scoring form with a brace in a 4-2 FA Cup win over Barnsley.
The Gunners would have occupied the back page of many newspapers around the world as club legend Thierry Henry returned to the Emirates. Within 12 minutes of his entry against Leeds United, the Frenchman found himself in his favoured left channel before characteristically finessing home to put Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Fellow 'invincible' Robert Pires has been sighted around the Emirates, but a move is highly unlikely to eventuate. Robin van Persie has reaped benefits from Henry's arrival, giving him time to recuperate before attempting to replicate his stunning first half of the season. Defensive midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong will see more first team game time with the completion of a loan move to Wolves.
Sunday's fixture will be the first time the two have met in the Premier League.
Prediction: Swansea 1-2 Arsenal
Monday 16 January
Wigan v Manchester City
Wigan have managed to gain points in four of their last six fixtures, while league leaders Manchester City have managed just 7 points from a possible 12.
Latics manager Roberto Martinez has tightened the screws on his defence, while using a rotation policy in the final third which has seen Hugo Rodallega, Franco Di Santo and Mohamed Diame all spend time as a lone striker. However the biggest surprise of the FA Cup third round came when Martinez's men suffered a 3-1 defeat to Paolo Di Canio's Swindon.
The wheels on the City train are starting to rattle, as Roberto Mancini's men were knocked out of the FA Cup by rivals Manchester United, before surrendering home advantage in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool. Amidst his side's sub-par performances, Mancini has to deal with the loss of his captain Vincent Kompany to a four-week ban, while Toure's Yaya and Kolo are away at the African Cup of Nations. Mario Balotelli only lasted 35 minutes on Wednesday, while David Silva battles an ankle injury. Carlos Tevez still remains without a home - latest reports suggesting the Citizens have rejected an offer put forward by AC Milan.
But it was the Argentine who proved to be the difference for Blue Moon in a 2-0 victory at the DW Stadium last time round.
Prediction: Wigan 0-2 Manchester City
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