Manchester City remain three points clear at the top, while Tottenham felt the pressure of maintaining the tempo set by the leaders with a home draw. Chelsea put light between them and Arsenal, and signed Bolton defender Gary Cahill, while Liverpool continue to hiccup at home. Despite falling to ten men, Blackburn managed to win and escape the drop zone, while QPR could not give new manager Mark Hughes his first victory in charge. Sunday provides the best entertainment for the round - Manchester City host Tottenham, while Arsenal look to avenge for their 8-2 defeat earlier this season against Manchester United.
Norwich v Chelsea
Norwich and Chelsea are both coming off two consecutive wins and a total of 9 points from their last six league fixtures.
The Canaries left it late last week, but Steve Morison's 8th goal of the campaign nudged the side into the top half of the table.
Boasting a hat trick of successive wins in all competitions, the Premier League's new boys have demonstrated further intent as they have agreed to a fee for Leeds United midfielder and captain, Jonny Howson, however his move still depends on a medical. This comes after manager Paul Lambert expressed his concern at the club's challenge to attract players due to wage demands. Defender Ritchie de Laet has returned to Manchester United after a battle with injury, which eventually saw his contract cancelled.
The Blues have steadied and will be content to see Arsenal fall off their backs, while Tottenham become within striking distance ahead. Frank Lampard continues to prove his worth with yet another goal, which sees him join Daniel Sturridge on 9 goals at the top of the club's scoring charts. Joshua McEachran sealed a loan move to Swansea this week, while Patrick Van Aanholdt did likewise with Vitesse Arnhem in the Dutch Eredivisie. Carlo Ancelotti has created unwanted tension around Stamford Bridge - the former manager suggesting he has been offered Fernando Torres at PSG, after the Spaniard produced one of his best displays for the club at the weekend. But the signing of Bolton defender Gary Cahill will be most welcomed at Stamford Bridge - the defender re-uniting with international John Terry to provide stability at the back for a vulnerable Blues defence.
Chelsea battled hard for their 3-1 victory in the corresponding fixture at Stamford Bridge this season, Lampard and Juan Mata killing the game off after Norwich 'keeper John Ruddy was dismissed.
Prediction: Norwich 1-1 Chelsea
Everton v Blackburn
Everton have recorded just one win in their last 5, while Blackburn climbed out of the drop zone with their second win in 3 games.
The Toffees were delighted to secure the services of Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson midweek, who immediately took his place in the starting line up in the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa. Victor Anichebe was the saviour with the equaliser, and may have given manager David Moyes a resolution up front. Landon Donovan continues to be the side's best performer in the handful of games he has played since his arrival on loan.
A character building 3-1 victory at home against Fulham made all the more remarkable for Steve Kean's men after key forward Yakubu was sent off after 22 minutes. Despite going down to ten men, manager Kean persisted with a front man by introducing David Goodwillie, which proved to be a match-winning move. And the Nigerian may find a little more competition for the No.9 spot upon his return from suspension - the Rovers are on the verge of signing Bordeaux striker Anthony Modeste. Speculation around Christopher Samba's departure continues to circle - Kean making it clear that QPR is the only club to have expressed interest in the defender.
Penalty conversions were the difference in the first fixture between the two sides at Ewood Park this season - Mikel Arteta signing off from Everton with a 90th minute conversion, after two spot misses from the Rovers for a 1-0 victory.
Prediction: Everton 2-0 Blackburn
Fulham v Newcastle
Fulham further demonstrated their inconsistencies with a loss at Blackburn, while Newcastle made it 3 wins from the last four with a victory over QPR.
The Cottagers travelled to Ewood Park full of confidence after dismantling Arsenal at home, but a no show from key players found them wanting against a 10-man Rovers. In better news, the club have signed promising teenager Jack Grimmer from Aberdeen, while veteran 'keeper Mark Schwarzer has signed a deal which will see him in west London until the summer of 2013. Strikr Moussa Dembele limped off injured last week, and looks set to remain on the sidelines for this clash.
No Demba Ba, no worries - the Toon were anticipating a gaping hole to be left in their front third with the departure of their Senegalese striker to the African Cup of Nations, but Leon Best filled the role with aplomb by scoring the winner against the Rangers last week. However, Best will have to be at his very best to deny new signing Papiss Demba Cisse from Bundesliga club Freiburg a starting berth - the Senegalese goal machine arriving to Tyneside on a five-and-a-half year deal worth in the region of £10 million. Midfielder Yohan Cabaye could miss this clash after being stretchered off last week.
Best was the difference in the last meeting between the two - the forward scoring twice to give the Magpies a 2-1 home victory.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Newcastle
Sunderland v Swansea
Sunderland have lost just once from their last 5, while Swansea extended their undefeated run to four games.
The Black Cats have revelled under Martin O'Neill, and could have extended the new manager's undefeated run had the end product been executed with more precision at Stamford Bridge. The versatile Craig Gardner has been an integral part of Sunderland's change in fortunes, his recent form dismissing any suggestions of home sickness, which saw him start slowly upon his arrival from Birmingham. Defender Michael Turner made his first appearance since November as a substitute after returning from injury.
The Swans were the toast of the town after defeating Arsenal 3-2 with a scintillating display. Wingers Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer were superb, and Danny Graham improved on his scoring record by netting the winner and his 7th of the season. However, the Wales side boast a dismal away record, only having won once this season, which is a complete contrast to their consistent performances at home.
The corresponding fixture at Liberty Stadium earlier this season saw a 0-0 draw, despite the Swans dominating periods of the game.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Swansea
Wolves v Aston Villa
Wolves have not registered a win in their last seven, while Aston Villa have only managed 5 points from a possible 18.
Mick McCarthy's men faced a further setback midweek as Birmingham knocked them out in the FA Cup third round replay. The manager will be happy to have fixtures against Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham behind him, but a measly 4 points from six games has the Wolves on the cusp of relegation - only one point separating them from the drop zone.
The Villains doubled the amount of shots to that of opponents Everton last week, but could only manage a draw. Darren Bent returned to form with a goal to take his tally to 7 for the season, while Stephen Ireland was preferred ahead of Charles N'Zogbia and Barry Bannan. Robbie Keane made his first appearance off the substitutes bench after he secured a loan move from LA Galaxy.
A goalless draw was the end result earlier in the season, however Villa took the chocolates in the corresponding fixture at Molineux last year by 2 goals to 1.
Prediction: Wolves 2-2 Aston Villa
QPR v Wigan
Both sides are winless from their last 6 - QPR, now with new manager Mark Hughes, enter the dreaded relegation zone at the dispense of Blackburn.
The Rangers travelled to Tyneside in their first fixture under 'Sparky' - the former Manchester City, Fulham and Rovers manager unable to conjure a result in his first game in charge. Chairman Tony Fernandes has given the license to spend - Christopher Samba, Alex, Nedum Onuoha and most recently Taye Taiwo from AC Milan, all names circulating around the west London club. A fortuitous victory over MK Dons in the FA Cup may provide the much-needed momentum swing heading into the back end of the season.
The Latics went down fighting against league leaders Manchester City on Monday night. Hugo Rodallega was preferred ahead of Franco Di Santo up front, which signals manager Roberto Martinez's intent to keep the striker until season's end, despite the possibility of letting him go on a free transfer.
However it was Di Santo's brace that proved the difference earlier in the season - Wigan going on to win 2-0 at the DW Stadium.
Prediction: QPR 0-0 Wigan
Stoke v West Brom
Stoke are undefeated in their last four, while West Brom look to put an end to three-straight defeats.
The Potters were the seventh side to come away from Anfield with a point last week, which keeps them within five points of the Reds on the league table. Manager Tony Pulis has dismissed any speculation about VVV Venlo's Michael Uchebo joining the club after an unsuccessful trial period, which could well be the end of any further movement at the Britannia Stadium this January.
The Baggies continued their horrid home record with a 2-1 defeat to Norwich to remain winless in 2012. To add further insult, Birmingham rejected an offer for Liam Ridgewell during the week, but manager Roy Hodgson has not ruled out a second bid for the experienced defender. Hodgson also announced that prized forward Peter Odemwingie will not be for sale this January, despite interest from other Premier League clubs.
Stoke took home all three points from the corresponding fixture this season at the DW Stadium courtesy of a late Ryan Shotton strike.
Prediction: Stoke 2-1 West Brom
Bolton v Liverpool
Bolton have managed 7 points from their last six games, while Liverpool are just two points better off in the same period.
The Trotters had the unenviable task of travelling to Old Trafford last week, which resulted in a 3-0 defeat. However, success in the replay against Macclesfield midweek earned them a fourth round FA Cup clash with Swansea at the Reebok Stadium in just over a week's time. Kevin Davies was on target for the first time in over two months, while Adam Bogdan continued to occupy the goal in Jussi Jaaskelainen's absence. Owen Coyle has taken Philadelphia Union striker Sebastian Le Toux on trial, but the biggest news of the week came when Gary Cahill finally sealed his inevitable £7 million move to Chelsea.
The Reds slumped to their seventh home draw of the season against Stoke City, as the alarm bells continued to ring for manager Kenny Dalglish. Dirk Kuyt's missed header in the dying minutes re-emphasises Liverpool's need for a player with killer instinct in the absence of Luis Suarez. Steven Gerrard continues to provide drive from the midfield since his return, but the lack of support from fellow midfielders leaves a legend again bearing the weight of the club on his shoulders in the twilight of his career.
Anfield played host to a convincing 3-1 Liverpool victory in the earlier game this season, however with only one win in their last five, the Merseysiders boast a run of form not too dissimilar to that of their opponent.
Prediction: Bolton 0-1 Liverpool
Manchester City v Tottenham
Manchester City remained top of the league with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wigan, while Tottenham lost ground with a slip up at home to Wolves.
The Citizens have had to make do without the services of key players, which has tested their ever-talented depth. Steven Savic, although vulnerable at times, has stepped up to fill the void left by Vincent Kompany, while Nigel de Jong anchors the midfield in place of Yaya Toure, who is on international duty at the African Cup of Nations. David Silva returned to the starting line up and was busy as ever with his clever passing and movement, which included the final ball for Edin Dzeko's winner. Samir Nasri was lively before being substituted, and Sergio Aguero was prominent . However, a 1-0 loss to Liverpool at home leaves their Carling Cup chances in the balance.
The Spurs failed to capitalise on their chances against Wolves to lose ground and fall two points behind second-placed Manchester United. Gareth Bale was reasonably quiet, despite providing the assist for Luka Modric's equaliser. A total of 28 shots on goal last week is indicative of the brutality Harry Redknapp's men enforce on their opposition, but the execution up forward remains to be desired. Jermaine Defoe has been subject to a move away from north London, but the striker has re-affirmed his desire to remain at the club.
City's 5-1 demoralisation of Tottenham in the corresponding fixture at White Hart Lane this season is irrelevant to this contest, which should provide for the best entertainment of the round.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-3 Tottenham
Arsenal v Manchester United
A full match preview of Arsenal v Manchester United is coming soon.
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