EPL Preview - Can Arsenal stop Chelsea's run?

Another week of Premier League action spells another week of exciting football all over England. Aston Villa will look to shock a heart-broken Man United outfit, while Arsenal will look to upset Chelsea.

With Manchester United’s early unexpected exit from the Champion’s League, Villa will look to exploit any weakness. This will prove to be a difficult task for Villa as the Red Devils will be gunning for a win to keep knocking on the door of ladder-leaders Chelsea.

The Devils can’t afford to lose this one. Tip: Manchester United 2 Aston Villa 0.

Everton will go head-to-head with the fourth placed Wanderers who will prove to be a difficult task. Everton will welcome back Socceroo Tim Cahill from suspension, while James McFadden and goalkeeper Nigel Martyn both look likely to miss out for Everton with injuries.

A tough physical battle could go either way, and with Everton having beaten Bolton last time they met, they have a good chance at a league double on their home turf. Tip: Everton 1 Bolton 0.

In a real boost for Fulham, Cottagers captain Luis Boa Morte and Senegal International Papa Bouba Diop both return from suspension, while for the Rovers defender Andy Todd returns from suspension.

Last week for the second time in three games the Rovers came from behind to secure victory, using their fitness to their full advantage. This type of spirit and perseverance is what will bring them victory against the Cottagers. Tip: Fulham 1 Blackburn 2.

With Harry Redknapp’s return to Portsmouth, Pompey will be desperate for a win in an attempt to avoid relegation. Uruguay striker Dario Silva will return to the squad for Pompey while Salif Diao is still out with a dodgy hamstring. Albion defender Steve Watson looks likely to miss through injury in what will be a big blow to the side.

Although Portsmouth will be looking to avoid relegation, Albion will be looking to record their fifth straight victory in the Premiership, which should prove a do-able task. Tip: Portsmouth 1 West Bromwich Albion 2.

With Newcastle captain Alan Shearer putting on an inspirational performance last week in their 1-0 win over Arsenal, the Magpies will go into this game with their heads held high. Steven Taylor, Stephen Carr, Kieron Dyer, Charles N’Zogbia and Craig Moore all remain sidelined, giving 20-year old full-back Kris Gate a call-up into the squad.

West Ham have no new injury worries, although they will still be missing Danny Gabbidon (knee) and Terry Sheringham (calf) through injury.

West Ham’s young defensive partnership in Ferdinand and Collins will not be able to withstand the challenge of matching up on the classy Michael Owen and the inspirational Shearer. Tip: West Ham United 1 Newcastle United 2.

Charlton will hope to have leading goal-scorer Darren Bent back for this week’s match against Wigan, although there are still clouds of uncertainty hanging over the star striker.

With Wigan on a run of five-straight premiership defeats, they will be no match for the Addicks, who have arrested their own six-match losing streak with victory over Sunderland last week. Tip: Wigan Athletic 0 Charlton Athletic 2.

Man City will be without key-players Richard Dunne and Andy Cole as a result of suspension. Man City boss Stuart Pearce will have trouble deciding the starting team with the squad having thinned out due to suspension and injury.

Birmingham striker Mikael Forssell will return for the clash after a month on the sidelines. Central defender Martin Taylor is also pushing for a spot in the team, having recovered from a twisted ankle.

Man City should prove to be too classy for Birmingham, and will arrest a slump that hasn’t seen them win a match at home since October. Tip: Manchester City 2 Birmingham City 0.

Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng has backed his team’s spirit, drive and resilience to aid them in defeating the Spurs. With Tottenham sitting in fourth place and in red-hot form it shouldn’t be much a problem dealing with Middlesbrough. Tip: Middlesbrough 0 Tottenham Hotspur 3.

Ladder-leaders Chelsea are in imperious form and should dispose of Arsenal. Although Arsenal will put up a fight on their own turf, Chelsea should get over the line in a tough encounter. Tip: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 2.

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