1st / 2nd February : Premier League (Part 1)

Derby vs Sunderland - Pride Park, 15.00.

Derby's objective right now is to accumulate enough points to avoid the embarassment of finishing with a record low, and one has to say that fixtures against their relegation rivals will represent their best chance. Sunderland are yet to win away from home this season and will look at this game as a chance to hit back after a disappointing result at Portsmouth last week. Derby are likely to be without Savage, Mills, McEveley, Davis and Mears, and for Sunderland Richardson, Miller and Higginbotham are all rated as doubtful.

Sunderland will want to come away from Pride Park with a win, and expect them to do just that.

Prediction - 0-2.


Middlesbrough vs Reading - Riverside, 15.00.

Boro have shown signs of a wobble in recent weeks but will be looking to confirm a mid-table finish, though the top half looks out of their reach right now. After a narrow defeat at Anfield, they are likely to go into the match against Reading in confident mood. Reading by contrast are in an awful run of form, and have lost eight games in a row, falling into the relegation zone in the process. Boro will be without Aliadiere due to suspension, and so will rely on the exploits of top scorers Tuncay and Downing to fire them to victory. Reading have no new injury concerns for this game.

Expect a welcome three points for the home team.

Prediction - 3-1.


Birmingham vs Tottenham - St Andrews, 15.00.

Despite a priceless point against Arsenal in their previous match, Birmingham are still in the relegation dogfight and are looking to rise from 17th place. McFadden is looking to be a good addition, with his unpredictable style causing problems and scoring goals. After a controversial week, they will be looking to push on and can take heart from a win at White Hart Lane earlier this season. Tottenham will be buoyant following their Carling Cup success against Chelsea, and will no doubt be full of confidence. The fans and the squad have been lifted by the team finally winning a trophy, and so they will expect to win here. Spurs will hope to be injury free though fatigue from the Cup exploits will play a part, and Ramos will no doubt rotate his squad. Birmingham have Taylor suspended after his horrific tackle on Eduardo.

Expect a narrow Tottenham win.

Prediction - 1-2.


Arsenal vs Aston Villa - Emirates Stadium, 15.00.

After a traumatic week the Gunners will be looking to bounce back and maintain their lead over their challengers, which has now decreased to three points. The shock and despair of Eduardo's horrific injury was evident against Birmingham, where they dropped two vital points after a late Clichy error. However, there is no doubt a will to put things right within the squad and a feeling that they must 'do it for Eduardo'. Villa are mounting an impressive push for a Champions League place, and the battle with Liverpool and Everton should go right down to the wire. Despite O'Neill playing down their chances of qualifying for Europe's elite competition, they are certainly in contention. Arsenal will wait on the fitness of Rosicky, though the match comes too soon for Van Persie, Diaby and Toure, so expect Bendtner to step in for Eduardo. Villa have no new injury worries.

Expect a narrow home win to get Arsenal back on track.

Prediction - 2-1.


Newcastle vs Blackburn - St James' Park, 15.00.

Newcastle are a club in trouble. Yet to win a game since local hero Keegan took over, they look to have been dragged into a relegation battle, deemed unlikely at the beginning of the season with the personnel they have. After a thrashing by Man Utd, the home fans will no doubt be getting restless and don't be surprised to hear a chorus of 'boooooooooooo' if three points are not registered. Blackburn are looking to provide an outside challenge for a UEFA Cup place, and possess in-form attackers such as Bentley and McCarthy. Following victory against Bolton, they will be confident. Newcastle have Carr, Emre and Martins out injured, while only Ooijer is out with an injury for the away side.

Expect a draw to further increase the pressure on Keegan.

Prediction - 1-1.