Up-Coming Premiership games
Saturday 26th February
15.00	Aston Villa	v	Blackburn
15.00	Everton	v	Sunderland
15.00	Newcastle	v	Bolton
15.00	Wigan	v	Man Utd
15.00	Wolves	v	Blackpool
Sunday 27th February
13.30	West Ham	v	Liverpool
15.00	Man City	v	Fulham
Monday 28th February
20.00	Stoke	v	West Brom
Top 4 Top 5 Top 10 Bottom Half Relegation

Mark Hughes returns to Eastlands as Fulham face Manchester City looking to get something to increase their distance from the bottom three. Manchester United can reassert their authority at the Premier League summit while the congested relegation picture may also become clearer this weekend.

The Red Devils saw their advantage at the summit trimmed to a solitary point by Arsenal in midweek, but can surge four clear again with victory over struggling Wigan at the DW Stadium.

Rock-bottom Wolves play host to a Blackpool side buoyed by their midweek victory over Spurs, while West Ham welcome improving Liverpool to Upton Park.

Aston Villa play host to Blackburn, Bolton make the trip to Newcastle and Everton tackle Sunderland.

Premiership table
Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Man Utd	26	13	1	0	39	9	3	8	1	18	16	32	57
2	Arsenal	27	10	1	3	30	12	7	4	2	27	15	30	56
3	Man City	27	8	3	2	21	10	6	4	4	22	14	19	49
4	Tottenham	27	7	5	1	19	10	6	3	5	19	21	7	47
5	Chelsea	26	8	2	2	24	8	5	4	5	22	14	24	45
6	Liverpool	27	8	4	2	23	11	3	2	8	12	21	3	39
7	Sunderland	27	6	5	3	18	14	3	5	5	15	19	0	37
8	Bolton	27	7	5	2	25	17	2	4	7	13	20	1	36
9	Newcastle	27	4	5	4	30	19	5	3	6	12	19	4	35
10	Stoke	27	7	2	4	19	14	3	1	10	12	20	-3	33
11	Blackburn	27	6	4	4	17	11	3	1	9	17	31	-8	32
12	Blackpool	27	4	3	6	22	24	5	2	7	20	27	-9	32
13	Fulham	27	5	6	3	17	14	1	7	5	11	14	0	31
14	Everton	26	4	5	3	19	18	2	7	5	14	18	-3	30
15	Birmingham	26	4	7	3	13	15	2	5	5	12	20	-10	30
16	Aston Villa	27	5	5	3	18	15	2	4	8	13	31	-15	30
17	West Brom	27	5	5	4	22	23	2	2	9	13	29	-17	28
18	Wigan	27	3	6	5	16	26	2	6	5	11	19	-18	27
19	West Ham	27	3	4	6	14	20	2	6	6	16	28	-18	25
20	Wolves	27	6	2	5	17	19	1	2	11	10	27	-19	25

Aston Villa remain too close to the relegation zone for comfort as Blackburn make the trip to the Midlands, with Gerard Houllier's men aware that victory would take them above their opponents, who currently sit 11th in the standings.

Villa, who have next week's FA Cup clash with Manchester City to look forward to, have had a two-week break from action, with their opponents also having had the benefit of a similar period of inactivity.

Stats fans will doubtless already be aware that should the hosts find the target at the weekend they will clock up their 500th home Premier League goal.

Aston Villa's January signing Jean Makoun will start a three-game ban and be unavailable to face Blackburn. Skipper Stiliyan Petrov, Barry Bannan and Michael Bradley, another of manager Gerard Houllier's transfer window captures, will be in contention to replace Makoun. Left-back Nathan Baker will be available after completing a three-game suspension but central defender Carlos Cuellar is ruled out with the hamstring injury suffered at Bloomfield Road.

Blackburn are hopeful captain Christopher Samba will have recovered from a virus. Defensive partner Ryan Nelsen will play despite a difficult week following the earthquake in his home city of Christchurch while Gael Givet has recovered from a groin injury. Junior Hoilett (hamstring) is likely to miss out along with Phil Jones (knee), who is still three weeks away from a return. January signings Mauro Formica and Ruben Rochina have again been omitted from the squad as they build up to full match fitness.



Last season: Aston Villa 0 Blackburn 1, Blackburn 2 Aston Villa 1

Last five league matches: Aston Villa W W L D D; Blackburn L W L L D

Top scorers (all competitions): Darren Bent (Aston Villa) 13; Mame Diouf (Blackburn) 6

Referee: Martin Atkinson.



Everton's expectations of being among the challengers for European football this term were tempered some time ago and they remain entrenched in the scrap against the drop ahead of their home meeting with Sunderland.

The joy of the Toffees' FA Cup success against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge must be set aside in the battle for important Premier League points.

Steve Bruce's ambitions of seeing the Black Cats secure continental football next term have been hit by three successive defeats, although they remain seventh in the standings.

Everton have a number of injury concerns. Key midfielders Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini are the latest additions to the casualty list with unspecified knocks and will be assessed before the game.

Striker Louis Saha is hoping to shake off the hamstring injury while Jack Rodwell (groin) is also doubtful. Victor Anichebe is another doubt but Phil Jagielka has fully overcome a thigh strain.

Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon is a doubt with a knee problem and Belgian Simon Mignolet is standing by. Manager Steve Bruce is otherwise looking forward to having some of his long-term absentees back after defender Michael Turner was told the pain he was feeling in his knee following his return to training was nothing serious.

Fraizer Campbell and David Meyler (both knee) are both due to see specialists on Monday. Skipper Lee Cattermole (back) and loan signing Danny Welbeck (knee) could return soon. Eighteen-year-old midfielder Billy Knott has been added to the squad.

Last season: Everton 2 Sunderland 0, Sunderland 1 Everton 1

Last five league matches: Everton D D L W L; Sunderland D W L L L

Top scorers (all competitions): Louis Saha & Tim Cahill (Everton) 9; Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) 10

Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).



Bolton face Newcastle on the back of a dismal run of form on their travels in the Premier League. Owen Coyle's side have suffered six successive top-flight defeats on the road and have won just one of their last 12 on their travels.

The Trotters can, however, take heart from their recent FA Cup form following 1-0 victories away to Wigan and Fulham to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

The Magpies finally return to the scene of their astonishing comeback against Arsenal, with their two games on the road in the intervening period seeing them claim four points.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will make a late decision on striker Peter Lovenkrands after the Dane limped off with a thigh injury after scoring in the 2-0 win at Birmingham last time out.

Nile Ranger and Shefki Kuqi are on standby. Midfielder Danny Guthrie will miss out with a hamstring problem, while Shola Ameobi (fractured cheekbone) hopes to resume full training wearing a protective mask next week.

Defenders Steven Taylor (hamstring) and Ryan Taylor (ankle ligaments) both return to the squad after lengthy lay-offs, but Stephen Ireland and Dan Gosling (both knee), Alan Smith (ankle) and Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg) remain on the sidelines.

Striker Daniel Sturridge returns to the Bolton squad after missing the last two games as he has been cup tied.

Jussi Jaaskelainen will return in goal ahead of Adam Bogdan who was used for the FA Cup ties, while defender Gretar Steinsson could be available after being out for the last month with a knee injury.

But the Magpies game is too soon for fellow full-back Jlloyd Samuel despite a reserve run-out this week following a six-month lay-off with a ruptured thigh.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Newcastle D L D D W; Bolton L L W L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Kevin Nolan (Newcastle) 10; Johan Elmander (Bolton) 10

Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside).



Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United remain favourites for the title as they lead the pack heading into the home straight and Saturday's trip to Wigan.

An uninspiring FA Cup victory over Crawley and Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Marseille in the UEFA Champions League has seen criticism of the Old Trafford outfit increase from those who claim the leaders are far from their vintage best this term.

The Latics have lost 11 straight Premier League meetings against their North West rivals, including last term's 5-0 home drubbing, but need the points as they battle against the drop.

Defender Emmerson Boyce is Wigan's only major injury concern because of a hamstring injury which has dogged his season and will be assessed before the game.

Callum McManaman is also a slight doubt after suffering a nasty cut in last week's FA Cup fourth round loss to Bolton.

Goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi should return after being ineligible to face his parent club while new signing Conor Sammon is also back in contention.

Michael Owen returns to the Manchester United squad.

It was feared Owen's season was in jeopardy when he suffered a groin injury in training last week but the former England star has recovered and could feature at the DW Stadium.

Ryan Giggs is also in contention but Rio Ferdinand (calf), Jonny Evans and Antonio Valencia (both ankle), Park Ji-sung (hamstring) and Anderson (knee) remain sidelined.

Last season: Man Utd 5 Wigan 0, Wigan 0 Man Utd 5

Last five league matches: Wigan L L D W D; Man Utd W W W L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Conor Sammon (Wigan) 18; Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd) 20

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).



Wolves can boast they are the only side to have beaten Manchester United this term, but that victory will count for nothing if Mick McCarthy's men cannot escape the bottom three.

All from within the Molineux camp have highlighted the need to overcome their fellow strugglers if they are to avoid the drop, with Saturday's visitors Blackpool certainly falling into that category.

Ian Holloway's likeable Seasiders gave their season a much-needed shot in the arm with victory over Spurs in midweek and success in the Midlands would open up a 10-point gap on their opponents.

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has been declared fit after he suffered a painful blow to the hips during the 1-1 derby draw with West Brom last weekend in a clash with Jonas Olsson.

But Doyle has now resumed training and will lead the attack against the Tangerines. Midfielder Stephen Hunt is still sidelined with a calf injury.

Blackpool will be without captain Charlie Adam who starts a two-match suspension.

Striker Luke Varney should be involved having been rested for the midweek win over Tottenham, but Elliot Grandin and Gary Taylor-Fletcher (both hamstring) remain sidelined.

Stephen Crainey has returned to training following his ankle injury, but will not be involved this weekend.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Wolves L L W L D; Blackpool L L L D W

Top scorers (all competitions): Adam Hammill (Wolves) 8; Dudley Campbell (Blackpool) 10

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire).





West Ham are another side for who the fixtures are beginning to run out as they scrap to remain among the elite of English football.

Avram Grant's men have 11 matches remaining and are just three points from safety. Such is the congested nature of the bottom half of the Premier League table that just seven points separate Blackburn in 11th and Wolves and the Hammers at the foot.

Liverpool make a welcome return to Premier League action after a two-week break from domestic duties and will be keen to regain the momentum which was halted by their 1-1 home draw with Wigan.

Matthew Upson (Achilles) took part in a light training session today but is unlikely to be involved for West Ham. Victor Obinna is a doubt with a foot injury and Robbie Keane is out with a calf strain, but Danny Gabbidon is fit after recovering from a hamstring problem.

Kieron Dyer is still a fortnight away from fitness, while Jack Collison is continuing his recovery from a long-standing knee injury.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard could return after three games out with a groin injury. Gerrard was not risked in the Europa League game against Sparta Prague but manager Kenny Dalglish later said the midfielder was close to fitness.

The Reds will check on the fitness of Martin Kelly and Daniel Agger, who were both forced off against Sparta, and Glen Johnson (Achilles). Fabio Aurelio (adductor) is out and Andy Carroll (thigh) is still unlikely to make his debut but Luis Suarez returns after being ineligible for the recent European games.

Last season: Liverpool 3 West Ham 0, West Ham 2 Liverpool 3

Last five league matches: West Ham L D W L D; Liverpool W W W W D

Top scorers (all competitions): Demba Ba (West Ham) 11; Andrew Carroll & Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 11

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).



Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has claimed he no longer sees his team as title challengers, but a top-four finish remains very much in their sights ahead of Sunday's clash with Fulham.

With Tottenham and Chelsea not in action, the Eastlands outfit have an opportunity to open up a gap on the London duo with victory over the Cottagers.

Hughes can expect a decent reception from the City faithful on his return to the club he left in farcical circumstances at the end of 2009, and will be keen to erase memories of the 4-1 drubbing suffered at the hands of City at home in November.

Vincent Kompany is a major doubt after the Belgium international limped out of the first half of the Europa League victory over Aris Salonika with a hip injury.

Kolo Toure could come in as a direct replacement, although Jerome Boateng is also capable of filling the void. Micah Richards (calf), James Milner (hamstring), Nigel de Jong and Adam Johnson (both ankle) are all expected to miss out.

Bobby Zamora today suffered a fresh injury blow and is a doubt for Fulham. The striker, who only returned from five months out with a broken leg in Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Bolton, went over on his ankle in training this morning and faces a fitness test tomorrow.

Midfielder Steve Sidwell has been ruled out for four weeks after damaging knee ligaments, while Philippe Senderos and Diomansy Kamara will also miss Sunday's match with back problems.

Last season: Fulham 1 Man City 2, Man City 2 Fulham 2

Last five league matches: Man City W L D W L; Fulham W L W D D

Top scorers (all competitions): Carlos Tevez (Man City) 21; Clint Dempsey (Fulham) 10

Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).



Stoke winger Matthew Etherington is again a major doubt after he missed Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal with a back-related injury that initially forced him off after 38 minutes of last Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round win over Brighton.

Defender Abdoulaye Faye is unlikely to figure after missing the last four matches with a hamstring injury, whilst striker Mamady Sidibe is out with a ruptured Achilles.

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson should have a full squad available. Goalkeeper Scott Carson missed last weekend's 1-1 draw in the Black Country derby with Wolves due to illness but, like midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu (hamstring), will be available.

Graham Dorrans and Jonas Olsson should also be fit after a slight knock and a bout of illness respectively.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Stoke L L W L L; West Brom L D L D D

Top scorers (all competitions): Kenwyne Jones, Robert Huth & Jonathan Walters (Stoke) 7; Peter Odemwingie (West Brom) 9 Match odds: H 19-20 A 3-1 D 23-10

Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).

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