Up-Coming Premiership games
Saturday 12th February
12.45	Man Utd	v	Man City
15.00	Arsenal	v	Wolves
15.00	Birmingham	v	Stoke
15.00	Blackburn	v	Newcastle
15.00	Blackpool	v	Aston Villa
15.00	Liverpool	v	Wigan
15.00	West Brom	v	West Ham
17.30	Sunderland	v	Tottenham
Sunday 13th February
16.00	Bolton	v	Everton
Monday 14th February
20.00	Fulham	v	Chelsea
Top 4 Top 5 Top 10 Bottom Half Relegation

All eyes will be on Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon as Fulham and Fulham Broadway go head to head with Fulham fans praying for a victory that will put paid to Fulham Broadway's Championship hopes.

Elsewhere Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime will see Manchester United and Manchester City prepare to renew old rivalries.

It was the corresponding fixture last season which saw the two sides play out an enthralling 4-3 encounter, with Michael Owen popping up deep into injury time to net a last-gasp winner for the Red Devils.

This weekend there are also a number of intriguing clashes, including what is a relegation six-pointer at the Hawthorns as West Brom, having just appointed Roy Hodgson, take on West Ham.

Meanwhile, Wolves will be hoping to build on their remarkable victory over United when they travel to Arsenal, who will no doubt be fired up following their capitulation at Newcastle.

Premiership table
Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
1	Man Utd	25	12	1	0	37	8	3	8	1	18	16	31	54
2	Arsenal	25	8	1	3	27	12	7	4	2	27	15	27	50
3	Man City	26	8	3	2	21	10	6	4	3	21	12	20	49
4	Chelsea	25	8	2	2	24	8	5	3	5	22	14	24	44
5	Tottenham	25	7	5	1	19	10	5	3	4	16	17	8	44
6	Liverpool	26	8	3	2	22	10	3	2	8	12	21	3	38
7	Sunderland	26	6	5	2	17	12	3	5	5	15	19	1	37
8	Bolton	26	6	5	2	23	17	2	4	7	13	20	-1	33
9	Stoke	25	7	2	4	19	14	3	1	8	12	18	-1	33
10	Newcastle	25	4	5	4	30	19	4	2	6	10	19	2	31
11	Blackburn	26	6	3	4	17	11	3	1	9	17	31	-8	31
12	Fulham	26	5	5	3	17	14	1	7	5	11	14	0	30
13	Everton	25	4	5	3	19	18	2	7	4	14	16	-1	30
14	Aston Villa	26	5	5	3	18	15	2	3	8	12	30	-15	29
15	Blackpool	25	3	2	6	18	22	5	2	7	20	27	-11	28
16	Birmingham	24	3	7	2	12	13	2	5	5	12	20	-9	27
17	West Brom	25	5	3	4	18	19	2	2	9	13	29	-17	26
18	Wigan	26	3	6	5	16	26	2	5	5	10	18	-18	26
19	Wolves	25	6	2	5	17	19	1	1	10	9	24	-17	24
20	West Ham	26	3	4	6	14	20	2	5	6	13	25	-18	24

Manchester is preparing for lockdown as the first tie of the weekend sees City travel to United in what promises to be a spectacular derby live on Sky Sports 2 and HD2. The two sides played out a dour 0-0 draw at Eastlands earlier in the campaign, but if the contest is just half as good as the classic last term, then fans at Old Trafford will be in for a treat. A win for Roberto Mancini's City would close the gap on the league-leaders to just two points, as the Blues look to at least secure a place in the UEFA Champions League spots. United's unbeaten run came to an abrupt end against Wolves at Molineux last time out, and you can be sure that Sir Alex Ferguson will have his players fired up for a match where more than just points are at stake.

Chris Smalling will be handed his first start in a Manchester derby as Rio Ferdinand (calf) and Jonny Evans (ankle) are both ruled out. Javier Hernandez was the latest member of United's international contingent to report back for duty, although given his arduous journey following Mexico's meeting with Bosnia, the best he can hope for is a place on the bench.

City midfielder Nigel de Jong (ankle) is doubtful, but defender Micah Richards has recovered from a similar problem and comes into contention. Striker Mario Balotelli could return after a four-week absence with a knee injury which followed his hat-trick against Aston Villa.

Last season: Man City 0 Man Utd 1, Man Utd 4 Man City 3

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

Top scorers: Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd) 20; Carlos Tevez (Man City) 20

Referee: Andre Marriner.



Arsenal were on the wrong end of an untimely collapse at Newcastle in what was a truly breathtaking game at St James' Park last week, and you can be sure that Arsene Wenger will send his troops out firing against Wolves at the Emirates. Surrendering four-goal leads is simply not what Premier League champions do and the Gunners need to bounce back with a statement of intent after allowing themselves to throw away a seemingly assured three points. With Mick McCarthy's men doing them a favour against United, all was not lost, but Wolves have proved they can mix it with the big boys and therefore this clash in North London promises to excite.

Abou Diaby is suspended and Tomas Rosicky also misses the game with a groin problem, but Denilson returns to the squad and Johan Djourou has recovered from his knee problem. Robin van Persie is over the flu which saw him pull out of the Holland squad for the midweek friendly against Austria.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy could retain the starting XI that ended Manchester United's unbeaten start to the league campaign last week. Loan signing Jamie O'Hara made his first start in that match and is likely to retain his place, but Stephen Hunt, who missed that game with a calf strain, could be out again, while Michael Kightly (knee) and Adlene Guedioura (leg) remain on the injured list.

Last season: Arsenal 1 Wolves 0, Wolves 1 Arsenal 4

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

Top scorers: Samir Nasri (Arsenal) 14; Sylvan Ebanks-Blake & Steven Fletcher (Wolves) 4

Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside).



Birmingham may not have won in style at West Ham but points are the crucial thing as the second half of the campaign charges on and Alex McLeish knows more of the same against Stoke would be most welcome. The Blues are clear of the drop zone with games in hand but the magic 40 mark is still some way off. They may have a Carling Cup final to look forward to but the bread and butter of the league is certainly the priority. Tony Pulis' Potters will be not pushovers, though, and showed their courage to come back twice before snatching a win over Sunderland. This game at St Andrews may be a proper English battle full of hard work and resolve.

Birmingham newcomer Obafemi Martins is included in the squad for the first time but he may be on the bench having not played competitively for two months. Alex McLeish has a full squad to choose from with the exception of long-term injury victims James McFadden and Scott Dann, with goalkeeper Ben Foster having recovered from the thumb injury.

Stoke's Mamady Sidibe, who has been missing for five-and-a-half months, looks set to remain on the sidelines for an extended period after injuring his Achilles in training yesterday. Ricardo Fuller is back after compassionate leave and will be battling for a place in attack alongside Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters and John Carew.

Last season: Stoke 0 Birmingham 1, Birmingham 0 Stoke 0

Last five league matches: Birmingham W D L D W; Stoke L W L L W

Top scorers: Craig Gardner (Birmingham) 7; Robert Huth & Kenwyne Jones (Stoke) 7

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).



Newcastle's miraculous turnaround against Arsenal was the highlight of a truly splendid weekend of Premier League action and the Magpies go to Blackburn hoping to keep the momentum going from that epic comeback. Alan Pardew's Toon Army showed true grit and determination to swing things in their favour but it is now back to reality as a tricky tie in Lancashire awaits them. Three successive defeats has put a bit of pressure back on Rovers boss Steve Kean following a bright start to his tenure, and conceding four goals at Wigan will not have helped spirits. With neither defence looking particularly solid of late, expect a few goals in this one.

Striker Roque Santa Cruz returns to Blackburn's squad after missing two matches with a groin injury, but defender Gael Givet (groin) is still not fit. January signings Mauro Formica and Ruben Rochina are still a few weeks away from featuring, but utility player Phil Jones' rehabilitation from a knee operation is ahead of schedule and he is set for a possible return in April.

Newcastle strikers Leon Best and Nile Ranger will be fit to take their places following hamstring and back problems respectively, and will be joined in the squad by new recruit Shefki Kuqi. Shola Ameobi hopes to return from a fractured cheekbone in as little as three weeks' time, while Steven Taylor (hamstring) will return to training on Monday and loan signing Stephen Ireland continues his recovery from a knee problem. Ryan Taylor (ankle), Dan Gosling (knee), Alan Smith (ankle) and Hatem Ben Arfa (broken leg) remain on the sidelines.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

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

Top scorers: Mame Diouf (Blackburn) 6; Kevin Nolan (Newcastle) 10

Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).



Blackpool have been a breath of fresh air this season but Ian Holloway has seen his team slip steadily down the table in recent weeks. It is the opposite for Aston Villa, meanwhile, as Gerard Houllier's men have finally found some form under the Frenchman after a tricky start.

The Seasiders host Villa at Bloomfield Road having lost five on the bounce - a worrying sign for Holloway who will know an upturn in form is crucial to avoid the drop. Holloway and Houllier have not been on best terms of late, after Villa saw two bids rejected for midfielder Charlie Adam in the January transfer window. That saga is over for the time being and now matters on the pitch come to the fore.

Blackpool could have only one senior goalkeeper available, as Paul Rachubka looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging his knee yesterday and Matt Gilks, who has not played since November due to a knee problem of his own, is still several weeks away. Richard Kingson is therefore in line to start in goal, but Stephen Crainey (ankle) is still out while January arrivals Sergei Kornilenko and Salaheddine Sbai are not yet ready.

Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is available despite having withdrawn from the England squad for the midweek friendly in Denmark for "family reasons". On-loan midfielder Michael Bradley is in contention to make his debut and fellow midfielder Jean Makoun has overcome the calf strain which led to him being withdrawn from Cameroon's squad to face Macedonia, but left-back Nathan Baker is still suspended after his sending-off against Blackburn in the FA Cup.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

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

Top scorers: DJ Campbell (Blackpool) 9; Darren Bent (Aston Villa) 13

Referee: Howard Webb.



The resurgence of Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish continued at Stamford Bridge and the Reds will be favourites to take the spoils when Wigan make the short journey to Anfield. Raul Meireles scored the only goal of the game as the Merseysiders ruined Fernando Torres' debut but it was a performance owing much to a watertight defence to shut out the champions. Dalglish will most likely opt for a more expansive stance against the Latics who are still embroiled in a relegation scrap despite their thrilling 4-3 success over Blackburn. New Liverpool signing Andy Carroll is still some way off making his debut but Luis Suarez could push for a start.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will make a late decision on Steven Gerrard's availability after the captain missed England's midweek friendly victory with a groin problem, while centre-back Martin Skrtel (thigh) is a doubt and Jonjo Shelvey has been ruled out for three months with a knee injury. Defender Martin Kelly, who was withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad with an ankle injury, is expected to be fit but Joe Cole (knee) will probably be on the sidelines again.

Wigan defender Gary Caldwell could play with a mask to protect a fractured cheekbone, having missed the victory over Blackburn at the weekend because of the injury. James McCarthy is likely to be available after he was withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad to rest his previously injured ankle.

Last season: Wigan 1 Liverpool 0, Liverpool 2 Wigan 1

Last five league matches: Liverpool D W W W W; Wigan D L L D W

Top scorers: Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Raul Meireles (Liverpool) 4; Hugo Rodallega (Wigan) 7

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).



At the other end of the table West Brom prepare for life after Roberto Di Matteo as the Italian was shown the door on Sunday. Roy Hodgson now has the task of saving them from relegation but Michael Appleton is the man to secure a win against lowly West Ham. A result for the Hammers in the Black Country would see them leapfrog the Baggies, and it is anyone's guess as to the outcome of this one. Albion are on a poor run of form but perhaps the arrival of Hodgson will provide a short-term spark, while West Ham are in desperate need of a positive result following a feeble effort at home to Birmingham.

Baggies caretaker head coach Michael Appleton, who takes charge tomorrow despite Roy Hodgson's appointment as manager today, should have Marek Cech available after he recovered from a groin strain. Graham Dorrans, who pulled out of the Scotland squad that played Northern Ireland in midweek, should have shaken off his ankle knock in time.

West Ham will give a late fitness test to calf injury victim Robbie Keane, while James Tomkins (calf) and Matthew Upson (Achilles) are also doubts, but Manuel Da Costa is available after coming through last weekend's match unscathed following four months out with an ankle injury. Long-term absentee Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh) played an hour in the reserves this week but is unlikely to be risked.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

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

Top scorers: Peter Odemwingie (West Brom) 9; Victor Obinna (West Ham) 8

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).




Late goals were the undoing for Sunderland last time out but it was quite the reverse for Tottenham as they prepare to travel to the Stadium of Light this weekend. Steve Bruce's Black Cats twice went ahead against Stoke but a Robert Huth brace left them with nothing after a 3-2 defeat. Spurs, meanwhile, snatched a last-gasp victory as forgotten man Niko Kranjcar hit a stunning long-range effort into the top corner in injury time to foil Bolton. These teams will be evenly matched and it could be a hard-fought encounter on Wearside - Spurs know a win would see them leapfrog fourth-placed Chelsea who do not play until Monday.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will make a late decision on midfielder Jordan Henderson, who withdrew from England Under-21 duty with a groin-cum-hamstring problem. Keeper Craig Gordon should be fit after returning early from the Scotland camp with a knee problem. Michael Turner and Fraizer Campbell (both knee) have returned to light training, but are still some way from being available.

Tottenham will be without Gareth Bale (back), Rafael van der Vaart (calf) and Luka Modric (appendix), while Peter Crouch did not report for England duty because of a back injury and is also a doubt. Jonathan Woodgate came through a reserve match in midweek and is available but fellow defenders Ledley King (groin) and Younes Kaboul (knee) are unavailable.

Last season: Sunderland 3 Tottenham 1, Tottenham 2 Sunderland 0

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

Top scorers: Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) 9; Rafael Van der Vaart (Tottenham) 12

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire).







Sunday's only match pits Bolton against Everton at the Reebok live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1. The previously misfiring Toffees hit five past Blackpool with Louis Saha bagging four goals for himself, and the Frenchman will travel high in confidence to the Trotters. Owen Coyle has guided Bolton to eighth this term and continues to do a top job - but with only one league win in seven his side are not firing on all cylinders.

Daniel Sturridge withdrew from England Under-21 duty this week but will be hoping for a second consecutive start after netting twice in two games since joining Bolton on loan from Chelsea. Jlloyd Samuel (thigh) has returned to training after six months out but is some way short of match-fitness while Ricardo Gardner, Joey O'Brien and Sean Davis are also on the sidelines.

Everton have lost Louis Saha, who scored four against Blackpool last week, to a hamstring injury and Jack Rodwell to a groin problem sustained on England Under-21 duty. Defender Phil Jagielka, who recently had a spell out with a thigh injury, is pushing for a start after two substitute appearances.

Last season: Everton 2 Bolton 0, Bolton 3 Everton 2

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

Top scorers: Johan Elmander (Bolton) 10; Louis Saha & Tim Cahill (Everton) 9

Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire). .









Craven Cottage hosts this Valentine's Day union between west London neighbours Fulham and Chelsea, with the home side eager for a victory that would break Chelsea hearts.

The champions' hopes of retaining their title are hanging by a thread, with last weekend's costly defeat against former club Liverpool leaving Carlo Ancelotti's champions 10 points off leaders Manchester United. With seven defeats already, an eighth here would surely prove terminal to their title hopes.

Fulham are a team in form, unbeaten at home in 2011 and up to 12th in the table after taking 11 points from a possible 18 since the turn of the year. With Bobby Zamora making a goalscoring return in the reserves in midweek following five months out with a broken leg, the feel-good factor is high at Craven Cottage.

This fixture sees several Fulham stars reunited with their ex. Steve Sidwell, Damien Duff and Eidur Gudjohnsen will all be keen to show Chelsea what they are missing, while Fulham boss Mark Hughes was a popular figure during his three years as a player at Stamford Bridge.

Blues fans, however, have a new love in £50m striker Fernando Torres, who will be desperate to make his mark following a disappointing debut against former club Liverpool.

Eidur Gudjohnsen could make his first Fulham start against his former club having been a late substitute in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Dickson Etuhu (hamstring) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) are likely to miss out again, while Bobby Zamora is still two to three weeks away from fitness after recovering from a broken leg.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed £25million signing David Luiz will be given his first start for the club, with the centre-back expected to come in for Jose Bosingwa, who has a knock, pushing Branislav Ivanovic to right-back. In attack, the Italian looks set to persevere with a front three of £50million former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

Last season: Chelsea 2 Fulham 1, Fulham 0 Chelsea 2

Last five league matches: Fulham D W L W D; Chelsea L W W W L

Top scorers: Clint Dempsey (Fulham) 10; Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) 14

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).

fulham harvey elliott premiership tom cairney football rumours fulham fc diarra shahid khan gray bassey transfer rumours bellanova romulo romulo cardoso muniz silva craven cottage championship mehdi taremi pajaziti calvin bassey boa morte hakan calhanoglu elliott cairney ricardo pepi tete rodrigo muniz premier league pepi cottage raoul bellanova calhanoglu kenny tete taremi habib diarra marco silva fa cup adrion pajaziti