| Premiership MatchDay 35 Fixtures |
|
Saturday 27th April 2013 |
| KO |
Home |
|
Away |
Ref |
TV |
| 12:45 |
Man City |
v |
West Ham |
H Webb |
Sky2 |
| 15:00 |
Everton |
v |
Fulham |
J Moss |
|
| 15:00 |
Southampton |
v |
West Brom |
R Madley |
|
| 15:00 |
Stoke |
v |
Norwich |
A Taylor |
|
| 15:00 |
Wigan |
v |
Tottenham |
M Atkinson |
|
| 17:30 |
Newcastle |
v |
Liverpool |
A Marriner |
ESPN |
|
Sunday 28th April 2013 |
| 13:30 |
Reading |
v |
QPR |
K Friend |
Sky1 |
| 15:00 |
Chelsea |
v |
Swansea |
M Clattenburg |
|
| 16:00 |
Arsenal |
v |
Man Utd |
P Dowd |
Sky1 |
|
Monday 29th April 2013 |
| 20:00 |
Aston Villa |
v |
Sunderland |
M Dean |
Sky1 |
Premier League MatchDay 35 is kicked off by deposed champions
Manchester City when they host
West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium. The Hammers are eyeing a top-half finish but, with an FA Cup final to look forward to, Roberto Mancini's men will be looking to finish the season with a flourish.
Everton face
Fulham at Goodison Park with the Toffees able to briefly move eight points clear of rivals Liverpool with a victory. David Moyes' men may even be dreaming of muscling their way into the European places but it is likely to require four straight wins starting against the Cottagers this weekend.
Southampton will still be aiming at 40 points and Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to put that right against
West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's. The Saints can surely confirm their top-flight stay with three points against a Baggies side that has been on easy street for a while now.
Stoke City take on
Norwich City at the Britannia Stadium with neither team having yet reached the important 40-point mark this season. The mood around both clubs has been buoyed after each picked up vital wins last time out.
| Premiership table
- after 22nd April 2013 |
| Pos |
Team |
Pld |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
Pts |
| 1 |
Man Utd |
34 |
15 |
0 |
2 |
43 |
17 |
12 |
3 |
2 |
35 |
18 |
+43 |
84 (C)
|
| 2 |
Man City |
33 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
36 |
11 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
23 |
19 |
+29 |
68 |
| 3 |
Arsenal |
34 |
10 |
4 |
3 |
42 |
21 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
23 |
14 |
+30 |
63 |
| 4 |
Chelsea |
33 |
10 |
4 |
2 |
35 |
13 |
8 |
4 |
5 |
31 |
22 |
+31 |
62 |
| 5 |
Tottenham |
33 |
9 |
5 |
3 |
27 |
18 |
9 |
2 |
5 |
31 |
23 |
+17 |
61 |
| 6 |
Everton |
34 |
10 |
6 |
1 |
30 |
17 |
4 |
8 |
5 |
21 |
21 |
+13 |
56 |
| 7 |
Liverpool |
34 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
32 |
16 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
29 |
26 |
+19 |
51 |
| 8 |
West Brom |
33 |
9 |
3 |
5 |
25 |
17 |
4 |
3 |
9 |
18 |
27 |
-1 |
45 |
| 9 |
Swansea |
33 |
6 |
7 |
4 |
28 |
23 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
15 |
19 |
+1 |
42 |
| 10 |
West Ham |
34 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
30 |
20 |
3 |
4 |
10 |
10 |
27 |
-7 |
42 |
| 11 |
Fulham |
34 |
7 |
3 |
7 |
25 |
23 |
3 |
7 |
7 |
19 |
29 |
-8 |
40 |
| 12 |
Southampton |
34 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
25 |
20 |
3 |
6 |
8 |
22 |
34 |
-7 |
39 |
| 13 |
Norwich |
34 |
7 |
7 |
3 |
20 |
18 |
1 |
7 |
9 |
13 |
35 |
-20 |
38 |
| 14 |
Sunderland |
34 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
18 |
17 |
4 |
4 |
9 |
20 |
28 |
-7 |
37 |
| 15 |
Stoke |
34 |
6 |
7 |
4 |
19 |
20 |
2 |
6 |
9 |
11 |
21 |
-11 |
37 |
| 16 |
Newcastle |
34 |
9 |
1 |
7 |
24 |
24 |
1 |
6 |
10 |
19 |
36 |
-17 |
37 |
| 17 |
Aston Villa |
34 |
4 |
5 |
8 |
16 |
25 |
4 |
5 |
8 |
20 |
38 |
-27 |
34 |
| 18 |
Wigan |
33 |
4 |
4 |
8 |
20 |
32 |
4 |
3 |
10 |
17 |
28 |
-23 |
31 |
| 19 |
QPR |
34 |
2 |
8 |
7 |
12 |
25 |
2 |
4 |
11 |
17 |
31 |
-27 |
24 |
| 20 |
Reading |
34 |
4 |
7 |
6 |
23 |
31 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
14 |
34 |
-28 |
24 |
Wigan Athletic welcome
Tottenham Hotspur to the DW Stadium some three points from Premier League safety. Spurs had been enduring something of a wobble in recent weeks but their win over Man City has brought renewed optimism. Victory on Saturday would take Andre Villas-Boas' side back up to third.
Newcastle go into the weekend precariously positioned in 16th and facing a tricky test at home to
Liverpool. There is some good news for the Magpies, however, as Luis Suarez starts his 10-game ban.
On Sunday
Reading host
Queens Park Rangers with relegation looking imminent for both teams after a disappointing season. Both the Royals and the Hoops are nine points from Premier League safety going into the game and the loser of this one will be confirmed as relegated.
Chelsea are another London team in the mix for a Champions League spot and they are in action against
Swansea at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are continuing to fight on two fronts as their Europa League campaign continues but they will be wary of dropping precious Premier League points in search of cup glory.
Arsenal host the newly-crowned Premier League champions
Manchester United on Sunday and it will be a bitter-sweet occasion for the home fans. The Arsenal players are committed to providing a guard of honour for the visitors - including Premier League top scorer Robin van Persie.
In the last game of MatchDay 35 Aston Villa face Sunderland at Villa Park on
Monday evening to see if the Villans can get the three points they need to draw
away from the bottom three.
Saturday 20 April 2013
12:45 - Man City (2) v West Ham (10) - Sky2
Manchester City play host to West Ham on Saturday aiming to tie up second spot in the table after seeing their Premier League title defence ended. Roberto Mancini's men saw their slim title hopes finally vanquished on Monday night following Manchester United's 3-0 win over Aston Villa and the Italian will be looking for a response from his players against West Ham after last weekend's disappointing defeat at Tottenham.
David Silva, James Milner and Sergio Aguero are all available for Manchester City following hamstring problems. Midfielder Jack Rodwell has been out for almost two months with his latest hamstring problem but could be available while defenders Maicon and Micah Richards (both knee) are not yet ready for a return.
West Ham are without defensive pair James Tomkins (calf) and George McCartney (knee). Mark Noble could begin his first game since February while Joe Cole, who also came off the bench against Wigan last weekend following his recovery from a hamstring problem, may make his first start since March 2.
Last season: No Corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Man City L W W W L; West Ham W D D D W
Top scorers (all competitions): Carlos Tevez (Man City) 17; Kevin Nolan (West Ham) 7.
Referee: Howard Webb.
15:00 - Everton (6) v Fulham (11)
Everton and Fulham will both be aiming to get back on track when they lock horns at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. A 1-0 defeat at Sunderland last weekend left David Moyes admitting that Everton's UEFA Champions League hopes are over for the season. Fulham will be desperate to ensure that a solid campaign does not end with a whimper, having struggled for form in recent weeks. The Cottagers have picked up just one point from their past four matches and were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal last weekend thanks to Per Mertesacker's first-half goal.
Everton manager David Moyes is hopeful defender Phil Jagielka and midfielder Darron Gibson will be fit to face Fulham. Jagielka (ankle) missed last weekend's defeat at Sunderland while Gibson was substituted at half-time, although Moyes said his injury was not related to his long-term thigh problem. Forward Victor Anichebe should be fit after complaining of a tight hamstring last week.
Fulham winger Damien Duff is expected to return from a thigh injury but Steve Sidwell begins the first of a four-match ban following his red card against Arsenal last weekend. Defender Sascha Riether (ankle) is doubtful. Midfielders Mahamadou Diarra (knee), Ashkan Dejagah (ankle) and Simon Davies (hip) are out.
Last season: Everton 4 Fulham 0, Fulham 1 Everton 3
Last five league matches: Everton W D W D L; Fulham W L D L L
Top scorers (all competitions): Marouane Fellaini (Everton) 12; Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) 13.
Referee: Jon Moss.
15:00 - Southampton (12) v West Brom (8)
Southampton host West Brom at St Mary's on Saturday looking to get a result to push them to the 40 points mark. The Saints currently sit 12th in the table with 39 points - eight points clear of third-from-bottom Wigan, who have a game in hand. West Brom are safe on 45 points in eighth and halted a two-match losing run with a home 1-1 draw against Newcastle last weekend.
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has an almost fully-fit squad with only midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who suffered an unspecified knock in an Under-21 fixture against the Baggies earlier in the week, absent. Forward Guly do Prado returns after missing the trip to Swansea through illness, while full-back Luke Shaw will push for a recall.
West Brom will be without captain Chris Brunt after the midfielder picked up a knee injury in the draw with Newcastle. Defender Billy Jones should be available despite suffering a gash to his leg against the Magpies. Peter Odemwingie (knee) is fit again while midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu is suspended.
Last season: No Corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Southampton W W W D D; West Brom W D L L D
Top scorers (all competitions): Rickie Lambert (Southampton) 14; Romelu Lukaku (West Brom) 13.
Referee: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire).
15:00 - Stoke (15) v Norwich (13)
Stoke tackle Norwich at the Britannia Stadium with both teams aware that victory would see them reach or breach the 40-point barrier for almost certain Premier League safety. Tony Pulis saw his side halt their alarming slide down the table with success over struggling QPR last time out. Norwich, have now amassed 38 points, also enjoyed a crucial success over a team destined to be playing in the Championship next season, as their 2-1 triumph over Reading halted a six-game run without a win.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has doubts surrounding four players with winger Matthew Etherington the most likely to figure of the quartet despite ongoing issues with a back problem. Defender Marc Wilson (hamstring), midfielder Charlie Adam (ankle) and striker Cameron Jerome (ankle) will all have late checks on their fitness.
Central defender Michael Turner (groin) will be not be fit to play and is "touch and go", according to Norwich manager Chris Hughton, for next week's game against Aston Villa. Leon Barnett has been recalled from his loan spell at Cardiff as cover for Turner. Hughton could include first-choice goalkeeper John Ruddy following his five-month lay-off with a thigh injury.
Last season: Stoke 1 Norwich 0, Norwich 1 Stoke 1
Last five league matches: Stoke D L L L W; Norwich D L D L W
Top scorers (all competitions): Jonathan Walters (Stoke) 10; Luciano Becchio (Norwich) 18.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).
15:00 - Wigan (18) v Tottenham (5)
Wigan Athletic host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in a crucial game for both sides. Roberto Martinez's Latics have developed a reputation for escapology, but heroics are required again in the final five matches of this season. Tottenham are still outside the top four but are just two points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, and their North London rivals must tackle newly-crowned champions Manchester United on Sunday.
Jean Beausejour is set to return to Wigan's starting line-up. With Antolin Alcaraz (hamstring) out for three weeks, Beausejour is likely to profit from a defensive reshuffle that could see Maynor Figueroa move back from the wing-back berth he filled at West Ham last weekend.
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has recovered from his knee injury and is available while Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe suffered no reaction to their respective ankle and pelvis problems against Manchester City last Sunday. Midfielder Sandro (knee) and defensive duo Younes Kaboul (thigh) and William Gallas (calf) are unavailable.
Last season: Tottenham 3 Wigan 1, Wigan 1 Tottenham 2
Last five league matches: Wigan W W D L L; Tottenham L L W D W
Top scorers (all competitions): Arouna Kone (Wigan) 12; Gareth Bale (Tottenham) 23.
Referee: Martin Atkinson.
17:30 - Newcastle (16) v Liverpool (7) - ESPN
Newcastle will look to seal their Premier League status as they host Liverpool on Saturday. The Magpies have won just one of their last five league matches, which has seen them remain in the relegation battle, although relegation is unlikely. Newcastle fans are desperate to put this season behind them. The Reds will be keen to get back on the field and let their football do the talking after a fraught week off the field with Luis Suarez's ban garnering front and back page headlines.
Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote (hamstring) could return after he resumed training this week. Skipper Fabricio Coloccini (back) is also back on the training pitch but midfielder Sylvain Marveaux (groin) is out and full-back Davide Santon (hamstring) may not play again this season along with goalkeeper Tim Krul (shoulder) and utility man Ryan Taylor (cruciate ligament).
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez begins his suspension for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, opening the way for Daniel Sturridge to take his place. Reduced options up front could mean forward Fabio Borini, out since February with a dislocated shoulder but training again, could make the squad.
Last season: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 0, Liverpool 3 Newcastle 1
Last five league matches: Newcastle L L W L D; Liverpool L W D D D
Top scorers (all competitions): Yoan Gouffran (Newcastle) 14; Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 30.
Referee: Andre Marriner.
Sunday 28 April 2013
13:30 - Reading (20) v QPR (19) - Sky1
Reading and QPR face each other at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday knowing defeat will result in relegation. Both sides sit 10 points behind fourth-from-bottom Aston Villa and must win three and draw one of their remaining four games to have any hope of staying up. But even if either side gain a much-needed win at the Madejski, they will still be relegated if Villa beat Sunderland on Monday night.
Reading manager Nigel Adkins will still be without a number of first-team players. Hal Robson-Kanu has resumed training following a knee injury but Adam Federici, Hope Akpan (both ankle) and Jimmy Kebe (groin) are still missing. They join long-term absentee Jason Roberts (hip) on the sidelines.
QPR winger Andros Townsend is out with a hamstring injury while midfielder Adel Taarabt will have a late fitness test on his shoulder injury. Striker Bobby Zamora serves the final game of his suspension. Midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips is out after undergoing ankle surgery and Andrew Johnson is sidelined with a knee problem.
Last season: No Corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Reading L L L D L; QPR L L D L L
Top scorers (all competitions): Nick Blackman (Reading) 14; Loic Remy (QPR) 8.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
15:00 - Chelsea (4) v Swansea (9)
Chelsea continue their pursuit of a top-four place in the Premier League with a home game against Swansea City on Sunday. However the Blues could find themselves outside the Champions League places by the time they kick off at Stamford Bridge, if Tottenham Hotspur beat Wigan Athletic 24 hours earlier. Swansea's campaign can be viewed as a success regardless of how they fare over the remaining weeks of the season, having won the Capital One Cup in February.
Demba Ba is likely to return up front for Chelsea after he was ineligible for the midweek 2-1 Europa League semi-final first-leg win at Basle. Eden Hazard is in line to face Swansea for the first time since being sent off for kicking a ball boy during February's Capital One Cup semi-final between the teams. Gary Cahill (knee) could return after a six-week absence.
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has a fully-fit squad and Neil Taylor could again be on the bench after returning from an eight-month absence against Southampton last weekend. Laudrup may once again look to move Michu into the centre-forward position after withdrawing Luke Moore at half-time against the Saints.
Last season: Swansea 1 Chelsea 1, Chelsea 4 Swansea 1
Last five league matches: Chelsea W L W W D; Swansea L L L D D
Top scorers (all competitions): Fernando Torres (Chelsea) 20; Miguel Michu (Swansea) 21.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).
16:00 - Arsenal (3) v Man Utd (1) - Sky1
Arsenal will form a guard of honour for the new champions and their former captain on Sunday, with Arsene Wenger calling on the home supporters to show respect for the striker they idolised until his summer departure. United's only remaining target this season is surpassing the Premier League record points haul of 95 secured by Chelsea under Jose Mourinho in 2005, while Arsenal remain locked in the battle for fourth place with the Blues and Tottenham hot on their heels.
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud starts a three-match ban after his red card at Fulham with Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski both pressing for a central attacking role. Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (rib) remains sidelined, while midfielder Abou Diaby (knee) is a long-term absentee.
Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to freshen up his Manchester United starting line-up with skipper Nemanja Vidic back, while Rio Ferdinand, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck are all in contention. Having revealed earlier this week they played against Aston Villa on Monday despite carrying injuries, Ferguson may elect to rest Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans.
Last season: Arsenal 1 Man Utd 2, Man Utd 8 Arsenal 2
Last five league matches: Arsenal W W W D W; Man Utd W L W D W
Top scorers (all competitions): Theo Walcott (Arsenal) 18; Robin van Persie (Man Utd) 28.
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
Monday 29 April 2013
20:00 - Aston Villa (17) v Sunderland (14) - Sky1
Villa boss Paul Lambert has no fresh injury concerns after striker Gabriel Agbonlahor played the full 90 minutes in their 3-0 defeat by Manchester United last Monday night. Midfielder Gary Gardner is working his way back to fitness after missing most of the season with knee ligament damage while Chris Herd, Marc Albrighton (both foot) and Richard Dunne (groin) remain sidelined.
Craig Gardner will return to the Sunderland squad following suspension. Fellow full-back Phil Bardsley is fighting to shake off an ankle problem, but strike Connor Wickham will miss out once again with a calf injury, as will long-term absentees Lee Cattermole (knee) and Steven Fletcher (ankle).
Last season: Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0, Sunderland 2 Aston Villa 2
Last five league matches: Aston Villa W L W D L; Sunderland D L L W W
Top scorers (all competitions): Christian Benteke (Aston Villa) 22; Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) 11.
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).
| Premiership MatchDay 35 Fixtures |
|
Saturday 27th April 2013 |
| KO |
Home |
|
Away |
Ref |
TV |
| 12:45 |
Man City |
v |
West Ham |
H Webb |
Sky2 |
| 15:00 |
Everton |
v |
Fulham |
J Moss |
|
| 15:00 |
Southampton |
v |
West Brom |
R Madley |
|
| 15:00 |
Stoke |
v |
Norwich |
A Taylor |
|
| 15:00 |
Wigan |
v |
Tottenham |
M Atkinson |
|
| 17:30 |
Newcastle |
v |
Liverpool |
A Marriner |
ESPN |
|
Sunday 28th April 2013 |
| 13:30 |
Reading |
v |
QPR |
K Friend |
Sky1 |
| 15:00 |
Chelsea |
v |
Swansea |
M Clattenburg |
|
| 16:00 |
Arsenal |
v |
Man Utd |
P Dowd |
Sky1 |
|
Monday 29th April 2013 |
| 20:00 |
Aston Villa |
v |
Sunderland |
M Dean |
Sky1 |
Premier League MatchDay 35 is kicked off by deposed champions
Manchester City when they host
West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium. The Hammers are eyeing a top-half finish but, with an FA Cup final to look forward to, Roberto Mancini's men will be looking to finish the season with a flourish.
Everton face
Fulham at Goodison Park with the Toffees able to briefly move eight points clear of rivals Liverpool with a victory. David Moyes' men may even be dreaming of muscling their way into the European places but it is likely to require four straight wins starting against the Cottagers this weekend.
Southampton will still be aiming at 40 points and Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to put that right against
West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's. The Saints can surely confirm their top-flight stay with three points against a Baggies side that has been on easy street for a while now.
Stoke City take on
Norwich City at the Britannia Stadium with neither team having yet reached the important 40-point mark this season. The mood around both clubs has been buoyed after each picked up vital wins last time out.
| Premiership table
- after 22nd April 2013 |
| Pos |
Team |
Pld |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
Pts |
| 1 |
Man Utd |
34 |
15 |
0 |
2 |
43 |
17 |
12 |
3 |
2 |
35 |
18 |
+43 |
84 (C)
|
| 2 |
Man City |
33 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
36 |
11 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
23 |
19 |
+29 |
68 |
| 3 |
Arsenal |
34 |
10 |
4 |
3 |
42 |
21 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
23 |
14 |
+30 |
63 |
| 4 |
Chelsea |
33 |
10 |
4 |
2 |
35 |
13 |
8 |
4 |
5 |
31 |
22 |
+31 |
62 |
| 5 |
Tottenham |
33 |
9 |
5 |
3 |
27 |
18 |
9 |
2 |
5 |
31 |
23 |
+17 |
61 |
| 6 |
Everton |
34 |
10 |
6 |
1 |
30 |
17 |
4 |
8 |
5 |
21 |
21 |
+13 |
56 |
| 7 |
Liverpool |
34 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
32 |
16 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
29 |
26 |
+19 |
51 |
| 8 |
West Brom |
33 |
9 |
3 |
5 |
25 |
17 |
4 |
3 |
9 |
18 |
27 |
-1 |
45 |
| 9 |
Swansea |
33 |
6 |
7 |
4 |
28 |
23 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
15 |
19 |
+1 |
42 |
| 10 |
West Ham |
34 |
8 |
5 |
4 |
30 |
20 |
3 |
4 |
10 |
10 |
27 |
-7 |
42 |
| 11 |
Fulham |
34 |
7 |
3 |
7 |
25 |
23 |
3 |
7 |
7 |
19 |
29 |
-8 |
40 |
| 12 |
Southampton |
34 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
25 |
20 |
3 |
6 |
8 |
22 |
34 |
-7 |
39 |
| 13 |
Norwich |
34 |
7 |
7 |
3 |
20 |
18 |
1 |
7 |
9 |
13 |
35 |
-20 |
38 |
| 14 |
Sunderland |
34 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
18 |
17 |
4 |
4 |
9 |
20 |
28 |
-7 |
37 |
| 15 |
Stoke |
34 |
6 |
7 |
4 |
19 |
20 |
2 |
6 |
9 |
11 |
21 |
-11 |
37 |
| 16 |
Newcastle |
34 |
9 |
1 |
7 |
24 |
24 |
1 |
6 |
10 |
19 |
36 |
-17 |
37 |
| 17 |
Aston Villa |
34 |
4 |
5 |
8 |
16 |
25 |
4 |
5 |
8 |
20 |
38 |
-27 |
34 |
| 18 |
Wigan |
33 |
4 |
4 |
8 |
20 |
32 |
4 |
3 |
10 |
17 |
28 |
-23 |
31 |
| 19 |
QPR |
34 |
2 |
8 |
7 |
12 |
25 |
2 |
4 |
11 |
17 |
31 |
-27 |
24 |
| 20 |
Reading |
34 |
4 |
7 |
6 |
23 |
31 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
14 |
34 |
-28 |
24 |
Wigan Athletic welcome
Tottenham Hotspur to the DW Stadium some three points from Premier League safety. Spurs had been enduring something of a wobble in recent weeks but their win over Man City has brought renewed optimism. Victory on Saturday would take Andre Villas-Boas' side back up to third.
Newcastle go into the weekend precariously positioned in 16th and facing a tricky test at home to
Liverpool. There is some good news for the Magpies, however, as Luis Suarez starts his 10-game ban.
On Sunday
Reading host
Queens Park Rangers with relegation looking imminent for both teams after a disappointing season. Both the Royals and the Hoops are nine points from Premier League safety going into the game and the loser of this one will be confirmed as relegated.
Chelsea are another London team in the mix for a Champions League spot and they are in action against
Swansea at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are continuing to fight on two fronts as their Europa League campaign continues but they will be wary of dropping precious Premier League points in search of cup glory.
Arsenal host the newly-crowned Premier League champions
Manchester United on Sunday and it will be a bitter-sweet occasion for the home fans. The Arsenal players are committed to providing a guard of honour for the visitors - including Premier League top scorer Robin van Persie.
In the last game of MatchDay 35 Aston Villa face Sunderland at Villa Park on
Monday evening to see if the Villans can get the three points they need to draw
away from the bottom three.
Saturday 20 April 2013
12:45 - Man City (2) v West Ham (10) - Sky2
Manchester City play host to West Ham on Saturday aiming to tie up second spot in the table after seeing their Premier League title defence ended. Roberto Mancini's men saw their slim title hopes finally vanquished on Monday night following Manchester United's 3-0 win over Aston Villa and the Italian will be looking for a response from his players against West Ham after last weekend's disappointing defeat at Tottenham.
David Silva, James Milner and Sergio Aguero are all available for Manchester City following hamstring problems. Midfielder Jack Rodwell has been out for almost two months with his latest hamstring problem but could be available while defenders Maicon and Micah Richards (both knee) are not yet ready for a return.
West Ham are without defensive pair James Tomkins (calf) and George McCartney (knee). Mark Noble could begin his first game since February while Joe Cole, who also came off the bench against Wigan last weekend following his recovery from a hamstring problem, may make his first start since March 2.
Last season: No Corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Man City L W W W L; West Ham W D D D W
Top scorers (all competitions): Carlos Tevez (Man City) 17; Kevin Nolan (West Ham) 7.
Referee: Howard Webb.
15:00 - Everton (6) v Fulham (11)
Everton and Fulham will both be aiming to get back on track when they lock horns at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. A 1-0 defeat at Sunderland last weekend left David Moyes admitting that Everton's UEFA Champions League hopes are over for the season. Fulham will be desperate to ensure that a solid campaign does not end with a whimper, having struggled for form in recent weeks. The Cottagers have picked up just one point from their past four matches and were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal last weekend thanks to Per Mertesacker's first-half goal.
Everton manager David Moyes is hopeful defender Phil Jagielka and midfielder Darron Gibson will be fit to face Fulham. Jagielka (ankle) missed last weekend's defeat at Sunderland while Gibson was substituted at half-time, although Moyes said his injury was not related to his long-term thigh problem. Forward Victor Anichebe should be fit after complaining of a tight hamstring last week.
Fulham winger Damien Duff is expected to return from a thigh injury but Steve Sidwell begins the first of a four-match ban following his red card against Arsenal last weekend. Defender Sascha Riether (ankle) is doubtful. Midfielders Mahamadou Diarra (knee), Ashkan Dejagah (ankle) and Simon Davies (hip) are out.
Last season: Everton 4 Fulham 0, Fulham 1 Everton 3
Last five league matches: Everton W D W D L; Fulham W L D L L
Top scorers (all competitions): Marouane Fellaini (Everton) 12; Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) 13.
Referee: Jon Moss.
15:00 - Southampton (12) v West Brom (8)
Southampton host West Brom at St Mary's on Saturday looking to get a result to push them to the 40 points mark. The Saints currently sit 12th in the table with 39 points - eight points clear of third-from-bottom Wigan, who have a game in hand. West Brom are safe on 45 points in eighth and halted a two-match losing run with a home 1-1 draw against Newcastle last weekend.
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has an almost fully-fit squad with only midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who suffered an unspecified knock in an Under-21 fixture against the Baggies earlier in the week, absent. Forward Guly do Prado returns after missing the trip to Swansea through illness, while full-back Luke Shaw will push for a recall.
West Brom will be without captain Chris Brunt after the midfielder picked up a knee injury in the draw with Newcastle. Defender Billy Jones should be available despite suffering a gash to his leg against the Magpies. Peter Odemwingie (knee) is fit again while midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu is suspended.
Last season: No Corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Southampton W W W D D; West Brom W D L L D
Top scorers (all competitions): Rickie Lambert (Southampton) 14; Romelu Lukaku (West Brom) 13.
Referee: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire).
15:00 - Stoke (15) v Norwich (13)
Stoke tackle Norwich at the Britannia Stadium with both teams aware that victory would see them reach or breach the 40-point barrier for almost certain Premier League safety. Tony Pulis saw his side halt their alarming slide down the table with success over struggling QPR last time out. Norwich, have now amassed 38 points, also enjoyed a crucial success over a team destined to be playing in the Championship next season, as their 2-1 triumph over Reading halted a six-game run without a win.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has doubts surrounding four players with winger Matthew Etherington the most likely to figure of the quartet despite ongoing issues with a back problem. Defender Marc Wilson (hamstring), midfielder Charlie Adam (ankle) and striker Cameron Jerome (ankle) will all have late checks on their fitness.
Central defender Michael Turner (groin) will be not be fit to play and is "touch and go", according to Norwich manager Chris Hughton, for next week's game against Aston Villa. Leon Barnett has been recalled from his loan spell at Cardiff as cover for Turner. Hughton could include first-choice goalkeeper John Ruddy following his five-month lay-off with a thigh injury.
Last season: Stoke 1 Norwich 0, Norwich 1 Stoke 1
Last five league matches: Stoke D L L L W; Norwich D L D L W
Top scorers (all competitions): Jonathan Walters (Stoke) 10; Luciano Becchio (Norwich) 18.
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).
15:00 - Wigan (18) v Tottenham (5)
Wigan Athletic host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in a crucial game for both sides. Roberto Martinez's Latics have developed a reputation for escapology, but heroics are required again in the final five matches of this season. Tottenham are still outside the top four but are just two points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, and their North London rivals must tackle newly-crowned champions Manchester United on Sunday.
Jean Beausejour is set to return to Wigan's starting line-up. With Antolin Alcaraz (hamstring) out for three weeks, Beausejour is likely to profit from a defensive reshuffle that could see Maynor Figueroa move back from the wing-back berth he filled at West Ham last weekend.
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has recovered from his knee injury and is available while Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe suffered no reaction to their respective ankle and pelvis problems against Manchester City last Sunday. Midfielder Sandro (knee) and defensive duo Younes Kaboul (thigh) and William Gallas (calf) are unavailable.
Last season: Tottenham 3 Wigan 1, Wigan 1 Tottenham 2
Last five league matches: Wigan W W D L L; Tottenham L L W D W
Top scorers (all competitions): Arouna Kone (Wigan) 12; Gareth Bale (Tottenham) 23.
Referee: Martin Atkinson.
17:30 - Newcastle (16) v Liverpool (7) - ESPN
Newcastle will look to seal their Premier League status as they host Liverpool on Saturday. The Magpies have won just one of their last five league matches, which has seen them remain in the relegation battle, although relegation is unlikely. Newcastle fans are desperate to put this season behind them. The Reds will be keen to get back on the field and let their football do the talking after a fraught week off the field with Luis Suarez's ban garnering front and back page headlines.
Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote (hamstring) could return after he resumed training this week. Skipper Fabricio Coloccini (back) is also back on the training pitch but midfielder Sylvain Marveaux (groin) is out and full-back Davide Santon (hamstring) may not play again this season along with goalkeeper Tim Krul (shoulder) and utility man Ryan Taylor (cruciate ligament).
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez begins his suspension for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, opening the way for Daniel Sturridge to take his place. Reduced options up front could mean forward Fabio Borini, out since February with a dislocated shoulder but training again, could make the squad.
Last season: Newcastle 2 Liverpool 0, Liverpool 3 Newcastle 1
Last five league matches: Newcastle L L W L D; Liverpool L W D D D
Top scorers (all competitions): Yoan Gouffran (Newcastle) 14; Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 30.
Referee: Andre Marriner.
Sunday 28 April 2013
13:30 - Reading (20) v QPR (19) - Sky1
Reading and QPR face each other at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday knowing defeat will result in relegation. Both sides sit 10 points behind fourth-from-bottom Aston Villa and must win three and draw one of their remaining four games to have any hope of staying up. But even if either side gain a much-needed win at the Madejski, they will still be relegated if Villa beat Sunderland on Monday night.
Reading manager Nigel Adkins will still be without a number of first-team players. Hal Robson-Kanu has resumed training following a knee injury but Adam Federici, Hope Akpan (both ankle) and Jimmy Kebe (groin) are still missing. They join long-term absentee Jason Roberts (hip) on the sidelines.
QPR winger Andros Townsend is out with a hamstring injury while midfielder Adel Taarabt will have a late fitness test on his shoulder injury. Striker Bobby Zamora serves the final game of his suspension. Midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips is out after undergoing ankle surgery and Andrew Johnson is sidelined with a knee problem.
Last season: No Corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Reading L L L D L; QPR L L D L L
Top scorers (all competitions): Nick Blackman (Reading) 14; Loic Remy (QPR) 8.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
15:00 - Chelsea (4) v Swansea (9)
Chelsea continue their pursuit of a top-four place in the Premier League with a home game against Swansea City on Sunday. However the Blues could find themselves outside the Champions League places by the time they kick off at Stamford Bridge, if Tottenham Hotspur beat Wigan Athletic 24 hours earlier. Swansea's campaign can be viewed as a success regardless of how they fare over the remaining weeks of the season, having won the Capital One Cup in February.
Demba Ba is likely to return up front for Chelsea after he was ineligible for the midweek 2-1 Europa League semi-final first-leg win at Basle. Eden Hazard is in line to face Swansea for the first time since being sent off for kicking a ball boy during February's Capital One Cup semi-final between the teams. Gary Cahill (knee) could return after a six-week absence.
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has a fully-fit squad and Neil Taylor could again be on the bench after returning from an eight-month absence against Southampton last weekend. Laudrup may once again look to move Michu into the centre-forward position after withdrawing Luke Moore at half-time against the Saints.
Last season: Swansea 1 Chelsea 1, Chelsea 4 Swansea 1
Last five league matches: Chelsea W L W W D; Swansea L L L D D
Top scorers (all competitions): Fernando Torres (Chelsea) 20; Miguel Michu (Swansea) 21.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).
16:00 - Arsenal (3) v Man Utd (1) - Sky1
Arsenal will form a guard of honour for the new champions and their former captain on Sunday, with Arsene Wenger calling on the home supporters to show respect for the striker they idolised until his summer departure. United's only remaining target this season is surpassing the Premier League record points haul of 95 secured by Chelsea under Jose Mourinho in 2005, while Arsenal remain locked in the battle for fourth place with the Blues and Tottenham hot on their heels.
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud starts a three-match ban after his red card at Fulham with Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski both pressing for a central attacking role. Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (rib) remains sidelined, while midfielder Abou Diaby (knee) is a long-term absentee.
Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to freshen up his Manchester United starting line-up with skipper Nemanja Vidic back, while Rio Ferdinand, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck are all in contention. Having revealed earlier this week they played against Aston Villa on Monday despite carrying injuries, Ferguson may elect to rest Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans.
Last season: Arsenal 1 Man Utd 2, Man Utd 8 Arsenal 2
Last five league matches: Arsenal W W W D W; Man Utd W L W D W
Top scorers (all competitions): Theo Walcott (Arsenal) 18; Robin van Persie (Man Utd) 28.
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
Monday 29 April 2013
20:00 - Aston Villa (17) v Sunderland (14) - Sky1
Villa boss Paul Lambert has no fresh injury concerns after striker Gabriel Agbonlahor played the full 90 minutes in their 3-0 defeat by Manchester United last Monday night. Midfielder Gary Gardner is working his way back to fitness after missing most of the season with knee ligament damage while Chris Herd, Marc Albrighton (both foot) and Richard Dunne (groin) remain sidelined.
Craig Gardner will return to the Sunderland squad following suspension. Fellow full-back Phil Bardsley is fighting to shake off an ankle problem, but strike Connor Wickham will miss out once again with a calf injury, as will long-term absentees Lee Cattermole (knee) and Steven Fletcher (ankle).
Last season: Aston Villa 0 Sunderland 0, Sunderland 2 Aston Villa 2
Last five league matches: Aston Villa W L W D L; Sunderland D L L W W
Top scorers (all competitions): Christian Benteke (Aston Villa) 22; Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) 11.
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).