The league leaders Manchester United lead this EPL weekend as they look to extend their unbeaten run. They face a Fulham side who they recently beat Fulham 4-1 in the FA Cup. On that occasion Fulham’s performance was unbelievably effortless. United will wish for such an easy game. Fulham find themselves relatively safe in mid table although their recent performances have been poor.

Van Persie scores his regular goal

Man City v Liverpool: City and Liverpool go into this weekend’s game after picking draws in the week. City will consider their result as 2 points loss while Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal will be considered a point gained. City need a win to narrow the gap and to keep pace with leaders Manchester United.

Newcastle v Chelsea: Newcastle come in to the game on a positive note after their midweek win over Aston Villa. Chelsea continue to be a team lacking direction. They were 2-0 up over Reading only for Reading to tie the game up and come away with a share of the points. Strangely, Chelsea are doing better on the road away from the negativity of their home fans. Both teams are at a crossroads a win would do wonders to smooth the path.

West Brom v Tottenham: Spurs need to continue their assault on a Champions league place with a win. West Brom have cooled of late and have the mess of the Peter Odemiwinge debacle to deal with.

QPR v Norwich: QPR manager Harry Redknapp is beginning to weave his magic, as his QPR side come in the game undefeated in their last 3 outings, however they are still bottom of the league. They face a Norwich side currently in a slide, needing to pick up 3 points, and a win.

Arsenal v Stoke: Arsenal continue to be this seasons enigma team, at times they seem to be on the verge of being good, only to come up short the next moment. Stoke on the other hand are experiencing a bad January and need a result. A clash of styles, Arsenal’s slick passing, versus Stoke’s physical bruising style.

Everton v Aston Villa; Everton will look to continue their pursuit of a champions league spot. They face an inexperienced and poor Aston Villa deep in relegation trouble and lacking confidence. Villa had a big loss to fellow strugglers Newcastle after a valiant 2nd half. They both need points for different reasons.

West Ham v Swansea: two teams currently experiencing diverging fortunes. West Ham have struggled of late, hi-lighted by their 5-1 defeat to Arsenal, while Swansea have picked up good results with a win and 3 draws in their last 4 games. West Ham need a win to reverse their slide and will hope the comfy confines of home can propel them to a victory.

In bottom of the table clashes, Wigan v Southampton & Reading v Sunderland. Sunderland have climbed out of the danger zone while the other 3 are knee-deep in it. A win would work wonders in these 6 point games.