Weekend EPL matches opened in spools (19-3)

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Blackburn v Arsenal preview

Both teams will be looking to establish a psychological edge over their opponents
with the crucial cup game fast approaching, although both have important league concerns to address as well.

Arsene Wenger has already declared that The Gunners are determined to catch Manchester United for second place, and will be looking to take a maximum three points from this clash with Mark Hughes's side.

Rovers meanwhile have had relegation fears assuaged somewhat after going unbeaten in their last six matches, although a win against the Champions could prove to be the spur that finally lifts them safe of the drop zone.

Wenger still has persistent worries over his attacking line-up, as talisman Thierry Henry is still ruled out with the calf strain he sustained against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.

Fellow forward Dennis Bergkamp is a doubt after also picking up a calf knock, whilst French winger Robert Pires could also miss the game due to 'flu.

Real Madrid target Jose Antonio Reyes will undoubtedly be called upon in either the left or central berth, whilst Gael Clichy, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Robin Van Persie could also deputise for their more experienced team-mates.

Sol Campbell and Edu are both long term absentees, and Philippe Senderos is set to continue his run in the first team after impressive central defensive
performances against Bayern and Bolton Wanderers.

The good news for Wenger is the return to fitness of Brazilian midfielder Gilberto, who made his reserve comeback in midweek after six months out with fractured vertebrae.

Blackburn boss Hughes could welcome back Paul Dickov to face his old club after the striker missed the midweek draw with Liverpool due to a persistent groin injury.

Meanwhile Matt Jansen has been rested for this season after failing to recover his place due to a life-threatening scooter accident two-and-a-half years ago.

David Thompson faces a late fitness test on a knee knock that laid him low for the Liverpool game, whilst controversial midfielder Robbie Savage will definitely be absent with a groin injury.

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Bolton v Norwich preview

Sam Allardyce's side have recovered from a mid-season slump and are now playing in a manner that suggests The Reebok Stadium could be hosting some of Europe's finest next season.

Much of their recent good form is indebted to the displays of El-Hadji Diouf, but the Senegal international is not without his dark side and is starting a three-game suspension at the weekend.

Allardyce must now decide whether to introduce the promising Ricardo Vaz Te to his frontline or alternatively, rely on the consistency provided by Danish hit man Henrik Pedersen.

Captain Jay-Jay Okocha is another doubt with a hamstring injury, with Bolton unlikely to risk their talismanic Nigerian unless he is fully fit.

Bolton are unbeaten in their last five at home and have picked up 13 points from their last six games and it will take a sterling effort from Norwich if they are to halt this run.

Canaries boss Nigel Worthington is unlikely to make wholesale changes to his side, with Denmark captain Thomas Helveg having to settle for a place on the bench having recovered from a calf strain which has kept him out for two months.

England Under-19 striker Ryan Jarvis had a run-out for the reserves in midweek, while David Bentley and Mathias Svensson are both in training again after long lay-offs with knee injuries. However, Jim Brennan (ankle) is still some way from a first team return.

With Bolton gunning for European qualification and Norwich looking all but doomed, it would take a brave punter to back against Big Sam's boys at the
weekend.

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Charlton v West Brom preview

Two sides with contrasting fortunes face each other at The Valley, as Charlton Athletic face West Bromwich Albion.

Both sides played in midweek, with Charlton boosting their European aspirations with 2-0 home win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

West Brom fought hard at Premiership leaders Chelsea on Tuesday evening, but Didier Drogba's first half goal gave The Blues a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

The result leaves The Baggies five points adrift of safety, with eight matches left in their season and in need of victories.

The Addicks have a fine recent record against West Brom, having gone undefeated in their last seven encounters with the Black Country club - with their last four meetings being 1-0 victories.

Manager Alan Curbishley has a few injury concerns, with midfielder Radostin Kishishev still suffering from a recurrence of a hamstring problem.

Winger Jerome Thomas, who scored a sublime goal against Spurs, will need a fitness test on a calf injury.

Dennis Rommedahl (wrist) and Shaun Bartlett (dead leg) also face fitness tests before Saturday's match while Francis Jeffers, Jason Euell and Jonatan Johansson will look for recalls to the starting XI.

Mark Fish, Jonathan Fortune, Kevin Lisbie and Bryan Hughes are all also available after overcoming injury problems.

West Brom manager Bryan Robson has a near full-strength squad to choose from, with midfielder Andy Johnson the only major absentee with a season-ending knee injury.

On-loan Manchester United winger Kieran Richardson has overcome a calf problem to be available for the club's second trip to London this week.

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Chelsea v Palace preview

Chelsea entertain Crystal Palace on Saturday with the Premiership crown now well within their grasp.

Jose Mourinho's troops are 11 points clear of Manchester United with just eight games left to play, and a 24th win of the season at Stamford Bridge on Saturday would see the finish line well in sight for Chelsea.

The Blues' home form has played a large part in their title charge this season, with Mourinho's men seeking their 12th win on their own turf this term.

Arjen Robben could make his eagerly-awaited return to action against Palace after he missed his expected return against West Brom in midweek, although the Dutchman may again be left out.

Didier Drogba grabbed the only goal of the game against The Baggies, but he may miss the Palace game after receiving a kick in the groin towards the end of the match.

Ricardo Carvalho is likely to come in to replace Robert Huth while Scott Parker is available again after getting over a broken foot.

Palace did Chelsea a huge favour last time out by holding Manchester United to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park, and they will look to be equally as stubborn against the league leaders.

Iain Dowie could have Darren Powell and Aki Riihilahti back from calf and thigh injuries for the game, although Vassilis Lakis is suspended following his red card against Manchester United.

Nicola Ventola, Tommy Black and Danny Butterfield are all still on the comeback trail, and will not be available.

Palace will be buoyed by their draw with United and will be looking for a vital point at Stamford Bridge.

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Man Utd v Fulham preview

Manchester United's players may now be conceding that the title chase is all-but over, but they will be keen to push on for the Premiership runners-up spot by picking up a result against Fulham at Old Trafford.

Fulham put a dent in Manchester United's title chase earlier this term, when Papa Bouba Diop's stunning late leveller earned The Cottagers a share of the points.

Last season Fulham picked up a 3-1 win at Old Trafford that many of United's players will be eager to avenge - but former Red devil Andy Cole will attempt to put one over on his old club.

Ryan Giggs is expected to return form the nasal injury that kept him out of the 4-0 win against Southampton - and another of the home-grown veterans, Gary Neville, should have shaken off his ankle injury.

Darren Fletcher and Klebersen are long term absentees, as is Norwegian striker Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.

Louis Saha is a major doubt against his former club - but is unlikely to feature due
to a knee injury.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman has a virtual full-strength squad to choose from with Mark Pembridge and Ian Pearce both expected to be fit.
Jerome Bonnissel is a long-term absentee, but Coleman will be hopeful that he
can choose close to his best XI.

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Pompey v Newcastle preview

On the face of it Saturday's game between Portsmouth and Newcastle United appears to be a complete mismatch between sides with deeply contrasting recent form.

Newcastle are England's in-form side after winning a remarkable eight games in a row under boss Graeme Souness, whilst Portsmouth are dangerously close to the relegation zone after losing seven of the last eight Premiership fixtures.

Pompey boss Velimir Zajec will be desperate to affect a change in the South Coast outfit's fortunes, and has a nearly full squad to choose from in the bid to do so.

Aliou Cisse has returned to the squad after missing three games whilst Richard Hughes is also back in contention after picking up an injury against Manchester Untied at Old Trafford.

Diomansy Kamara could also feature fresh from his reserve hat-trick against Tottenham, and will be looking to partner Yakubu Aiyegbeni in the Pompey attack.

The clash also sees the reunion of old acquaintances as Tresor Lomana Lua Lua will be hoping to face his old Tyneside paymasters, although Andy Griffin will miss the chance to do the same due to a calf strain.

Former Magpies keeper Shaka Hislop could also be given a rare start as Zajec has declared he will rest Kostas Chalkias, although Jamie Ashsdown is more likely to deputise in the number one shirt.

Newcastle also contribute to the old boys reunion, as Amdy Faye could return to Fratton Park after departing during the January transfer window.

Jean Alain Boumsong should return to the starting line-up after being cup-tied for the Uefa Cup tie with Olympiakos in midweek, although fellow central defender Titus Bramble is still absent with a groin injury.

Patrick Kluivert is expected to feature after missing the Olympiakos match with a sore knee, but Shola Ameobi still misses out with a hip injury.

Legendary captain Alan Shearer is now within nine goals of Jackie Milburn's all-time goal-scoring record for The Magpies, and will undoubtedly view Saturday's game as a golden opportunity to draw ever closer before his expected retirement in the summer.

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Picks

Arsenal win / eat ball
Chelsea win TG 2,3
WBA draw
Bolton win