Predictions 3/1 – 3/2

Arsenal v Aston Villa, 10am, FSC: Arsenal needs to do all they can to put last Saturday behind them and keep their lead atop the league. Arsenal 2-0
Fulham v Man Utd, 10am, Setanta: If Fulham doesn’t start picking up 3 points from matches, especially at home, they’ve little chance of avoiding relegation. Pity they’re up against United on Saturday. United 3-0
West Ham v Chelsea, 10am, Setanta Xtra: It’s a London derby, and I’m hoping the hullabaloo between Terry, Grant, and Ten Cate will impact the Blues. But Chelsea’s still Chelsea when it comes to eking out tough wins (unless it’s against Spurs in the League Cup final, I guess). Chelsea 2-1
Birmingham v Tottenham, 10am: I can’t see Spurs losing this one after last Sunday, especially considering the way Tottenham’s been scoring and with Brum defender Martin Taylor suspended. Spurs 2-1
Derby v Sunderland, 10am: Derby’s lone win came at home, while Sunderland still hasn’t won away from the Stadium of Light. Paul Jewell will hope his team will respond to his criticism following the last match, but Sunderland’s fully aware they need to pick up points on the road to avoid being drawn into the relegation fight. Sunderland 1-0
Middlesbrough v Reading, 10am: Reading’s been dire of late, and even without Aliadiere (ha), Boro still look likely winners, as Alves finally got his first start yesterday and was unlucky not to mark the occasion with a goal. Boro 1-0
Newcastle v Blackburn, 10am: No matter how bad Newcastle’s been, Keegan’s got to get his first win soon, right? Blackburn smashed Bolton last weekend, putting 4 past Jaaskelainen, but they’ve also been inconsistent this season. Newcastle 2-1
Man City v Wigan, 12:15pm, FSC: City’s lost the last two at home, their first two home losses of the season, but they’ve been excellent against teams below them in the table. I doubt Richards’ injury will have much impact on this one. City 2-0
Everton v Portsmouth, 11am Sunday, FSC: Ugh. Everton’s playing well, with Yakubu scoring regularly in the last few, and Pompey hasn’t scored more than 1 in an away game since New Year’s Day. Everton 2-1