PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

(All kick-offs are 1500 GMT unless specified)

SATURDAY

Birmingham City v Arsenal (1245 GMT)

I'm going to tip Birmingham to win this one.

The Blues are struggling a little bit for form but they had last week off, their players will be refreshed and they will be up for this game.

It has not been a great week for Arsenal with their 4-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester United. The Gunners looked like they did not want to be at Old Trafford and that is not a good sign.

Having said that, I thought their goalless draw with AC Milan was not a bad result as I expected the Italians to score an away goal.

Verdict: 2-1

Fulham v West Ham United

Fulham's new players plus the return of Jimmy Bullard and Brian McBride from injury has made a real difference and given the Cottagers a chance of avoiding the drop.

West Ham have an outside chance of qualifying for next season's Uefa Cup.

Considering the squad Alan Curbishley has to work with and the injuries his team has suffered, the Hammers have had a decent season so far.

Verdict: 1-1

Liverpool v Middlesbrough

Liverpool scored two incredibly important late goals against Inter Milan in their Champions League tie on Tuesday.

The later in the match you score, the less time the opposition has to reply. It is amazing how often good teams score late on - just look at Manchester United.

I don't know where the stories originated that Rafael Benitez was under pressure and close to losing his job. They certainly did not come from within the football club.

What is clear about Liverpool is that when they field their strongest XI they have a good side.

Middlesbrough have not lost since 1 January but I think they might have one eye on their forthcoming FA Cup replay against Sheffield United.

If they win that, Boro will have a quarter-final tie against Cardiff City at home and might just be thinking they have a decent chance in the competition.

Verdict: 2-0

Portsmouth v Sunderland

I always talk about the physical strength that Portsmouth have as a team but there is a real belief and resilience about them as well now.

Preston played well against them in the FA Cup on Sunday but Pompey scored an injury-time goal to win 1-0. Arguably, Harry Redknapp's team would not have won that fixture a year ago.

Sunderland will avoid relegation - but this will be because of their home form, not how they do on their travels.

Verdict: 2-0

Wigan Athletic v Derby County

The return of Paul Jewell to the JJB Stadium. Returning to a former club is often a strange experience and I don't think this will end in victory for the Rams.

Wigan have not been in great form and Emile Heskey is struggling with injury.

But Antoine Sibierski could return and this really is a game that the Latics have to win if they are serious about staying up.

Derby are slowly improving but it will not be enough for them to avoid the drop. Wigan should be OK but there is often one team that loses form and becomes a shock relegation sufferer.

Verdict: 2-0

Newcastle United v Manchester United (1715 GMT)

This would be a great game for Kevin Keegan's Newcastle to win. Mind you, any game would fall into that category for the Magpies at the moment.

I know that Keegan has now had some time to work with his players but Newcastle have problems in so many areas.

It could yet prove to be fortunate for Newcastle that they currently have a buffer between themselves and the bottom three.

Man Utd have had a good week and can afford to rotate their squad because they have the quality to do so.

Verdict: 0-2

SUNDAY

Reading v Aston Villa (1230 GMT)

Reading could do with a win.

They remind me a little of Sheffield United last season in that they have become ultra reliant on their home form.

However, I think the Royals have more quality that the Blades did last season. I think they will be OK in terms of Premier League survival.

Villa have vastly improved and are enjoying a fine season but I'm going with Reading to win this one.

Verdict: 2-1

Blackburn Rovers v Bolton Wanderers

This should be tasty, what you might call a proper, old-fashioned game of football.

There will certainly be a few tackles flying about.

Bolton played in the Uefa Cup on Thursday and that does not help their cause.

I think Bolton will avoid the drop, though more by virtue of keeping clean sheets than pushing forward and scoring goals.

Verdict: 2-1

MONDAY

Manchester City v Everton (2000 GMT)

Everton played in the Uefa Cup on Thursday while Man City will be refreshed after a 15-day break since their last fixture.

Their last game, of course, was the 2-1 win at Old Trafford against rivals Man Utd and City will take a lot of confidence from that result.

I think this will be a tight game with little between the two teams.

I'm not sure it will be much of a spectacular, certainly no fireworks and laser show.

Verdict: 1-0

CARLING CUP FINAL

SUNDAY

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

There is no love lost between these two teams - and Tottenham have beaten Chelsea just once in 16 attempts.

But I'm going to tip Tottenham to win as I reckon that Juande Ramos has the winning formula in cup competitions.

In addition to being a good manager he also has that little bit of luck.

He has worked the players hard since he took over and has won their respect through what he has done with them on the training field.

Their results have improved, Ramos has signed a few good players and Ledley King is back again.

You look at Tottenham now and they are a completely different proposition from what they were a few months ago.

Chelsea have a good record in cup finals but every now and again you lose one, whether it is deserved or not.

The Blues have had a few results of scraping results but I think they might come unstuck on Sunday.

Verdict: 1-0