It's derbies all round this weekend, with possibly the most significant coming as Aston Villa entertain Birmingham City at Villa Park on Sunday. There is, of course, the added element that Birmingham are in the midst of a tough relegation battle. With both Bolton Wanderers and Fulham picking up vital wins last weekend, the Brummies have been sucked right back into the mire just as it seemed they might have escaped. And Villa fans would love nothing more than to add to their big rivals' woes with a win.
Birmingham's recent off-field problems have been well documented, with Karren Brady and David Sullivan both taken in for questioning by police amid rumours of corruption within the club. Just how this will affect the players is debatable, although Alex McLeish will doubtless demand that his team forget about it and concentrate on securing what would be a huge victory for the Blues.
As for Villa, a miserable run of games in March - in which they managed only two points - has been turned around in emphatic style so far in April. In their last two outings, the Villains have scored ten goals without reply (albeit against Bolton and Derby). Goals are flowing from all areas of the team at the moment, including a superb Beckham-esque effort from Stiliyan Petrov against Derby County.
Villa should be fired up for this game. Not only is this a home derby game, in which the fans will demand a huge effort at the very least, they are still in with a slim shout of snatching the last European slot from the grasps of Everton and Portsmouth. Because of these factors, as well as their recent form, Villa could prove a test too far for Birmingham. The likes of Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor have re-discovered their early season heroics and, combined with the ever-consistent Gareth Barry and the man-mountain John Carew, will out-class Birmingham if they decide to perform on Sunday.
Another side to this weekend's clash is that it reunites old rivals McLeish and Martin O'Neill, who had many memories battles when they were managers of Rangers and Celtic up in Glasgow. The Second City Derby isn't quite as intense as the Old Firm Derby, but it certainly adds another dimension to the rivalry that they have ended up competing against each other in the same city again. Can Birmingham avoid a double defeat at the hands of their old rivals and move an invaluable three points further away from the drop?
Meanwhile, it's the most important day of the year in Newcastle on Sunday. No, it's not Alan Shearer's birthday, or even open day at the Brown Ale factory - the Mackems are in town! The pressure will be on Kevin Keegan and his players to maintain their good recent form and produce the goods against the Geordies' fiercest local rivals.
The last outing between the two sides, in November last year, ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, allowing neither set of fans to leave with the precious bragging rights. In that game, Sunderland took the lead through defender Danny Higginbotham, only to see Newcastle United equalise through a rather fortunate James Milner cross-come-shot, which flew over the helpless Craig Gordon.
However, as was typical of the brief Allardyce era, it was the Magpies' lacklustre performance that really disappointed the fans. Sunderland are hardly world-beaters and yet were allowed to control large portions of the game, whilst Newcastle struggled to string two passes together, never mind produce anything creative.
As for Sunderland, they have had an up and down season, which has stabilised in the past month or so, thanks to such impressive wins, as away at Aston Villa. Although they were newly-promoted at the beginning of the season and have managed to out-perform fellow newbies, Derby and Birmingham, in relation to the money that Roy Keane spent in the summer, it has not been a roaring success for the Mackems.
£9 million went on keeper Gordon, as well as a combined £10 million+ on strikers Michael Chopra and Kenwyne Jones. All have shown glimpses of quality without setting the Premier League alight consistently. However, Roy Keane has created a tremendous team spirit within his ranks and, combined with the enormous home support, has been able to make the Stadium of Light something of a fortress. However, their away record leaves much to be desired, with a mere two wins and three draws.
On paper and form, Newcastle should certainly have the edge over Sunderland on Sunday. In typical Keegan fashion, the Geordie 'messiah' has managed to accomodate all three of his star strikers into the side. Most teams would be envious of a front three consisting of Viduka, Martins and Owen and, sure enough, Keegan's attacking philosophy has paid dividend of late, with a real upsurge in form. Owen has been asked to play in a slightly withdrawn role behind the other two, a new task for the England striker, but one that he has taken to extremely well. He had scored in six consecutive games prior to the 0-0 stalemate with Portsmouth last weekend.
The same old story prevails, however, with Newcastle's defence still decidedly shaky. Keegan will surely address this long-term problem in the summer, but until then will have to make do with what he's got. This is where Sunderland can really hurt Newcastle - by attacking the likes of Jose Enrique and Abdoulaye Faye, who do not look at all comfortable when put under pressure. Hopefully, Roy Keane recognises this and decides to put out an offensive line-up, which would in turn open the game up significantly.
(All kick-offs are 1500 BST unless specified)
SATURDAY
Arsenal v Reading - Kick off 1245
There will be a lot of soul searching at Arsenal but there is a fine line between winning major trophies and not winning anything.
They play fantastic football and they're still a top three club but they need to toughen up mentally.
Reading are still not safe and their away form isn't very good.
Verdict: 2-0
Fulham v Liverpool
A lot will depend on what team Liverpool put out ahead of the Champions League after last year (when Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock complained about Rafa Benitez fielding a weakened side in a match against Fulham).
I think Benitez has to be respectful of the teams battling relegation.
Fulham had a big win last week and there is a lot of life left in them yet.
Verdict: 1-1
Middlesbrough v Bolton Wanderers
Boro have been really good recently. I thought they may have caved in after that FA Cup defeat against Cardiff, but slowly but surely Gareth Southgate has turned it around.
He has a very good chairman and the only way is up for them.
Bolton have no Kevin Davies - no centre-forward - so no goals.
Verdict: 2-0
West Ham United v Derby County
West Ham are going nowhere, drifting along.
I know they have a lot of players injured but they don't want a reason for the board to say thank you but no thank you to Alan Curbishley - they need a performance.
What can Derby do? Get on holiday! You learn more in adversity than when you're winning games and one thing about Paul Jewell is that he'll have a good idea who he wants to keep.
Some players know they will not be there next season, which tells its own story.
Verdict: 2-0
Wigan Ahletic v Tottenham Hotspur
The Carling Cup win was great for Spurs; they have been inconsistent since but I don't actually think Juande Ramos will be too bothered.
He'll know who he wants to keep, he can go to the chairman and say which players can only play to a certain level and I think a lot will go in the summer.
Wigan will be fine, despite that awful pitch. Steve Bruce has done a very good job.
Verdict: 1-1
Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United - Kick off 1715
I feel Blackburn are just beginning to run out of gas. I saw them at Liverpool last week and they made a few mistakes under pressure.
I know Mark Hughes always gives the top teams a game but United have so many match-winners and Chelsea's draw against Wigan was a massive boost for them.
Verdict: 0-3
SUNDAY
Aston Villa v Birmingham City - Kick-off 1200 BST
Villa have had spells when they have struggled for points and have had a long hard season but their home form has been generally good, with a lot of goals, and I expect them to take the bragging rights.
Birmingham are young and inexperienced. I liked the way they played against Everton.
They'll be OK because I think Bolton will go regardless. I wouldn't be surprised if there were not 22 players on the pitch at the end of this one.
Verdict: 2-0
Newcastle United v Sunderland - Kick-off 1330 BST
Newcastle have turned it around and the combination of Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins is working well.
Sunderland's away form hasn't been good; they haven't been picked apart but they've struggled for wins. They'll be OK and be stronger next year. Again it's bragging rights, it will be a nervy kind of game which has just lost a little bit now that both teams have picked up.
Verdict: 2-1
Manchester City v Portsmouth - Kick-off 1600 BST
I was amazed by the statement from City's chairman, (Thaksin Shinawatra's criticism of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson). I think Sven has done a good job, signed some good players and has some local talent coming through.
Portsmouth have had a great season but a lot of teams have something of an anti-climax after reaching a cup final and I think there are one or two players with one eye on 17 May against Cardiff at Wembley.
Verdict: 2-0