Premier League Preview

After a frustrating break for the FA Cup, the Premiership is back with a bang this weekend, so here’s your weekly team news update…

Birmingham v Arsenal

The Premier League leaders suddenly find themselves with a lot to prove, following a monstrous FA Cup defeat at the hands of Manchester United and their failure to score against AC Milan on Wednesday night. Hleb and Adebayor are both expected to start after shaking off mid-week knocks. Almunia is in the squad but not certain to start, Emmanuel Eboue is suspended while Kolo Toure has been added to a lengthy injury list that includes Van Persie, Diaby, Song, Rosicky and Djourou.

Alex McLeish has the luxury of a fully-fit squad to pick from. McFadden and Forssell will form the Blues’ strike-pairing, while Olivier Kapo is expected to replace McSheffrey on the left-hand side of midfield.

YTM Player to Watch: Alexander Hleb
Prediction: Birmingham 0 - 2 Arsenal

Fulham v West Ham

Brian McBride could make his first Premier League start in six months as Fulham look to drag themselves out of the relegation zone. Simon Davies, arguably the club’s stand-out player this season, sits out through suspension - Dempsey is most likely to replace him.

Similarly for the Hammers, striker Bobby Zamora may feature for the first time since August, but most probably from the bench. Mark Noble was rested for the last EPL game against Birmingham but should return in midfield and may line-up alongside Julien Faubert, who’s recovered from a calf problem. Craig Bellamy will miss the rest of the season with a recurring abdominal injury.

YTM Player to Watch: Freddie Ljungberg
Prediction: Fulham 1 - 2 West Ham

Liverpool v Middlesbrough

How do they do it? Under normal circumstances, another incredible Champions League win for ‘Pool against Inter in mid-week should set them up nicely for a convincing win against ‘Boro. But it’s Liverpool and nothing is certain when they’re involved. Defensive rock Jamie Carragher is suspended - and thanks to injuries to Skrtel and Agger, full-back Alvaro Arbeloa may have to partner Hyppia in central defence, with Aurelio on the left and Finnan on the right.

Middlesbrough are waiting on late fitness tests for Tuncay and Huth before they’re given the go-ahead to feature. Aliadiere may start alone in attack with either Alfonso Alves, who’s still struggling to find match-fitness, or Mido who impressed against Sheffield United last week in the FA Cup, set to make an appearance from the bench.

YTM Player to Watch: Fernando Torres
Prediction: Liverpool 1 - 1 Middlesbrough

Portsmouth v Sunderland

Pompey, strengthened by the return of their African contingent, are strong favourites for this one. Muntari’s back this week, following the return of Kanu, Utaka and Diop last. David James is a doubt with a stomach bug but should shake it off ahead of the game. Glen Johnson should also return at right-back.

Sunderland are still struggling in midfield as Richardson, Wallace, Miller and Edwards remain on the sidelines with injury. Veteran Dwight Yorke may play a part after recovering from calf damage. Jones and Chopra should continue up front.

YTM Player to Watch: Jermain Defoe
Prediction: Portsmouth 1 - 0 Sunderland

Wigan v Derby

A key relegation battle this one - for Wigan, at least - only a miracle of biblical proportions can save Derby now. The Latics are expected to field Heskey and Marlon King in attack. January signing Erik Edman could feature for the first time since his arrival at The Reebok and captain Mario Melchiot should return at right-back. Ryan Taylor remains sidelined with a rib injury.

Skipper Robbie Savage has shaken off a foot injury and will start. Jay McEveley should start at left-back after a seven-game injury lay-off, while Hossam Ghaly also returns after missing Derby’s EPL tie with his former club Tottenham last time out.

YTM Player to Watch: Emile Heskey
Prediction: Wigan 1 - 1 Derby

Newcastle v Manchester United

KK once presided over a 5-0 whitewash of Alex Ferguson’s men. But that was many years ago, with a very different squad - Kegsy has no superstars like Darren Peacock to rely on this time, and most Magpies would definitely settle for a draw this weekend.

There are doubts over the fitness of Obafemi Martins, but on the plus side Charles N’Zogbia is back from house-hunting in the Tottenham area just in time to feature. Fergie is still missing long-term injury victims Ben Foster, Mikael Silvestre and Gary Neville, but otherwise has a very strong squad to choose from. That spells trouble for the Messiah.

YTM Player to Watch: Paul Scholes
Prediction: Newcastle 1 - Manchester United 4

Reading v Aston Villa

Reading are in a horrible slump of late, and will not welcome the arrival of Martin O’Neill’s in-form Villa side. Steve Coppell has Emerse Fae and Andre Bikey back from the African Cup of Nations - potentially bad news for the St John’s Ambulance men, if not for Villa.

Gabby Agbonlahor should be fit to return after his injury lay-off, but may find it hard to gain a place in the team after Villa crushed Newcastle 4-1 in his absence. Reading will need to keep a close eye on dangerman John Carew, who netted a hat-trick last time out.

YTM Player to Watch: Ashley Young
Prediction: Reading 1 - 1 Aston Villa

Blackburn v Bolton

Bolton may have put in a heroic performance in Madrid, but they may be heavy-legged when they make the short trip to fierce rivals Blackburn. Luckily for Gary Megson’s men, Rovers have gone off the boil a little of late, and haven’t won a match since the sides last met in January.

Rovers will be missing Andre Ooijer and Ryan Nelsen, so Zurab Khizanishvili will continue to deputise in defence. Wanderers have a doubt over Ricardo Gardner, but are otherwise in good health.

YTM Player to Watch: Andy O’Brien
Prediction: Blackburn 0 - 0 Bolton

Manchester City v Everton

Young goalkeeper Joe Hart will look to continue to impress Fabio Capello, who is rumoured to be considering the former Shrewsbury youngster for his England number 1 shirt. City have Elano and Vedran Corluka back from suspension, and will be close to full strength. Only long-term absentees Valeri Bojinov, Michael Johnson and Nery Castillo remain doubts.

Everton will be brimming with confidence after shattering Brann Bergen on Thursday, with Nigerian star Yakubu sure to be gunning for gaols after firing a hat-trick against the hapless Norwegians. The Toffees are close to full strength, though Thomas Gravesen may miss out with a knee problem.

YTM Player to Watch: Joe Hart
Prediction: Man City 0 - 0 Everton

Good luck with those crucial transfers!

Joe @ YTM