Teams and tactics for the weekend: 08/05/2010

Friday 07 May 2010 19:00 EDT
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Arsenal vs Fulham

Manuel Almunia (wrist) remains a doubt for Arsenal, as does Nicklas Bendtner (groin), Alexandre Song (knee) and Gaël Clichy and Tomas Rosicky (both ankle).

Arsenal require victory – although a point will probably suffice – to secure third position ahead of neighbours Spurs. Bobby Zamora (Achilles) remains out for Fulham as he races to make Wednesday's Europa League final, as does midfielder Damien Duff (knee).

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Arsenal 2 Fulham 0 (6-1, Victor Chandler)

Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is without Fabian Delph and Curtis Davies as the Midlands club seek the victory that could see them end the season in fifth, having finished sixth in both of the last two seasons. Brett Emerton (hamstring) Steven Nzonzi (illness) and Nikola Kalinic (thigh) are all doubts for Rovers, who have conceded nine at Villa Park in two cup games this season. Their last victory at the ground came in March 2004.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Aston Villa 1 Blackburn Rovers 0 (7-1, SkyBet)

Bolton Wanderers vs Birmingham City

Joey O'Brien, Sean Davis (both knee) and Gavin McCann (ankle) miss out for Owen Coyle's side, while Stuart Holden (leg) remains doubftul for his comeback after missing 10 weeks. Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has doubts over Lee Carsley (ankle), Scott Dann (calf) and Craig Gardner (leg) as the visitors seek to improve on a record of one win in 19 trips to Bolton – Mikael Forssell scoring the only goal in October 2003.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 2 Birmingham City 1 (17-2, SkyBet)

Burnley vs Tottenham Hotspur

Clarke Carlisle is a doubt for the Clarets in their final Premier League game. Vedran Corluka (ankle), Heurelho Gomes (groin) and Ledley King (knee) may struggle to feature for Harry Redknapp's Champions League qualifiers as they search for the six goals that will bring up a century of strikes for the season. The Clarets have conceded 10 goals in their last two home games, while Spurs won September's reverse fixture 5-0.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (ESPN; Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Burnley 1 Tottenham Hotspur 3 (11-1, SportingBet)

Chelsea vs Wigan Athletic

Carlo Ancelotti awaits updates on Ricardo Carvalho (ankle) and Michael Essien (knee) as Chelsea look to secure the title. Chris Kirkland (finger) remains out for the Latics, along with Titus Bramble (ankle) and Marcelo Moreno (calf). Wigan are searching for a first league double over Chelsea after beating the Londoners 3-1 in September Their 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in April 2008 hampered the home side's title hopes that year.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Sky Sports 1; Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Chelsea 4 Wigan Athletic 0 (8-1, BlueSq)

Everton vs Portsmouth

David Moyes has doubts over Johnny Heitinga (ankle), while Steven Pienaar may also struggle to feature after missing last weekend's draw at Stoke with the same injury. Richard Hughes (hamstring) is the latest addition to Pompey's injury list ahead of next week's FA Cup final, with Angelos Basinas (hamstring), Tal Ben Haim, Aruna Dindane (groin), Hassan Yebda (thigh) and Ricardo Rocha (hip) also doubts for Avram Grant's side.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Everton 2 Portsmouth 1 (17-2, SkyBet)

Hull City vs Liverpool

Dean Marney (illness) may miss out for Iain Dowie's side as their two-year Premier League trip comes to an end. Will Atkinson and Mark Cullen could keep places after scoring in the 2-2 draw at Wigan. Jozy Altidore serves the second of his three-match suspension. Liverpool have doubts over Fabio Aurelio (thigh), Jamie Carragher (ankle), Glen Johnson (calf), Emilio Insua (thigh), Maxi Rodriguez (thigh) and Martin Skrtel (foot).

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Hull City 0 Liverpool 0 (12-1, Stan James)

Manchester City vs Stoke City

Brazilian defender Rafael may deputise for Gary Neville at right-back, with the England international struggling with a calf injury as Sir Alex Ferguson's side cling to hopes of a record fourth consecutive Premier League title. Stoke manager Tony Pulis has doubts over Abdoulaye Faye (calf) as the Potters look to follow up Wednesday's 1-0 win at Fulham with a first victory at Old Trafford since April 1976.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Sky Sports 3, Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Manchester United 2 Stoke City 0 (6-1, Coral)

West Ham United vs Manchester City

James Tomkins (ankle) and Herito Ilunga (tendon) are both doubts for Gianfranco Zola's Hammers as they welcome a despondent Manchester City. Gareth Barry misses out for City after picking up an ankle injury during Wednesday's home defeat to Tottenham, joining Shay Given (shoulder) on the sidelines. Joleon Lescott is not ready to return for a City side who have won two of their last three league trips to Upton Park.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: West Ham United 2 Manchester City 1 (14-1, BetFred)

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Sunderland

Mick McCarthy has a doubt over Matt Jarvis (thigh) as Wolves look forward to a second consecutive season in the top flight. Lee Cattermole (shoulder) misses out for Sunderland following a training ground accident, while David Meyler (knee) could be out for a year after injuring his knee in last week's 1-0 defeat against Manchester United, Darren Bent goes into the game needing a treble to have a chance of ending as league top scorer.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Wolves 1 Sunderland 0 (7-1, PaddyPower)

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