THE WEEKEND PREVIEWS: PREMIERSHIP
ARSENAL v BLACKBURN
Having drawn their last two Premiership games, Arsenal will be looking to reproduce their recent European form and get back to winning ways in the hope of closing the gap on leaders Chelsea.
Earlier this week the Gunners joined Manchester United and Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League and skipper Patrick Vieira believes that Arsenal are now ready to fulfil their potential on the European stage.
"We are still learning and maybe this will be our year," said Vieira. "You never know, as there is still a long way to go, but it was important for the spirit of the group to win the group.
"Manchester United have done really well in the Champions League and, of course, they are one of the big clubs in Europe. We want to be a big club as well. To do that you must have success in the Champions League and I think we will get there as we have won the last three games and shown how good we are."
Blackburn arrive at Highbury in good form, having won consecutive Premiership games for the first time this season. Rovers have proved somewhat of a bogey team for Arsenal in recent years - Graeme Souness' side the double over the Gunners last season, and in their last seven league visits to Highbury Arsenal have won only once.
At the back, the return of Craig Short has coincided with two successive clean sheets and in midfield Barry Ferguson is starting to form a formidable partnership alongside the experienced Tugay.
SHAILY'S VERDICT: Blackburn have shown better form in recent weeks, but they might just struggle to contain the in-form Pires, Ljungberg and, of course, Henry.
MY OTHER WEEKEND PREDICTIONS
MANCHESTER UNITED v MANCHESTER CITY
Roy Keane and Tim Howard are expected to return to the United line-up after missing the Champions League victory against Stuttgart. Sir Alex Ferguson's side are unbeaten in their last 22 games at home to their local rivals, indeed City have not beaten United in any competition at Old Trafford since 1974.
David Seaman is hoping to recover from a rib injury and Eyal Berkovic and Paul Bosvelt are both pushing for a place in Kevin Keegan's side. VERDICT: City have been somewhat of a Jeckyl and Hyde side this season, but they will have to be at their best to contain an in-form United side. Got to go for the home win though.
LEICESTER v BIRMINGHAM
Defender Ben Thatcher faces a late fitness test after picking up a bruised shin in the draw against Arsenal last week. Billy McKinlay is definitely ruled out with a groin strain, but Muzzy Izzet is expected to return to the stating line-up after suspension.
Birmingham are without talisman Christophe Dugarry, who has a knee problem, and both Stern John and Clinton Morrison are competing for a starting birth. Key defender Matthew Upson makes his return after recovering from a calf injury. VERDICT: Blues have struggled of late so Leicester get my tentative selection in this one.
LIVERPOOL v SOUTHAMPTON
Michael Owen is unlikely to recover from his thigh injury in time for tomorrow's game, and Harry Kewell could be another Liverpool absentee. Southampton could recall midfielder Chris Marsden, who missed the 3-2 win against Charlton with an ankle injury. Brett Omerod is expected to keep his place up front alongside James Beattie, with Kevin Phillips on the bench. VERDICT: Southampton have kept things tight on the road this season, and with Liverpool having won only one of their last five games, the Saints could spring a surprise.
CHELSEA v BOLTON
Chelsea could recall both Hernan Crespo and Adrian Mutu after both players missed the midweek Champions League win against Besiktas. Crespo has recovered from a calf strain while Mutu, who is one booking away from a suspension, was rested. Bolton have climbed their way out of the drop zone in recent weeks and Wanderers Sam Allardyce will be delighted to get something out of this fixture. VERDICT: Can't see any other result than a home win.
NEWCASTLE v TOTTENHAM
Spurs are likely to remain unchanged but Bobby Zamora, Jamie Redknapp, Christian Ziege and Simon Davies are all still sidelined. The club announced yesterday that director of football David Pleat and first team coach Chris Houghton would continue as the management team until the end of the season. VERDICT: Both sides have shown improved form in the last few months but home advantage could well swing this match in the Magpies' favour.
PORTSMOUTH v EVERTON
Portsmouth have dropped five league places in the last month after losing four of the last six matches. Patrik Berger and Adrian De Zeeuw are both suspended but Jason Roberts should return after injury. Everton have not won on the road for ten games and their cause is not helped by injuries to David Weir, Alessandro Pistone, Tony Hibbert and Joseph Jobo. VERDICT: Both sides have been slipping down the table in recent weeks, but Pompey can take all three points in this one.
