Relegation or Championship?

 

Blackburn v Manchester United, Saturday, 12.45pm 

 

Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to rest Edwin van der Sar in goal, with either Tomasz Kuszczak or Anders Lindegaard taking his place, meanwhile Patrice Evra and John O’Shea are battling to be fit to play.

Blackburn will see young star Phil Jones return after a back problem and Michel Salgado and David Dunn are also fit again, one player who will miss out is Mame Biram Diouf due to his loan agreement with United.

The home side have drawn the first half in eight of their past eleven league games, as well as being level at the break in six of their last eight home matches against Big Four sides, meanwhile Man Utd have been tied at the interval in ten of their 18 away games and six of their previous 12 trips to bottom-half sides.

The smart money is on United to win at 9/11, 

 

Sunderland v Wolves Saturday, 12.45pm 

 

Steve Bruce is having a hard time; he said that only 12 senior players have been fit enough to train this week.

One player set to miss out is Lee Cattermole who is having back problems; the injury crisis is going to give youngsters the opportunity to play.

Wolves forward Kevin Doyle is fit again after his knee ligament damage and will provide Wolves some extra ammunition up front as the away side look to stay up.

Five of Sunderland’s six most recent home fixtures have had +3.5 goals as they have conceded at least twice in all six games. Wolves have netted in eight of their last ten league games (six +2.5 goals, four +3.5 goals) with ten of their 15 away matches against middle-third teams since 2009/10 having had +2.5 goals.

 

Liverpool v Tottenham Sunday, 4.00pm

Liverpool will be looking to end the season on a high, having spent part of the season in the bottom three a win on against Spurs will mean they are guaranteed a Europa League place.

Andy Carroll is expected to return but after Monday’s impressive win over Fulham there will only be a place on the bench for him.

Tottenham defender William Gallas will be missing due to a hamstring problem and could be replaced by Ledley King. Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is going to miss out due to a back injury and Wilson Palacios is unlikely to play after being stretchered off at Manchester City.

Liverpool have been ahead at half-time and full-time and won by at least three goals in four of their last five league fixtures as well as being unbeaten in eight home games under Kenny Dalglish with six victories and five wins by two clear goals.