Its been a bit of a rush job this week trying to get this out as Ive had some..ahem..studying to do the last few days, but its all taken care of now..I think! Anyway join me over the break for a preview of this weekends games...<!--more-->

Arsenal v Villa

Five weeks ago Arsenal were 12 points behind Spurs now they’re ahead of them and up to third place. No small thanks to Vermaelen who has twice popped up to score the winner. RVP assisted for the Everton winner which is now his 36th goal or assist of the league season.

Arsenal now have a great chance to consolidate a place in the top four with a home game against Villa, while Chelsea and Spurs face off at Stanford Bridge.

Villa – on past performances- will be happy to sit back and hit on the break, which is where Arsenal have often been vulnerable, but three points to the home team should surely be a formality.

Arsenal have no new injury problems while N’Zogbia is doubtful.

Chelsea v Spurs

Chelsea will consider themselves unlucky to lose at Man City after conceding two late goals. Still, nobody has picked up so much as a point there this year. Before that game, Di Matteo had won four games on the bounce, the whole time rotating the squad in a way that would make SAF and Mancini blush.

Spurs have been on a horrible run ever since Redknapp has been linked to the England job. It shows how much of a poisoned chalice the job is that it’s affecting things before he’s even taken it. They managed a point against Stoke after a late VDV goal. Adebayor remains doubtful which could see VDV moved back into the middle where he belongs. Terry  is back for Chelsea, while Ivanovic will most likely miss out.

Liverpool v Wigan

Coates – the half Uruguayan/half Scot (no seriously) – scored an<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj9umu0H5hI"> outrageous goal[/url] against QPR that showcased his Scottish side. It really was an absolute peach of a  goal but was in vain as his defence let in three goals in the last 13 minutes to lose 3-2.

They have an opportunity to get back to winning ways against relegation candidates Wigan this week. Unfortunately, for Liverpool this is exactly the sort of game that they’ve been dropping points in for years.

Wigan, despite some decent performances are struggling big time to pick up points but need to do just that to have any chance of survival.

Maloney has started seeing some gametime while Rodallega could still be out.

Norwich v Wolves

Wolves are really toiling and to make matters worse, some teams round about them are starting to pick up points. They seem devoid of confidence and will do well to pick up any points at Carrow Road.

Lambert continues to manage his squad well which of course is a nightmare for all of us. Holt was benched for the first time since January as Morison came back in. They’ll both be desperate to play against this Wolves defence.

Stoke v Man City

Tevez is back!!! He had a beauty of an assist as well to set up the crucial winner against Chelsea. Balotelli was taken off at half-time after an indifferent performance. While Zabaleta and Richards both played as Kompany and Lescott were injured. Kompany is hopeful of being back for this one.

It’s got the makings of a tight game and if so then expect another cameo off the bench from Tevez.

Man United v Fulham

Not many, if any, have managed to get under the skin of those at Old Trafford quite like Patrick Viera. He’s very good at it. I like him for that. He was quite right though in stating that it showed “a little bit of weakness in United” by bringing back Scholes. Just as SAF was right in his retort that Tevez’s return could “come under the description of desperation”.

The jury is still out on Tevez’s re-appearance although there is no doubting his quality. As for Scholes, United have won nine and drawn one of the  ten games that he’s played in. Nuff said

Rooney has scored ten in his last eight. Nani will miss again. Cleverley and Jones should be available again. United won 5-0 at Fulham earlier in the season.

Just on the verbals and mind games, Ferguson said “we are all going to play our hand – I have plenty of ammunition that way”. Ain’t that the truth. Bring it on fellas.

Bolton v Blackburn

After speaking with the family of Fabrice Muamba this game will go ahead. As well as being a local derby, both teams are in decent form and still have the threat of relegation hanging over them. It has the makings of a dramatic game.

Blackburn are going for their third consecutive win for the first time in over four years. Givet is doubtful for the game.

*It’s almost beyond belief that the doctors, physios, St John’s volunteers, supporters and surgeons managed to save Muamba’s life when he was in effect dead for <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17460781">78mins[/url]. Well done to all involved and clearly Muamba is a fighter and reading about him, he is an inspiration as well. Get well soon Fabrice.

WBA v Newcastle

West Brom were a touch lucky to grab a point at Wigan last week  with Odemwingie  sitting on the sidelines. There’s question marks over Brunt and Morrison this week so WBA might struggle for creativity against a well-drilled Newcastle outfit that should welcome back Tiote. Up front Ba and Cisse should continue their partnership.

Swansea v Everton

Swansea secured a magnificent 3rd consecutive win @ Fulham last wk where Sigurdsson scored another brace. While Everton’s impressive run was halted by the flying Gunners. Rodwell &amp; Coleman will probably miss out with injury but Darron Gibson could return. Dyer is still suspended for The Swans. Lots of goals in this game would be a surprise.

Sunderland v QPR

Sessegnon comes back in after suspension while Bridge and Kyrgiakos could continue with Richardson out and O’Shea doubtful. Sunderland have slowed in recent times but will be looking for three points, especially with Sess back, against an albeit rejuvenated QPR.

Three goals in the last 13mins to win 3-2 against Liverpool. This could quite easily be a season-defining moment. It is also the sort of result that one might’ve expected once Hughes took over. It hasn’t really happened until now but they can now kick on with confidence, they do after all have a quality squad. QPR don’t have any major injury worries.