Teams and tactics for the weekend: 01/05/2010

Birmingham City vs Burnley

Scott Dann remains a doubt for Birmingham with the leg injury that saw him miss a first league game last week since September, while Stephen Carr serves a one-match ban.

The home side are seeking a win that could secure their highest Premier League finish of ninth. Clarke Carlisle (ankle) may miss out for the visitors as Brian Laws' relegated Clarets hope not to extend their record of the most away goals conceded in a 38-game season.

Kick-off: Today, 12.45pm (Sky Sports 1; Highlights BBC 1, 10.15pm)

Prediction: Birmingham City 2 Burnley 0 (6-1, Ladbrokes)

Manchester City vs Aston Villa

With goalkeeper Shay Given out for the season, emergency loanee Marton Fulop comes in for first appearance since playing for Sunderland in their 7-2 defeat at Chelsea in January. Wayne Bridge (ankle) and Gareth Barry (hamstring) are doubts for City as both sides look to further Champions League ambitions. Curtis Davies is likely to miss out due to a foot injury with Villa looking for a first win at City since 2007.

Kick-off: Today, 3pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.15pm)

Prediction: Manchester City 2 Aston Villa 1 (15-2, BlueSq)

Portsmouth vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

In their final top-flight home game, Portsmouth are without Nadir Belhadj (thigh) and on-loan Jamie O'Hara (back), although both could return for the FA Cup final. Avram Grant's side have the chance for a rare league double after recording their first win of the season at Molineux in October. Wolves are without Matt Jarvis (thigh) as they seek a first goal against Portsmouth in four games.

Kick-off: Today, 3pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.15pm)

Prediction: Portsmouth 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 (15-2, BoyleSports)

Stoke City vs Everton

With the club entertaining faint European hopes, Everton manager David Moyes takes his side to Stoke - where they have won on four of their last five visits. Jack Rodwell is a doubt with a hamstring injury. Stoke manager Tony Pulis is without defender Abdoulaye Faye (groin), while Thomas Sorensen misses out after dislocating his shoulder at Chelsea. The home side have won just one of their last five at the Britannia.

Kick-off: Today, 3pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.15pm)

Prediction: Stoke City 1 Everton 1 (11-2, 888sport)

Tottenham Hotspur vs Bolton Wanderers

Aaron Lennon may make his first start in over four months after his substitute appearance at Old Trafford last week. Ledley King is also in contention for Spurs but may be rested with Wednesday's trip to Manchester City in mind. Andy O'Brien is struggling with a thigh injury for the trip to a ground where he has scored two own goals, while Bolton have won just two of their last 17 league visits to Spurs.

Kick-off: Today, 3pm (Highlights BBC 1, 10.15pm)

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3 Bolton 1 (10-1, Stan James)

Liverpool vs Chelsea

After at least four meetings with Chelsea in each of the last four seasons, Liverpool face the London side for only the second time this campaign. Rafael Benitez, whose side last lost a home league game to Chelsea in October 2005, has doubts over Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog. Carlo Ancelotti welcomes John Terry back from suspension, although Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien are still a week away from returning.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 1.30pm (Sky Sports 1; Highlights BBC 2, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2 (8-1, SkyBet)

Fulham vs West Ham United

After reaching a first major final in 35 years, Fulham face the team they played in that 1975 FA Cup showpiece. Bobby Zamora (Achilles) sits the game out. The Hammers are unbeaten in their last nine trips across the capital, although have taken just one point from their last six away games - last month's 2-2 draw at Everton. Luis Boa Morte is close to a return although, Herita Ilunga (tendon) could miss out.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 3pm (Highlights BBC 2, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Fulham 1 West Ham United 0 (7-1, Coral)

Sunderland vs Manchester United

Midfielder Andy Reid is out for the season, while Lee Cattermole (calf) and Michael Turner (arm) remain doubts as Sunderland attempt to beat United at home for the first time in eight league meetings. Right-back Alan Hutton serves just a one-match suspension after having his ban reduced. Wayne Rooney (groin) and Rio Ferdinand (back) are both doubtful starters for Alex Ferguson's visitors.

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 4pm (Sky Sports 1; Highlights BBC 2, 10.25pm)

Prediction: Sunderland 0 Manchester United 3 (9-1, SkyBet)

Wigan Athletic vs Hull City

After already securing the club's top-flight status, Roberto Martinez has called for a "party" atmosphere as the Latics welcome a Hull side who could well be relegated by kick-off on Monday afternoon. Hendry Thomas (thigh) is doubtful, as is Caleb Folan (hip) for the Tigers, while Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (concussion) is unlikely to make the game. On-loan striker Jozy Altidore starts a three-match ban following his butt on Alan Hutton last week.

Kick-off: Monday, 1.30pm (ESPN)

Prediction: Wigan Athletic 3 Hull City 0 (6-1, SportingBet)

Blackburn Rovers vs Arsenal

Sam Allardyce has doubts over striker El-Hadji Diouf (illness) and midfielder Brett Emerton (hamstring) as Rovers welcome a Gunners side from whom they have taken just one point from the last seven games, conceding 25 goals. Arsène Wenger is without Manuel Almunia (wrist), while midfielders Andrei Arshavin (calf) and Denilson (groin) face late fitness tests as Arsenal seek the victory that will secure third and an automatic Champions League place.

Kick-off: Monday, 5pm (ESPN)

Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1 Arsenal 1 (13-2, ExtraBet)