Manchester United v Liverpool is the big match this weekend in the Premier League but there are also several crucial games at the bottom of the table.
Last weekend saw yet another Premier League classic match between two of the 'Big Four', with Manchester United coming from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier for the Red Devils who must now play Liverpool, and beat them, as they bid to catch Manchester City at the top of the table.
The match has been given added spice by the return of Luis Suarez, who was given an eight game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra in the reverse fixture earlier this season. The issue of whether or not the Frenchman will shake hands with the Uruguayan has been a source of much debate this week and Paddy Power offer odds of 2/7 that the pair shake hands or 9/4 that either player refuses.
However, the Suarez-Evra issue is merely a sideshow to what should be a fantastic match between two of the Premier League's most entertaining sides. Hopefully the football will be the thing people are talking about after the game, with our tipster backing United to come out on top against the Scousers.
That would put pressure on Manchester City, who play Aston Villa on Sunday but even then the Citizens should be able to secure the three points they need to maintain their two point gap at the top of the table. Before that on Sunday there is a Midlands derby between Wolves and West Brom to whet viewers appetites although that match may be entertaining for grit and determination, rather than the quality of the football on show.
It could be a similar story on Saturday in the match between Swansea City and Norwich City at the Liberty Stadium, with both teams looking at consolidation in the Premier League as opposed to trying too hard to entertaining, which is what they have done up until now this season.
Those two are sitting pretty in mid-table, which is where their fellow promoted side QPR would love to be. Mark Hughes has done well since taking over at Loftus Road but was undone by Djibril Cisse's stupidity last weekend. He will be ensuring that his players don't commit any similar indiscretions against Blackburn Rovers in what really is a 'relegation six pointer' at Ewood Park.
The same could be said of Bolton v Wigan at the Reebok although many feel that the Latics are already doomed. They are, however, a stubborn side and it could be risky to play a weak Bolton at a short price. Similarly, Arsenal look a side to avoid at short prices when they travel to the Stadium of Light to take on the Premier League's form side, Sunderland. The Black Cats look like the value bet and punters will simply be hoping that Martin O'Neill's honeymoon period doesn't end on Saturday.
One team that could see their good form grind to a halt this weekend is Newcastle United. The Magpies have been fantastic, and Demba Papiss Cisse looks a good buy, but White Hart Lane is a very difficult place to visit and one would expect Spurs to win the live match on Saturday evening.
Before that, there could be some misery for one London club playing at home, with Stoke City potentially worth a punt against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Both sides are unpredictable but Martin Jol may have made a mistake in getting rid of Bobby Zamora, which could be illustrated against the strength and height of the Potters.
As usual, Bettingpro's tipsters have previewed all ten Premier League matches and identified the best bets of the weekend. Click on a match below to read the preview and the free tips.
Saturday February 11
Sunday February 12
