This weekend's Premiership preview

A crucial Merseyside derby, a return for Arjen Robben and a first game in charge for Stuart Pearce at Manchester City. It's another eventful weekend in the Premiership. Read our previews and predictions here:

BLACKBURN Vs ARSENAL

Ewood Park hosts this warm-up for the FA Cup semi-final, with little else at stake for either side. However fireworks can't be ruled out in any match with Robbie Savage and Patrick Vieira in close proximity.

Verdict: Away win for the Gunners

BOLTON Vs NORWICH

Norwich fans will be unpicking the Premiership badges from their shirts if Nigel Worthington's men don't pick up at least a point at Bolton. The suspension of persistent offender El-Hadji Diouf may blunten the Bolton attack.

Verdict: A bore draw

CHARLTON Vs WEST BROM

A good midweek win over Spurs will lift Alan Curbishley's side, who are desperate not to repeat their now annual late-season slump. The Baggies can only dream of Europe, but Bryan Robson's team could take a precious win if Charlton fail to match their effort.

Verdict: A point that does neither side any good

CHELSEA Vs CRYSTAL PALACE

The last thing Iain Dowie wants to hear is that Arjen Robben could be fit for this London derby. The Palace manager has been linked with the vacant Man City post, and an expected defeat here could plunge his team back into the relegation zone. A return to the Championship is hardly an incentive to stay.

Verdict: Blues for Dowie

MAN UTD Vs FULHAM

Fulham, like Portsmouth, are in danger of being dragged into the relegation scrap and, frankly, there's more chance of Fergie having an affair with Victoria Beckham than Chris Coleman's men pulling off a victory at Old Trafford. Rooney and van Nistelrooy against Fulham's creaky back four? Oh dear.

Verdict: A rugby score for United

PORTSMOUTH Vs NEWCASTLE

What money Portsmouth go down with their former manager's side Southampton? And could anyone argue that it's nothing less than both sides deserve? The Pompey freefall coincides with Newcastle's best form of the season, and with Shearer chasing Jackie Milburn's goal record, it's going to be a grim day down South.

Verdict: Shearer double sinks Portsmouth

TOTTENHAM Vs MAN CITY

It could be worse for Stuart Pearce's first game in charge. Spurs are showing alarming inconsistency at present, and could be accused of placing too much emphasis on the FA Cup. Pearce forgot to pick a goalkeeper in his first XI during his long-forgotten caretaker spell at Forest... until his wife reminded him. Never has Kevin Keegan looked so capable.

Verdict: A narrow Spurs win

BIRMINGHAM Vs ASTON VILLA

The Midlands derby is little more than a mid-table skirmish, with both sides disappointing this season. Prepare the video for some more amusing goalkeeping blunders.

Verdict: Villa the victors

LIVERPOOL Vs EVERTON

Rafa Benitez may as well pack Steven Gerrard's bags for him should his side lose the Anfield derby. Everton hold a seven point lead in the chase for the fourth Champions League spot - a ten point gap would be unassailable.

Verdict: Fetch the suitcases Rafa

MIDDLESBROUGH vs SOUTHAMPTON

Steve McClaren's depleted side are reeling from their UEFA Cup exit and the visit of in-form Southampton is one they won't enjoy. Three points for Redknapp's men could lift them out of the bottom three, and add a further sheen to his halo.

Verdict: Three points for Saint Harry