Week 19 of the Premier League is upon us and with an exciting chase to the top of the table, this round is sure to be a cracker.
So let’s have a run down of the six matches being played today and a look at Steve Milne`s Predictions
1 : West Ham v West Brom –
West Ham defender James Collins is unlikely to feature after being forced off with a calf injury in the Boxing Day defeat by Arsenal.
Ravel Morrison is also set to miss out again with a groin injury, while manager Sam Allardyce may recall goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.
West Brom’s Shane Long faces a fitness test on the calf injury that caused him to miss the match with Tottenham.
Fellow striker Victor Anichebe is also a doubt with a groin problem.
PREDICTION : 2 – 0 to West Brom
2 : Aston Villa v Swansea –
Injured Aston Villa pair Ron Vlaar and Christian Benteke will again be missing for Saturday’s visit of Swansea.
Midfielder Ashley Westwood is available after serving a one-match ban.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup is expected to freshen up his side, with the likes of Wilfried Bony, Pablo Hernandez and Jonathan de Guzman all in contention to start.
However, the quartet of Michu, Nathan Dyer, Michel Vorm and Garry Monk remain sidelined by injury.
PREDICTION : 2 – 1 to Aston Villa
3 : Hull v Fulham –
Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor and midfielder David Meyler are both unlikely to be fit after suffering knee injuries against Manchester United.
Alex Bruce is struggling with a calf problem sustained in the same game.
Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has not recovered from an ankle injury so David Stockdale will again deputise.
Forward Dimitar Berbatov missed the win at Norwich with a groin injury but could be fit enough again to feature against Hull.
PREDICTION : 1- 0 to Hull
4 : Man City v Crystal Palace
Manchester City’s fit-again defender Matija Nastasic could be recalled against Crystal Palace, having been among the substitutes on Boxing Day.
Martin Demichelis missed that match because of injury, and Sergio Aguero, Micah Richards and Stevan Jovetic are all still out.
Crystal Palace forward Marouane Chamakh is available after suspension.
The recalled Yannick Bolasie impressed in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa and may keep his place.
5 : Norwich v Manchester City
Norwich midfielder Jonny Howson will face a fitness test on the back injury that has kept him out for two matches.
Defender Michael Turner is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season on Boxing Day.
Manchester United right-back Rafael is doubtful after coming off with a groin injury against Hull.
Antonio Valencia is suspended after picking up a red card in that game, while Phil Jones is out for a fortnight with a knee injury.
PREDICTION : 3 – 0 to Manchester City
6 : Cardiff v Sunderland
Cardiff midfielder Gary Medel is hopeful of returning to the side after sitting out the Boxing Day defeat by Southampton with flu.
Craig Bellamy misses out because of a knee injury, but there are no new injury concerns.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is without the suspended Wes Brown, while fellow defender John O’Shea could again be absent with a shoulder injury.
Keiren Westwood and Carlos Cuellar remain on the sidelines.
PREDICTION : 1 -1 Draw
By Steve Milne – What are your thoughts about todays matches
