Manchester City have to go for it in this match, don't they? The same question was asked before the first Manchester derby of the season in November and the clash at Arsenal in January but both of those games finished 0-0.

Manchester United v Manchester City
Manchester City have to go for it in this match, don't they? The same question was asked before the first Manchester derby of the season in November and the clash at Arsenal in January but both of those games finished 0-0. Neutrals starting their football weekend by watching this contest will desperately hope it isn't the same old story and there is a chance of a more entertaining game. The table has really taken shape since the first derby at Eastlands and City, who are five points behind leaders United having played a game more, now know that a victory is needed to realistically keep their title dream alive. So they have to go for it? Yes - if Roberto Mancini wants bragging rights and has an eye on the title race. No - if he is content to pick a point and consolidate City's spot in the top four. Too many possibilities for us to get involved in the winner or correct score market but we have picked out one tip that provides value. City defender Aleksandar Kolarov is 13.00 to be the first player booked and that could be a good call with United's flying winger Nani set to be his direct opponent. This is always a feisty affair and the Serbian could look to make a quick impression with a tough challenge on his first start in a Manchester derby. He has also been cautioned in two of his last three Premier League appearances so his disciplinary record hasn't been top notch recently.
Verdict: Manchester United 1 Manchester City 1

Arsenal v Wolves
It wasn't Arsene Wenger's finest moment as Arsenal boss when his side let a 4-0 lead slip in the 4-4 draw at Newcastle last Saturday. Things did get better for him later in the day as Wolves actually made it a bearable weekend for the Gunners chief with their 1-0 win against Manchester United ending the Premier League leaders' unbeaten record. The Gunners' title dreams are therefore still alive with only a four-point deficit to the Red Devils but they can't expect any favours from Wolves this weekend. Mick McCarthy's strugglers have a good record against the top sides this season with wins over United, Chelsea and Manchester City at Molineux and they ran United and City close away from home. Both those matches on the road were only lost by only one goal and it is that margin of defeat we think will befall Wolves at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal battled to 2-1 wins over Everton and Huddersfield in their last two games and, although the Newcastle debacle has seen their mental strength questioned, they should still have enough to pick up the three points. The 4.20 with Stan James for a Gunners win by one goal represents the best value to be found here.
Verdict: Arsenal 2 Wolves 1

Birmingham v Stoke
Birmingham would appear the call at first glance to win this match at 2.45. There have, however, been plenty of false dawns this season for Blues fans and a record of only three home wins from 12 matches during the Premier League campaign doesn't exactly paint the picture of fortress St Andrew's. Stoke continue to sit happily in mid-table with a top-six finish looking a long shot and their Premier League status well on the way to be retained. John Carew has added extra threat to the attack and Robert Huth, who scored twice in the win over Sunderland last weekend, will have his backers in the anytime market. He has now shortened into a best price of 8.00 with bet365, sitting among the midfield contenders, and the optimum point to make that call has gone. It will be interesting to see how Obafemi Martins fares on his Birmingham debut but we will step away from this match and move on.
Verdict: Birmingham 2 Stoke 1

Blackburn v Newcastle
If you were looking ahead to this match after 26 minutes of Newcastle's game with Arsenal it would be very tempting to get involved with Bwin 's 2.15 for a Blackburn win. We all know that the Magpies bounced back to come from 4-0 down to secure a 4-4 draw against the Gunners and that has us taking a second look. Newcastle fans now have something to cheer about after Andy Carroll's exit and they haven't been performing too badly without the England international, who was injured during his final weeks at St James' Park. They are making up for their lack of quality strikers with plenty of talent in midfield and that will keep them away from the relegation zone. Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, Jonas Gutierrez and Cheik Tiote are all enjoying strong campaigns and you could do worse than have a little look at 7.00 with bet365 for Barton to score anytime. Some of the early momentum after Steve Kean's promotion to Blackburn boss seems to have worn off at Rovers with three defeats on the spin. We agree with the call to make them favourites but don't have enough faith to warrant a selection.
Verdict: Blackburn 2 Newcastle 1

Blackpool v Aston Villa
Defence continues to be Blackpool's gigantic Achilles heel with 16 goals conceded in a run of five defeats in a row. They are still finding the back of the net with nine goals scored in that losing run but their attacking players are being left with far too much to do because of major problems at the back. Aston Villa look capable of becoming the latest side to take advantage of the Seasiders' generosity with the club very much on the up since the arrival of Darren Bent. The striker has scored twice in four games since his arrival at Villa Park and he will be full of confidence after his goal in England's 2-1 friendly international win over Denmark in midweek. One stat worth taking note of is that a player has scored two or more goals against Blackpool during the five-game losing run. The 5.00 with Bet365 for Bent to score two or more goals does make some appeal but we will take a slightly more cautious approach and back the former Sunderland man in the anytime goalscorer market at 1.83 with the Leeds-based firm. Rightly, many eyes will dart straight to the both teams to score market but the firms are well aware that Blackpool's game are full of goals for both sides and the best price you will find is 1.53, again with Sky Bet. That is too short for us to take an interest.
Verdict: Blackpool 1 Aston Villa 3

Liverpool v Wigan
It is a question of 'Fernando who?' at Liverpool after the win at Chelsea and they should keep the good times rolling with a win over Wigan. Injury doubts over Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel ahead of the game will have some Reds fans worrying that they will be in for another shock at Anfield but they should still have quality to see off the Latics. Wigan have enjoyed a slight upturn in fortunes with three games unbeaten but they are still right in the midst of the relegation scrap. Nerves are sure to be jangling right down to the wire at the DW Stadium and anything that they can take with them on the journey back from Merseyside would be treated as a very welcome boost. Liverpool are 1.36 favourites with most firms to secure the victory but we think there is a better way to back Kenny Dalglish's men. Draw/Liverpool is 3.80 in the half-time/full-timemarket and recent stats make that a good call. Liverpool have won their previous three games after being level at the break and Wigan have been drawing at the interval in their last four matches. Expect the Reds to show their quality after having to be a bit patient at first.
Verdict: Liverpool 2 Wigan 0

West Brom v West Ham
Avram Grant cancelled his birthday celebrations after West Ham lost at home to Birmingham last weekend so he will be ready to party if a three-point haul is secured at fellow strugglers West Brom. The Baggies sacked manager Roberto Di Matteo after the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City - a decision which looks very harsh despite a recent rocky run. At time of writing, Michael Appleton is the caretaker boss but Chris Hughton is the big favourite to take the post and he could well be in charge for Saturday's game. However, it has been seven defeats in nine Premier League games for the Baggies and that is more than enough to get us backing away from the best price of evens for a home win. West Ham are available at 4.00 with bet365 and Victor Chandler to pick up the three points and we will take that price with two wins, one draw and one defeat from their last four away games in the league. Don't be put off by the Birmingham loss as the Hammers have Victor Obinna bang in form and the arrival of Robbie Keane provides a real touch of quality in attack. Scott Parker and Mark Noble's continuing fighting spirit in midfield is going to be a vital part of the battle to stay up and they should give the Hammers the platform to win Saturday's big six-pointer.
Verdict: West Brom 0 West Ham 2

Sunderland v Tottenham
Saturday's final match sees Tottenham make the trip north to Sunderland with a win definitely requited to keep the pressure on the top four. It has been an interesting time recently for Spurs with two wins, two draws and the massive 4-0 FA Cup defeat at Fulham in their last five matches. That run has clearly illustrated both the quality of their forward play and weaknesses at the back and it is the defensive frailties that could well scupper a return to the Champions League in the 2011/12 season. Sunderland secured a 1-1 draw in the reverse of this fixture at White Hart Lane and they managed that without star striker Darren Bent, now of course at Aston Villa. The signings of Sulley Muntari and Stephane Sessegnon at the end of the transfer window has added some more quality to the Black Cats' squad but we don't have the faith to back them for the three points. Spurs haven't been consistent on the road recently so we will keep an open mind on this contest.
Verdict: Sunderland 1 Tottenham 1