Weekend Premiership preview

Here are our thoughts on this weekend's big games:

Man Utd v Fulham

Ferdinand is suspended for United, which may not be a bad thing considering his contribution during the mid-week defeat at Blackburn. Smith returns from suspension and should replace Rio in central midfield. Vidic had a poor full debut at Ewood but may retain his place because of United's lengthy injury list. United are unbeaten at Old Trafford since September, whilst Fulham's away record is extremely poor.

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Chris Coleman's side are yet to win on the road this season and it's very difficult to see them getting anything at all on Saturday. Not surprisingly, Sporting Index is predicting a comfortable win for the Red Devils, pricing them up to come out on top by 1.4 to 1.6 goals. With Diop unavailable for the visitors (African Nations), new boy Brown will have to settle in quickly. It could be a very busy day for Cottagers keeper Antti Niemi.

Tottenham v Charlton

The loss of Mido (African Nations) has been a massive blow to Spurs, who haven't scored in three Premiership games. Rasiak is an inadequate replacement for the Egyptian, whilst Keane and Defoe struggle as a partnership. New boy Murphy will not be facing his old club, however Davids is likely to return from injury.

Charlton's form is improving and they are unbeaten in their last four games, which includes a draw with Chelsea. Curbishley is expected to start with the two Bents upfront in an attempt to improve their low scoring away form. A more attack-minded Charlton side could give Spurs a good game and Keane will have to rediscover his scoring form if Spurs are to grab all three points. Sporting Index is predicting that Spurs will edge this one by 0.6 to 0.8 goals.

Chelsea v Liverpool

Much has been made of Chelsea's recent `dip' in form, but three consecutive draws hardly warrants talk of a crisis. They may be missing Essien (injured), but it will obviously take something special to beat them at Stamford Bridge. Sporting Index think the Blues will edge a tight game, winning by 0.5 to 0.7 goals. Robben could be the key man for Chelsea, he's hitting form and is amongst the goals.

Liverpool were unlucky to lose at Old Trafford and draw with Birmingham. They are a better side than these two results suggest. Fowler may not be fit enough to start, and that means Crouch will have to lead the line well if Liverpool are to cause problems for Chelsea's defence. With both sides difficult to break down, it looks like this one could be settled by a single goal.

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Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.