Where has the season gone? We are almost into the closing quarter of the 2012/13 Premiership season- meaning every game is as precious as ever and every result could have a grave effect on how each side finishes this season.
Up top, Manchester United may look a dead cert to take the crown but noone can rule anything out after last year's dramatic finale. Along with this the battle for third and fourth spot is heating up. At the bottom of the table, seven teams are locked in the dreaded relegation battle.
Below we give you a preview on what to expect from this weekend's fixtures...
Saturday 2 March
Chelsea vs West Brom- The much-talked about Chelsea play host to former assistant manager, Steve Clarke's West Brom. Rafael Benitez is likely to make many changes to the XI that started against Middlesbrough midweek. On-loan Lukaku is ineligible to play against his parent club and Shane Lond looks doubtful. Will The Baggies be able to replicate their victory over The Blues earlier in the season, without their two main strikers?
Everton vs Reading- Despite being without strikers Jason Robert due to a hip injury and suspended Pavel Pogrebnyak, Reading should not feel too deflated- the relegation battling side have history on their side. Everton have only won two from five of the Premiership fixtures against Reading. But with that gap from fourth position slipping from their grasp, Everton need a good result againt Brian McDermott's side.
Man United vs Norwich- The league leaders play hosts to mid-tablers Norwich, looking to extend their lead above arch-rivals Manchester City. And with Robin Van Persie making a speedy recovery from a hip injury, who would bet against them? However Chris Hughton's Norwich should never be underestimated- they have won two of their last four against Fergie's men, although bothe victories were at Carrow Road.
Southampton vs QPR- A relegation battle crunch that definitely a few other teams will be paying attention to. In fairness to Southampton, this game may not be as important to their season as it is for QPR- the seasiders are currently sitting 5 positions and 10 points above Redknapp's men. A defeat for QPR may be an early fateful blow in their pitiful season.
Stoke vs West Ham- The Hammers are slowly slipping down the table after making an impressive start to the season and may find themselves in trouble if they do not start getting results from games. Skipper Kevin Nolan will miss the game due to a toe injury that he picked up against Spurs. Stoke City's Robert Huth is suspended and Steven Nzonzi will have to wear a face mask if he is deemed fit to play.
Sunderland vs Fulham- Martin O'Neill's skipper Lee Cattermole is facing several weeks out after picking up a knee injury- and there is more injury woe for the Black Cats as on-loan Danny Rose will miss the game after aggravating a hamstring injury. Sunderland have only one of the last seven Premier League games against Fulham. However, it is not unlikely they will continue their impressive surge in form this Saturday.
Swansea vs Newcastle- Both sides come into this fixture on a high- The Swans have just won their first major trophy in 101 years and Alan Pardew's men have enjoyed a successful run of form which looks to have taken them out of the relegation battle. This could make for a very interesting and thrilling game. Ki will return to Swansea's midfield and The Magpies will be without Coloccini.
Wigan vs Liverpool- Brendan Rogers men travel to Wigan for Saturday's evening fixture. Daniel Sturridge looks doubtful and will be assessed by The Kop's medical staff. Wigan defender may make a return to the starting XI after coming on for the final 7 minutes in The Latics win against Reading last week. The relegation battlers have a good record against Liverpool- losing only one of the last six Premiership games against them.
Sunday 3 March
Tottenham vs Arsenal- The match of the weekend sees two north London rivals face up against eachother. There is some added drama to this fixture as both teams are looking to secure atleast the fourth spot. Two of British footballs brightest young talents will also go toe-to-toe, as the 'unstoppable' Gareth Bale takes on Jack Wilshere. Many claim that the Welshman may be too good for Arsenal to handle but this being a local derby, anything could happen...
