EPL Schedule: Fixtures, Predictions and Timings as English Premier League Returns with a Cracking Sunday on Offer

Jan 11, 2013 03:33 AM EST
Robin Van Persie Manchester United Steven Gerrard Liverpool
Manchester United forward Robin Van Persie and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard battle for possession during their English Premier League game at Anfield, September 23"

When the English Premier League returns after a two-week break, all eyes will be on the matches on Sunday.

They don't come much bigger than Manchester United vs Liverpool in England, and throw in a game between Arsenal and Manchester City; you have got an absolute mouthwatering weekend in store.

Before the main course, there are eight other games scheduled for Saturday, with the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham looking to garner positive results against tricky opposition.

So, here is a look at all the ten fixtures for the weekend, with timings and predictions.

Saturday: QPR vs Tottenham at Loftus Road (12.45 p.m. GMT, 7.45 p.m. ET): Harry Redknapp faces his old team, looking for nothing short of three points as the experienced manager plots another great escape. Andre Villas-Boas' side are no slouches, however, with Tottenham on a rich vein of form, which has seen them climb to third in the table on 39 points.

QPR, though, will be buoyed by the win against Chelsea, and keen to get out of the bottom spot in the Premier League.

Prediction: 2-2

Aston Villa vs Southampton at Villa Park (3.00 p.m. GMT, 10.00 p.m. ET): Two teams right on the brink of the relegation zone, battle it out against each other. Aston Villa are on an alarming run of form having conceded goals left, right and center in the past few games, which also included an 8-0 thumping by Chelsea and a 3-0 loss to third bottom Wigan.

Saints, on the other hand, have shown signs of improvement, but are still finding it difficult to get themselves out of the relegation battle. They currently lie 17th, equal on points with Wigan, while Villa are only a point better off than their opponents.

Prediction: 2-1 to Southampton

Norwich vs Newcastle at Carrow Road (3.00 p.m. GMT, 10.00 p.m. ET): Nobody needs a win more than Newcastle at the moment. Alan Pardew's men have slumped to one disappointing defeat after another and find themselves in a real relegation battle; quite a change from last year's lofty fifth position.

Norwich did not have a good festive program, losing their last four games, and are currently 12th on 25 points, five more than 15th-placed Newcastle.

Prediction: 2-1 to Newcastle

Everton vs Swansea at Goodison Park (3.00 p.m. GMT, 10.00 p.m. ET): Everton know only a win will do if they are to keep up with the rest of the pack chasing a top-four place, but they are up against a Swansea side buzzing from the 2-0 win over Chelsea in midweek.

Prediction: 1-0 to Everton

Reading vs West Brom at the Madejski Stadium (3.00 p.m. GMT, 10.00 p.m. ET): West Brom are still there or thereabouts when it comes to challenging for a place in Europe for next season, and Steve Clarke will look at this game as the perfect opportunity to pick up three vital away points against a Reading side struggling for any semblance of consistency or quality, despite a couple of encouraging performances off late.

Prediction: 2-0 to West Brom

Fulham vs Wigan at Craven Cottage (3.00 p.m. GMT, 10.00 p.m. ET): Matin Jol got his Fulham team out of a rut with a 2-1 win over West Brom on New Year's Day. Wigan, however, will be desperate for points to get themselves out of the relegation zone. It should be a tight game with both teams capable of beating the other on their day.

Prediction: 2-2

Sunderland vs West Ham at the Stadium of Light (3.00 p.m. GMT, 10.00 p.m. ET): Sunderland, after showing good form by beating Manchester City and Southampton at the start of the festive period, suffered two consecutive defeats to Tottenham and Liverpool. Martin O'Neill will be keen to see his side get back on track against a West Ham side, which have struggled for consistency over the past few weeks.

Prediction: 1-1

Stoke vs Chelsea at the Britannia (3.00 p.m. GMT, 10.00 p.m. ET): Rafa Benitez needs a win to bring a semblance of order at Chelsea, after their disappointing loss to Swansea as well as the 1-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers.

Stoke always provide a tough test to the opposition at their home ground, and the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Frank Lampard will have to be at their absolute best to come away with all three points.

Prediction: 1-0 to Chelsea

Sunday: Manchester United vs Liverpool at Old Trafford (1.30 p.m. GMT, 8.30 p.m. ET): The first of the two big games Sunday. The last time the two teams met in the Premier League, Robin Van Persie struck a late penalty to give United all three points after Steven Gerrard had put the home side ahead.

This match will also be close, with United having the edge due to playing at home. Luis Suarez will play a vital role in the game, but expect Van Persie again to have the last word.

Prediction: 3-2 to Manchester United

Arsenal vs Manchester City at the Emirates (4.00 p.m. GMT, 11.00 p.m. ET): Manchester City cannot afford to drop any points, but neither can Arsenal. So this match will be as much a battle of attrition as a battle to see which team will break first. Expect a tight game with a moment of brilliance or a mistake possibly making the difference.

Prediction: 1-1

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