A look at the English Premiership matches this weekend

Everton v WBA

WBA were outplayed by Newcastle last week and James Morrison sustained a knee injury that is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season.

If Everton win they could rise above Liverpool into seventh place and Steven Pienaar returns to David Moyes’s squad after being cup-tied for Tuesdays FA Cup replay victory over Sunderland.

Wolves v Bolton 

Bolton’s focus returns to the league following their FA Cup defeat to Tottenham, and they travel to Wolves today knowing that a win would not only keep them out of the relegation zone. Darren Pratley misses the game after suffering a gashed.

Wolves look set to recall a host of players, with Ronald Zubar returning from suspension, and Karl Henry, Stephen Hunt and Michael Kightly all available for selection after spells on the sidelines.

Newcastle v Liverpool

Andy Carroll returns to Tyneside for the first time following his move in January last year. Charlie Adam looks likely to miss the rest of Liverpool’s season after picking up a knee injury against QPR last week, while Craig Bellamy, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson are also doubtful. Newcastle’s captain, Fabricio Collocini, is a definite absentee.

Aston Villa v Chelsea

Aston Villa are in the middle of a miserable run of form, picking up four points from their last seven games. They will be without Alan Hutton while Ciaran Clark is recovering from a knee problem.

Chelsea have no new injury concerns and Salomon Kalou could keep his place ahead of Daniel Sturridge after scoring the winner against Benfica in the Champions League earlier this week.

Fulham v Norwich

Norwich last came to Craven Cottage on the final day of the 2004-’05 season, knowing that a win could keep them in the top flight. They produced a shambolic performance, lost 6-0 and were relegated. They are back now, though, and look far better equipped to survive this time, having arrested a recent mini-slump in form with a win over Wolves.

Wigan v Stoke

Roberto Martínez’ team avoided the drop on the final day of last season at Stoke and sense an escape once more after a run of one defeat in seven games. They are now a point off safety despite only winning one home game all season.

Having frustrated Manchester City last weekend, Stoke will be strengthened by the return of Ricardo Fuller from suspension and Jonathan Woodgate from injury.

Blackburn v Manchester U

If Manchester United seem well-placed to retain the title it has much to do with the solidity shown in hostile territory. A failure at Newcastle United is their sole loss in 15 away games so far.

Each fixture, however, has its own context and Blackburn Rovers will be spurred on by the knowledge that just three points separate them from the relegation places.

Manchester C v Sunderland

Manchester City may no longer be in command of their own fate in the Premier League, but they now have the opportunity to put pressure on their rivals. Should City continue their perfect home record in the league, they will lead the table on goal difference, with United in action on Monday. All the same, beating Sunderland will not be elementary.

QPR v Arsenal

QPR have won fewer league games all season than Arsenal have in their recent seven-match hot streak. Mark Hughes will be without his French striker Djibril Cissé, who is beginning a four-match.

Laurent Koscielny’s return to Arsenal’s defence should bolster the Gunners bid for a third successive clean sheet.

Tottenham v Swansea

Tottenham would gleefully accept even the scrappiest success to reignite their league campaign. Theirs is a five-match winless streak in the Premier League.

Swansea will hope to reproduce their display in victory at Fulham rather than that of the home defeat to Everton last week.