26th - 27th Feb Weekend Preview

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Aston Villa v Blackburn, 15:00

Everton v Sunderland, 15:00

Newcastle v Bolton, 15:00

Wigan v Man Utd, 15:00

Wolverhampton v Blackpool, 15:00

 

Sunday, 27 February 2011

West Ham v Liverpool, 13:30

Man City v Fulham, 15:00

 

The final weekend in February sees the premier league return to Saturdays after the short break from FA Cup action. 

Blackpool are travelling to Wolves back off a convincing 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur however they are without captain Charlie Adam while Bolton will be travelling further north for a trip out at Newcastle United. Earlier in the season Bolton thrashed Newcastle at the Reebok thanks to a lot of help from former Bolton, now Newcastle captain, Kevin Nolan. Nolan spent most of the beginning of his professional career at the Reebok and helped gain Wanderers promotion to the premier league. He was also a pivotal figure in maintaining Bolton's stability in the premier league and helping them gain European qualification for the first time in their history. Bolton will also be looking to bring back on loan forward Daniel Sturridge into his starting line up, after being without the Chelsea striker midweek in the FA Cup.

Its wigans turn to welcome table toppers Manchester United this week who have Giggs and Michael Owen available for selection. Wigans pitch will be a talking point after a harsh winter draws to a close having a major effect on their playing pitch at the DW Stadium. Wigan's groundsmen arn't just burdened by the weather, they also have to compete with Wigans rugby team using the pitch too. The state of the pitch will hopefully help Wigan out a bit and stop United playing their usual football.

Joe Cole could return to the league for Liverpool after featuring in the Europa league tie midweek as they take on relegation candidates West Ham on Sunday while Man City will take on Fulham. Manchester City are coming in to the weekend after a good performance in europe this week. New signing Edin Dzeko making a good start to his career over here in England by netting two goals.

Sunday, 27 February 2011

Arsenal v Birmingham, F, 16:00

Coverage: Watch live on BBC One & BBC One HD from 1500 GMT, highlights on The League Cup Show; also live on Sky Sports 1; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website

 

Sunday is also the date of the Carling Cup Final. The Carling Cup being another cup competition over here in England which is played earlier in the season than the FA Cup. Not as much importance is based on this cup competition from the higher clubs in the premier league but it is still a great chance to add some silverware to the clubs trophy cabinet early on in the season. 

The League Cup final, as it also known, is held at Englands national stadium Wembley. Arsenal will be looking to take advantage of getting to the final having not seen silverware at the club for a few years even thuogh its demanded of a top level club these days. Arsene Wengers team will look to show the rest of England that they have indeed matured enough to win trophies. They will have to do so with the news coming in that they could be without captain Cesc Fabregas.

Birmingham City, a team that don't often get to finals of cup competitions will also be up for it seeing as they want to take this opportunity with both hands. There is an injury doubt over former Arsenal player Hleb, but the blues will still be hopeful of coming away from London with the trophy in their hands.