Barclays Premier League Weekend Fixtures

After a minor disruption in the season due to the dangerous weather conditions, the English Premier League returns with an action packed weekend planned out. Things are changing in the league this season, and the infallible 'Big Four' are looking far from the dominant force they've been in recent seasons. Each one of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are facing their own personal demons. And with the likes of a rejuvenated Manchester City, a resilient Tottenham Hotspur and a respected Aston Villa constantly improving, this is one of the most open title races in recent memory.

Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United has been plagued with stories of their mounting debt, and with no significant transfers so far they seem to have lost a bit of shine. The visit of Burnley, under newly appointed manager Brian Laws, comes at a good time for them. This should be an easy win to recover some points. Edwin Van Der Sar could be back, and the crippling defensive crisis seems to be clearing out. Burnley are just 2 points off the relegation zone, and are facing problems in central defense. Manchester United should clinch this game easily.

Chelsea entertain Sunderland, knowing that a win will keep them top of the table. They have a game in hand on United, and are one point ahead. The African Cup of Nations was supposed to derail Chelsea's season, but this is the first major game they have to play without their African players. They will be happy that Manchester United and Arsenal drew with Birmingham City and Everton respectively, and were unable to capitalize on Chelsea's game getting postponed. Sunderland have faltered after a bright start and have only one win in their last 11 games. But their record against the big clubs is good. This will be a tough match that may end in a draw.

Arsenal visit Bolton Wanderers on Sunday looking to heap more pressure on the top two, especially United. They are now 2 points behind them with a game in hand. Captain Cesc Fabregas returns from injury, but Arsenal need all 3 points as they are entering a crucial period of fixtures that will end with 3 consecutive games against Manchester United, Chelsea and then Liverpool. Bolton are unbeaten in 4 matches but are still occupying the last relegation spot. Arsene Wenger is certain that his side will have just enough to get the 3 points here.

Liverpool visit Stoke City in what should have been one of their easiest matches. Instead, they have been dumped out of the Champions League, are out of the title race, and got ousted from the FA Cup by Reading over the week. To add to their woes their 3 most creative players Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun are injured. 4th spot seems a distant dream for Rafael Benitez now, who seems to be doing everything to lose his job. Stoke City are 10th in the table, and are looking to continue some good form. They recently beat a good Fulham side 3-2 and also progressed in the FA Cup. It seems Stoke could add further misery for the Merseysiders.

Manchester City are in 4th place and are enjoying a fine honeymoon period under new coach Roberto Mancini. It's 4 wins out of 4, and only a goal has been conceded. Carlos Tevez has been on fire off late and has scored 10 goals in his last 7 games. They face their first tough test under Mancini though, as they visit an Everton side still disappointed not to come away with 3 points from their match against Arsenal. This will be the match to watch this weekend, and all eyes will be on Mancini to see if he can continue his record. In most likelihood, the match will end in a draw.

Here are the other fixtures for the weekend.

Tottenham Hotspurs Vs. Hull City
Aston Villa Vs. West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers Vs. Wigan Athletic
Blackburn Rovers Vs. Fulham
Portsmouth Vs. Birmingham City