Everton’s victory over Manchester City allowed neighbours United to join the Citizens at the top of the Premier League, whilst Tottenham closed back to within 5 points. Liverpool gained 2 points on Chelsea during the week as they remain outsiders for fourth place.

Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Stoke City versus Sunderland

If you calculate the points picked up for each team since Martin O’Neill’s first game in charge at the Stadium of Light, then his Sunderland side are sitting top of the league. 6 wins from 9 games is an impressive return from a team that picked up just 11 points from Steve Bruce’s 13 games in charge this season.

3 clean sheets in their last 5 league games for Sunderland, conceding just two goals in that spell. Queens Park Rangers are the only side to put more than one goal past Martin O’Neill’s side during his time in charge.

Sunderland’s impressive form has moved them into 8th position heading into this weekend’s games. Stoke meanwhile have won just 1 of their last 7 Premier League fixtures. That came against Blackburn Rovers. The last home game was a shock 2-1 home defeat at the hands of West Brom, although Tony Pulis’ side are in 9th place ahead of this fixture.

Sunderland have had several injuries in recent months, but the acquisitions of Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos give Martin O’Neill more options to his impressively-performing defence. Kyrgiakos, Michael Turner and Lee Cattermole can all match the physical levels Stoke have to offer.

Going forward, James McClean has been in fine form ever since he burst onto the scene in December. The confident winger should ever come up against the experienced Jonathan Woodgate or possibly the returning Ryan Shotton in this one.

The only player who has played better than McClean for Sunderland of late is Stephane Sessegnon. The first Benin international to play in the Premier League has scored in 3 of his last 4 games for the Black Cats; each of them resulting in victories. The 5’7” forward has scored two headed goals this season including one against Norwich midweek. His pace and nifty movement should find him space against the likes of Woodgate, Robert Huth and/or Ryan Shawcross in this match. Fraizer Campbell is another danger man for Sunderland having scored in both his games since returning from a lengthy layoff.

Given the form of these two I don’t see Sunderland falling victim of Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday, and therefore taking Sunderland to win or draw is the bet for me in this game.

Double Chance: Sunderland to win or draw 4/6

Chelsea v Manchester United

Manchester United will look to make it 4 consecutive wins in the Premier League on Sunday when they travel to Stamford Bridge. The home side were held in Swansea on Tuesday night as they come into this game on back-to-back draws and 12 points behind the defending champions.

Antonio Valencia has been on fire down the right flank for Manchester United of late; scoring the opener before setting up Danny Welbeck’s winner at Arsenal two Premier League games ago before winning the second penalty midweek in a 2-0 victory over Stoke City. The Ecuadorian will be looking to get the better of Ashley Cole’s replacement on Sunday, with the England international suspended after picking up two yellow cards at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday.

Chelsea could be relieved should Nani not recover from his foot injury in time to participate in this match. The Portuguese winger tore the Blues apart earlier this season, scoring in United’s 3-1 victory at Old Trafford; handing Andre Villas-Boas his first defeat as Chelsea manager.

Javier Hernandez scored his first goal in over 2 months against Stoke midweek. The Mexican striker now has 7 goals on the season and will be competing with Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov to feature in this game. Chicharito scored in less than 60 seconds in United’s 2-1 victory at Old Trafford last season.

Ramires is ruled out through injury. The Brazilian will be a big loss with the energy he brings to the game, but Michael Essien could be in line to make his first start of the season having made late substitute appearances in Chelsea’s last three games. Frank Lampard remains a doubt with his calf injury, leaving the pressure on the likes of Florent Malouda and Daniel Sturridge to create chances down the wing. Juan Mata, who has been quiet for a number of games now could start in the centre of midfield. Sturridge has not been involved in the goals since Christmas.

With Fernando Torres and Chelsea not firing in front of goal, a few key players missing, John Terry’s trial on his mind and Chelsea’s form as of late, I cannot see Manchester United losing on Sunday. With 3 straight Premier League victories, conceding just 1 goal in that time, and back on level points with Manchester City, United are good for 3 points in this game.

Manchester United have won the last 4 fixtures between these two if you include last season’s Champions League. United are 19/10 to win this game out right whilst taking them to win or draw is the safest bet.

Double Chance: Manchester United to win or draw 8/15

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool’s odds are shorter than I was expecting for this match, perhaps something to do with Harry Redknapp’s court case that sees him needing to catch a flight on Monday to make the game. Regardless, Tottenham are playing well on the pitch; just 5 points behind league leaders Manchester City.

Tottenham got back to winning ways midweek with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Wigan; a brace from Gareth Bale either side of Luka Modric’s strike saw Spurs rebound from Mario Balotelli’s spot kick winner less than a fortnight ago.

Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul are available for Tottenham in the centre of defence who are likely to come up against Luis Suarez who is set to return from his 9 game suspension. Craig Bellamy has been in good form recently and is Liverpool’s top scorer on the season with 6 goals. Andy Carroll has half as many having matched Stephen Ward’s tally for the season in a 3-0 victory at Wolves midweek.

Rafael van der Vaart only managed 30 minutes against Wigan last time out and isn’t guaranteed to feature on Monday night. However, Tottenham do have an abundance of talent in their midfield. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric are in fine form and will take some stopping. Pacey Aaron Lennon down the right wing will match up against Jose Enrique, whilst possible replacements for the Dutch playmakers are Jermain Defoe, Louis Saha, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Niko Kranjcar and Giovani dos Santos. Sandro is the more defensive option available to Redknapp.

Emmanuel Adebayor hasn’t scored since Christmas, but the on loan striker bagged a brace when Tottenham thumped Liverpool 4-0 at White Hart Lane earlier this season. Spurs played the Reds off the park and with the form of Bale and Modric in particular, they’re capable of doing the double over Liverpool this season.

Liverpool, whilst unbeaten at Anfield this season have only won 4 of their 11 league matches at home. Tottenham are 11/4 to win on the night but I prefer the safer double chance bet for this one.

Double Chance: Tottenham to win or draw 8/11

Here are this week’s Premiership Tips;

Manchester City to beat Everton 17/20
Manchester City have not played since their Carling Cup semi final exit to Liverpool last Wednesday. With the Premier League being the only domestic trophy left for them to win this season, Roberto Mancini will not want his side to let slip of a 3 point lead at the end of a month that has seen City eliminated from both cup competitions.

David Moyes fielded a strong side in Everton’s come-from-behind fourth round victory over Fulham on Friday night. They’re now unbeaten in 3 games domestically since losing 2-0 at Tottenham. Although a draw at Aston Villa followed by a 1-1 at home to Blackburn won’t frighten Manchester City fans.

It took a moment of magic from Mario Balotelli to break the deadlock at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season when these two met. The Italian striker starts a 4-match ban on Tuesday.  Everton will enter this game with both first choice centre backs, Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin out injured. The Toffees defence has looked fragile in recent weeks, something that Sergio Aguero and co are likely to exploit.

Other key components to this Everton side that will be absent on Tuesday are midfielders Jack Rodwell (hamstring) and Leon Osman (knee). Tim Cahill is fit having been injured by Vincent Kompany the last time these two met and the Australian could be looking for retribution.

Indeed when these two met last time there was an obvious strategy deployed by Moyes’ side to foul City’s playmaker David Silva often and early. Thus minimising the threat of the Spaniard who currently leads the Premier League in assists. Cahill, Phil Neville and Johnny Heitinga are all fit and available for this tactic.

Manchester City have too much attacking prowess for Everton to keep them out for 90 minutes, especially with the absentees amongst the squad. Therefore odds just below evens cannot be ignored, especially with the opportunity for in-play betting aided by the game being shown live on TV.

Liverpool to beat Wolves 8/11
A 1-0 victory at Manchester City followed up by a 0-0 draw with Stoke and a 3-1 thrashing at Bolton. A 2-2 draw with Manchester City and a 2-1 victory over Manchester United followed up with a trip to Wolves.

Liverpool have been disappointing and frustrating their fans under Kenny Dalglish this season. Results in the cup would have delighted them in the new year, at the expense of picking up just 1 point in the league since the turn of the year. I expect their form to turn around on Tuesday.

Wolves are on a poor run of form at the moment; sitting 19th in the Premier League. Eliminated out of the FA Cup at the 3rd round stage in a reply at home to rivals Birmingham City has come inbetween a run of 8 games without a win. They’ve lost 3 of their last 4 league games at Molineux.

Liverpool are the only side in the top half to have won more games away from home than on their own turn this season. Craig Bellamy has been in fine form recently and is the club’s joint-top scorer with 5 goals. Liverpool have the creative forces of Steven Gerrard and Charlie Adam to continue in the centre of midfield, whilst Wolves will be without Karl Henry (suspension), Jamie O’Hara (hernia) and Emmanuel Frimpong (eye) to break up the play.

The aerial presence of Steven Fletcher should be noted, but Liverpool’s defence has been solid this season; only Manchester City have conceded fewer. Surely Kenny Dalglish does not mess up in the league once again and that Liverpool come away from the West Midlands with 3 points…

Arsenal to beat Bolton 8/11
Poor finishing cost Arsenal getting a result against Manchester United in their last league game, whilst a great start to the second half against Aston Villa on Sunday saw them progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Perhaps now Arsene Wenger’s side will head into this match on a high.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put in another solid performance in that game as he hopes to make his first Premier League start in this match. Something that doesn’t bode well for Gretar Steinsson; the Bolton Wanderers right back.

In the middle of the Trotters defence stand the slow duo of Zat Knight and David Wheater. On their left hand side is Paul Robinson. So the pace of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott should harm this defence. As will the pace and movement of the lethal Robin van Persie whom I am expecting to see appear on the scoresheet when this game is through. Indeed, Bolton Wanderers at the back look too weak to hold out this Arsenal attack.

Defensively, Arsenal aren’t great themselves, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the home side get a goal or 2 to their name. Which makes the 4/6 for over 2.5 goals and 7/10 for both teams to score somewhat attractive.

Ultimately though, Arsenal are too good for Bolton and a Gunners victory is on the cards.

Sunderland to beat Norwich 5/6
It’s a battle of the hardworking Sunderland versus the attack-minded Norwich City on Wednesday night. Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland have flown into the top half during a run that has seen them pick up 13 points from a possible 18. Conceding just 5 goals during that time.

The team directly above them heading into this week’s games are Norwich City. The Canaries are flying high (no pun intended) themselves currently with just 1 defeat in their last 8 Premier League games. All good things must come to an end for Paul Lambert’s side and I see Wednesday night being that night.

Michael Turner is back to deal with the aerial threat Norwich have to offer. Going forward, James McClean has looked extremely lively this month; a real threat down the left wing. Stephane Sessegnon too is flourishing until O’Neill, even if none of the Black Cats out-and-out strikers are.

Two of the best free kick takers so far this season will be on show in this game. Anthony Pilkington for Norwich, and Sebastian Larsson for Sunderland. Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa side defended and attacked set pieces very well. His Sunderland side are turning into a similar force and that could be one of the difference makers between these two sides.

With Sunderland being well setup defensively, I see Norwich City struggling to break them down. At the other end, Norwich have just 1 clean sheet to their name this season and have conceded more goals than any team outside the bottom 5. And that’s where Sunderland take advantage for the victory.

Kenny Dalglish’s side took a 1-0 win away from the Etihad Stadium through a Steven Gerrard first half penalty.

Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City have beaten Liverpool 3-0 in the Premier League since and go to Anfield on Wednesday night as 5/2 second favourites to lift the Carling Cup this year.

On Tuesday, Cardiff will try to turn a 1-0 deficit around against Crystal Palace at their Cardiff City Stadium. The Bluebirds are 11/1 longshots to lift the English League Cup, whilst Crystal Palace are only just shorter at 10/1 thanks to Anthony Gardner’s goal in the first leg.

Neither Liverpool or Crystal Palace have played at the new Wembley since it was re-opened in 2007.

Manchester City have a 3 point lead and a goal difference better by 9 ahead of their local neighbours Manchester United who sit directly below them in the table.

The general consensus is that Manchester City have the better title run-in from here on out with Arsenal the only top 5 side they travel to in the league.

Roberto Mancini’s side have home games against Chelsea and Manchester United to come as they look to maintain their 100% home record having won all 11 Premier League matches at the Etihad Stadium so far this season.

Manchester City travel to Liverpool on Wednesday evening for the second leg of their Carling Cup semi final before travelling to Everton on Tuesday 31 January to face Everton in their next Premier League match.

I’ve looked closely at the fixtures and found 3 value Premiership Tips for this weekend:

Blackburn +1 to beat Everton 19/20
10-man Blackburn Rovers produced an impressive 3-1 victory over Fulham last week. Despite all the criticism in the face of Steve Kean, the inexperienced manager has turned fortunes around in recent weeks.

7 points from their last 4 games has moved them off the foot of the table to outside of the relegation zone heading into this weekend. Everton have won just two of their last nine in the Premier League.

Blackburn will be without the suspended Yakubu for this game and it’s unclear whether Chris Samba will play for the club again. However, Rovers are playing well as a team of late and won their last victory without both of these players for over an hour.

The counter attack was an effective strategy for Blackburn in that game. I don’t see them seeing many opportunities for those in this game with David Moyes being a very defensive-minded manager.

Everton haven’t scored more than 1 goal in a Premier League game since 26 November – a 2-0 victory at Bolton 10 games ago. They could only beat non-league Tamworth 2-0 in the cup at Goodison Road a fortnight ago. In contrast, Blackburn have scored in all of their away games.

Junior Hoilett is a lively player down the left wing who can cause Phil Neville problems down the flank. David Goodwillie has 1 goal to his name and Ruben Rochina has 2 for potential replacements to the Yak. Mauro Formica’s 3 goals from midfield make him a dangerman in midfield whilst it was Morten Gamst Pederson who got the ball rolling last week.

Everton’s defence is missing Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin and Tony Hibbert. In midfield, both Jack Rodwell and Leon Osman remain doubts and no starting striker has yet to score for Everton this season. One positive is the loan signing of Landon Donovan who’s looked lively and provided a delightful assist for Victor Anichebe last weekend. The Nigerian has 2 goals in his 3 appearances since returning on New Year’s Day.

Blackburn to get a point or more at just below evens is good value with the stats in hand. Money back if Everton win by a solo goal. Given Everton’s record recently I cannot make a case for them winning by 2.

Stoke to beat West Brom 18/19
Stoke City will be looking to return to winning ways at the Britannia Stadium this weekend against a West Brom side who have lost each of their last 3 Premier League games.

Tony Pulis’ side are always well-organised at home. The Potters have victories over Liverpool and Tottenham here this season and have held both Chelsea and Manchester United to draws, keeping cleans sheets in 40% of their home games so far this season.

Roy Hodgson makes his side difficult to beat on the road; losing just four times on their travels this season. That includes their last away game, at White Hart Lane. Roy Hodgson has sounded agitated in his post-match interviews recently, starting with their 1-0 defeat against Everton on New Year’s Day. The only goal in that game courtesy of a defensive error. Make similar at the Britannia and look for Stoke to capitalise.

Jon Walters, Peter Crouch and Cameron Jerome are playing well up front of late. Ryan Shotton is a doubt for this game so Stoke’s only long throw option is from Rory Delap should he play. Matthew Etherington offers a good service down the left wing. Jermaine Pennant hasn’t featured so far this year.

West Brom have scored just 3 goals in their last 4 league games; 3 of which were at home. Since holding Manchester City to a goalless draw, West Brom have been beaten 1-0 at home by Everton, 1-0 at Tottenham and 2-1 by Norwich City last week.

Stoke City are good value narrowly below events to add a fourth straight defeat to Roy Hodgson’s side. Tony Pulis has lead his side to 5 victories in 6 Premier League matches over West Brom including a 1-0 victory at the Hawthorns earlier this season.

Liverpool to beat Bolton 4/6
Liverpool’s poor form at home is well-documented this season; winning just 4 from 11 and drawing the other 7. However, away from Anfield Liverpool have performed well this season, winning half of their 10 games on the road – more than any side outside of the top 4. Bolton have 1 win, 1 draw and 8 defeats at the Reebok Stadium this season – the worst home record in the league through 21 games.

Away victories for Kenny Dalglish’s side have come at the Emirates, Goodison Park, the Hawthorns, Stamford Bridge and Villa Park. All teams better than Bolton Wanderers right now.

Goals have been a struggle for Liverpool this season. They actually come into this game having scored fewer goals than Bolton Wanderers. However, the home side have conceded a league high 46 goals in 21 games. Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen remains a doubt with the thigh injury that has ruled him out of Bolton’s last two Premier League games. His replacement is young Adam Bogdan, whom despite making a flying save from Wayne Rooney’s penalty last week, has looked shaky. The Hungarian has conceded 9 goals in 3 league games including long rangers from Daniel Sturridge, Tim Howard and Michael Carrick. Watch out for Steven Gerrard.

The Liverpool captain has played well since his return. He played 90 minutes for the first time last weekend and is ready for another start at Bolton. Both Gerrard and Charlie Adam in the centre of the Liverpool midfield have the creativity to unlock the Bolton defence.

Gary Cahill is a big loss to Bolton whom are left with Zat Knight and David Wheather in the middle. Both lack any pace which would make Craig Bellamy a threat in this game should Kenny Dalglish give him the nod. Danny Welbeck’s pace caused the Trotters problems last weekend, which included him scoring a one-on-one.

Defensively, Liverpool should know all about and not be too worried about the threat, or lack of that David N’Gog offers. Kevin Davies has barely featured in the past five games. Ivan Klasnic is the biggest threat Bolton have to offer against a defence that has kept clean sheets in 5 of their 10 games on the road this season.

Liverpool are on a 10-game winning streak over Bolton and I would be surprised if they don’t make it 11 after this one. This is the Saturday evening kick off and live TV games means you can get a feel for the game early on and make your bet in-play.

Here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Sunderland to beat Chelsea +1 47/20
Sunderland were the best team over Christmas and New Year in the Premier League, picking up 10 points from a possible 12 before beating Peterborough 2-0 in the FA Cup last weekend. The only points they’ve dropped in their last four league fixtures was their 1-1 draw versus Everton in which their opponents were given one of the most controversial penalties of the season.

Sunderland are playing with confidence since Martin O’Neill took charge at the start of December. With 10 points from their last 4 Premier League games, only Hugo Rodallega has scored in open play against them in their last 4 games in all competitions.

Goals are coming from all over the park. Stephane Sessegnon has filled in as a good forward this season, and is the focal point up front. James McClean has scored in his last two having only made his senior debut during O’Neill’s first game in charge.

On the opposite flank is Sebastian Larsson. The Swede already has 5 goals to his name this season and his set piece taking ability has come into the spotlight in recent weeks. With the likes of Jose Bosingwa and David Luiz notably poor at defending set pieces, it would be a risk to say the least by Andre Villas-Boas to play either yet alone both against Sunderland. Something that Martin O’Neill will no doubt set up his team to exploit.

In the middle of the pitch, Craig Gardner scored his second in a Sunderland shirt in their 4-1 route of Wigan nine days ago. David Vaughan also scored in that game, as well as the first goal during the Martin O’Neill regime. He didn’t score a single goal under Steve Bruce’s management. Confidence?

Defensively, Sunderland shut out Manchester City. Look out for another hard-working display from the Black Cats on Saturday. Daniel Sturridge down the right wing has the task of doing more than what Adam Johnson did down the right wing on New Year’s day… which was nothing. Didier Drogba is away on international duty, so Fernando Torres will be looking for his third goal of the season. Juan Mata is a threat, but I believe he looks better down the middle than out wide. Look out for Larsson to drop back from midfield to double up on the Spaniard, limiting his opportunities.

Frank Lampard has found the net on 8 occasions this season, but I’d expect his chances to be minimal in this match. Nothing outside the area with the number of Sunderland players behind the ball and in between he and the goal.

Sunderland can get a result here and with +1 on the Asian Handicap we’ll be refunded if Chelsea were to sneak a 1-goal victory. Sunderland are a staggering 17/2 to win.

Manchester United to beat Bolton -1.5 1/2

After beating 10-man Manchester City 3-2 in the FA Cup, Sir Alex Ferguson described his side’s second half performance as “careless”. After leading 3-0 at the break they were holding on in stoppage time when Anders Lindegaard could only parry away Aleksandar Kolarov’s free kick.

That result, with Paul Scholes who came on in the second half only paints over some of the cracks in the Manchester United team this season. Yes, they’re well in the title chase right now, only 3 points behind leaders Manchester City heading into this weekend’s game.

Back-to-back Premier League defeats by Sunderland and Newcastle have damaged United’s hopes, but I see Bolton Wanderers as a game to get them back on track. Prior to their shock 3-2 home defeat by Blackburn, United had successive 5-0 victories, over Fulham and Wigan respectively. Their other 5-0 victory this season came at the Reebok Stadium in September.

Wayne Rooney scored a hat trick that day and is coming off the back of a brace in the FA Cup on Sunday. He’s 8/1 to score a hat trick on Saturday, and 11/4 to score a brace.

No team has conceded more goals than the 43 let up by Bolton in 20 games this season. Only Wigan have a worse goal difference.

Antonio Valencia is in form down the right wing, there’s no reason to say Nani won’t have a good game against Bolton and Paul Scholes could get more action in midfield. Yes, United’s defence still have had injury problems this season, but Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are all fit for this one.

Manchester United to thrash Bolton? I think so.

Manchester City to beat Wigan -1 13/20
By the time Manchester City kick off at the DW Stadium on Monday night, I would expect them to be sharing the lead at the top of the Premier League with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City go into the weekend’s games 3 points ahead of both United and Spurs whom both have home games against bottom 5 sides on Saturday.

Wanting to focus on the league following their exit from the FA Cup last weekend and losing the first leg of their Carling Cup semi final midweek, there can’t be any more motivation for Manchester City to pick up 3 points in this one.

Sergio Aguero scored a hat trick in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium in gameweek 4.

Wigan, eliminated from the FA Cup at the hands of League 2 Swindon Town last weekend aren’t fairing much better in the league. Roberto Martinez’s side are winless in 5 games and were thrashed 4-1 at home by Sunderland in their last fixture at the DW.

Micah Richards was one of Manchester City’s few players to put in a decent performance versus Liverpool on Wednesday. He and Adam Johnson down the right wing should cause Wigan problems in this match who have Victor Moses and Maynor Figueroa out on that side.

David Silva often runs the show for Manchester City, and don’t be surprised to see him open up this porous and often static Wigan defence. Look for him to link up to the clever movement of Sergio Aguero for a number of Manchester City opportunities in this game.

Manchester City are currently at 1.4 to win at Wigan which isn’t a bad price itself. But they’re certainly a value bet on the handicap.

The following 11 Premier League players will be participating in the 2012 African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon between 21 January until 12 February 2012:

Arsenal
Marouane Chamakh (Morocco)
Gervinho (Ivory Coast)

Chelsea
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast)

Manchester City
Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)
Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

Newcastle United
Demba Ba (Senegal)
Cheick Tiote (Ivory Coast)

Queens Park Rangers
Adel Taarabt (Morocco)
Armand Traore (Senegal)

Wigan Athletic
Mohamed Diame (Senegal)

Ivory Coast are 13/8 favourites with Bet365 with defending champions Egypt failing to qualify for this year’s tournament.

Manchester City host rivals Manchester United this afternoon in the biggest tie of the 3rd round. A golden chance to knock out one of this season’s favourites.

Chelsea have surprisingly been made 6/1 joint-favourites despite poor form domestically under young manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Chelsea host Portsmouth later today whilst joint-fourth favourites Arsenal host Leeds United on Monday night.

Tottenham Hotspur are 7/1 third favourites following their 3-0 victory over Cheltenham yesterday. Liverpool are 8/1 fourth favourites following their 5-1 thrashing of Oldham Athletic on Friday night.

The fourth round draw will be made this afternoon.

Manchester City currently lead the Premier League and have been knocked out of the Champions League, arguably making the FA Cup Roberto Mancini’s second priority for the remainder of the season.

Manchester City beat rivals United 6-1 at Old Trafford earlier this season.

As for Boxing day, a dodgy Everton penalty at Sunderland cost us 1 bet, and Manchester City’s inability to break down West Brom cost us another. Fortunately our losses were made back the next day when we went huge on Tottenham to win at Norwich, as tipped.

A tough set of year-ending fixtures, but here are this week’s Premiership Tips:

Manchester United to Win to Nil 8/11
Manchester United’s 5-0 drubbing of Wigan on Boxing day means the Red Devils have now scored 17 goals in their last 5 Premier League goals, conceding just 1, and taking maximum points.

The 19-time English champions will head into 2012 as the league leaders with just a point at home to Blackburn Rovers in the first kick off of New Years Eve as current league leaders Manchester City don’t play until New Years Day itself.

Blackburn Rovers have actually scored in each of their away games this season. However, Liverpool are the only top 6 side they have travelled to this season, and Blackburn registered through a Charlie Adam own goal against the run of play. Steve Kean’s side have been shut out by both Chelsea and Manchester City at Ewood Park.

Manchester United’s defence may be depleted, but they have kept 10 clean sheets in their 18 league games, including 3 straight. They were convincing 5-0 winners against Wigan at the weekend even when they started Michael Carrick at centre back and Antonio Valencia at right back. Patrice Evra even played at centre back in the second half!

Yakubu’s 10 goals have come in 5 games this season. 4 of those were against 10-man Swansea, 2 against Arsenal’s shaky defence and 2 against Wigan. There’s nothing there to suggest the ex-Everton striker can beat the tightest defence of the month.

Manchester United will be hoping either Chris Smalling or Phil Jones return in time for this game to face up to Junior Hoilett at right back. Valencia would not match up well to the impressive youngster, but a seasoned defender with support from the holding or right midfielder should take care of Blackburn’s biggest attacking threat.

Going forward, the trickery of Nani, the pace of Ashley Young and the movement of Javier Hernandez will tear this defence apart. Or Sir Alex Ferguson may stick with Monday’s hat trick hero Dimitar Berbatov instead. Expect to see Wayne Rooney back in the starting line up after being rested last time out. But it all together and Manchester United have too much for the side propping up the table.

Tottenham to beat Swansea 8/11
Tottenham continue to impress, and like they were on Tuesday when they comfortably beat newcomers Norwich City, they’re at a good price again.

The pace of Gareth Bale was a big factor in Spurs’ victory over Norwich that moved them 4 points ahead of Chelsea and still with a game in hand. The Welsh winger hit goals number 6 and 7 on the season as Harry Redknapp’s side improved their record to 12 wins from their last 15 games.

Swansea City have conceded the fewest goals (3) at home in all of the Premier League this season, losing only to Manchester United in their 9 home games so far. However, the Swans have yet to face Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal at the Liberty Stadium. In fact, 6 of the 9 sides Swansea have faced at home this season are currently in the bottom half, and only 1 (Manchester United) are in the top 7. Tottenham will be one of the sternest tests they have faced in Wales this season.

Steven Caulker who has started the last 4 games for Swansea is ineligible due to an agreement in his loan move from Tottenham. Neil Taylor remains a doubt with his knee injury. Angel Rangel hasn’t played a full game for over a month. Tottenham, with Bale, Emmanuel Adebayor, Rafael van der Vaart and Luka Modric will look to take advantage of this.

Scott Parker and Sandro are in the team to break up the play of Swansea, a side whom like to play possession football.

It was a long clearance up field from Paddy Kenny on Tuesday that Swansea didn’t deal with that lead to Jamie Mackie’s equaliser for Queens Park Rangers. Both van der Vaart and Modric are capable of playing exquisite chips over the top or through balls on the ground for the likes of Bale and Adebayor to latch onto.

Michel Vorm has been the hero for a number of Swansea’s clean sheets this season, but with the type of chances Spurs create; one-on-one and close range efforts, Vorm has a near-impossible mission of shutting this in-form Spurs attack down.

Dimitar Berbatov scored a hat trick today as Manchester United not only tied on points with league leaders Manchester City, but have halved their goal difference advantage in the process.

Manchester United host Blackburn Rovers on New Years Eve, knowing a point will take them to the perch of the Premier League on Sir Alex Ferguson’s 70th birthday and as we head into 2012.

Manchester City travel to Sunderland the following day.