With 7 matches in the English Premier League this evening, Carlo Ancelotti will be aiming to go 4 points clear of closest rivals Manchester United, with a game in hand, when the Blues travel to Turf Moor to take on Burney, while Arsenal and United do battle for 2nd place on Sunday at the Emirates.

6 matches kick off at 5pm (15:00 GMT) starting in Birmingham for what should be the Match of the Day at St Andrews, when Harry Redknapp’s 4th placed Spurs take on Alex McLeish’s 8th placed Birmingham City, who only lost 1 in their last 12 outings and that was on Wednesday to Chelsea.

McLeish has his new R37 Million midfielder Craig Gardener available, but has opted for the same line up that lost in midweek. One thing about Alex McLeish, he sticks with his game plan and his players.
Defoe didn’t add to his tally of 14 against Fulham on Tuesday, but Peter Crouch did and that may give him the nod for the starting line up. I expect Birmingham to win but Harry could snatch a point.

Fulham host Aston Villa at Craven Cottage and must be the underdogs after Tuesday’s loss and their current spat of injuries. Clint Dempsey is still out with a knee injury as are Paul Konchesky and John Pantsil. Bobby Zamora is recovering from his shoulder injury as is Simon Davies from a foot injury but both are expected to play some part in today’s match. Villa on the other hand have their injury problems as well, with John Carew, Stephen Warnock and Nigel Reo-Coker out, while playmaker James Milner and striker Gabriel Agbonlahor could both play despite being injured against Arsenal on Tuesday night.
Martin O’Neill’s boys should come away with 3 points but Fulham have upset the big boys this season.

There is a relegation clash at the KC Stadium where Hull City host Wolverhampton Wanders. On paper these two teams are pretty even with only one win in 10 matches between them. I expect a battle royal, with the Tigers having the edge.

Liverpool host Bolton Wanderers at Anfield where new boss Owen Coyle will be out to prove a point. Rafa is under real pressure to produce results and get the Reds into the top 4, which could happen if Spurs choke and the Reds win. I don’t expect Bolton to put up much of a challenge, but the Trotters will be well aware of Liverpool’s goalless draw against Wolves in midweek, so if anybody can egg his players on for at least a point it is Owen Coyle.

At Upton Park, West Ham United are at home to Big Sam’s Rovers, who have managed to put together two wins in a row. The Hammers are running hot and cold at present and are unpredictable, so they could cause at upset at home. The Hammers to win or at least share the points.

In the last of the 5pm (15:00 GMT) kick offs, Wigan Athletic are at home to Everton at the DW stadium. The Toffees haven’t lost in their last 5 outings and will be very difficult for the Latics to hold off. Louis Saha is in fine goal scoring form with 11 and if Steven Pienaar gets another opportunity he will add to his tally. I pick Everton to bag the 3 points on offer.

Lastly at 7.30pm (17:30 GMT) Chelsea travel to Burnley to take on the Clarets under new manager Brian Laws who is expected to include his new signings Leon Cort and Nicky Weaver in the starting line up at Turf Moor. Weaver’s return to the Premiership after a 3 year absence will be closely watched as he was once considered as the natural successor to David Seaman in the England goal and should bring a sense of stability to the Clarets’ defence. Even so I expect Chelsa to grab all 3 points, despite still being without Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou who are being rested after their African Cup of Nations outings.