Premier League Fixtures 20th March

Arsenal v West Ham United
If Arsenal win all their games, they really could win the league. Write them off only if you’re prepared to eat your words. Again. But a defeat for West Ham could put them straight back into the bottom three
I don’t really need to explain why Aaron Ramsey isn’t playing. As for West Ham, Danny Gabbidon went straight back into the starting line-up last week after recovering from a hamstring injury. But there’s a horrible rumour he’s hurt one of his muscles so he won’t be able to play.
Jack Collison was on the bench but as West Ham didn’t win or anything like that, maybe Gianfranco Zola will shuffle things so Jack can play. That’s what I’d do. (Or maybe not. I’m managing West Ham on Online Football Manager, we’re in with a chance of third but I didn’t play Jack in my last game and I won’t play him in the next one either. I’m saving him for the Cup Final against, er, Hull City.) Jack is set to have a knee operation but this won’t be until the summer. Just make sure it’s sorted out in time for Wales’ first qualifying match…

Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Aston Villa might only have 49 points but they also have two games in hand. So the Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City supporters will be supporting Wolves. Not that I’ve been in any bookmaker’s because I don’t gamble but if I did gamble I’d bet you that Wolves aren’t favourites to win this game. They haven’t won at Villa for three whole decades.
James Collins should keep his place in central defence for Wigan. He really should. He keeps the goals out, then goes up and scores them at the other end. Every team should have a James. And Villa actually have three.
David Jones is the Wolves player who looks most likely to start – and he thinks Wolves could get something from this match. Wayne Hennessey and Sam Vokes will be on the bench. Dave Edwards played 75 minutes for the reserves after finally recovering from his ankle injury but he might not start either.

Everton v Bolton Wanderers
Everton probably could still get into the Europa League if they play really really well and do something to make sure Aston Villa and Birmingham don’t play well (I’m sure Wolves will be happy to assist with this). Bolton are eight points clear of the drop zone and are actually looking quite safe. Everton could change all that.
Sam Ricketts is available for Bolton after being suspended last week.

Portsmouth v Hull City
Hull have a new manager and I’ve got a funny feeling he was Alan Shearer’s assistant when he got Newcastle United relegated. Good thing they’re playing Portsmouth really.
Surprisingly, Phil Brown lost his job after losing to Arsenal. Losing to Arsenal is so not a sackable offence. If it was, there wouldn’t be any managers left at the end of the 2003-04 season.
Boaz Myhill should play in goal for Hull but new managers have very strange ideas sometimes.

Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur
The last time Tottenham went to Stoke in the League, they had two players sent off. One is their current captain (Michael Dawson) and the other is their best player (Gareth Bale). Stoke won on that occasion so they might want to use the same tactics again.
Ryan Shawcross could return to the squad after completing his three-match suspension but he has a slight ankle injury and is a doubt. If he does play, Danny Collins could go back on the bench but he’d rather stay in the starting line-up and help sneak Stoke into the top ten..
Gareth Bale will probably play at left midfield for Tottenham again. Wouldn’t it be brilliant if he got a goal this time instead of a red card?

Wigan Athletic v Burnley
Wigan won’t end up in the bottom three if they lose this but they will hold the distinction of being the first team beaten by Burnley at home. Siblings Gary Caldwell (Wigan) and Steven Caldwell (Burnley) want a goalless draw. I bet they’re the only two people in the whole stadium (except maybe for any other family members) who want one of those.
Jason Koumas probably won’t be anywhere near Wigan’s squad.