Barely have you had chance to draw breath and it’s time to do it all again. There’s a full midweek programme of Premier League fixtures, game week 12 is upon us already, and it’s going to be tricky selection wise as several managers may opt to shuffle their packs.

Tie of the week has to be the Manchester derby. The Blue half of Manchester have Carlos Tevez back and the Reds back line can expect a torrid time at the hands of the annoyingly persistent Argentinean. United may still be picking up points but they are struggling and will be looking for big performances from the experienced Scholes and Fletcher. It would also be a good time for Hernandez and Berbatov to rediscover their earlier form.

Chelsea and Tottenham will be looking to bounce back from disappointing weekend results. Spurs play host to Sunderland on Tuesday, and the form is with Tottenham, the Black Cats have only won once at the Lane in 26 years. Van Der Vaart is struggling with a hamstring injury, but I think Harry will risk him. Three points here are vital for Spurs’ push for the top four, Redknapp will go all out for victory on Tuesday night so it’s time to give your Tottenham forwards a run out.

I fear Fulham could pay for Liverpool’s victory on Sunday. Chelsea need to bounce back with a win and will simply overpower Fulham at the bridge. Drogba will be all guns blazing after warming the bench at Anfield for a long 45 minutes. This could be the week to rest any Fulham defenders you have in your squad.

Aston Villa’s treatment room is full of strikers right now, which equals opportunity for one young striker and if you feel like taking a gamble then Nathan Delfouneso, who could have had a hat-trick on Saturday, will be looking to make amends at home to Blackpool on Wednesday. It could also be a good time to give two more of Villa’s youngsters a chance, midfielders Marc Albrighton and Barry Bannan are turning heads for all the right reasons and both are available for under 5 million. There are always goals where Blackpool are concerned, honours may well end up even in this one but it will be entertaining.

There are two ties this week which, in all honesty, could go either way. Wolves host Arsenal and Newcastle host Blackburn. Wolves were outstanding in defeat at Old Trafford and have been impressive all season. Arsenal, being Arsenal could stroll this one or make a complete three course meal out of it. I’m going to go for the latter. Robin Van Persie made an appearance on Sunday and I’m backing him to be the difference in what will be a tight encounter.

It would be no surprise if Newcastle followed up a win at the emirates with a defeat at home to Blackburn. Nothing would give big Sam more pleasure than a victory against his former club. Newcastle should win, which is why I’m going to back Blackburn and Jason Roberts who found his shooting boots, well shin pads, against Wigan.

West Ham vs West Brom is another fixture that could throw up a few goals. Scott Parker at 5.4 million and Frederic Piquionne available for 5.1 million are well worth considering. The Hammers won’t stay bottom of the table for long and this home tie with the Albion could be the turning point of their season.

I’ve gone striker crazy in my suggestions this week, but I sense goals in game week 12 and goals mean points. Hopefully I’ve given you plenty to think about as you tinker with your attack.

If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleague.com/  the code you need to join is 13413-5300

Manchester United’s drab draw with Rangers summed up a relatively disappointing start to the season for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. While they are undefeated, disappointing draws with Fulham and Everton have left United off the pace in the Premier League, couple that with the off the field dramas involving star striker Wayne Rooney and it makes for a frustrating few weeks at Old Trafford.

Ferguson last night opted to make 10 changes and left out arguably his three most influential players to date. While Ryan Giggs did appear as a second half substitute, Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov were left out all together, something which with hindsight appears to be a bizarre decision from Ferguson.

But the main concern to come from last night for me, was how lacking in flair United were without the evergreen duo of Giggs and Scholes. Looking toward the future it must be a real worry for United fans to see nobody coming through and forcing either out of the side.

The message that came from last night’s game must now be that if either Giggs or Scholes are fit they play, because if they don’t United will struggle. While there is nothing wrong with this in the short term (this season) it really does set alarming bells ringing on what happens when age finally gets the better of them.

Can I see a Nani or an Antonio Valencia becoming a Ryan Giggs? Not a chance, and the same goes for the likes of Darren Gibson and Michael Carrick in their quest to replace Paul Scholes. It just seems like if United want to replace Giggs or Scholes, they won’t be able to do it from within.

This creates another big problem for Ferguson, with the owners at Old Trafford reportedly reluctant to splash the cash, can you really see them spending the money required?  Honestly I can’t think of anybody in the market who could feasibly replace them, but even if there was you would surely be talking in the region of £30million each?   

It really is a big problem for Ferguson, but ultimately I can’t see it been him that has to deal with it. By the time Scholes and Giggs retire, I personally feel that the great Scott will have also decided to call it a day, in which case filling the shoes of Sir Alex gets a whole lot harder.

What do you think? How could United replace either Giggs or Scholes?

• 6-0, the new 1-0.
• Parity, maybe? Well, not really.

Three Barclays Premier League matches ended 6-0 this weekend with one still left to come Monday night. As the parity debate rages on concerning the overall quality of Premier League teams 1-20, gameweek 2 went a long way in proving just how unequal the league currently is, or did it?

Usual suspects Chelsea repeated their opening weekend thrashing of Nobody United while beautiful passing home boys Arsenal properly welcomed Tangerine Ltd. to the Premier League by the same score.

A plethora of goals were seen Saturday and Sunday would be no different. Sunday would also host the weekend’s best match that saw Fulham fail to capitulate after conceding a late OG and earn a well deserved draw against Manchester United.

After Aston Villa’s gameweek 1 victory over West Ham (who are having a horrid start), one could have been granted the freedom to assume they’d do something similar to the back-in-the-big-time-boys Newcastle United. This time, parity won. Newcastle were brilliant in all things football related on the day as Villa played as if they’d been out on a serious bender the night before. Surely not many Newcastle supporters or Premier League fans would have guessed the Toon could have pulled a Chelsea or Arsenal and post 6 against the boys from Birmingham. Welcome back Newcastle.

So, was parity the winner or is gameweek 2 still too early to tell how equal this league is from top to bottom? Flukes? Defenses still finding their cohesion? Or, the most uneven league in Europe?

Honorable Mentions -

Andy Carroll, Newcastle United – There was something rewarding and maybe even a little charming in watching Newcastle thump Villa at home on Sunday in front of their supporters. I guess I have a soft spot for the Northern club who’ve had a tumultuous time in the Premier League in recent years. When Steve Harper was adjudged to have brought down Ashley Young for a penalty, I suddenly got the feeling that this match was going to mirror one from the 2008-09 season which saw Newcastle relegated. Cue John Carew to the penalty spot and one match-changing blast off later and Newcastle had new life and a renewed sense of purpose.

Joey Barton, Jonas Gutierrez and Jose Enrique all had great performances for Newcastle, but it was Carroll’s hat-trick, striker’s instinct, link play and ability in the air that led Newcastle to the home win. Carroll is a massive target man who can win most balls in the air and flick on to other players. Similar to Emile Heskey at his best for England, could Carroll be the #9 that England so desperately need? Newcastle fans won’t be bothered by a potential call up to the England senior squad as long as Carroll can keep his goal scoring form for the Toon and keep them in the Premier League where they belong.

Gareth Bale, Tottenham – No longer the best new player or most improved player in the Premier League but now simply one of the best players in the league, Bale continually finds ways to impress in attack. I briefly touched on his brace for Spurs in an earlier article, but if you’ve yet to see his second, it’s definitely worth a look.

Harry Redknapp set up Spurs in a 4-5-1 formation with Bale out wide on the left. He’s best in this role because of his goal scoring, dribbling and crossing abilities as opposed to his earlier role for Spurs at left back. Spurs got their first win of the season largely because ref Chris Foy failed to award Stoke City what looked to be the equalizer late on. Bale was brilliant though and continues to shine.

Theo Walcott, Arsenal- Often times described as the type of player who can do so much but lacks that final killer ball, Walcott seems to be finding it, if somewhat slowly. During Saturday’s thrashing of Blackpool, I lost count of how many times Walcott blew past Blackpool left back Stephen Crainey. It was as if Walcott had two or three gears he could easily use to accelerate past anyone Blackpool threw at him on his way forward and into the box.

Oddly enough though, while Walcott bagged his hat-trick, his best moves and best service into the box didn’t see an Arsenal player latch onto the end of his crosses. When an Arsenal player was forward in support was when Theo failed to provide that meaningful service his opponents have criticized him for in the past. A good display with some fine finishing, but Walcott still not that complete player many still think he can become. Blackpool however defended poorly and Arsenal, like Chelsea, will always be a good enough side to exploit the weaknesses of a poor opponent.

I believe Walcott can start for England and regularly for Arsenal in the near future because of his pace and ability to change a game in a second when he’s at his best. Even when he’s only playing decent, he can still be dangerous. Oppositely though, Walcott seems to have these little breakout games once or twice a year only to succumb to injury or loose form in the proceeding weeks. On Saturday, Arsenal supporters will have hoped Walcott marked a line in the sand for future performances and will expect more of the quick wing play and finishing from their young Englishman.

Note: I want to recognize Chelsea Football Club for another incredible performance against Wigan on Saturday. The Champions blitzed another poor side and played well together as a team without necessarily having one player dominate the headlines. Drogba was brilliant in his passing and unselfish play, as was Lampard while Anelka proved he’s a fine finisher. Ashley Cole did what Ashley Cole does best while a team of classy and experienced players took their chances well. Chelsea aren’t the Champions for nothing and they showed just why they’re the league’s best team over the past two weeks, I’m just waiting for them to play a side that won’t eventually be relegated this season.

Premier League Footballer of the Week -

Paul Scholes, Manchester United- The influential midfielder scored one for United on Sunday and was man of the match in his club’s opening season win last Monday v Newcastle. Scholes has been at his best for last season’s runners up and when sharp can control the pace and flow of a game better than most. He seems to be getting better with age and so far this season has been one of the leagues best midfielders. His poise on the ball when looking for an open man is unmatched. He never gets flustured and rarely misses finding his man.

Scholes scored his 150th goal for United on Sunday, a low, hard drive from just outside the box, not unlike one you’ve seen from Scholes in seasons past and continued to spray passes in his quintessentially cool manner as United dominated the majority of the first half. Everything starts through Scholes when United are at their best. Even when Darren Fletcher receives the ball from a defender, it seems as if his first task is to then find Scholes to start the attack.

Ferguson will rue his decision in allowing Nani the responsibility to take United’s penalties. Surely Sunday marks the last time he’ll ever be granted the opportunity as United drop early season points because of Nani’s attempt to the dismay of Ferguson. Nani struck his penalty well, but it was his placement that allowed Fulham keeper David Stockdale to make the save. If Scholes can maintain his brilliant early season form and Wayne Rooney can regain match sharpness with the help of his supporting cast, I believe United can and will challenge Chelsea for the title this year. Chelsea and Manchester United to battle it out again for the title - a fine example of parity if you ask me.

The Premier League is underway and the two main title protagonists have recorded emphatics wins coupled with extremely impressive performances. Chelsea’s 6-0 victory over West Brom was somewhat of a surprise given their lacklustre pre-season form and disappointing Community Shield display, but Didier Drogba has now declared Chelsea aren’t even ready for the season yet, an ominous warning to the rest of the Premier League.

Title rivals Manchester United though have already captured some silverware and in both competitive matches so far this season have produced two displays of hunger, fight and desire to win. This hunger was typified by Antonio Valencia and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, both pressed high up the pitch against Newcastle winning the ball in the final third with both opportunities leading to goals for their side.

The team though is being led by evergreen Paul Scholes and a rejuvenated Dimitar Berbatov.

Scholes has undoubtedly been the catalyst for the victories over Chelsea and Newcastle; he exudes calm and patience before picking that killer pass. He controlled the Community Shield from start to finish finding acres of space in the centre of the pitch, Essien, Mikel and Lampard couldn’t get near him. Sir Alex Ferguson labelled him ‘special’ after the 3-0 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League and few would argue as at 35 years of age, he can still mix it with the best of them.

His age though will inevitably work against him in the long run; he can no longer be expected to play two games a week at the highest level. Despite starting the season brightly, it would be safe to say Sir Alex will be managing his game time to the minute making sure he is fit when it matters.

United’s other star performer has been Berbatov, the Bulgarian enigma. The moody, lethargic and sometime disinterested £30 million man has seemingly sprung to life scoring a delightful chip against Chelsea and a well taken chance against Newcastle. It has not only been his new found liking for goals, his general play has gone up a level, on the face of it he seems happy and enjoying his football but journalist Andy Mitten followed United on their pre-season tour and noted the Bulgarian’s off pitch attitude is still lacking.

Given this he controlled the final third of the pitch in both matches, dropping deep to collect the ball, moving wide to occupy the full-backs and drag the central defenders from their comfort zone, all this then sewn together by his undoubted touch and vision. His partnership with new signing Chicharito looks promising in addition to his link up play with the improved Nani.

Can this form be sustained? Possibly, as on the pitch Berbatov is playing with a smile on his face, the burden he was saddled – the huge transfer fee – seems to have been lifted somewhat. The belief and desire emanating from Old Trafford is clear to see and on early season form only it would be hard to see the title not making its way back to Manchester.

After a long, hot summer filled with plenty of football, we now stand between what’s left of the work week before the Premier League returns with guns blazing, before Arsenal look like world beaters for four months on all those pristine green pitches before the weather turns, and before your least favorite post, Premier League Footballer of the Week returns with an unabashed arrival.

If you’re an Arsenal fan or don’t understand self-deprecating humor, then you’ve probably already stopped reading. If you have a sense of humor and a halfway open mind, here are four top four players I’ll be keeping a watchful eye on (and why) this season for one reason or another. Liverpool fans, maybe next time.

Daniel Sturridge – Chelsea: Having joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2009, Sturridge looks set to have a break through season at Stamford Bridge after impressing last season for Chelsea in the FA Cup and more recently in the FA Community Shield v Manchester United last Sunday. Upon his arrival in the Community Shield, Sturridge injected pace into Chelsea’s attack with his probing runs, movement and positioning in front of goal, a welcome arrival to a stuttering Chelsea attack.

Although he’s still struggling with a niggling ankle injury that kept him from appearing for the Blues on their recent pre season trip to Germany, the England U21 insists he’s constantly improving. The talented Sturridge still has work to do to break into the first team at Chelsea. At only 20, Sturridge has Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in front of him in the Chelsea pecking order. But if he can take his early chances and impress Carlo Ancelotti, Sturridge could have the break out season his potential says he can have. If he fails to impress right off the bat, he’ll likely be relegated to Cup duty but could still be one for the future.

David Bentley – Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs look set to build upon their fantastic season last year as they’re favored to advance to the Champions League group stages for the first time in the club’s history. As Gareth Bale last season made more than good on his potential, another young Spur hopes to do the same. Arguably yet to really break through into regular first team action at Tottenham, Bentley had shown flashes of brilliant play for the past two seasons, but has equally showed some dull moments in attack.

As Spurs approach a season where they’ll potentially have an extra load of Champions League fixtures, Harry Redknapp will have to use the majority of his squad to assure Spurs don’t burn out or neglect other competitions. Used to playing second fiddle to Aaron Lennon on the right wing, Bentley will get his chance to re-gain a starting spot and to impress for Spurs in the upcoming and most important of seasons.

Marouane Chamakh – Arsenal: The silky smooth French striker (but playing internationally for Morocco) acquired from Bordeaux will be a welcome addition to Arsene Wenger’s squad as Arsenal look to capture some silverware this season. Upon hearing about Chamakh’s move to Arsenal some months ago, I immediately realized the 26 year old could potentially be that piece up front that Arsenal have lacked in seasons past. Whether through injury to Robin van Persie, the inconsistency of Niklas Bendtner, or the massive hole left upon the departure of Thierry Henry, Arsenal have lacked a consistent goal scorer not named Fabregas over the past few seasons.

Equally as good with his right foot or with his head, Chamakh will score goals for Arsenal this season. He’s just come off a sub-par campaign in Ligue 1 finishing sixth with Bordeaux but also helped Les Girondins finish first in their group and reach the quarter finals of the Champions League. Chamakh has recently stated he ‘already plays the Arsenal way’ and that his move to the Gunners was a ‘dream’. Also dreaming: Arsenal fans hoping Chamakh will come good and help bring trophies to the Emirates. Chamakh, sure to impress.

Paul Scholes/Ryan Giggs – Manchester United: As young players and new additions to the Premier League such as Daniel Sturridge and Marouane Chamakh (respectively) interest me, so too do the old guard, the experienced, and the living legends of the Premier League tractor beam my peering eyes to their performance.

Not much really needs to be written about the brilliance and timelessness of Scholes and Giggs that hasn’t been written before. As fans loose track of and attempt to count just how many seasons the dynamic duo has represented United at the senior level, the talented midfielders quietly go about their business. Training, acquiring match fitness, already a sharp knife, Giggs and Scholes will ready themselves for yet another campaign and look set to methodically use their skills on the pitch: spreading the ball with accurate passes, linking with forward players, scoring important goals and leading the team by example.

Just how much longer can the two effictively push on is yet to be known. What is known is that until the two hang up their boots, they’ll impress United fans by keeping them on their toes wondering what they’ll come up with next.

During a recent visit to Florida, EPL Talk had the opportunity to sit down with Manchester United and England midfield legend Paul Scholes for an exclusive interview.

Among the topics covered include:

• Whether he’d like to go into coaching after his playing career ends,
• What makes the north west of England so much stronger than other parts of the country,
• What it was like playing with legends such as Eric Cantona, David Beckham and others,
• How Sir Alex Ferguson has affected his career,
• His thoughts on other England managers he’s been coached by including Glenn Hoddle, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Kevin Keegan,
• What it’s like playing at Old Trafford and what makes it a fortress,
• His fondness for Oldham Athletic, and
• Much more.

The episode also features an interview with Simon Davey, who was recently appointed the manager of Hereford Town. Davey is best known for his playing career at Preston North End, which included playing with David Beckham when Becks was on loan at the Preston club. Davey also coached alongside David Moyes at Preston North End. In addition to his career at Preston, Davey was well known for his footballing career at Swansea City as well as his management career at Barnsley (where he beat Liverpool and Chelsea in an incredible FA Cup run) and Darlington.

Thanks to Midwest Soccer Academy for the opportunity to interview Paul Scholes and Simon Davey. And thanks to Kartik Krishnaiyer for interviewing these two legends.

Founded in 2006, the EPL Talk Podcast is the only Premier League interview podcast on the Internet. During each episode, we bring you intelligent interviews with some of the biggest names in football such as Mikel John Obi, Steve McClaren, Toby Charles, Graham Poll, John Terry, Patrick Barclay, Gabriele Marcotti, Andrew Jennings and many others.

Don’t miss a single episode of the EPL Talk Podcast. Automatically get each new episode by subscribing via iTunes, subscribing to the RSS feed or you can find the EPL Talk Podcast on the Zune. Or you can search through the archives below.

According to Fabio Capello, quoted in The Independent newspaper, Paul Scholes was **this** close to being selected for the England World Cup squad this summer, but Scholes — says the England boss — declined the offer because he wanted to stay with his family.

So where will Scholes be this summer with his family? The answer is the United States. And, more specifically, Florida. Scholes is coming Stateside this summer to participate in the Paul Scholes Academy, for boys and girls from ages 8 to 18. While England will be competing in the World Cup in South Africa, Paul Scholes will be participating in four-day sessions June 14-17 at Austin-Tindall Park in Kissimmee, near Orlando. If you live in the States and you have a child who plays soccer, this is one of those chance of a lifetime opportunities to be coached by one of the best English midfielders of all time.

After contacting the academy organizers, Midwest Soccer Academy, I was able to glean more information about the Paul Scholes Academy. “I think [Paul] knows he can’t play forever and this is something that really interests him and he has a heart for,” said Academy staff member Will Russell. “He will be present every day, for every session working with the kids.” Much of the staff is from Europe. Plus, Scholes will be joined by up-and-coming British manager Simon Davey who is football manager for Darlington after previously being the gaffer at Barnsley.

Players are grouped based on age with the opportunity to appropriately move up based on skill level.

Scholes recently signed a contract extension with Manchester United which will keep him at the club for another season. When you look back at his career, it’s incredible to consider that he’s made more than 500 appearances for United, scoring over 100 goals, and has been at the Old Trafford club for his whole career since signing for United as a trainee in 1991. Few modern day English footballers have made such an impact on the game as Scholes, so it’s an honor to have a player of his magnitude spending four days in America this summer to coach young children.

As a courtesy to EPL Talk readers, Midwest Soccer Academy is offering a $100 discount if you register your child before May 31. All you have to do is use the promo code ‘Sch100′ on the registration page on the Paul Scholes Academy website. According to academy organizers, space is limited so I would encourage you to register soon so you don’t miss this golden opportunity to see a football legend and have your child coached by him.

If Fabio Capello is in the mood to talk players out of international retirement as seems to be the case with Jamie Carragher, perhaps the Italian could go around to Paul Scholes house for a cappuccino and one of those nice little almond biscuits and make him an offer he can’t refuse. Ask him to go to South Africa in England’s 23.

Scholes is 35 and incapable of playing a whole tournament, we all know that, but he could quite easily be a significant substitute or good for an opening 60 minutes.

We do not have a player who does what Scholes does as well as Scholes does it.

Ok, so we know for some reason he is incapable of tackling but his vision for a pass and his experience and comfort on the ball would be ideal for England in this World Cup. Too many English players are prone to panic when the heat is on; too prone to kick it long. Scholes is old enough and wise enough to put his foot on the ball slow play down and dictate play more. He’s probably better than ever at doing this in his advanced years.

Add to that his habit of getting into the box unmarked with impeccably timed runs and you’re looking at a significant addition to the England squad. With an under-performing Garry Barry possibly out or not fully fit, we need cover in central midfield. Carrick has been picked by Capello for that central midfield pass and move role but Carrick has had an ordinary season and simply isn’t in Scholes’ class.

We don’t need him to play in every game. It’s not even as though it will be hot and sunny for the wee fair-skinned ginger fella. I remember in the heat of 2002’s World Cup in Japorea he looked like an iridescent pink thing that was about to spontaneously combust with there hat. It will be familiar cool, rainy Manchester style weather.

Even at 35 Scholes is still one of England’s best at his trade. Why take a player like Carrick who isn’t as good? It wouldn’t be much of a commitment for him. It’s not like he’s expected to play in every game for United next season. So come on Fabio, go ginger. You know it makes sense.

Jermain Defoe puts Tottenham ahead

With only three weeks to go until the final Saturday of competition the key races in the Premier League are heating up. Two key derbys, one in Manchester and the other in London, threw the races for first and fourth place back into uncertainty as Burnley and Hull City seem unwilling to stay in the league for next season. The Manchester United, Manchester City match-up was already covered but read on for a recap of the rest of the action in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur 2, Chelsea 1

When Tottenham fell to lowly Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-finals last Sunday the season looked all but over for Harry Redknap’s side. Spurs faced Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in their next three matches and were already behind Manchester City in the race for fourth. But Spurs easily dispatched Arsenal in midweek and were able to dominate a Chelsea side who’s inconsistency has been an issue all season.

John Terry was unable to get away with a handball in the penalty area in the 15th minute. Jermaine Defoe sent Peter Cech the wrong way to give Tottenham the early lead. Chelsea were unable to mount sustained offensive pressure or mantain posession and the Blues defense broke again in the 44th minute as Garreth Bale embarrassed Paulo Ferreira to rifle a shot to the lower-lefthand corner.

Didier Drogba pulled a groin muscle as he stood in the center circle waiting to kick off the second half. The injury came seconds after Carlos Ancelloti had used his final two substitutions. The Ivorian striker had to stay on despite playing in obvious pain. John Terry was sent off in the 67th minute for his second yellow card in three minutes and there was no feasible way back into the match for Chelsea. Even Frank Lampard’s 18th goal of the season in the second minute of added time served as nothing more than a consolation.

Tottenham have pulled off their second massive upset in as many games and will look to make it three for three next week at Old Trafford. Chelsea need to find their defensive form and some consistency up top if they are to hold off Manchester United.

Birmingham 0, Hull City 0

This match-up featured a Birmingham club with nothing to play for and a Hull City side with everything at stake. The Tigers, sitting four points from safety and fresh off a 4-1 embarrassment at the hands of Burnley, desperately needed a result in order to preserve any hope of Premier League play next season. A 0-0 draw is not the worst outcome for Ian Dowie’s men but victories need to start coming soon. Chances for either side were few and far between with Jimmy Bullard’s shot directly at Joe Hart the best of the bunch.

Dowie said it was a “display to be proud of” given Birmingham’s stellar home record this season but with games running out and a final-day fixture against Liverpool looming one has to wonder if the clock has run out on Hull City.

Sunderland 2, Burnley 1

Sunderland officially secured safety from relegation with a comfortable victory over a Burnley side who are anything but safe. Fraizer Campbell kicked off the scoring for Sunderland following a brilliant cross from Alan Hutton. Campbell then played provider with a headed cross to Darren Bent for his 24th goal of the season. Steve Thompson brought a goal back in the 82nd minute but Burnley was unable to equalize thus bringing their away record to 1-1-16 for the season. The news doesn’t get better for Brian Laws’ men as their remaining fixtures are Liverpool, away to Birmingham and Tottenham.

Stoke City 1, Bolton Wanderers 2

Bolton edged closer to safety with a surprising victory over Stoke City. Stoke took the early lead with a Dave Kitson goal in the 13th minute but it was Matthew Taylor who played savior for Bolton with a cracking free-kick in the 85th minute before scoring the late winner two minutes from time. Stoke nearly equalized in the dying minutes but Stoke Captain Abdoulaye Faye sent his close range shot over the bar to hand Bolton a vital three points. The Wanderers now sit in 14th place and seven points clear of danger.

Fulham 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

Fulham seem to be focused soley on the Europa League at this point and could only manage a scoreless draw against Wolves at Craven Cottage. Bobby Zamora’s second-half shot came off the post in one of the only full-fleged chances of the afternoon. Wolves sit six points clear of Hull City and three points clear of West Ham United. Mick McCarthy’s side has a relativley easy run of remaining fixtures with Blackburn, Portsmouth and Sunderland left on their docket. Fulham’s Europa League tie against Hamburg looks very much in doubt because of the European airspace lock down.

Blackburn Rovers 2, Everton 3

Tim Cahill continued his glorious return to form with a late winner against Blackburn. The victory keeps The Toffees’ slim Europa League hopes alive as they sit only a point behind Aston Villa and two behind Liverpool. Mikel Arteta opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the fourth minute but the contest came alive when Steven Nzonzi equalized with a 30-yard shot past Tim Howard. Substitute Ayegbeni Yakubu put Everton back in front following Leighton Baines long throw. Blackburn edged even thanks to Jason Roberts’ strike. But it was Cahill’s goal in the 90th minute that secured a valuable three points for Everton.

The highly anticipated Manchester Derby took place Saturday with frustrating and mixed results. Both teams seemed satisfied to sit back and not risk over-committing attacking players while each team was still able to enjoy decent spells of possession, but minimal quality attempts on goal. Not that a reason was needed, it being a local derby and all, but the three points on offer were highly desired by both sides as they hoped to continue their respective pursuits. The match itself largely had that big game, boxing match feel one would expect to see with so much on the line.

Of course we all know the late drama that closed out the match when Paul Scholes headed home a Patrice Evra cross in stoppage time. Emphatic celebrations from United fans and heartbreak for City supporters. Such is football.

It was a match where neither team really deserved to win, but either team could have.

United went with their classic big match formation as Wayne Rooney found himself up front alone with wingers Valencia and Giggs (and Nani later in the second half) in support. City went unchanged with the formation that’s seen them score truck loads of goals recently – the attacking monster that is Tevez, Adebayor, Bellamy and Johnson, were mostly quiet.

In all the pre match hype, largely emanating from last September’s 4-3 classic, it was obvious both teams set up to not concede multiple goals – keep it tight, keep it close and close down opposition players quickly. 1-0 was always going to win the match. United’s creative players were overall a bit poor on the day, Rooney was frustrating and frustrated. In my opinion, he’s not 100% match fit. A fit Rooney would never be pulled off with 15+ minutes left in a derby. Giggs was mostly poor, miss hitting passes all day and Valencia was good, but is still unable to carry United when others around him aren’t at their best.

The football purists may question City boss Roberto Mancini’s decision to pull off the attacking winger Adam Johnson for the defensive minded Patrick Viera midway through the second half. However, as the 80th minute approached, both sides had used all three available substitutes, the pieces were set in the chess match that was to be the last portion of the match in hopes someone could snatch that all important goal that would likely win the game.

On the day, it just wasn’t to be, at least until stoppage time. The final ball for both sides is what was absent. Too many decent spells of possession and counter attacks fizzled out when the last ball was played, usually into the waiting arms of the keeper, or out for a goal kick.

There were some good individual performances from both sides that are worth a mention:

• Darren Fletcher for United has been one of their best players all year. Strong in midfield, willing to work his pants off and full of energy. All three attributes were on display Saturday.
• Gary Neville for United was solid in defense all afternoon. He did his job containing Craig Bellamy in a professional manner. Love him or hate him, he’s an asset when on form.
• Carlos Tevez for City is always a leader on the pitch. Maybe not at his sharpest in this big match, yet still valuable even when not scoring goals.
• Vincent Kompany for City did a top job dealing with Wayne Rooney before Rooney was pulled off. The Belgian defender won all the mini battles against Rooney yet lost the war.

The title race is without a doubt still on. United will rue their 0-0 draw with Blackburn last weekend and wonder what could have been. I think it’s safe to say, there are still some massive fixtures remaining in the Premier League that are sure to provide football fans with drama, passion and desire.

As for Manchester City, I still believe they’ll finish fourth. It’s going to be a tough scrap though. What I’m looking forward to over the next few weeks is how well mentally and physically Tottenham and City hold up as the rigors of the Premier League season take hold of both sets of players and attempt to suffocate them.

I for one won’t be missing a match.