United without Rooney as they look to stretch lead

United close in on titleYou’re probably thinking why write a preview ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action. The league’s pretty much done and dusted, no one cares.

That’s where you would be wrong.

Any weekend that finishes with a game that sees the assembly of hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent can’t be boring in the slightest. Add to this a fixture where the two sides facing off are unpredictable in hugely contrasting ways then you can see why the Premier League retains its attractive qualities.

When all is said and done on Saturday and Sunday, Manchester City will have an idea of whether they can end the weekend in second spot behind United ahead of their Rooney-less FA Cup Semi Final next weekend.

City travel to Anfield to face Liverpool. There they will be met with the brute drunken force of Andy Carroll and his partner in crime Luis Suarez attempting to bite off a lot more than he can chew – if you catch our drift.

Kenny Dalglish’s side could signal their intent ahead of next season with a win here and City, being as they are, will likely turn up at Anfield, stick nine men behind the ball and hope.

City’s side might be a bit more positive if Blackpool manages to pull off another famous result this time at home to second place Arsenal. A win could see the Seasiders safe so the incentive is there. It just comes down to which Arsenal team decides to turn up.

Midweek losers Chelsea will try to arrest a slight decline as they take on bottom side Wigan in a fixture that usually sees them score at least 105 goals. Maybe that’s a slight exaggeration but a customary four should see Fernando Torres at least register an assist. That’s if Carlo Ancelotti persists with the Spanish forward.

Top of the table United should run out 2-0 winners at home to Bodog-sponsored Fulham in a fixture that will only go to confirm the Champions in wait are still on course. They’ll be without the potty-mouthed Wayne Rooney for the clash and it would be rather amusing if the striker were to sit there discreetly swearing at the camera every time it comes on him. Atta boy Wayne!

Most eyes will be on next week’s Champions League clashes but the Premier League rarely disappoints and this weekend won’t be any different.