A round-up of the weekend matches in the English Premiership

Manchester C v Bolton

Manchester City’s Yaya Touré is back from the Africa Cup of Nations and was imperious in the 4-0 Europa League win over Porto on Wednesday. Blackburn Rovers are out of the drop zone, but on goal difference only, so this should be a regulation outing for City.

Odds: Manchester City 2-9, Bolton 14-1, Draw 11-2

Wigan v Aston Villa

In last place and without a win in their previous 10 Premier League matches on home soil, a sense of inevitability is starting to define Wigan’s relegation prospects. In that regard their manager, Roberto Martínez, may look upon the opposition dugout with just a hint of frustration given he turned down the chance to take over at Aston Villa last summer.

Odds: Wigan 7-4, Aston Villa 6-4, Draw 9-4

Norwich v Manchester U

Manchester City lead the Premier League by two points from United and will expect to beat struggling Blackburn at home, but Alex Ferguson’s team should be tested at Carrow Road. A well-drilled Norwich, eighth in the table, can be obstinate and ought to make life difficult for United.

Odds: Norwich 11-2, Manchester Utd 4-7, Draw 7-2

Cardiff v Liverpool

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay will hand late fitness tests to Mark Hudson (calf) and Stephen McPhail, who has missed the last four games due to the effects of the immune system disorder Sjogren’s Syndrome. Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy has recovered from the back problem and is set to return to face his hometown club.

Odds: Cardiff 7-1, Liverpool 4-9 Draw 3-1

WBA v Sunderland

WBA may be eight points clear of the relegation zone but their wretched home record (only two wins at The Hawthorns all season) means they cannot afford to feel too comfortable. A visit from a rejuvenated Sunderland side is probably the last thing that the hosts need.

Odds: WBA 6-4, Sunderland 2-1, Draw 12-5

Newcastle v Wolves

Terry Connor steps, blinking, into the spotlight after being named Wolves manager until May. He could have wished for an alternative venue. Wanting to atone for a 5-0 defeat suffered at Tottenham two weeks ago, Newcastle welcome key midfielders Cheik Tioté and Yohan Cabaye back .

Odds: Newcastle 5-8, Wolves 11-2, Draw 3-1

QPR v Fulham

The Fulham supporters are likely to turn on Mark Hughes for leaving their club prior to this season and Bobby Zamora for doing the same during the last transfer window. The pair will need to ignore the jeers and focus on helping Queens Park Rangers achieve a second win in 14 league games.

Odds: QPR 6-4, Fulham 9-5, Draw 9-4

Arsenal v Tottenham

Rarely, in modern times, can Tottenham have travelled to their rivals as favourites, but such is the shift of power in north London. Spurs can move 13 points clear of Arsenal by repeating last year’s success at the Emirates and Harry Redknapp’s team hope to exploit their hosts’ brittle confidence.

Odds: Arsenal 8-5, Tottenham 7-4, Draw 5-2

Stoke v Swansea

A match between two teams battling to reach the top half of the table. Tony Pulis’s side haven’t won at home since January 2nd – while Swanseas form has been decidedly mixed since victory over Arsenal. The return of midfielder Joe Allen from injury would be a boost to Brendan Rogers’s side.

Odds: Stoke 6-5, Swansea 5-2, Draw 12-5

Chelsea v Bolton

All eyes will be on Chelsea’s team-sheet to see if it contains Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard. The pair’s absence from the side that started the defeat to Napoli stirred much debate. Defeat to Bolton would put Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League in serious danger.

Odds: Chelsea 3-10, Bolton 11-1, Draw 5-1