EPL 2012-13: Premier League Game Week 26 Preview

London, Feb 9: Mid-table battle between Norwich and Fulham, Arsenal and Manchester City cannot afford to drop points, QPR need to start winning to survive in the league, all the previews from game week 26 of the Barclays Premier League

Norwich City vs Fulham - Carrow Road.

Fulham are above Norwich only by goal difference and both teams would like to finish in mid-table but the feeling of dropping points and entering the relegation zone is far from away.

Norwich have beaten Manchester United and Arsenal at home. Chris Hughton has strengthened his defence after a shaky start but goals aren't coming on the other end. The Canaries have scored onyl one goal in their last five games in all competitions.

*Fulham are unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions against Norwich.

Stoke City vs Reading - Britannia Stadium

Reading are enjoying their best form this season, with four wins in six league games. The Royals will fancy their chances against a Stoke side who are currently struggling in the league.

The Potters last won on Boxing Day against Liverpool and have lost four and drawn twice in their last six league games.

*Reading are unbeaten in their last six league games against Stoke City.

Sunderland vs Arsenal - Stadium of Light

The last time these two sides met it ended up in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates. Arsenal boss Arsene Wnger conceded that his side cannot afford to drop further points if they have to finish in the top-four.

Sunderland have won four in eight games recently and have kept four clean sheets in their last five home matches. Arsenal have won 11 league games so far, their worst record in 25 games since Wenger too over in 1996.

*Arsenal had 23 shots on goal when the two sides met at the start of the season.

Swansea City vs Queens Park Rangers - Liberty Stadium

Harry Redknapp has certainly improved QPR's defence but they need to start scoring at the other end to survive in the league. QPr forwards have scored only three goals in their last eight top flight games.

Swansea had thrashed Rangers 5-0 on opening day and the Welsh club will only looking to win after that narrow loss against West Ham last time out, only defeat in their last eight league games.

*QPR are unbeaten in five matches, their best run in the Premier League since 1995.

*Rangers last away win to the Swans was a 2-1 victory in 1981.

Southampton vs Manchester City - St. Mary's Stadium

Manchester City welcome back Yaya Toure from the Africa Cup of Nation. The Ivorian is known for his bursting runs through the defence and after the draw against Liverpool, manager Roberto Mancini knows his side are far behind league leaders Manchester United.

Southampton have only won one of their last nine home league games against City. yet to taste victory with his new club, Mauricio Pochettino has improved the squad in terms of possession and creating more chances.

*Carlos Tevez has not scored in his last eight league games.

Aston Villa vs West Ham United - Villa Park

Villa failed yet again to deal with set pieces and corners which saw Everton come back from a two-goal deficit. Taking up that challenge against West Ham would give a big headache for manager Paul Lambert. The Hammers play more direct football and with Andy Carroll, who scored the winner against Swansea City last time out, back with goals, Villa's defence need to tighten up in the air.

Villa are winless in their last eight league games and have conceded 26 goals in the process while the Hammers will look for back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

*West Ham last won at Aston Villa's home in January 2006.

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