Arsenal v Reading
Kick off 1245

There will be a lot of soul searching at Arsenal but there is a fine line between winning major trophies and not winning anything.

They play fantastic football and they're still a top three club but they need to toughen up mentally.

Reading are still not safe and their away form isn't very good.

Verdict: 2-0

Fulham v Liverpool

A lot will depend on what team Liverpool put out ahead of the Champions League after last year (when Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock complained about Rafa Benitez fielding a weakened side in a match against Fulham).

I think Benitez has to be respectful of the teams battling relegation.

Fulham had a big win last week and there is a lot of life left in them yet.

Verdict: 1-1

Middlesbrough v Bolton

Boro have been really good recently. I thought they may have caved in after that FA Cup defeat against Cardiff, but slowly but surely Gareth Southgate has turned it around.

He has a very good chairman and the only way is up for them.

Bolton have no Kevin Davies - no centre-forward - so no goals.

Verdict: 2-0

West Ham v Derby

West Ham are going nowhere, drifting along.

I know they have a lot of players injured but they don't want a reason for the board to say thank you but no thank you to Alan Curbishley - they need a performance.

What can Derby do? Get on holiday! You learn more in adversity than when you're winning games and one thing about Paul Jewell is that he'll have a good idea who he wants to keep.

Some players know they will not be there next season, which tells its own story.

Verdict: 2-0

Wigan v Tottenham

The Carling Cup win was great for Spurs; they have been inconsistent since but I don't actually think Juande Ramos will be too bothered.

He'll know who he wants to keep, he can go to the chairman and say which players can only play to a certain level and I think a lot will go in the summer.

Wigan will be fine, despite that awful pitch. Steve Bruce has done a very good job.

Verdict: 1-1

Blackburn v Man Utd
Kick off 1715

I feel Blackburn are just beginning to run out of gas. I saw them at Liverpool last week and they made a few mistakes under pressure.

I know Mark Hughes always gives the top teams a game but United have so many match-winners and Chelsea's draw against Wigan was a massive boost for them.

Verdict: 0-3

SUNDAY
Aston Villa v Birmingham
Kick-off 1200 BST

Villa have had spells when they have struggled for points and have had a long hard season but their home form has been generally good, with a lot of goals, and I expect them to take the bragging rights.

Birmingham are young and inexperienced. I liked the way they played against Everton.

They'll be OK because I think Bolton will go regardless. I wouldn't be surprised if there were not 22 players on the pitch at the end of this one.

Verdict: 2-0

Newcastle v Sunderland
Kick-off 1330 BST

Newcastle have turned it around and the combination of Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins is working well.

Sunderland's away form hasn't been good; they haven't been picked apart but they've struggled for wins. They'll be OK and be stronger next year. Again it's bragging rights, it will be a nervy kind of game which has just lost a little bit now that both teams have picked up.

Verdict: 2-1

Man City v Portsmouth
Kick-off 1600 BST

I was amazed by the statement from City's chairman, (Thaksin Shinawatra's criticism of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson). I think Sven has done a good job, signed some good players and has some local talent coming through.

Portsmouth have had a great season but a lot of teams have something of an anti-climax after reaching a cup final and I think there are one or two players with one eye on 17 May against Cardiff at Wembley.

Verdict: 2-0

Mark Lawrenson was talking to BBC Sport's Jamie Lillywhite