Here we are, the big four play against each other this weekend, and each team needs a win. Manchester is trying to separate itself from arsenal, who are trying to keep up with the leaders. While Chelsea want to try and stay alive in the race, while Liverpool wants to consolidate its 4th place. Lots at stake so lets take a look at the games.

Manchester United (1st) - Liverpool (4th)

Both teams have had good runs in recent times, with the leaders coming off a four game win streak in the league and a quarter final date in 2 weeks time with roma, while Liverpool have won five games and drawn one in their last six epl games, and are playing arsenal in the quarters of the cl. Both teams have had their star players score an abundance of goals recently, with torres already at 27 in his first season, while ronaldo’s 33 beat George Best’s record for most goals for a winger at Manchester. And with Gerrard and Tevez in the mix, you would think that Sunday’s game would promise loads of goals, well it seems unlikely, with both teams more likely looking to shut down the other teams’ attacks.

In recent games between these two, Liverpool have been the team who controlled the tempo, yet rarely managed to really trouble the United defence (except when Van Der Sar decided to make things interesting with his horrible  attemps to get the ball on free kicks and crosses). Meanwhile Manchester was happy playing on the counter, and seem to get their goals from set-pieces. But then again, Manchester United have conceded a lot from set-pieces and will need to be careful. Like the last grand slam Sunday, these ties could be decided from set-pieces.

The player to watch for Manchester United is surely the EPL’s player of the year ronaldo. If he plays as he has been playing recently, then he will cause Liverpool, but if he bottles the game like he does whenever Manchester needs him in big games, then his ineffective display could lead to drop points.

Liverpool need above all one player to perform if they want to get a result, and that is Gerrard. Forget the fact that Torres is scoring goals for fun, Gerrard is their savior, the player they rely on when they need the goal at the 90th minute. He is liverpool’s version of Michael Jordan. His inconsistency baffles many, but when Liverpool plays the big games, he is there, and it is hard to find a player who has scored so many “clutch” goals.

Prediction. This could go either way and really im just flipping a coin, but considering ronaldo’s poor play in big games and gerrard and torres playing well together, 1-1 is a plausible result. Manchester won’t be to mad because arsenal play at Chelsea while Liverpool will take the point knowing the would still be 4th.

Chelsea (3rd)- Arsenal (1st)

Arsenal are under pressure here, after four draws and giving the lead to Manchester, they know they can not slip up again, while Chelsea will want to show they are still in the title race. The problem with Chelsea under Grant is that they can not beat the big teams, their only “scalp” this season being Portsmouth. Arsenal on the other hand, has seen their squad decimated while drawing four times in a row versus weaker opposition. However, in big games like these form does not matter. Avam Grant will need to figure out his team selection. Ballack or Lampard? Drogba or Anelka? Whilst Wenger sure wish he had this problem. RVP is back but not completely sharp, while rosicky will still be out. It looks like the unloved eboue will play right wing. They need more from him in this game, and his battle against cole will be big. Both teams seem prepared for this showdown.

Arsenal used to be Chelsea’s bogey team, but since that dramatic quarter final loss in 2004, the table have turned. Arsenal’s victory in December was the first in over 3 years, and have only won once in 10 games versus the blues. However, the Mourinho era is gone, and Wenger will fancy his chances against a tactically-challenged Grant. The recent games have also brought some battles and fights, and considering the aggressive-minded players like terry (who got injured in the last matchup), cole, lampard and drogba for chelsea and Gallas, Fabregas, eboue, and Adebayor, another fight seems plausible.

Chelsea’s go to guy this season has been cole. He was HUGE against spurs Wednesday night and they will need his attacks if they want to win this game, he can win the game by himself.

Arsenal will need a lot more than they have receive in the last 2 games from fabregas if they want to win this game. Magical against Milan, he has lowered his game, but if he can bring it up again, then arsenal could win this match. Also watch out for Walcott if he comes on, very threatening in recent games (earned him a call up to the national team), he scored his first arsenal goal against Chelsea.

Prediction. Im more confident about this one, Grant just cant win the big ones, and I don’t see him or Chelsea getting past a solid arsenal. Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal.