With 21 games played and 17 left, we are over the top of the hill in the Premier League season. There is still plenty of time for things to change, but you would now expect those at the top of the league to be challenging for the title and those from 12th down to be firmly embroiled in the relegation scrap.
Ahead of another important round of fixtures, Sports Mole picks out some on-field battles that could prove decisive to Saturday's Premier League results.
1. Olivier Giroud vs. Brede Hangeland - Arsenal vs. Fulham
Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland made his long-awaited return from injury in the 3-0 FA Cup win over Norwich City on Tuesday night and, despite some early rustiness, had a big say in his side's clean sheet. Rene Meulensteen might not risk him, but Fulham's chances would be greatly improved with their club captain on the field.
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Of course, Arsenal have one of the more creative midfields in the entire league - behind perhaps only Manchester City at the moment - but the strength and movement of Giroud is a vital part of their game plan. He comfortably gets the better of smaller centre-backs in the air and he must be matched by Fulham with a player who can beat him in aerial challenges. In the current squad, that is Hangeland.
Hangeland struck up a quick understanding with youngster Dan Burn against Norwich City and his partner in the middle will need to be chosen carefully. It could well be Aaron Hughes who, despite not having the same ability in the air, is alert enough to drop off in order to cover the runs of Arsenal's midfield. One thing is for certain: if Fulham defend like they have done to concede 20 in six Premier League games, then they do not stand a chance.
2. Adam Johnson vs. Adam Lallana - Sunderland vs. Cardiff City
In a relegation battle, which Sunderland are still firmly embroiled in, having a player with the ability to single-handedly change games is vital. Sunderland's offering is Adam Johnson. He has struggled with consistency for much of his season, but has impressed hugely in his last two performances, including a hat-trick against Fulham.
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Southampton have a number of players in their squad who can change the way a match is heading, but perhaps none more so than Adam Lallana. The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester United recently, which is down to his consistently excellent performances in a successful season for Southampton so far.
The two players do have different styles - Johnson has more explosive pace and trickery, while Lallana looks to dictate the tempo of a contest. Whichever one of the two manages to influence Saturday's game more could well decide which way the points go.
3. Yaya Toure vs. Gary Medel - Manchester City vs. Cardiff City
Yaya Toure, on current form, is surely the best central midfielder in the Premier League. He has a unique style of play that can only be described as unplayable. The Ivorian is strong in the tackle, good in the air, quick on the ground and, as shown recently, he can also take a free kick. He roams in the City midfield, joining the attack when needed or stopping the opponents with his strength.
If an opposite number manages to mark him out of a game, then the achievement would almost certainly go to the top of the said player's CV. Should Toure be deemed fit on Saturday, then the player tasked with that role would most likely be Gary Medel. The Cardiff City man is not known for shying away from a tackle or a challenge and the one he could face on Saturday would be the biggest of his season.
Should Toure not be stopped and is allowed the run of the midfield, then this result can only go one way. Keeping him quiet is only one problem for Cardiff, of course, but if they don't, then they will get overrun in the middle of the park.
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Matt Domm
