The Times’ chief football writer Patrick Barclay has made his predictions for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures as he competes in the The New Football Pools - Football Writer’s league for charity. He has gone mainly with the favourites although he has also predicted a couple of upsets.

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Everton are expected to once again bid for long-term target Joao Moutinho this summer as suggested by club Chief Executive Robert Elstone. The Portuguese star was key to Sporting Lisbon’s recent Europa League win over the Toffees which has only intensified David Moyes interest in bringing him to Goodison Park.

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One of the stars of last summer’s U21 European Championships in Sweden was the young German playmaker Mesut Ozil who played a key role in his nation’s triumph. The 21-year-old Werder Bremen youngster played a large part in Germany’s success in the tournament including a man-of-the-match display in the 4-0 final win over England. Recent reports in the German press suggest Manchester United are set to bid for the player and recent comments from the player himself hint that he is ready to leave.

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Everton are expected to once again bid for long-term target Joao Moutinho this summer as suggested by club Chief Executive Robert Elstone. The Portuguese star was key to Sporting Lisbon’s recent Europa League win over the Toffees which has only intensified David Moyes interest in bringing him to Goodison Park.

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According to reports in the Turkish press, Rafa Benitez rejected the January transfer window bid from Birmingham for Ryan Babel as he was trying to finalise a deal with Turkish giants Galatasaray for a swap deal plus cash for their captain and star man Arda Turan. No deal could be reached in time but the Turkish star is expected to complete a deal this summer and his quotes to Uefa.com confirm the player wants to move.

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Ashley Cole is widely regarded as England’s and the Premier League’s best left-back but with the Chelsea defender out through injury, there aren’t too many top-class replacements for Fabio Capello to choose from. Wayne Bridge has been Cole’s understudy at both Chelsea and at international level but after withdrawing from playing for England after the John Terry fiasco, the only two potential candidates are Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock and Everton’s Leighton Baines. Unfortunately for Capello, the left-back currently performing best in the Premier League is a Welshman, Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

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Rafa Benitez’ chances of bringing Ajax star Luis Suarez to Liverpool this summer are decreasing with the news that Manchester United and Barcelona are stepping up their interest. The Uruguayan international has been in superb form in Holland with reports from the Dutch press suggesting that he will have his pick of three of the biggest clubs in European football at the end of the season.

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Former Arsenal star Alexander Hleb will be on the move again this summer after declaring his unhappiness at Stuttgart. The Belarusian had moved to his former club on a season long loan deal from Barcelona. However, he is not happy with the way former Tottenham manager Christian Gross is using him and the amount of times he has been substituted. Hleb’s latest comments will alert a number of English clubs to his availability. It would be no real surprise if he was to return to these shores as Hleb was highly regarded for the his performances with the Gunners and the likes of Birmingham and Sunderland are sure to be interested.

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Tottenham v Everton is arguably the Premier League clash of the weekend as 4th placed Spurs take on David Moyes’ form side. Everton are on a superb run of form that has seen them lose just one of their last 12 league matches. This run includes back to back league wins over the top two sides in the league in Chelsea and Manchester United. However, they faced heartbreak in Europe in midweek as they crashed out to Sporting Lisbon ending their chances of silverware.

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Rangers v Celtic promises to be yet another exciting no-holds barred Old Firm derby as the destination of the SPL title could hinge on this clash. Rangers are in pole position, 7 points clear with a game in hand but a win for Tony Mowbray’s side at Ibrox could give the Bhoys some much needed momentum. Celtic are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions but their rivals are on a far superior run.

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