Hi,
the obvious thing to do is check that fuel is making it as far as the engine. Disconnect the fuel supply line and put the end in an old squash bottle, then spin the engine over, it should flow out into the bottle. You won't get any indication of actual flow rate/pressure without a flow meter, so if you suspect the filter its probably best to change it. Its not hard to do and they're not expensive, just remember to take precautions around fuel and electrics!
Cheers now
Ken Chapman
May 2007