Premier League: MD24 Preview
Manchester City stole a march on the Premier League title with an emphatic victory over Liverpool last weekend. What drama do we have in store this week?
Leicester City v Liverpool
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson conceded that his club was “out of the title race” in advance of last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City. This weekend, the Reds visit another title contender in the shape of Leicester City. The Foxes can close the gap on runaway leaders City to four points with a win here.
Crystal Palace v Burnley
Burnley arrive at Selhurst Park amid a very sticky patch of form. Just days after a home defeat to Championship outfit Bournemouth in the FA Cup, the Clarets will see a winless run stretch to five games if they don’t beat the Eagles. Palace were blown apart by Leeds United on Monday night, with the absence of Wilfried Zaha clearly effecting the performance. Palace look set to be effected by injuries yet again this weekend, which could provide Sean Dyche’s side some hope.
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Last week’s victory at Anfield gave Manchester City’s title bid a huge boost. Tottenham Hotspur head to the Etihad having arrested a run of three straight league defeats with a routine win over West Brom last week. However, a poor defensive display at Everton in the FA Cup, where Spurs shipped five goals, will ring alarm bells ahead of a trip to one of the Premier League’s most prolific sides.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa
A strong five-match unbeaten streak – including wins over Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur – has navigated Brighton away from the Premier League’s bottom three. Aston Villa made a statement with a win over Arsenal last time out, keeping their European football aspirations very much alive.
Southampton v Wolverhampton Wanderers
With five consecutive Premier League defeats, Southampton are in danger of seeing their impressive start in the top flight fizzling out. Wolverhampton Wanderers have struggled to find consistency all season, but last weekend’s draw with Leicester followed a win over Arsenal. Perhaps Nuno Espirito Santos’ side is ready to ascent up the division.
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United
Having seen their neighbours surge to a record 15 consecutive wins in all competitions, Manchester United will be aware that there simply isn’t room for errors when they head to West Brom this weekend. That is also true of the Baggies, who are now 11 points adrift of safety in the bottom three.
Arsenal v Leeds United
There may not be much at stake in this mid-table encounter between Arsenal and Leeds United, but this reacquaintance of two of the biggest names in English football promises to be an interesting occasion nevertheless. Arsenal will be hoping to avoid a third straight Premier League defeat, whilst Leeds can move to within five points of their pre-season target of 40 points with a win.
Everton v Fulham
Currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League, but with two games in hand on the majority of teams above them, Everton are very much in with a shout of Champions League qualification this season. This weekend, their reserve will be tested by a stubborn Fulham side, who are defending well at the moment, but just can’t find the goals to claw them away from danger.
West Ham United v Sheffield United
There’s no love lost when West Ham United and Sheffield United meet. The clubs had a famous legal battle when Carlos Tevez inspired the Hammers to a great escape from relegation to the Blades’ expense. Sheffield United occupy familiar territory this time, in desperate need for a win. West Ham are now fighting on one front following elimination from the FA Cup, so David Moyes will expect to see his side fight tooth and nail towards their European qualification goals.
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Whilst Thomas Tuchel’s appointment at Chelsea seemed surprising at the time, the judgement of the great and the good at Chelsea appears to have been vindicated with the German coach’s impressive start. Newcastle’s win over Southampton last time out handed them a ten point buffer over the relegation zone, but there is still work to be done by the Magpies, who will be without top scorer Callum Wilson.
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