Premier League: MD27 Preview
The Premier League season continues into matchday 27 this weekend, with the title race, war for top four and battle against relegation gaining momentum. Here is our preview of this weekend’s fixtures:
Burnley v Arsenal
This weekend’s action gets started at Turf Moor, where Burnley will look to continue their ascent away from the relegation zone with Arsenal coming to town. A recent revival has seen the Clarets build a six-point buffer over the bottom three, and Sean Dyche’s side can complete a league double over the Gunners following their 1-0 at the Emirates earlier this season.
Sheffield United v Southampton
Sheffield United continue their unlikely fight against relegation against out-of-form Southampton on Saturday. Having won just one point in their last nine games, Saints are now just seven points clear of the relegation zone. Victory for the Blades at Bramall Lane could move them to within nine points of safety following their midweek win over Aston Villa.
Aston Villa v Wolves
Speaking of Villa, Dean Smith’s side will look to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Sheffield United when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday’s West Midlands derby. With games in hand against most of the teams above them, Villa will still hold ambitions of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Europa League. However, Wolves have kept a clean sheet on each of their last three trips to Villa Park, losing just one of their last six away games to Villa.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Leicester City
Both Brighton and Leicester go into Saturday night’s game on a relatively poor run of form. Failure to secure three points at the Amex this weekend would see the Foxes go three Premier League games without a win for the first time this season. The home side are now desperate for points to stop their slide towards the bottom three. Despite dominating their previous two matches against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion, Brighton somehow managed to lose both games. Graham Potter’s side will need to convert their chances to stand any chance against high-flying Leicester this time out.
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United
Sunday’s top flight action starts with a relegation six-pointer at The Hawthorns. West Bromwich Albion saw their survival hopes given a boost when beating Brighton last weekend, and they will reduce their deficit to the Magpies to six points with a win on Sunday. No teams have more Premier League defeats than Newcastle in 2021, form which Steve Bruce must address to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Manchester City v Manchester United
The day’s action continues with another six-pointer at the other end of the table. Manchester City can effectively tie up the Premier League title by extending their lead over second-placed United to 17 points at the Etihad Stadium. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have won three of their last four games away to their neighbours, so will be confident going into this weekend’s game.
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
Spurs continue their fight for a top four place with a local derby against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Jose Mourinho’s side is currently five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, and are on a run of consecutive league victories for the first time since November. Crystal Palace are on a decent run of form themselves, having picked up five points in their last three games and are all but safe from relegation as a result.
Liverpool v Fulham
Last season’s Champions Liverpool will look to move on from setting a club record five consecutive league home defeats when Fulham visit Anfield this Sunday. The Reds have not won a Premier League at home since December 16, which has coincided with their drop to seventh position in the table. Meanwhile, Fulham are putting a strong run together with just two defeats in their last nine league games. If other results go their way, Fulham could move out of the bottom three with a famous win at Anfield.
Chelsea v Everton
We’re in for a treat on Monday evening, with Chelsea and Everton clashing at Stamford Bridge. Three consecutive wins has seen Everton move up to fifth in the table, and the Toffees still have a game in hand to Chelsea. Monday’s hosts are still yet to lose under their new coach Thomas Tuchel, but a win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side will put them in pole position in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
West Ham United v Leeds United
Another side in the hunt for a top four place is West Ham United. The Hammers were unlucky to lose away at Manchester City last time out, but will look to put their European aspirations back on track with a win over Leeds. David Moyes’ side recovered from going a goal down to secure a 2-1 win at Elland Road in the reverse fixture.
Categories
