North London Derby headlines this weekend
The Premier League is coming thick and fast now as we enter the business stage of the season, and following a full midweek schedule, it’s now time for the 20-teams to get back onto the field once again.
There were some shock results in mid-week, with the top-four all dropping points, but what will this weekend have in store?
Saturday’s Games
Up first on Saturday is the big one. Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal. It’s being labelled as the biggest North London Derby ever with the duo both competing for the title.
With Arsenal bang out of form and lacking confidence, Spurs go into the game as heavy favourites, and with Petr Cech and Laurent Koscielny both absent, you can see why.
Spurs will create a gap between themselves and their neighbours with a win today, but if Arsenal can stun them at White Hart Lane, the title-race will get even more interesting.
Following the lunch-time kick-off is six 3pm games with the big one coming from St James’ Park as Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth do battle near the bottom.
Despite being eight points clear of safety, Bournemouth will still be looking over their shoulders, whilst Newcastle are in desperate need of a victory to climb out of the bottom three.
Also at the bottom, Swansea City host Norwich City as they look to add to their impressive midweek win at the Emirates Stadium, and Sunderland travel to Southampton.
Elsewhere, Chelsea host Stoke City as they look to keep their impressive run of form going, Manchester City look to bounce back from their Anfield defeat as they host Aston Villa and finally Everton take on West Ham United.
The late kick-off sees Leicester City travel to Watford as the Foxes look to keep their title-charge on track.
Sunday’s Games
A double-header on Sunday as Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace in the hope they can build from their impressive 3-0 win over Manchester City.
However, Selhurst Park has been an unhappy stomping ground in recent years, with the 3-3 draw a couple of seasons ago costing them their chance at the Premier League title.
Palace are bang out of form though and are struggling to pick up points, so Liverpool will fancy their chances.
Following that game, Manchester United travel to The Hawthorns in the hope they can continue their impressive run of results in recent weeks.
Wins over Arsenal and Watford have seen them go level on points with rivals Manchester City in fourth place.
As for West Brom, they know just a couple more points will ensure their safety in the Premier League.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
