Home Premier League Arsenal PREVIEW: Today’s Premier League 3pm kick-offs

PREVIEW: Today’s Premier League 3pm kick-offs

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There are four games commencing at the traditional time

Crystal Palace vs Southampton

Alan Pardew’s Palace side host Ronald Koeman’s Saints at Selhurst Park knowing that a win could see them close in on a Champions League spot.

Palace come into this game after a solid 1-1 draw at in-form Everton live on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, whereas Southampton will be looking to respond following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to rock bottom Aston Villa.

However, three points could see Southampton climb back into the top 10, but they might have to do it without Victor Wanyama who is doubtful with a knock to his ankle.

On the other hand, Palace will be missing Bakary Sako, Mile Jedinak and Dwight Gayle for the next couple of weeks. Marouane Chamakh could return to the match day squad.

Manchester City vs Swansea City

Swansea have a tough away trip to the Etihad Stadium this afternoon as they continue their search for a new manager.

Garry Monk was relieved of his duties at the Liberty Stadium earlier this week, after a 3-0 defeat at home to table-toppers Leicester left the Swans with one win in 11 games.

But City themselves have struggled in recent fixtures with Manuel Pellegrini seemingly feeling some pressure. Last time out the 2014 champions lost 2-0 at Stoke thanks to a double from Marco Arnautovic.

Manchester City will be without key players such as Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri, whereas Swansea only have one absentee in Franck Tabanou.

Sunderland vs Watford

Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland host high-flying Watford at the Stadium of Light, as they continue their quest to avoid the drop.

Both sides had contrasting results in their last games, Sunderland lost 3-1 at Arsenal, despite keeping the score at 1-1 for large spells.

Watford defeated Norwich 2-0 at Vicarage Road; goals from Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney secured the win that fired Quiche Sanchez Flores’ Hornets up to 10th in the table

The Black Cats could welcome back Jermain Defoe and Wes Brown, but will be without Lee Cattermole (back) and Sebastian Larsson (knee). Centre forward Steven Fletcher faces a late fitness test on a foot injury.

Watford are again without Valon Behrami due to a calf injury.

West Ham United vs Stoke City

Stoke will travel to Upton Park in buoyant mood after their 2-0 home victory over Manchester City last weeked.

Mark Hughes’ foreign attacking talent are finally showing their potential – Bojan, Ibrahim Afellay, Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovic all played a major role in that excellent performance at the Britannia Stadium.

After a good start to the campaign, there isn’t much to smile about for Slaven Bilic at this present moment. Last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Manchester United made it three draws in their last five games.

Injuries have also proved a nightmare for Bilic, this week has seen Winston Reid and Victor Moses join Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho on the sidelines. One minor positive is that Enner Valencia could return for the Hammers.

The Potters are still without Peter Crouch, Peter Odemwingie and Shay Given, but Marc Muniesa might feature after missing six games with a hamstring injury.

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