10 Talking Points From Match Day 15 Of The Premier League
Dec 9, 2016 at 2:43 PM
After a thrilling round of Champions League fixtures that decided all 16 teams that would go into the next round of the competition, the Premier League is back in town this weekend to try and compete with the entertainment value of the last round of the group stage fixtures of the UCL.
There are yet again a number of high profile matches between teams close by in the points table making every game important. Each game and each point can affect the points table now, making every point all the more important.
But before we jump into action, here are 10 talking points from Match Day 15 of the Barclays Premier League this season:
Can Watford get out of the Everton voodoo?
The Hornets will host Everton this weekend in what has been a tough game for the hosts in recent times. Watford have not beaten the Merseyside outfit home and away in any of the last 5 meetings but will hope to get the better of Koeman’s side who are low on confidence the moment in what promises to be a thrilling game.
Can the Gunners keep rolling?
The Gunners are still unbeaten since the opening day loss against Liverpool and have won 3 of their last 5 games. However, they have been a bit susceptible against the Potters, having won two and lost two in the last 5 fixtures between the two sides. Surely, Arsenal will be tested at the Emirates this week.
Turf Moor dominance to continue?
Sean Dyche’s Burnley have been superb at the Turf Moor against Bournemouth in their history and are yet to lose a game against them at home. However, they will have a Bournemouth side, fresh from a morale boosting victory over Liverpool and will give them a run for their money.
Can the Baggies go one better at the Bridge?
Though Chelsea have not been beaten by WBA at the Bridge in the last 10 meetings, the Baggies have drawn two of their last three games and will hope to go all the way this time with a strong performance at the weekend. However, playing against the most inform team in the competitions, Tony Pulis’ side are give no chance of a result from this game.
High time for Hull City:
After a tremendous start to the season, Mike Phelan’s Hull are still mongering in the relegation zone and will need a result from their trip to the Selhurst Park this week. But they face a Palace side, fresh from a victory against Southampton and will want to go for the kill and all three points from this game.
Champions test for Manchester City:
Pep Guardiola will travel to the King Power stadium ,the home of the Premier League title, this weekend, in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams are fresh from losses in the previous round and have equal chances of a result at kick-off on the night.
Another relegation battle:
In what will be a battle between the 18th and the 20th placed teams in the points table, Swansea welcome David Moyes’s side to the Liberty this week in what will potentially be a six pointer at the bottom of the table. The Black Cats won the fixture against the other relegation threatened side and will hope to do the same to Swansea and push them further.
Match of the Week:
In what is the most enthralling contest of the week, Manchester United host Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side this weekend in a game that can see either team open up a gap in the 5th place in the points table. The Spurs are fresh from a victory at the weekend and will hope to get maximum points from this fixture but Mourinho knows how to win games and will surely provide them with a tough test.
Can Southampton get back into the top half?
The Saints fell into the bottom half of the table after their loss to Crystal Palace in the last round. However, they have a decent chance this week when they host Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough this weekend in what can turn out to be a thriller, keeping in mind the contests between the sides in the past.
Hammers test for Liverpool:
The Reds have not traditionally been able to make lite work of Slaven Bilic’s side recently and are expected to face a tough test at home this weekend even against a West Ham side that has been horribly out of form recently. The Hammers have won 3 of the last 5 meetings between the sides and drew one as Bilic will hope for a similar performance on the night.