After a thrilling mid-week action in the Premier League, the teams will gear up for yet another action packed weekend of breath taking games in the top flight of English football. From Arsenal’s chances at the title to Villa’s road to safety, there are plenty of things to talk about in this week’s fixtures.
Here are 10 things to look forward to in the 22nd round of the Premier League:
Can Sunderland rise up the table? :
The lucky victory against Swansea City in the last game has seen Sunderland climb to the 18th place in the table and will hope to continue their ascend in the points table. But they will face a gritty Tottenham side who are fresh from a loss to Leicester in the mid-week. Sam Allardyce will hope to create an upset at White Hart Lane and get themselves away from the drop zone.
City have it tough:
The 0-0 draw against Everton last weekend showed the problems City have in the race to the Premier League title and they will face yet another tough fixture against a Palace side that are also looking to cement their place in the top half of the table. It will not be easy for the Citizens to take all three points from Palace who are just 5 points away from a Champions League spot.
Can Hiddink continue his record? :
The interim Chelsea manager has not really turned things around at Chelsea but has been able to stop his team from falling further down in the table. They play a hard to beat Everton side that showed their stubbornness at the Etihad in the mid-week. The Toffees will hope to take a step further and take all three points from this game at the Bridge.
A crunch game in the second half of the table:
The Cherries take on Norwich City this weekend in a virtual six-pointer in the relegation battle this weekend. Bournemouth started the season well but find themselves just 3 points away from safety. A victory against Norwich City will take them above their opponents who go into this match with a 2 point lead. This game can go a long way in deciding the future of both the clubs.
Can the Saints continue their good form? :
Southampton have done well in recent games and look a side that can contend for the European places this season. They have a good squad and will hope to take all three points from the Baggies who held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw in the mid-week. The game might be tougher than they assume with West Brom proving to be a tough team to beat this season.
The Magpies in desperate need of results:
A draw against Manchester United is not the worst result for Newcastle but they still find themselves in the relegation zone just a point from safety. They will face a relatively tough fixture against the Hammers who are trying to cement their place in the top half of the table. The Magpies should be at their best to avoid a last minute relegation scrap.
Can Remi Garde surprise the Foxes? :
The 3 points they took from Palace in the mid-week will give loads of confidence to this Villa side who have not been able to get result this season. They face table toppers Leicester City at home and will hope to stun the Foxes and take all three points in a bid to save themselves from what looks like a very difficult season ahead.
Can the Red’s end Van Gaal’s reign?
Van Gaal is under grave danger of losing his job and a loss at Anfield may just spell the end of his tenure at the club. Liverpool will welcome a Manchester Untied side that is not really in the best of forms and will hope to take them to the cleaners and give the Red Devils more headaches in a season that has been frustrating for the players. If United lose and LVG is sacked, Liverpool fans will feel like they have taken over the world.
A tough run for Arsenal:
After a trip to Anfield and a 3-3 draw, Arsenal travel to the Britannia in a tough away fixture that can see them lose ground in the race to the Premier League title this season. Stoke City have been excellent this season and can easily get the better of the Arsenal defense that was less than impressive against Liverpool. It will not be easy but Arsenal will only aim for all three points this weekend.
Can the Swans get closer to safety?
Swansea City this season have not been able to settle into the Premier League and are dangerously close to the drop zone. With just one point from relegation, the Irish outfit should produce a good performance against Watford who themselves have impressed in recent times. It will by no means be an easy game for the home side as the visitors will be looking to stay in the top half of the table.