The international break is finally over and the clubs in the Premier League are back in action this weekend as team from around the country resume their struggle in the domestic season. From Arsenal’s trip to Manchester to Liverpool’s trip to the St Marys, there are some feisty affairs this weekend in store for the fans.
11 games into the season, every point will not become critical as teams will fight for supremacy all over the table. Here are 10 things to look forward to in the 12th round of the Premier League fixtures played this weekend:
Biggest managerial rivalry:
It is not always that two managers hate each other over a long period of time but it is exactly the case with Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger. Both manager just hate to lose to each other as Arsenal travel to the Old Trafford in one of the games of the season this weekend. It promises to be a feisty affair with the war of words already underway.
Pep Guardiola to pile more misery on Palace:
Though City have not found consistency this season, they were exceptional in the previous round and will hope to put in a similar performance this weekend at the Selhurst Park. Palace are without a victory in any of their last 6 games and will be desperate at least for a point.
Can Everton bounce back?
After a decent start to the season, the Toffees have now picked just 5 points from the last 5 games and will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend to face a Swansea side that has just a point in the last 5 games. Surely, Everton, playing at home, will be favorites to take all three points.
Homecoming for Sadio Mane:
The Liverpool winger has been in fine form this season, scoring more goals than any other Liverpool player, and he will be back at the St Marys, facing his former team for the first time since his move to Liverpool. Liverpool lost the same fixture in the last season but will have to be at their best to stay at the top of the table.
Battle of the mid-table teams:
In what will be a clash between two teams adjacent to each other in the points table, the Cherries travel to the Britannia this weekend to take on a Stoke City side that is without a loss in their last 5 games. The Cherries have lost some momentum recently and will find it tough to take away even a point from this game.
Battle of the doomed:
In what will be a battle between two teams in the relegation zone, Sunderland takes on Hull City at home this weekend. Both teams are separated by 5 points, 3 of which came from Hull’s victory over Southampton in the last round. The Tigers have a great chance to pile on the misery and give David Moyes some sleepless nights.
Another London derby:
In what will be another London derby for Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United travel to the White Hart Lane this weekend is a search of some points. The Spurs themselves have dropped a few recently and the Hammers will hope to pick up a few and start climbing the points table.
Can Walter Mazzarri to take Watford to Europe?
Though the season is still in its infancy, Watford have been exceptional and sit at the 8th place 11 points off the top of the table going into this game against the Champions of England who are languishing at 14th. A victory here can push them up to a European spot 12 games into the season.
Can Karanka stop the Chelsea juggernaut?
Chelsea have now kept 5 consecutive clean sheets this season winning all 5 games in style. However, they will travel to the Riverside stadium where Middlesbrough have been hard to beat and will have to be at their best to take all three points. Middlesbrough will sit back and soak the pressure and will provide Chelsea with a different set of challenges on the night.
Can Sean Dyche’s side keep going?
The newly promoted Burnley side have been superb this season, picking up 14 points from 11 games sitting in the top half of the table. They will face the Baggies who have failed to find any kind of a consistency this season. Playing at home, WBA might edge past but Burnley will surely provide the Baggies with a stern test.