The Premier League returns after mid-week FA Cup fixtures, and we are set to witness a whole bunch of exciting matches, which includes the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Let’s take a look at 5 things to look forward to in the Premier League this week.
Manchester United’s unbeaten run at stake
The big match of this weekend is the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday. The hosts have been on a good run of form, unbeaten in 9 games, which has coincided with the signing of Bruno Fernandes, who has given them a huge lift. City will be wary of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, but will still be the favourites to win the game, thanks to a supreme attack.
United could target City’s weak defence and hit them on the break, which has worked wonders before. Will Solskjaer take United’s unbeaten run to 10 games this Sunday?
Liverpool’s response to poor form
League leaders Liverpool have been in poor form over the last few weeks, losing three of their last four games in all competitions. Jurgen Klopp’s men lost last time around against Chelsea in the FA Cup, while also losing to Watford in the league last weekend. They have an easier fixture this weekend as they host Bournemouth at Anfield.
Ahead of a crucial Champions League fixture next Wednesday, the Reds will have to get a win to bring back the momentum that helped them be undefeated for a long time.
Battle for fourth
There are quite a few interesting clashes that will take place this weekend, which could make things even more interesting in the top four. Chelsea play Everton, who have been rejuvenated by Carlo Ancelotti. The Blues’ gap to Manchester United is just three points and a loss for Chelsea and win for United will level the gap.
Sheffield United could also enter the race for fourth if they win their game as they will be just two points behind Chelsea and a game in hand. The Blades play bottom-placed Norwich City and they are expected to win the game. Wolves could also go level on points with Chelsea if they win as they too are just three points behind Frank Lampard’s men.
Burnley to enter Europa League race?
A little below the race for fourth and fifth is an interesting battle for the Europa League spot. Wolves are currently 6th on the table, but there are a few teams below them who could challenge their position on the table.
One of them is Burnley, who are 9th in the Premier League table and play Tottenham on Saturday. Spurs have been in terrible form, losing their last four games, and this could be the perfect chance for Sean Dyche’s men to take advantage.
Watford’s chance to break free from the relegation dogfight
Watford shocked football fans last week when they trounced Liverpool 3-0. That win, though, didn’t help them move away from the relegation battle as they are level on points with 18th-placed Bournemouth. Watford could go away from the drop zone this weekend and jump above their opponents of this weekend, Brighton, in the league table.
Watford’s rivals have difficult fixtures this Premier League weekend – Bournemouth play Liverpool, West Ham United play Arsenal, while Aston Villa play Leicester City. A win for Watford and losses for their rivals could help them immensely in this relegation dogfight.