We kick off Premier League Matchday 14 this weekend with games coming thick and fast on the back of a busy mid-week.
Oladipupo Mojeed brings us a preview of what we can expect from this weekend’s action in the run up to Christmas.
Saturday’s games
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
This match is tipped in Liverpool’s favour as they have won the last 5 encounters.
However, there’s hope for the Eagles because Liverpool hasn’t quite been the beast we know them to be this season, especially on away turfs.
(Image: twitter.com/premierleague/)
Therefore, as long as Palace bring their A game, there is every chance that they can be victorious.
The likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomes, Thiago Alcantara, and James Milner are still unavailable for Liverpool due to injuries. Joel Matip is also a doubt for the encounter.
Martin Kelly and Connor Wickham are also likely absentees for the Eagles.
Southampton vs Manchester City
It’s the overachievers welcoming the under-performers to the Saint Mary’s stadium. A victory for the Saints would be less of a surprise than it was last June when they won on this turf by a lone goal.
Although they aren’t under any pressure, Southampton must win this encounter to remain in the top 4.
Unlike their opponents, this is a must-win fixture for Pep Guardiola’s men as they’ve had quite a mixed start to the season.
Sergio Aguero will be expected to start to bolster City’s chances going forward, which has been a major issue for them this season.
Everton vs Arsenal
The Toffees seem to have regained their form despite being without creative forces such as James Rodrigues, Seamus Coleman, and Lucas Digne.
They sit 5th place on the league standings and a win is needed to keep their place in the top 6.
The importance of a win in this fixture for the Gunners cannot be overemphasized as they sit just 5 points above the relegation place. They are yet to have a win in the Premier League since their trip to Old Trafford back in November.
Since Thomas Partey, Gabriel Meghales and Granit Xhaka will be among the absentees for this clash, Mikel Arteta has much to do. He needs a win for Arsenal to reduce the pressure on him.
Newcastle vs Fulham
The Magpies welcome Fulham to St James’s Park on the back of a 5-2 thrashing from Leeds during the week.
They sit comfortably in the bottom half with 17 points; far enough from the relegation zone and with a game in hand. They will be looking to get back to winning ways so as to get a chance of a place in the top half.
Fulham’s successive draws in the last 2 games were not enough to keep them out of the relegation zone. So, dropping points in this fixture will spell even more trouble for the Cottagers.
With their defense much improved in recent games, Scott Parker has less to worry about. His focus will be on winning and taking his team out of the relegation zone.
Premier League Matchday 14: Sunday action
Brighton vs Sheffield United
Brighton welcome bottom side Sheffield United to the Amex stadium for Sunday’s first clash. Graham Potter’s men have not achieved the results that compliment how well they play, with just 2 wins so far this season.
A clash with the Blades looks the best fixture to increase their points as their opponents have only been able to earn a point all season.
Sheffield United were bold and played well in their mid-week game against Manchester United. That same level of boldness in this match will be beneficial for them. Losing 9 games this season by one goal each somehow suggests ill-luck has played a part in their fortune this season.
Although it’s looking late to turn the season around but a win in this clash would do them a lot of good if they are to have a chance at survival.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Leicester City
An exciting fixture as whoever wins goes top of the other on the league table, with just one point currently separating both teams.
Jose Mourinho’s men suffered only their 2nd defeat of the season at Anfield after a Roberto Firmino late winner. They will want to get back to winning ways against the Foxes who also lost their last game.
Spurs are favorites to win this encounter as they won 4 of the last 5 encounters. They have also been more defensively resilient this season.
Leicester City on the other hand can’t be written off as Jamie Vardy is quite difficult to handle.
Manchester United vs Leeds United
A clash the Premier League has missed for quite a while as the bitter rivals meet again in the league for the first time since 2004.
Although the atmosphere won’t be as charged due to a lack of fans, the excitement will be inevitably the same.
Manchester United coming back from a win at Bramall Lane will be looking to grab another win. However, this might be an uphill task as they’ve been quite poor at home so far, winning just one home game all season.
Leeds United has received plaudits for their exciting style of play but has had mixed results. Marcelo Bielsa’s men sit in 13th place with 17 points.
The encounter promises to be a high scoring game as both teams have explosive attacks and are considerably weak defensively.
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West Bromwich Albion vs Aston Villa
West Brom plays their first game under new manager Sam Allardyce against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The Baggies have won 1 game all season and sit 19th place on the league standings which isn’t a fair reflection on their performances.
They’ll probably be a different side under the new manager and hopefully, get more wins in coming games.
The Villains dropped 2 points against Burnley midweek as they failed to be clinical with their chances. A win in this clash will likely see them move into the top half of the table with 2 games in hand.
Burnley vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
The likely outcome of this encounter is a draw as 3 of their last 5 meetings have ended in a stalemate.
Burnley are gradually climbing their way up the table after a poor start to the season. Earning three points is the only guarantee they won’t fall back into the relegation zone.
On the other hand, Wolves got back to winning ways last weekend against Chelsea. They will be aiming to add to their tally against Sean Dyche’s men.
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Chelsea vs West Ham United
Frank Lampard’s men welcome the Hammers to Stamford Bridge for the last clash of Premier League Matchday 14.
The Blues have suffered consecutive defeats and would need to get back to winning ways to keep their title hopes alive.
They need to be at their best as they’ve lost their last 2 encounters with David Moyes’ men.
A win for the Hammers in this fixture would see them move above Chelsea on the tables. This is enough motivation to grab all 3 points.
It will however be a mammoth task for them as both Michail Antonio and Sebastian Haller are nursing injuries.
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