The Premier League makes a long awaited return this weekend and it’s certainly seemingly been worth the wait with some top games on the horizon.
Indeed, we’re now in the final stretch of the season and it looks like we could be in for a battle royale at both ends of the table for the European spots and Premier League survival.
It must be nice to be Chelsea, then, as many sides still have much to do and so, with that in mind, here’s a preview of the weekend brought to you by your friends at Rush Football – aren’t we good to you lot…
Things kick off at Anfield tomorrow lunchtime as the Merseyside Derby takes centre stage between two sides gunning for Europe. If Everton can win at Liverpool’s home they’ll go to within three points of the top four and ignite their challenge, whilst the Reds can cement their place in those spots with a victory. It promises to be tense, dramatic and high-octane stuff – and we cannot wait!
The 3 o’clock games see Burnley hosting Spurs, Chelsea playing Crystal Palace, West Ham travelling to Hull, Leicester entertaining Stoke, West Brom visiting Manchester United and Sunderland pitching up at Watford – with plenty of potential talking points.
Burnley will be looking to preserve their home form against a Spurs side without Harry Kane once again whilst the renewed Palace side of Sam Allardyce will aim for a fourth clean-sheet in a row against the champions elect.
The biggest of all at this time could in fact be Hull against West Ham, though, can the Tigers bring the Hammers into the fray? Or will Slaven Bilic’s men finally step up and be counted?
There’s an almost dead-rubber between Leicester and Stoke that could be last on Match of the Day whilst Tony Pulis’ men will be keen to build on their Arsenal win with at least a draw at Old Trafford – putting a dent in Mourinho’s men’s top four hopes.
Sunderland, meanwhile, need some magic now and it could just come against a Watford side that can start thinking about the beach with a few more results.
Then, at 17:30, we’ve got a south-coast derby to take in as Southampton host Bournemouth. Both sides are staying up this year and so it should be an open game for all to enjoy.
Sunday, meanwhile, sees Arsenal host Manchester City. The Gunners are in free-fall, of course, but could benefit from their guests’ lack of ability to defend. We’re backing this one to be the highest scoring game of the weekend therefore.
And, prior to that, and perhaps the most significant in terms of any part of the table at the moment, is Swansea v Middlesbrough. Paul Clement’s men are slowing down whilst Middlesbrough have to start scoring. A draw doesn’t help either side and so this could be a nervy, gripping affair.
That’s your whirlwind tour for this weekend, then, take in what you can and if you miss anything we’ll be back with our Team of the Week on Monday to sum it all up – speak to you then!
