Premier League Preview Gameweek 27
Man City’s sensational run continued this week as they made it 21 wins in a row after beating Wolves 4-1. Pep Guardiola’s side could become runaway leaders in the next couple of weeks. But they face second-place Man United this weekend, who will be hoping to make a late charge for the title against their city rivals.
There is also still lots to play for elsewhere in the league this weekend. Relegation threatened West Brom have the chance to make up ground on Newcastle, while Fulham will be hoping to upset Liverpool in their bid for survival. Carlo Ancelotti returns to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea host Everton in a potential fight for the top four. West Ham will also will also be looking to keep their European hopes alive against Leeds after suffering like so many at the hands of Man City last weekend.
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Burnley v Arsenal
Burnley held Leicester to a 1-1 draw this week to go six points clear of the relegation zone. Sean Dyche’s side took an early lead through Matej Vydra but Leicester equalised later in the first half. It was Burnley’s third draw in four games and their third successive stalemate at Turf Moor. Burnley have struggled for wins lately and have won once in their last seven in all competitions. At home, are winless in six, drawing four and losing two.
Arsenal made it back-to-back wins for the first time since early January last week. The Gunners beat Benfica 3-2 in the Europa League before Willian inspired a 3-1 comeback win for his side against Leicester last weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side have now lost just one of their last five matches in all competitions – a 2-0 loss to City. Arsenal have also won four of their last six away matches in the Premier League, scoring 12 and conceding five.
Arsenal will come into this match with plenty of confidence following two important wins over Leicester and Benfica. The Gunners should edge past a Burnley team who have struggled for wins in recent weeks.
Burnley will be without Ashley Barnes, who is ruled out with a thigh injury but Robbie Brady and Johann Berg Gudmundsson could be back in contention. Emile Smith-Rowe is the only doubt for Arsenal with a groin injury.
Aston Villa v Wolves
Aston Villa’s inconsistent run continued this week as Dean Smith’s side lost 1-0 away to Sheffield United. Despite dominating the match, and Ollie Watkins hitting the post in the second half, Villa struggled to find the net. In their last six matches, Villa have won two, lost three and drawn one and have only scored four goals. The Midlands side have been patchy at home too. They have won three of their last ten at Villa Park in all competitions.
Man City ended Wolves’ five match unbeaten run with a comfortable 4-1 win this week. Wolves were heading for a 1-1 draw against City, but three goals in the last 10 minutes handed Nuno Espirito Santo’s side their first loss since the end of January. Wolves have now lost just once in their last six, won three and drawn two. However, Espirito Santo’s side have struggled away from home recently. They have won once in their last nine away games and gained just six points from their last 27 available on the road.
Jack Grealish is doubtful for Villa but could return. Matty Cash (thigh), Kortney Hause (ankle) and Wesley are all ruled out. Daniel Podence is still a few weeks away from a return for Wolves. Fernando Marcel (abductor) and Raul Jimenez (head injury) are also ruled out.
Man City v Man United
City have now won 21 games in a row. The Citizens beat Wolves 4-1 this week, which extended their winning run in the Premier League to 15. Pep Guardiola’s side are also undefeated in 19 straight league games, dropping just four points in this time. At the Etihad, City are equally impressive and they have won 16 out of 19 games in all competitions and lost just once all season. They have also conceded just five goals in their last 17 at home.
United’s run of draws extended to three this week as they were held 0-0 away at Crystal Palace in mid-week. It was also a third successive 0-0 result for Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side in all competitions. United’s form in the Premier League doesn’t fare much better. They have drawn five of their last seven and won just two in this time. Solskjær’s side have also failed to capitalise on their previously impressive away form. They have drawn four consecutive away matches and scored just four goals in their last seven on the road.
Nathan Ake is doubtful with a hamstring injury for City this weekend. Donny van de Beek could return for United this weekend but the Red Devils will be without Paul Pogba (thigh), Juan Mata (knock), David De Gea (personal reasons), Anthony Martial (knee) and Phil Jones (knee).
It is difficult to look beyond a City win for this fixture. Guardiola’s side have been incredibly strong at home and United have been far from convincing of late. City should also bring an end to United’s unbeaten away run.
West Ham v Leeds
West Ham suffered just their second loss of 2021 last weekend as City beat the Hammers 2-1 at the Etihad. It was the second time West Ham have been beaten in their last ten games. David Moyes’ side have won seven of their last ten Premier League fixtures and have only failed to score once in this run. The East London side have also impressed at the London Stadium recently and have won five of their last six at home in all competitions.
Leeds’ inconsistent season continued with a 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa last weekend. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have now won once in their last four Premier League games and earned just six points from their last 15 available. Leeds’ away form is also patchy and the Yorkshire side have won three games of their last nine away in all competitions and lost six.
Leeds will be without Robin Koch (knee), Rodrigo (groin), Adam Forshaw (knee), Ian Poveda (ankle), Kalvin Phillips (calf), Jamie Shackleton (abductor) and Gaetano Berardi (match fitness). Ryan Fredericks, Lukasz Fabianski and Darren Randolph should be back in contention for the Hammers this weekend. But Arthur Masuaku (knee), Angelo Ogbonna (ankle) and Andriy Yarmolenko (knee) are ruled out.
With West Ham in good form at home, they should bounce back from the City defeat last weekend with a victory. Leeds are so inconsistent and have struggled all season to put a run of results together and they are in danger of losing a third successive away defeat at the London Stadium this weekend.
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