Premier League Preview Week 11
Late drama, big wins, and comebacks were the theme of the Premier League last weekend. Liverpool were undone by a late penalty in a 1-1 draw with Brighton, Manchester United came from two behind to secure a dramatic 3-2 win away at Southampton and City looked back to their best with a 5-0 win over Burnley. Newcastle snatched a late win at Palace with two goals in the dying minutes while Fulham and West Brom picked up vital wins against Leicester and Sheffield United respectively. Arsenal’s poor form continued with a 2-1 home loss to Wolves.
With the fixtures coming thick and fast, and with several teams playing in the European competitions, there could be a few surprises this weekend. Spurs host Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday with the hosts big favourites to win. West Ham take on United and the Hammers could extend their excellent recent form while Chelsea face Leeds at Stamford Bridge in what could be a tough challenge for Frank Lampard’s side.
All odds are from bet365 and subject to change.
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West Ham v Manchester United
West Ham have racked up three straight wins in the Premier League following their 2-1 home victory over Aston Villa – their best run since May 2019. The Hammers have now lost one match in their last eight, winning five and drawing two. With just one loss at the London Stadium this season, West Ham are second to Liverpool in the home form charts for 2020/21, gaining 10 points from their last 12 available in East London.
United produced a sensational comeback against Southampton last weekend. Edinson Cavani led his side to three second half goals to extend their 100% away record in the Premier League. The Red Devils have won four consecutive matches in all competitions, scoring 11 in the process. They have also won four away matches in a row, scoring 13 on the road this season.
Andriy Yarmolenko continues to recover from coronavirus so is unlikely to feature for West Ham. Phil Jones is ruled out for United with a knee injury but Eric Bailly may be back in contention.
Both West Ham and United are in excellent form at home and away respectively. This should make for a close encounter at the London Stadium, one that West Ham may just edge; they have been a tough side to beat this season.
Chelsea v Leeds
Chelsea extended their unbeaten run to 14 with a 0-0 draw against Tottenham last weekend. It was the first time in six matches where the Blues failed to score. But they recorded their seventh clean sheet in nine matches and have conceded just two in their last seven in all competitions. Despite their good recent form, Chelsea have only won two of their five Premier League games at home this season, drawing two and losing the other.
Leeds bounced back from their inconsistent form with a solid 1-0 win over Everton last weekend, their first win from their last four. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have improved defensively, keeping two clean sheets following back to back 4-1 losses before the international break. Leeds’ away form is also encouraging as they picked up nine points from their last 12 available on the road and kept three clean sheets during this run.
Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns or suspensions. Adam Forshaw and Gaetano Berardi remain out for Leeds long-term. Jack Harrison could return from a leg injury but Jamie Shackleton (muscular injury), Diego Llorente (muscular injury), and Pablo Hernandez (groin) are doubtful.
Leeds high tempo game will test Chelsea this weekend and may take advantage of the Blues’ busy schedule. However, both teams have been hard to beat of late, so a draw could be likely.
Tottenham v Arsenal
Tottenham held on to top spot in the Premier League following a cagey 0-0 draw with Chelsea last weekend and Jose Mourinho’s side extended their unbeaten run to six in all competitions. Although they have one two consecutive fixtures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs have only picked up eight points from a possible 15 at home this season and kept just one clean sheet.
With just 13 points from their first 10 games, Arsenal have made the worst start to a top-flight campaign since 1981. Out of their last six Premier League games, the Gunners have lost four, drawn one and won just a single match. Their away form is slightly more encouraging, winning, and drawing their last two games on the road. Arsenal also have one of the tightest defences away, conceding just four in their five matches on the road.
Toby Alderweireld remains side-lined for Spurs with a groin injury. Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey (thigh), Nicolas Pepe (suspended), Gabriel Martinelli (knee), and Sead Kolasinac (self-isolating). Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers are also doubtful due to lack of match fitness.
It is hard to look beyond a Spurs win for this fixture. Arsenal are enduring a terrible run and injuries have affected their consistency this season, which will play into Tottenham’s hands.
Liverpool v Wolves
Liverpool have kept chase at the top of the Premier League and went level on points with Spurs last weekend. The Reds have drawn two and won one in their last three Premier League games and have a growing injury list, which could prove challenging in the coming weeks. Liverpool’s home form, however, continues to be rock solid. Jurgen Klopp’s side have won all five games at Anfield this season and are unbeaten here in 63 matches.
With just one loss in their last seven, Wolves have settled into the 2020/21 campaign and look like a tough team to beat. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have conceded just four goals in their last six matches and won three of their last six away. In their last seven games, Wolves have let in just three goals.
Liverpool will be without Alisson Becker (thigh), Joe Gomez (knee), Xherdan Shaqiri (knock), James Milner (thigh), Virgil Van Dijk (knee), Thiago Alcantara (thigh), and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin (knee). Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita may return from their respective injuries. Jonny (knee) and Raul Jimenez (head injury) will be unavailable for Wolves but Romain Saiss could return from his self-isolation period.
Liverpool are the toughest team to play away and, despite their solid form recently, Wolves won’t be able to disrupt the Reds exceptional home record. A comfortable win for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
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