Premier League Preview Week 12
The goals were flowing again in the Premier League last weekend and just one draw across nine matches. Tottenham secured another big win in their title challenge, a 2-0 victory over North London rivals, Arsenal. Liverpool also recorded a comprehensive 4-0 win over Wolves, while Crystal Palace put West Brom to the sword, beating the Baggies 5-1. Man United and Chelsea both came from behind to win 3-1 against West Ham and Leeds respectively, while Everton’s indifferent form continued with a 1-1 draw against Burnley.
This weekend, more big games take place with Man United v Man City the pick of the bunch. Tottenham aim continue their exceptional form with a trip to Crystal Palace and Liverpool will try to keep chase as they face Fulham at Craven Cottage. Everton face an in-form Chelsea side while underperformers Arsenal will look to bounce back against an improving Burnley side.
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Leeds v West Ham
Despite starting brightly against Chelsea and taking the lead, it was their defensive frailties that cost them a 3-1 loss at Stamford Bridge last weekend. With 20 goals conceded in their first 11 games, Leeds have the third worst defence in the league. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have only won once in their last five, losing three. Just five of their 14 points this season have come at Elland Road, where they haven’t won since their first home game of the season.
West Ham were good value for their half time 1-0 lead against Man United last weekend but three quick fire goals subjected the Hammers to their first loss in four. It was West Ham’s second loss in nine games. David Moyes’ side have shown solid form on the road this season, losing one in their last four. They have picked up points against Leicester and Tottenham away this season.
Robin Koch (knee), Adam Forshaw (groin) and Gaetano Berardi (knee) remain out for Leeds. Jamie Shackleton and Pablo Hernandez have a slight possibility of returning from long-term injuries. West Ham are likely to be without Michail Antonio (thigh) but Ryan Fredericks and Andriy Yarmolenko could return.
West Ham have shown plenty of attacking intent this season and, unless Bielsa can sort out Leeds’ defensive problems, the Hammers will return to winning ways this weekend.
Manchester United v Manchester City
United have shown good form in the Premier League recently, winning four successive games. They have come from behind in their previous two matches to win, scoring six goals in their last two. However, they weren’t able to repeat their comeback heroics in the Champions League and a 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig put them out of the competition. United’s leaky defence could be costly this weekend; they have not kept a clean sheet in their last five in all competitions and conceded 10 in five Premier League games at Old Trafford this season.
Man City have returned to their best in recent weeks. Since their 2-0 loss to Spurs, City have won three and drawn one in all competitions, conceding no goals and scoring eight. Pep Guardiola’s side have only lost once in their last 14 matches in all competitions. However, City’s form has been worse away from home, especially in the Premier League, as they have only won two of their five away games and picked up just seven of their 18 points on the road.
Phil Jones is ruled out for United with a knee injury and Edinson Cavani remains doubtful following a recent knock. Anthony Martial could return from a recent groin injury. City have no fresh injury concerns.
United will be eager to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment in mid-week but City look too strong for a struggling United side and they will prove too difficult for United’s poor defence to handle.
Everton v Chelsea
After an emphatic start winning seven out of seven in all competitions, Everton have faltered of late and won just once in their last seven including two consecutive losses at Goodison Park. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have not kept a clean sheet in their last 12 and failed to score for the first time at home this season in the 1-0 loss to Leeds two weeks ago. Only seven of Everton’s 17 points have come from Goodison Park this season.
Chelsea continued their impressive form recently with a 3-1 comeback win against Leeds last weekend and a 1-1 draw against FC Krasnodar in the Champions League. These results extended the Blue’s unbeaten run to 17 in all competitions and they have won eight of their last 10. Frank Lampard’s side have not lost away from home in the Premier League this season and kept three consecutive clean sheets on the road.
Fabien Delph (thigh) and Lucas Digne (ankle) are ruled out for Everton while Seamus Coleman (thigh) and Robin Olsen (knock) could return, but remain doubtful. Chelsea will be without Callum Hudson-Odoi and Hakim Ziyech, who both picked up hamstring injuries recently.
Its hard to look beyond a Chelsea win for this match. Everton have really struggled recently and Chelsea have found an exciting balance between defence and attack that will cause problems for the Toffees.
Arsenal v Burnley
Arsenal’s recent struggles continued last weekend with a 2-0 loss to Tottenham. It was the Gunner’s second league loss in a row and extended their run of games without a win to four in the Premier League (lost three, drawn one). Mikel Arteta’s side have only won once in their last six and picked up only four points from their last 18 available – only Sheffield United have failed to pick up less points in the same period.
With just one loss in their last four matches, Burnley appeared to have turned a corner after a dreadful start to the season. However, they have only won once in their last 11 Premier League matches, a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace. Sean Dyche’s side are yet to win an away game this season, losing three and drawing two. Burnley held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw in their last encounter in the 2019/20 season.
David Luiz could return for Arsenal following his recent head injury. However, Thomas Partey has been ruled out with a thigh injury and Nicolas Pepe is still suspended. Jack Cork (ankle) will be out for Burnley but Dale Stephens, Phil Bardsley, Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Robbie brady should all be fit to feature this weekend.
Both Arsenal and Burnley are struggling this season. However, Mikel Arteta will be well aware of his side’s desperation to turn a corner. The Gunners have faced some tough teams recently but they should be able to return to winning ways against Burnley.
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