Five things to look forward to in the Premier League this weekend
Moyes up against Wenger in a clash of the titans
After a slow start to life under David Moyes, Manchester United have finally hit some form in the League and are unbeaten in their last four games, winning 3 of them. Moyes will certainly buoyed by his side’s record against the Gunners, which has seen them win eight of their last 9 games in all competitions. And with Rooney and Robin van Persie looking menacing in attack, Moyes will fancy his chances of continuing that run.
Arsenal on the other hand, will be looking to take a lot of confidence from their morale boosting win over Dortmund in midweek. And in the league, Arsenal have been nothing short of sensational. Putting aside their opening day loss against Aston Villa, they have won eight of their last nine games and lead the League by a whopping five points, barely a quartet into the season. Arsene Wenger’s team have been irresistible in the League with their midfield trio of Ramsey, Ozil and Cazorla. The Gunners have won nine of their last 10 away League games and although they have won just thrice at Old Trafford in the Premier League era, they went onto win the title in two of them, and a victory now, would surely send them well on their way to another one.
Can Remy fire Newcastle past Spurs?
Last weekend against Chelsea, nobody really gave Newcastle a chance, but Alan Pardew’s side upset the apple cart by beating them and will be looking to do the same against Spurs. Loic Remy has been in red-hot form and has scored six goals so far and is joint second the leading goal scorer’s chart. Whereas Spurs on the other hand have struggled for goals so far this season.
In fact, they have only scored nine goals all season and just five at home in five matches. AVB’s side have looked rock solid at the back, but it is up front that the problem lies. Having spent bucket loads of cash in the summer, Spurs have been struggling for goals in the League, and although defense wins you championships, it is goals that win you games and Spurs haven’t been scoring enough.
Everton and Southampton should prove too strong for the newly-promoted sides
Southampton and Everton have proved to be the surprise packages of the campaign so far, and they currently occupy the fifth and sixth place respectively and have garnered plenty of plaudits for their play. Whilst Southampton have the best defense in the League, having conceded just four goals all season, Everton have arguably the best center forward in the League with Lukaku, proving to be a battering ram up front.
This weekend, Everton travel to bottom-side Crystal Palace whilst Southampton host high flying Hull. Both of them, will be expecting nothing less than three points against the newly promoted sides. And, such has been their form so far that you wouldn’t put it past both clubs to do just, with ease. And whilst Crystal Palace are likely to be obliging opponents, Southampton will have to do well to beat Hull who are currently in 10th place.
Can Chelsea and Liverpool get back on track after losing last week?
Chelsea and Liverpool both come into this weekend on the back of losses in the last League game away from home. Whilst Chelsea redeemed themselves in the Champions League, they will be looking to continue that against West Brom at home, where they have won all their games so far this campaign, conceding just three goals. On top of that, The Blues have history on their side, as they won their last seven home games against the Baggies and have kept a clean sheet in all but one of them. The Blues will be hoping to keep that run going and reduce the gap between League leaders Arsenal, who have a difficult fixture against Manchester United the following day.
Liverpool on the other hand, are at home to Fulham, a side who at times in the first half against Manchester United last week, looked like a side that didn’t belong in the Premier League. And whilst Fulham haven’t had it all their way at home, away from the Cottage, they have already racked up two wins and will be looking to make that three against the Reds. Liverpool, on the other hand, will be looking to prove that last weekend was only a minor blip and that they are still contenders for the title, or at least for a top four spot.
Can Man City heap more misery on the Black Cats?
On paper, this looks like a walk in the park for Manchester City, who have been in splendid goal scoring form over the last week, having scored 12 in their last two games and in Sergio Aguero have the in-form striker in the League at the moment. So, a trip to the wearside to face a Sunderland side who have just once in the League so far, shouldn’t prove too difficult.
But, the fact is that, City have struggled away from home so far in the League. And although they have won all five of their home games scoring 20 goals in the process, they have won just once away from home and have lost thrice already. And Sunderland hold the upper hand in the recent meetings between the two clubs, having won their last three home encounters in the League. Pellegrini will be hoping to change that sequence of results and inch closer to the league leaders with a victory over Sunderland.