Arsenal beat Leicester 4-2 at Emirates Stadium back in August and we’re expecting goals to flow again in Saturday’s reverse fixture. Both teams have suffered mixed fortunes in recent weeks, but each manager is committed to playing positive football whenever possible.
Leeds will be hoping the new manager bounce factor strikes again following the appointment of Javi Gracia ahead of hosting Southampton. Saints themselves stunned Chelsea with caretaker boss Ruben Selles in charge but this promises to be a totally different atmosphere.
Sean Dyche is two from two at Goodison Park as Everton boss and will be eyeing another crucial Premier League victory versus Aston Villa. However, Villa have won the past three head-to-head meetings between these teams and last lost to the Toffees back in 2016.
Fulham are flying high in sixth place in the Premier League but we’re not expecting them to enjoy an easy ride when entertaining Wolves. Wanderers will be smarting from somehow losing to Bournemouth in a match they dominated and had previously impressed under Julen Lopetegui.
As we enter the business end of the season, Europe’s leading clubs are once again having to balance continental competition with their busy domestic schedule. Is it possible to compete for honours with a small group of players or do managers need quality back-up in every position?
Manchester United and Barcelona served up a classic 2-2 draw at Camp Nou in the Europa League and more of the same is expected in the second leg. Barca enjoyed 61 per cent of the possession in Spain, but each team had 18 attempts on goal in an entertaining end-to-end encounter.
Union Berlin were much the better side in last week’s Europa League clash with Ajax in Amsterdam and are fancied to finish the job off in Germany. Although the scores finished level following a goalless stalemate at Johan Cruyff Arena, Geronimo Rulli was by far the busier keeper.
Sevilla have secured a record six Europa League triumphs and made a statement of intent when crushing PSV 3-0 in Spain. The Dutch outfit will look to salvage some pride from the second leg in Eindhoven, but beating Los Rojiblancos in their current mood will be tough.
Tottenham fans will sense they are at the start of a crucial spell in their campaign as they prepare to welcome West Ham. Spurs go into the derby, the first of two in as many weeks with Chelsea up next, looking to avoid a third straight loss for the first time this season.
Manchester United host Leicester in Sunday’s first live Premier League game and armchair fans could be in for a treat. United have been racking up the wins as they stay in touch at the top of the table while Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes have clicked into gear in the past couple of weeks to put further distance between them and that miserable run earlier in the season.
If there is such a thing as a good time to play Arsenal then Aston Villa will be hoping this is it. The Gunners were knocked off the top of the table this week – having looked down on the rest since the third week of the season – when Manchester City won 3-1 at the Emirates.
Everton host Leeds in what promises to be a crunch Premier League relegation battle and sparks could fly at Goodison Park. The Toffees will appeal to many with home advantage, but we were impressed by the Whites over two recent meetings with Man Utd and prefer their chances.
Brighton and Fulham have both been huge success stories this season and we’re expecting a cracking contest when they meet at Amex Stadium. The Cottagers shaded an entertaining encounter 2-1 in London at the end of August, but a switch in venue may see the roles reversed.
Brentford are flying at the moment and are backed to secure a fourth straight Premier League home win when entertaining Crystal Palace. The Eagles are never easy to beat but often find goals hard to come by, especially on the road, and that could prove the difference here.