The Premier League continues to thrill fans around the world and week 14 is unlikely to be any different, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Seven things to expect from this weekend’s Premier League action:
1. City and Chelsea to cancel each other out
Manchester City take on Chelsea in a top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Both teams are in good form and in a game of such magnitude no one will want to lose. Expect a tight tactical clash, as Pep Guardiola’s attacking flair goes up against Antonio Conte’s Italian grit. With a point being a good result for both teams, a draw is the likely result.
2. Negredo to continue good form
Alvaro Negredo scored a well-taken brace against Leicester last weekend, ending his scoring drought and helping Middlesbrough to a 2-2 draw. This game week ‘Boro take on bottom-dwellers Hull at the Riverside Stadium and fans should be banking on Negredo to be back among the scorers and continue his run in front of goal.
3. Champions struggle to continue
Leicester City take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this weekend. Leicester, with only three wins all season, will be desperate for all three points but their opposition are in an even more precarious position as they sit bottom of the table. As the home team, you can expect the Black Cats to do all they can to avoid another defeat, even if that means settling for a draw. Goals yes, three points? Unlikely …
4. Zlatan is back!
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was back on the scoresheet against West Ham last weekend and with two more goals in the EFL Cup against the same opposition, the Swede looks to be back in form. Be on the lookout for the striker to be searching for more goals this weekend as Manchester United take on an out-of-form Everton at Goodison Park.
5. No Coutinho, no problem for Liverpool
Liverpool’s star man Phillipe Coutinho was injured in last weekend’s victory over Sunderland. The Merseyside magician has played a big role in the Reds’ good form this season. Although the Brazilian will be missing for five weeks with an ankle injury, the Reds have an array of attacking talents, so expect them to continue their winning ways as they take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this Sunday.
6. Spurs to get back to winning ways
After suffering their first defeat of the season, Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back strongly this weekend as they go up against Swansea at White Hart Lane. Swansea may have secured a much-needed win against Crystal Palace last weekend, but Spurs are too strong and are bankers to come away with three points.
7. Pressure piling on Pardew
Crystal Palace are in trouble. Currently on a poor run going into their clash with Southampton at Selhurst Park, the Eagles were on the wrong side of a 5-4 thriller last weekend and are now without a win in seven games. The pressure is mounting on Alan Pardew. The Saints will be looking to capitalise on the home team’s poor form and hand Pardew and co another defeat. This could well be a season-defining match for Pardew …
