The Premier League continues to thrill fans around the world and week 21 is unlikely to be any different, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Seven things to expect from this weekend’s Premier League action:
1. A thriller at Old Trafford
Manchester United take on old rivals Liverpool in what promises to be a titanic clash between the two powerhouses. United are in their best run of form since the Sir Alex Ferguson era while Liverpool have been in indifferent form of late but still sit second in the table. In a game of such magnitude form counts for little as both teams will look to grab the three points and lay down a marker in the title race.
2. City to edge Everton
Everton host Manchester City at Goodison Park in the other Manchester vs Merseyside clash of the weekend. City endured a tough festive period, whereas Everton have looked like regaining their early-season form. After a confidence boosting 5-0 win over West Ham in the FA Cup last weekend expect the Citizens to edge a tight game in a ‘must win’ clash for Pep Guardiola’s team.
3. Chelsea to get back to winning ways
Chelsea take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in a potential banana peel encounter. The Blues saw their impressive 13-match winning run come to an end last time out against Tottenham Hotspurs and Antonio Conte will be looking for a reaction from his team. Chelsea have more than enough in the tank to bounce back and beat the defending champions and keep their gap from the chasing pack at the top of the table.
4. Giroud to continue scoring form against Swansea
Arsenal visit Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium as they look to keep pace inside the top four. Olivier Giroud has been in sublime form for the Gunners scoring in each of his last four games in all competitions. After a tough start to the season, Giroud has fought his way back into Arsene Wenger’s starting XI and the manager will look to his compatriot to continue his fine form this weekend
5. Sunderland to fight for victory against Stoke
Sunderland host Stoke City at the Stadium of Light this weekend in a match which could seriously hinder their aspirations of staying up. The Black Cats have been struggling under David Moyes this season but after a morale boosting draw last time out against Liverpool expect the the hosts to go all out for the three points as they look to kickstart their relegation fight.
6. West Ham and Palace to cancel each other out
West Ham take on Crystal Palace at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday. Palace have yet to find form under newly appointed Sam Allardyce while West Ham’s indifferent form has persisted the whole season. In a game which neither team can afford to lose, a draw seems like the most likely outcome leaving neither manager happy or upset.
7. Dele Alli to have big impact yet again
Spurs welcome West Brom to White Hart Lane this weekend with Dele Alli in the same scintillating form he showed during stages last season. The young star has scored or assisted in each of his last five games including three braces in a row you can be sure that the English international will have a massive impact for Spurs this weekend against a yo-yo Baggies outfit.
