The Premier League continues to thrill fans around the world and week 33 is unlikely to be any different, writes DEAN WORKMAN. Here are five things to expect from this weekend’s Premier League action.
United to hold City in Manchester Derby
In the weekend’s headline fixture Manchester City have the chance to wrap up the Premier League title against old foes Manchester United in the Manchester Derby. Pep Guardiola’s team need just three points to clinch the title but come into the game off the back of a bruising Champions League encounter against Liverpool. City were thumped 3-0 by Jurgen Klopp’s men in a game that was played with an incredibly high amount of intensity. Jose Mourinho’s men, on the other hand, have had all week to prepare for the derby. I expect Guardiola to rest some key players as the Champions League will surely take priority due to their massive gap at the top of the table. I expect Mourinho to set out his team to be difficult to beat and get a draw out of the game at the very least.
Klopp to play second string side in Merseyside Derby
Liverpool will travel down the road to Goodison Park to take on Everton this weekend in the Merseyside derby. Liverpool may have been involved in a memorable European night on Wednesday as they thumped Manchester City 3-0 but the fixture would have taken a lot out of the team. Starman Mohammed Salah is likely to miss the trip after being forced off with an injury against City and that coupled with the fatigue in the squad has already led Klopp to complain about the fixture schedule. I fully expect Klopp to rotate his side with an eye on the second leg clash at the Etihad and this could open the door for the Toffees to grab a famous derby victory.
Arsenal to continue resurgence
After a torrid run of form Arsene Wenger’s team have bounced back, after winning their last two Premier League encounters and will be looking to continue this resurgence as Southampton travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. In only their second league game under new manager Mark Hughes, the Saints will be desperate for the three points needed to get out of the bottom three. I, however, expect the Gunners to have too much for Hughes’s men and will walk away comfortable winners this weekend.
Brighton to edge towards safety
Brighton and Hove Albion could take a big step towards safety this weekend as Huddersfield Town travel to the Amex Stadium on Saturday. The Seagulls sit on 34 points in 13th position while their visitors sit in 16th on 31 points giving the game an added importance in the race to beat the drop. With a victory, Chris Hughton’s team could move to 37 points, just one win away from the 40-point mark which is usually enough to stay in the division. I expect Brighton to overcome David Wagner’s team, and edge towards safety.
West Brom to continue free fall
West Bromwich Albion host Swansea City this weekend after manager Alan Pardew left by mutual consent on Monday. Pardew only won once in his four months in charge at the Hawthorns and that torrid run of form has rooted the Baggies to the bottom of the table, 10 points from safety, and facing certain relegation from the Premier League. Carlos Carvalhal, on the other hand, came to Swansea and turned their season around as they look to secure safety. Expect the Swans to continue their revival under Carvalhal and further compound West Brom’s woes.
