The Premier League continues to thrill fans around the world and week 29 is unlikely to be any different, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Seven things to expect from this weekend’s Premier League action:
1) Merseyside derby to thrill
Liverpool host cross-town rivals Everton this weekend in a match-up which promises so much. The Toffees come into the game on the back of a great run of results which has been led by star man Romelu Lukaku, whereas Liverpool looks to be getting over their poor start to 2017. In a game of this magnitude which means so much to both sets of players and fans, the result could go either way. Expect lots of goals and passion in the battle of Red vs Blue.
2) City to pile more misery on Arsenal
Having lost four of their last five league games, Arsenal are in serious trouble going into this weekends clash at the Emirates, where they host fellow big guns Manchester City. Despite being knocked out of the Champions League, City sits in third place. Arsenal, however, has dropped down to sixth place and face an uphill battle to get into a Champions League spot. The Gunners face an unprecedented amount of pressure on them, as the fans have turned on Arsene Wenger, with calls for the longest-serving manager in the league to step down. Expect Pep Guardiola’s men to pile more misery on Arsene Wenger’s troops, by beating them this weekend.
3) Swansea to push Boro towards the drop
Swansea City host a struggling Middlesbrough side at the Liberty Stadium this weekend in a relegation clash, which could have huge ramifications on who will beat the dreaded drop. Despite losing last weekend, Swansea has shown a resurgence since appointing Paul Clement. Boro, on the other hand, sacked Aitor Karanka, and now have left caretaker boss Steve Agnew with the task of trying to keep them in the league. Expect the Swans to make full use of their home ground advantage and grab the three points, pushing Boro closer to the drop.
4) Vardy to have another party
Jamie Vardy has seen a massive turnaround in fortunes since Craig Shakespeare took over from Claudio Ranieri. The Englishman has hit the back of the net three times, and provided two assists in his last three games, showing the form that shot Leicester to glory last season. The Foxes host Stoke City this weekend at the King Power Stadium, and expect Vardy to be on the score sheet yet again.
5) Injury-hit United to beat West Brom
Manchester United have been hit with injuries and suspensions to key players, who will now be unavailable for this weekend’s clash against West Brom at Old Trafford. With star players such as Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Ander Herera missing this weekend, Jose Mourinho will need to make full use of his squad. Despite West Brom’s impressive 3-1 victory over Arsenal last time out, expect United to claim the three points in a must-win game for the Red Devils.
6) Chelsea to end Palace’s winning run
Crystal Palace seem to have finally turned things around under survival specialist Sam Allardyce, having won three games in a row as they travel to Stamford Bridge to take on league leaders Chelsea. Chelsea, however, have been the league’s standout team this season, and have been particularly strong at home. Expect Chelsea to gain another three points in their march towards the title, ending Palace’s winning run in the process.
7) Alli to shine for Spurs
In Kane’s absence, Dele Alli has continued his fine form, which has seen him develop into one of the hottest talents in the league. The young Englishman has already netted 14 goals this season ,and has yet again been a crucial cog in the Spurs machine. Expect Alli to keep up his good form this weekend, as his side travel to Turf Moor to take on a dogged Burnley side.
