The Premier League continues to thrill fans around the world and week 13 is unlikely to be any different, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Seven things to expect from this weekend’s Premier League action:
1. A thrilling London derby
Unbeaten Tottenham Hotspur take on the inform Chelsea in this weekend’s stand out fixture at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are on a six game winning run having kept six clean sheets in the process and are sitting at the top of the table. Spurs on the other hand, remain unbeaten in the league this season and last week bounced back after four successive draws with a last minute winner against West Ham last weekend. This derby is set to thrill with both teams looking for three vital points in a match neither side wants to lose.
2. Free-scoring Liverpool to return
Liverpool takes on a resurgent Sunderland side this weekend at Anfield. Liverpool, the league’s leading scorers, failed to score for only the second time this season last time out against Southampton. While Sunderland, on the back of two successive wins, are looking to climb out of the bottom three with Premier League stalwart Jermaine Defoe in blistering form. The Reds will be on the hunt for more goals this weekend as the look to continue to entertain the Anfield faithful.
3. Palace to return to winning ways
Crystal Palace go up against fellow strugglers Swansea this weekend at Selhurst Park. Palace are winless in six games while Swansea are still without a win under new manager Bob Bradley and are sitting bottom of the table. Bradley is still looking to find his best formation and starting eleven for the Swans. Expect a fired up crowd at Selhurst Park to inspire Palace to the much needed three points.
4. Manchester United to finally click
Jose Mourinho’s start to life in Manchester has been far from ideal. United are sixth in the table and will be looking for nothing less than a win over the Hammers. Last weekend against Arsenal, United put in another good display and arguably deserved the three points, but not for the first time this season the missed opportunities proved costly as a last-minute equaliser from Olivier Giroud condemned the Red Devils to their fourth draw of the season. West Ham are just one point above of the relegation zone and United will be looking to take advantage of the Hammers poor form and get a much-needed result at Old Trafford.
5. Hull’s free fall to continue
Hull City are without a win in ten games as they take on an in-form West Brom side at the KCOM stadium. The Baggies were in inspired form last weekend as they thrashed Burnley 4-0 while Hull were beaten 3-0 by Sunderland. After a good start to the season, Hull are in free fall and it does not look like it will be ending this weekend.
6. Yaya back in blue
Pep Guardiola and Yaya Toure put their off-field issues behind them last weekend as the Ivorian made his first appearance of the season. Toure made a big impact for City as he bagged a brace to lead his side to a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. After a lengthy period on the sidelines, Toure looks fired up and could just have another impact this weekend as City take on Burnley at Turf Moor.
7. Arsenal’s miserable November run to continue
Historically November has proven to be Arsenal’s most difficult month of the season. After three successive draws in all competitions in November, Wenger admitted his team has lost their ‘winning momentum’. The Gunners take on Bournemouth this weekend at the Emirates Stadium and although they will be favourites for the three points, the November curse might just strike again …
