The first round of games in the Premier League’s gameweek 12 take place on Saturday. A number of teams will be desperate to record points as the campaign starts to take shape. Here is what is happening in Saturday’s games:
Newcastle v Bournemouth (Kick-off 3 PM)
A 1-0 home win over Watford in their last top-flight game ended a run of ten matches without a win in the Premier League for Rafa Benitez’s side. In truth, it was a fortunate win, but it could kick-start the home side’s campaign.
The victory moved the north east side out of the relegation berths and into the safety of 17th place. The Magpies have been poor at St James Park of late in the top-flight, as the Watford win ended a run of five straight defeats in the league on home soil for the north east side.
Bournemouth will head to St James Park confident of pulling off a victory. Eddie Howe’s side suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Manchester United last time out, which ended a four-game unbeaten run in the league for the Cherries.
Their recent good run of form means that the team from the south coast are currently sixth place in the Premier League table. Although the visitor’s recent away form in the top-flight is not great, they have won four of their last six away games. The Cherries have also scored at least two goals in all four away victories.
Crystal Palace v Tottenham (Kick-off 5:30 PM)
Crystal Palace heads into this home clash with Tottenham in poor form and looking to avoid being dragged into the fight for relegation.
The Eagles are currently 14th place in the English top-flight table but are just two points clear of the relegation zone after a poor start to their campaign. Roy Hodgson’s side has struggled for points of late, as the Eagles have failed to win in six league outings while suffering four defeats in their last five outings in Premier League.
Rather unusually for Palace, their recent home form in the top-flight has been poor. The Eagles have now failed to win in five league games at Selhurst Park, while also failing to score in four of those five winless matches.
Tottenham are in good form heading into this London derby, winning five of their last six Premier League outings. The only blip in that recent good run was a 1-0 home defeat against reigning champions Manchester City. The north London side are favourites to make that record six wins in seven matches.
Spurs’ recent top-flight games have actually been relatively low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five league outings. Mauricio Pochettino’s side has been impressive on their travels of late, winning their last four away games in the top-flight, while scoring at least two goals in three of their last four outings.
Saturdays other Premier League fixtures (3 PM unless stated)
Cardiff v Brighton (Kick 12:30 PM)
Huddersfield v West Ham
Leicester v Burnley
Southampton v Watford
Who will be the big winners in Saturday’s Premier League action?
