This weekend the Premier League reaches gameweek 22, with games played over the last three days. Plenty of games take place on Saturday that could have big repercussions at both end of the English top-flight table. Here are some of the games taking place on Saturday:
Brighton v Liverpool (Kick-off 3 PM)
In one of the 3 PM kick offs, league leaders Liverpool attempt to extend their lead at the top of the table as they visit the south coast to face Brighton.
However, the Seagulls are unlikely to be easy opponents. Chris Hughton’s side are unbeaten in four games in all competitions, including their last three in the Premier League. They have found league wins hard to come by of late, winning just once in six outings.
The Seagulls are strong on home soil, as they have lost just twice in 13 league games at the Amex Stadium, those defeats coming against Chelsea and Tottenham. Their recent home matches in the top-flight have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their last seven games.
Liverpool heads into this clash on the back of back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and last time out Wolves in the FA Cup. However, the Reds can extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points over second place reigning champions Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp’s team are favourites to record a win despite a central defensive crisis.
The Merseysiders only fit senior centre-back is Virgil van Dijk, so defensive midfielder Fabinho may have to start in the heart of the Reds defence. The injury situation will be a concern to the visitors, who have the best defensive record in the top-flight.
The City defeat in their Premier League outing ended a nine-game winning league run for the Reds. The loss also ended a four-game winning run on their travels, so it could affect the team’s confidence heading into this clash.
Chelsea v Newcastle (Kick-off 5:30 PM)
Chelsea host struggling Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in the day’s late kick-off, as the Blues look to remain in the top-four.
The home side are currently fourth place in the table, two points clear of fourth-place Arsenal. However, the Gunners play in the early kick-off, so the Blues could find themselves out the top-four if their rivals win at West Ham.
Chelsea have enjoyed a decent run of form of late in the top-flight, winning four of their last six Premier League games. However, last time out Southampton held them to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge. The draw against the Saints means they have won just three of their last eight league games on home soil. However, there is one positive for Maurizio Sarri’s side in that they have conceded just one goal in five home games.
Newcastle are 15th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone after a poor run of results. The Magpies have won just once in their last eight league games, while failing to win in four league matches.
The visitor’s recent league outings have been low scoring of late, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five league games. Although Newcastle’s recent away form has been inconsistent, they have only lost once in six matches on their travels in the top-flight.
Saturday’s other Premier League matches (3PM Kick-offs)
Burnley v Fulham
Cardiff v Huddersfield
Crystal Palace v Watford
Leicester v Southampton
Who will pick up big results in Saturday’s Premier League games?
