Gameweek 32 of the Premier League campaign could prove to be a pivotal one in the race for the title, European spots and the relegation battle. It is all the play for on all three counts. Here are the games taking place this weekend:
Saturday
Brighton v Southampton (3 PM kick-off)
On Saturday, Brighton and Southampton clash at the AMEX Stadium, in what could be a crucial south coast derby at the bottom end of the table.
Both sides are very much still in the fight for survival. The Seagulls are currently five points clear of the relegation spots, while the Saints just two points clear of the drop zone in 16th position.
The home side has boosted their chances of surviving with back-to-back league wins against Huddersfield and last time out Crystal Palace. The wins will have come as a relief for everybody connected with the club, as the Seagulls had failed to win in their previous seven league games.
A 1-0 win over Huddersfield ended a three-match run without a home win in the Premier League for the Seagulls, who have still won just two of their last seven league matches on home soil. Despite their poor recent record, Brighton are favourites to beat their rivals.
Southampton find themselves in a perilous league position despite a highly creditable 2-1 home victory over Tottenham last time out. The win over Spurs was just the Saints second in their last seven league outings.
The Saints have a poor recent away record in the Premier League. Not only have they suffered two straight away defeats, but they have also won just two of their last 12 away games in the top-flight.
Sunday
Liverpool v Tottenham (kick-off 4:30 PM)
On Sunday afternoon, league leaders Liverpool host Tottenham at Anfield, in a massive game for both teams.
Liverpool are top of the table and two points clear of reigning champions Manchester City. However, the Citizens have played a game fewer than their north west rivals, so the advantage is still with Pep Guardiola’s side in the title race.
Jurgen Klopp’s side seems to have rediscovered their form of late, results-wise anyway, winning three of their last four league matches. Last time out, the Merseysider’s recorded a rather unconvincing 2-1 win at struggling Fulham.
One big feature of Liverpool’s title challenge this season has been their home form. The Red are now undefeated in 36 league matches on home soil. A recent record of ten wins from 11 league matches at Anfield is an impressive one. Klopp’s team have been prolific at Anfield in the top-flight of late, scoring at least two goals in nine of their last 11 matches.
Tottenham are desperate to get to winning ways after three defeat from their last four Premier League outings. Last time out, Spurs suffered a 2-1 defeat at Southampton.
The visitor’s recent poor form has led to arch-rivals Arsenal close the gap on third-place Spurs to just one point, while Manchester United in fifth place trail Spurs by three points.
Tottenham’s main problem during their recent poor run of form has been on their travels, Mauricio Pochettino’s side has now suffered three consecutive away defeats in the Premier League.
Tottenham have struggled against the home side in recent Premier League matches, having beaten the Merseysider’s in just one of the last 12 league meetings.
This weekend’s other Premier League fixtures (3 PM kick-off unless stated)
Saturday
Fulham v Manchester City (Kick-off 12:30 PM)
Burnley v Wolves
Crystal Palace v Huddersfield
Leicester v Bournemouth
Manchester United v Watford
West Ham v Everton (Kick-off 5:30 PM)
Sunday
Cardiff v Chelsea (Kick-off 2:05 PM)
Monday
Arsenal v Newcastle (Kick-off 8 PM)
Who will pick up big wins in this weekend’s Premier League games?
