The Premier League weekend of football has already kicked off, with Newcastle recording a 1-0 win at Leicester on Friday night. There are many issues still to be resolved in the English top-flight in the next few weeks, non-less important than the title.
This weekend could prove to be a pivotal one in the race to be crowned champions, with top-two Liverpool and Manchester City both facing potentially tricky games on Sunday. Here is more on the pairs weekend fixtures:
Crystal Palace v Manchester City (Kick-off 2:05 PM)
In the day’s early kick-off, Crystal Palace host Manchester City at Selhurst Park, in what could be a tricky game for the Citizens.
Crystal Palace have moved 11 points clear of the Premier League relegation zone. Roy Hodgson’s side has virtually guaranteed their top-flight status in the last few weeks by winning two of their last three league games.
The Eagles recorded a vital 1-0 victory at Newcastle last time out in the Premier League. The win saw the home side keep a clean sheet for the second time in three league matches.
Palace have an unconvincing recent home record in the top-flight, winning two of their last eight matches at Selhurst Park.
Manchester City have been busy juggling multiple competitions. Last time out, Pep Guardiola’s team suffered a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. The defeat brought to an end a 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
However, City has still won their last eight matches in the English top-flight, while keeping clean sheets in six of their last seven outings. Despite their good run of form, the Citizens are still two points behind league leaders Liverpool, although they do have a game in hand.
Even with the second leg of their Champions League quarter-finals looming, City are favourites to record a victory in this potentially difficult clash.
Liverpool v Chelsea (Kick-off 4:30 PM)
The later kick-off of the day sees Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield, in a massive game for both sides’ seasons.
By the time this clash kicks off, the Reds will know City’s result. A City win at Palace would see Jurgen Klopp’s team drop to second place in the table. However, Liverpool will be confident of returning to the top of the table with a win against the Blues.
Liverpool have won their last four league matches, including last time out when they recorded a late 3-1 win at Southampton. The game on the south coast saw the Reds score at least two goals for a fourth straight match in the Premier League.
The Merseysider’s are now unbeaten in 37 home games in the English top-flight, claiming victories in 11 of their last 12 outings at Anfield. The Reds have also scored at least two goals in ten of those 11 wins too.
Chelsea have moved back up to third in the Premier League table after three straight top-flight wins. The Blues are currently a point clear of Spurs in fourth and three clear of fifth-place Arsenal, who both have games in hand in Maurizio Sarri’s team.
Last time out, the team from south west London recorded a 2-0 home win over West Ham. The victory saw the visitors score at least twice for the third straight league game. That record is unlikely to continue on Merseyside.
The Blues have won two of their three matches on their travels in the Premier League. However, they have suffered defeat in four of their last six away outings in the English top-flight. The visitors failed to score in all four away defeats.
Which of the top two will be top of the pile by the end of the weekend?
