Liverpool’s rivals to drop points as Chelsea host Arsenal – Premier League Preview

February 3, 2017
Henry Jackson

There are 10 Premier League matches to look forward to this weekend, including a London derby at Stamford Bridge that could prove pivotal.

There was a full league schedule in midweek, with some very interesting results.

Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea was both a fair scoreline and an excellent game, and Simon Mignolet‘s late penalty save from Diego Costa just about keeps the Reds’ slim title hopes alive.

Arsenal suffered a shock home defeat to Watford, Spurs and Man United were held by Sunderland and Hull City, respectively, while Man City saw off West Ham with an impressive 4-0 win at London Stadium.

At the bottom, Crystal Palace picked up a crucial win at Bournemouth, Leicester City were beaten by Burnley and Middlesbrough drew 1-1 at home to West Brom.

This weekend it all happens again, with all 20 teams hoping to give their supporters a spring in their step come Monday morning.

Here are several games that stand out, not including Liverpool’s trip to Hull on Saturday.

Chelsea vs. Arsenal the Main Event

London derbies always have an edge to them, but this is a particularly belting way to start off the Premier League weekend.

In terms of the title race, the chasing pack will be desperate for a minimum of a draw, in order to halt Chelsea‘s charge.

Arsenal‘s loss at home to Watford was a real shocker, but it would be just like them to go to Stamford Bridge and see off their rivals.

Clashes between the top six are never easy to call, and it is likely to be a case of Chelsea soaking up possession and hitting the Gunners on the counter-attack.

It may be a slightly negative tactic at home, but it has worked so often this season.

A Chelsea win would be another significant moment in their season, but should Arsenal spring a surprise, Conte’s men may start to get a little jittery for the first time.

Champions Out to Dent Man United’s Top-Four Hopes

Man United still can’t fully get going under Jose Mourinho, and their draw at home to Hull on Wednesday means they are now four points off the top four.

On Sunday afternoon, Jose Mourinho’s men make the trip to the King Power to take on a Leicester side flirting dangerously with relegation.

On paper, this looks as though it should be a win for United—they cannot afford to lose much more ground—but everyone knows what the champions are capable of on their day.

The way in which they blew away Man City in December was impressive, and a carbon copy of that would work wonders for their survival chances. Reds supporters wouldn’t mind it, either.

Neither team is exactly famed for playing attacking football these days, so don’t expect a classic, but defeat for either would badly affect their respective aspirations this season.

Huge Relegation Tussle at Selhurst Park

Just when we were all ready to write off Sam Allardyce, he goes and picks up his first win as Palace manager.

The three points at Bournemouth on Tuesday night were huge, and it would not be a surprise to see the Eagles now soar out of the relegation zone.

This weekend they entertain Sunderland, in a match that has to be considered a genuine six-pointer.

The Black Cats earned an encouraging point against Spurs in midweek, and if they can go to Selhurst Park and get at least a draw, yet another escape from the drop could be on the cards.

The momentum appears to be with Palace, and they feel a little too good to be languishing in 18th place. Home win.

Comfortable Wins for Spurs & Man City?

Liverpool’s recent defeat to Swansea showed that any result is possible in the Premier League, but both Spurs and Man City should coast through their weekend matchups.

Mauricio Pochettino’s team will feel a little flat after failing to overcome Sunderland, but a limp Middlesbrough outfit shouldn’t be too much of an issue at White Hart Lane on Saturday evening.

The following day, City host a revitalised Swansea side, with Paul Clement making an influential start to life as manager.

Despite the Swans’ January resurgence, Pep Guardiola’s men should be too strong for them, as they try and get their unconvincing season back on track.

But if Boro or Swansea could do Liverpool a favour, that would be greatly appreciated.