Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur is the highlight of this weekend’s Premier League matches. Here are Things to look out for in Matchweek 27. Bet on the Premier League here.
London derby: Chelsea v Spurs
Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge for another mouth-watering encounter between city rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Frank Lampard’s side won the earlier meeting 2-0 and he will be hoping to complete the double over his former manager. Spurs have a dreadful record against the Blues. They have won only seven of their 55 Premier League matches against Chelsea, but three of those victories have come in the past six meetings. However, Mourinho will want to avenge the loss his side suffered in December. If they win, they will leapfrog the Blues to fourth and taking into account Chelsea’s poor form the last few months, the visitors should be optimistic. Lampard is also aiming to become only the second manager to win his first two league matches against the Portuguese after Boavista’s Jaime Pacheco in September 2001.
Sheffield United’s push for European football
Sheffield United will be looking to maintain their improbable hunt for a top-four finish when they welcome Premier League strugglers Brighton on Saturday. The Blades have been a revelation this season. Chris Wilder’s team find themselves just two points outside the Champions League qualification places. Their last three defeats have come against the current top two sides. Against teams starting the day in the bottom half, they are unbeaten in seven matches since December, winning six. Can they keep this up?
Vardy’s impressive record against Guardiola and Manchester City
The Premier League’s top scorer is looking to continue the hunt for his first Golden Boot when Leicester City go head to head with Manchester City in Saturday’s late kick-off. The Englishman has been directly involved in six goals in his last seven Premier League appearances against City (five goals, one assist). Moreover, the 33-year-old has also scored more top-flight goals, with five, against Pep Guardiola’s teams than any other player across the Spaniard’s spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City. Can he add more?
Wolves poor record against teams in the danger relegation zone
Wolves ended a run of one win in nine games with an impressive 4-0 win over Espanyol in the Europa League Round of 32. They welcome bottom club Norwich City on Sunday seeking to solidify their quest for a top-four finish. However, their record against teams in the relegation zone makes grim reading. They have lost more than half of their last 13 matches against sides starting the day bottom of the table (W4 D2 L7). But they did win their most recent such encounter, against Watford. Will the Canaries trouble them again?
Everton’s search for a rare win at Arsenal
Everton and Arsenal are making progress under new management and will meet this Sunday with both teams hoping to continue with their decent run of form. The Toffees have lost just once in their last 11 league games while the Gunners are unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions. Everton have a horrible record against Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side have won more matches against Everton, with 97, and scored more goals against them, with 327, than any side have against another in English top-flight history. Can Carlo Ancelotti’s side do a number on Arsenal this Sunday?
More misery for West Ham
West Ham’s fight for survival was dealt a huge blow by Manchester City who beat them 2-0 on Wednesday. That loss meant the Hammers have now lost five of their last seven games in all competitions. With their horrific fixture list, David Moyes’ side are staring into the abyss. They play runaway league leaders Liverpool on Monday then face Southampton, Arsenal, Wolves, Spurs and Chelsea. Can they survive this?