The highlight of the Premier League fixtures this weekend is Sunday’s derby clash between Liverpool and Manchester United. Our preview to the weekend covers the biggest stories, and you can bet on all of the games here.
Liverpool seek rare win over rivals United
Considering the contrast in fortunes between Liverpool and Manchester United over the last three years, it’s remarkable that the Merseyside club haven’t beaten their old foes in the Premier League since February 2014. Since then United have won five of the last eight domestic derbies, having kept a clean sheet in each of their last three visits to Anfield. However, Jurgen Klopp’s men are now top of the table, having conceded only one league goal at home this term, and there is a sense that the German has finally managed to marry a blistering attack with a solid defence. United, on the other hand, are sixth with one win in their last five league games. A home win here would represent a huge statement.
Arsenal handed ideal opportunity to end St. Mary’s hoodoo
The arrival of Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton last week has brought renewed optimism to the club, with the former RB Leipzig manager promising revolutionary training methods and a fresh approach to game preparation. Sadly, his reign began with a 1-0 defeat at Cardiff last week, but he now has the chance to become acquainted with the St. Mary’s faithful when his side host Arsenal on Sunday. The Saints have only lost one of their six home games against the Gunners since they were promoted to the Premier League in 2012, but the visitors come into the match currently unbeaten in 22 games in all competitions. With Southampton still learning Hasenhuttl’s tactics, Arsenal have the chance to record a fifth away win of the season; they only won four last term. Back an Away Win at odds of 1.85 here.
Title-winning managers meet in unfamiliar circumstances
The last time that Claudio Ranieri faced Manuel Pellegrini, his Leicester side won 3-1 at Manchester City in February 2016 to cement their credentials as title challengers. We all know what happened next. Thirty four months later, Ranieri has taken charge of relegation-threatened Fulham, winning a respectable four points from his first four matches. Meanwhile, Pellegrini’s West Ham have won three games in a row for the first time in two years, having not put together a run of four wins since February 2014. If Ranieri can stop them from doing so, Fulham’s survival chances will be given a timely shot in the arm.
Can Palace cope without Zaha?
A late yellow card for Wilfried Zaha against West Ham last week ensures that he will be suspended for Crystal Palace’s game with Leicester on Saturday, and that usually spells trouble for the Eagles. Roy Hodgson’s side famously lost all nine matches without the Ivory Coast forward last season, while both games he has missed this campaign have also ended in defeat. Leicester have only won one of their last five matches in the Premier League and lost 5-0 at Selhurst Park last season, but have been handed a lifeline against a team missing their most influential player.
Cardiff’s away form left wanting
Cardiff have climbed to 14th in the table after four wins in their last five home games in the Premier League. The only issue for them this weekend is that they’re playing away. So far this season the Bluebirds have played seven games on the road, losing six and scoring just three times. Opponents Watford were cruelly denied victory at Everton on Monday night but their performance will at least have given them confidence. Cardiff have nothing of the sort. Odds of 1.60 are available for a Watford win on Saturday.