Match to catch
The big games are coming thick and fast in the Premier League now as, after Chelsea-Manchester City last week and with Manchester United-Arsenal coming up next week, this weekend sees leaders Arsenal host surprise package Liverpool. The Gunners have been playing superb football and deservedly top the table, but their only real test so far was the north London derby against Tottenham, which they won 1-0 back on September 1. They have recently been stung by home cup defeats by Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, so how well they cope with the Daniel Sturridge-Luis Suarez axis will be fascinating. Liverpool have exceeded expectations so far and will have nothing to lose, but Arsenal may just have too much for them this time. Prediction: Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1.
Keep an eye on
There will be a historic moment in the Premier League this weekend, when the English top division sees its first ever Welsh derby. Cardiff City will host south Wales rivals Swansea City in what promises to be a hugely passionate affair. Both clubs have been through some very dark days so to see them together in the Premier League is a huge achievement – and the fans will relish the occasion. Swansea, as the more established top-flight side, will be favourites, but a local derby could be just what the (now red) Bluebirds need to give their campaign a lift. Prediction: Cardiff 2 Swansea 2.
For the purists
Managerless Crystal Palace slumped to the bottom of the Premier League table after Sunderland’s win over Newcastle last week, and their prospects of picking up any points soon look rather slim. They need to get a new full-time coach in quickly – and he’ll need to be a miracle worker if he is to keep them up this season. West Brom will be aiming to inflict Palace’s ninth defeat in 10 league games on Saturday. Prediction: West Brom 2 Palace 0.
Showing form
David Moyes may be gone but underrated Everton continue to bloody the noses of their big-spending rivals with their consistently impressive home form and often clinical away performances, such as last week’s 2-0 win at Aston Villa. The sixth-place Toffees host fourth-place Tottenham on Sunday and, with Spurs struggling to score goals, it’s difficult to see the visitors taking all three points. Prediction: Everton 1 Spurs 1.
Need a win
Mark Hughes’ honeymoon period at Stoke City is well and truly over. After a series of impressive results in August and early September, the Potters now have just one point from their last five league games and have plummeted down the table, with only goal difference keeping them out of the relegation zone. On Saturday they host in-form Southampton and will be relying on the talented but often maverick Marko Arnautovic to unlock the league’s tightest defence. Prediction: Stoke 0 Southampton 0.
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