Premier Picks: Arsenal can shrug off European woes in derby

Match to catch

Arsenal may be on the brink of an embarrassing first Champions League group stage exit in 13 years, but they are only kept off the top of the English Premier League table by goal difference following Yaya Toure’s last-minute winner for Manchester City against Norwich last weekend. Assist king Mesut Ozil has been the key man behind the Gunners’ current run of five straight wins, during which they have scored an impressive 16 goals. But they aren’t the only form team in Sunday’s North London derby, as Spurs will arrive at the Emirates unbeaten in the league since the opening day of the season and on the brink of breaking into the top four. Thursday night Europa League exertions should, however, play into the hosts’ hands. Prediction: Arsenal 2 Tottenham 0.

Keep an eye on

Fans of West Ham and Everton have seen many false dawns in recent seasons, with neither club enjoying little more than tantalising glimpses of success despite producing some top-class players and having plenty of passionate backing. Both have also endured plenty of low points, so the chance they have to enjoy some long-awaited good times this season should not be passed up. With Chelsea and Liverpool both off the pace, the top of the table has an unfamiliar look to it and West Ham and Everton, who meet at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, should be looking to seize this opportunity and grab a Europa League spot at the least. Both have excelled at times so far, but the Hammers have shown more consistency and can be expected to come out on top at home. Prediction: West Ham 3 Everton 2.

For the purists

With the British winter rapidly closing in, it looks like it could be a long season for Norwich fans as their team’s chances of staying in the Premier League have been badly hit by a run of four straight defeats. A win at home to Swansea, who themselves have been a little disappointing, is almost a necessity as after the international break they have fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal. Prediction: Norwich 1 Swansea 1.

Showing form

The top of the EPL scoring charts has a refreshing look about it this season as, with the big names struggling for form and fitness, the lesser lights of Leicester and Watford have taken their chance superbly. Foxes striker Jamie Vardy — who was playing in the English seventh tier just four years ago — has an incredible 11 goals, including scoring in his last eight league games, while his dynamic Algerian teammate Riyad Mahrez has seven strikes to go with his five assists. Also on seven goals is Watford’s Odion Ighalo, who has been prolific ever since signing from Udinese when Watford were in the Championship last season. Unfortunately for the Nigerian, too few of his teammates are sharing the load and that could cost them at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Prediction: Leicester 3 Watford 1.

Need a win

Former Arsenal midfielder Remi Garde has taken on the task of reviving Aston Villa following Tim Sherwood’s ill-fated reign, with the former European champions rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point from their last 10 matches. But the Frenchman will have to work a miracle if he is to get anything from his first match in the dugout, as leaders Manchester City will likely be in no mood to give up their slender advantage at the top of the table. Prediction: Aston Villa 1 Man City 3.

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