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United KingdomThe Premier League has reached gameweek 33 and there are still issues left to be decided in the English top-flight. It is a weekend of derbies. Here are the games taking place this weekend:
Manchester City v Manchester United (Kick-off 5:30 PM / Saturday)
This Manchester derby is one of the most important in recent years, as the home side could wrap up the Premier League title.
The Citizens head into this clash having won seven of their last eight matches in the top-flight, including their last five outings. Pep Guardiola’s side has also been prolific in recent games, scoring two or more goals in four of their last five top-flight outings. The home side has won 13 straight home games in the Premier League. However, with a Champions League quarter-final second leg this Tuesday against Liverpool, the home side’s full attention may not be on the clash.
Manchester United has already conceded the title to City. The Red Devils now need to secure a top-three finish to go straight into the Champions League group stages directly next season, rather than having to compete in a play-off.
Jose Mourinho’s team heads into this clash on the back of four wins in a row in the top-flight, having found the net at least twice in their last four league games. United boss Mourinho is likely to take a cautious approach to the clash, with City so dangerous in attack.
Everton v Liverpool (kick-off 12:30 PM / Saturday)
The Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime will see the two teams fighting for local bragging rights, despite the game unlikely to have an effect on either team’s league position this season.
Everton have reached the 40-point mark after a nightmare campaign following what looked like a dream summer. The Merseysiders have been woefully inconsistent and fans have been calling for the head of boss Sam Allardyce. The Toffees have won three and lost four of their last seven league outings. They have a terrible recent record against the Reds, having failed to win the last 16 meetings between the two teams.
Liverpool look firmly ensconced in the top-four and will have one eye on Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Manchester City. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is likely to rest some of his star players, especially as star man Mohamed Salah is carrying an injury. The visitors head into this game having lost just two of their last 23 league games. Despite an expectation of rotation, the Reds are the favourites to win this clash.
Brighton v Huddersfield (kick-off 3 PM / Saturday)
Brighton and Huddersfield go head-to-head at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as the two teams look to move away from the relegation one.
Brighton are six points clear of the relegation zone but have suffered defeat in their last two league games, without finding the net. However, prior to suffering a 2-0 home defeat against Leicester in their last league game, the Seagulls had claimed three successive home wins in the top-flight while scoring at least two goals in all three wins. A win would move the visitors within one win of securing their top-flight status.
Huddersfield have lost three of their last four Premier League outings, which has left the Yorkshire side just three points above the relegation zone. The Terriers away form has been a factor in their current league position. David Wagner’s side has lost five of their last six games on their travels, failing to score in all five defeats.
This weekend’s other games: (Kick-off 3 PM unless stated)
Saturday
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Leicester v Newcastle
Stoke v Tottenham
Watford v Burnley
West Brom v Swansea
Sunday
Arsenal v Southampton (2:15 PM)
Chelsea v West Ham (4:30 PM)
Who will come out on top in this weekend’s derbies?
