By Niall Clarke
- Liverpool host Manchester United in the pick of the weekend’s matches
- Leaders Arsenal travel to Stoke to complete Super Sunday line-up
- Second placed Leicester play away at bottom club Aston Villa
One of football’s greatest rivalries takes centre stage in round 22 of the Barclays Premier League when Manchester United travel to Anfield to face Liverpool.
The super Sunday action is completed with Arsenal’s difficult away trip to seventh placed Stoke. On Saturday Leicester city look to keep up the pressure when they meet bottom club Aston Villa. Manchester City meanwhile host Crystal Palace.
Liverpool vs Manchester United
It is a fixture that can not be matched anywhere in the country. When the two biggest rivals in the English game meet there is a sense of anticipation that can not be felt for any other fixture.
Both sides are in search of a win with neither of them boasting the best form. United have won only one of their last five Premier League games whilst Liverpool have only won two. Interestingly both are coming off 3-3 draws in midweek- will this fixture provide the same entertainment.
A win for Jurgen Klopp’s side will see them go level on points with the Red Devils whilst Louis Van Gaal’s men aim to keep tabs on the top four. This is a huge game for the Dutchman amid fears for his job security if United fail to pick up any points.
Stoke City vs Arsenal
Premier League leaders Arsenal will pay that tough visit to Stoke in an away day that is rarely enjoyed by any.
The Gunners let slip a 3-2 lead against Liverpool on Wednesday to allow Leicester City to go level on points at the top of the table. With the Foxes playing bottom club Aston Villa on Saturday, there could be huge pressure on Arsene Wenger’s side to remain at the summit.
Stoke might have changed their style under Mark Hughes, but they are still a side to be feared. The Potters have won three of their past five games and are pushing to finish in the European places. Arsenal have not won at the Britannia since 2010.
Aston Villa vs Leicester
For once Aston Villa head into a game on the back of a win after a narrow 1-0 victory at home to Crystal Palace. Now they will entertain high flying Leicester who scored their own win away at Spurs.
It looked like the Foxes fairytale was beginning to near it’s conclusion after three games without a win. The goals were drying up for Jamie Vardy and Riyhad Mahrez but upped stepped the Berlin Wall as Robert Huth’s header was the only goal in an impressive win at White Heart Lane.
Villa still remain eight points off safety but a win here will be a huge confidence booster that could potentially leas to a great escape. That is something Leicester fans know all too much about.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
After losing ground on Leicester in midweek, Manchester City will be hoping to keep in touch with the leaders when they host Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Alan Pardew’s side have lost their mojo in recent weeks. They have not won in four Premier League matches and must turn this around if they are to contend for a European qualification position.
City are still in touching distance of the Premier League summit and could go level with Arsenal and Leicester if they win and their two rivals lose. It is a long shot but they are the only top three side at home this weekend. Manuel Pellegrini must do all he can to make sure his job is safe for another season after Pep Guardiola entered the market.
Chelsea vs Everton
Chelsea are still in search of back to back Premier League wins after a 2-2 draw at home to West Brom in midweek. It was not a desired result for Guus Hiddink who will be hoping for a major improvement when they face the Toffees on Saturday.
Everton are only one point above their opponents and will also feel they are underachieving this season. A draw away at Manchester City is a positive result, but they have only won one of their last five games.
Everton have always been a tricky opponent, but they have not won at Stamford Bridge for over 15 years despite grabbing many draws. Romelu Lukaku will be the player to watch as the red hot Belgian goes up against his former employers.
Tottenham vs Sunderland
The possibility of a title challenge was looking very real for Spurs, but a 1-0 loss at home to Leicester City has set them further back. Can they respond against Sunderland?
That defeat is their only blemish in the past five games but they are now seven points off the summit. Sunderland meanwhile have got some momentum on their side after back to back victories.
The Black Cats have not won against Spurs since 2013, but with a bit of form on their side can they produce an upset and possibly move clear of the relegation zone?
Other Fixtures:
Sat 15:00- Bournemouth vs Norwich
Sat 15:00- Newcastle vs West Ham
Sat 15:00- Southampton vs West Brom
Mon 20:00- Swansea vs Watford
The Premier League action begins with Tottenham vs Sunderland at 12:45GMT Saturday.
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