Premier League Weekend Preview: Game-by-Game Guide
Premier League football returns this week following the international break, and with just six points separating the top seven, it could be a crucial round of fixtures.
As the top teams jostle for position, Arsenal continue to lead the pack, but a recent defeat at Manchester United has reduced their lead to just two points and left them vulnerable.
At the foot of the table, meanwhile, and with over quarter of the season gone, it’s already make-or-break time for managerless Crystal Palace, who are six points from safety.
England’s top flight has dished up its fair share of surprises so far this term, and there’s always the potential for more.
So as the domestic programme gets underway once more, here’s our match-by-match guide to every Premier League game this weekend.
Everton vs. Liverpool
1 of 10
Where: Goodison Park
When: Saturday 23 November, 12:45 GMT
While two 0-0 draws in a row is hardly ideal preparation for a Merseyside derby, Everton will have taken heart from consecutive clean sheets, and they’ll need to be equally stingy against Liverpool.
The Reds’ attacking partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were both on international duty this week, and now may not be a bad time for the Toffees to face the deadly duo.
While the same can be said of the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Brendan Rodgers’ reliance on his front two, who have scored 16 of Liverpool’s 21 league goals this campaign, is undeniable.
The home side have no new injury worries, but Arouna Kone is now likely to miss the rest of the season following surgery on his knee. Darron Gibson has also undergone a similar operation but is unlikely to feature this term.
For the visitors, a thigh injury is expected to keep Iago Aspas out of the picture until early December, while left-back Jose Enrique has joined Sebastien Coates as a long-term absentee thanks to his troublesome knee problem.
Only Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur have better defensive records than these two in the Premier League, but Liverpool have scored seven goals more than their rivals.
And whatever the outcome, a crackling atmosphere inside Goodison Park will guarantee a suitable backdrop to one of the most famous fixtures in English football.
Prediction: 2-2
Arsenal vs. Southampton
2 of 10
Where: Emirates Stadium
When: Saturday 23 November, 15:00 GMT
In what should be a fascinating clash in North London this Saturday, this season’s early front-runners come face-to-face with the undisputed surprise package of the campaign so far.
Arsenal will be determined to reassert their title-winning credentials after a morale-sapping defeat at Manchester United, while victory for Southampton would see them move level on points with Arsene Wenger’s pace-setters.
With only one defeat blighting their record this term, the Saints under Mauricio Pochettino have been nothing short of sensational.
The Argentinian has overseen their best-ever start in the top flight and won October’s Manager of the Month award for his troubles.
Jay Rodriguez, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert’s involvement with England has added extra gloss to their efforts, and they currently have the meanest defence in the division, with only five goals conceded in 11 games.
The Gunners could be boosted by the return of a host of stars ahead of the weekend, but Jack Wilshere is a doubt after picking up an ankle injury whilst on international duty.
Theo Walcott could play some part against his old club, and while the clash will come too soon for Lukas Podolski, Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky are both expected to be given the all-clear.
As for Southampton, only Guly do Prado is unavailable, and Pochettino will field his strongest possible side as they look to continue their astounding start.
Prediction: 3-2
Fulham vs. Swansea City
3 of 10
Where: Craven Cottage
When: Saturday 23 November, 15:00 GMT
In what has been an indifferent start to the campaign for both Fulham and Swansea City, victory for either at Craven Cottage on Saturday would be gladly received.
Pressure on Martin Jol has been mounting in recent weeks, and with the West Londoners in the bottom three, discontent on the terraces has grown louder by the game.
The Dutchman knows better than anyone that his neck is on the line, and it is hoped the addition of new head coach Rene Meulensteen will give them the boost they desperately need.
In South Wales, the Swans are still licking their wounds after defeat to fierce rivals Cardiff City and a disputed stoppage-time penalty for Stoke City that denied them all three points.
Boss Michael Laudrup will travel to the capital without influential forward Michu, who is suffering from an ankle injury, while Pablo Hernandez is also set to miss out with a thigh problem.
The home side require a response after a crushing 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last time out, but will have to find one without Matthew Briggs and Hugo Rodallega, while Sascha Riether remains suspended.
Prediction: 1-1
Hull City vs. Crystal Palace
4 of 10
Where: KC Stadium
When: Saturday 23 November, 15:00 GMT
With doubts still surrounding the identity of Crystal Palace’s new manager following Ian Holloway’s exit, their off-field distractions could ultimately work in Hull City’s favour on Saturday.
According to BBC Sport, former Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is in advanced talks over the vacant position at Selhurst Park, but at the time of writing, no announcement has been made.
Eagles chairman Steve Parish had hoped to install the new man well ahead of the trip to Humberside, and the club need a lift after a worrying start that has left them bottom of the table with just four points from a possible 33.
Hull, meanwhile, have enjoyed a steady campaign so far, but Steve Bruce has one or two injury concerns.
Goalkeeper Allan McGregor has still not fully recovered from the thigh problem that has kept him out of their last three games, while the fitness of midfielder Robbie Brady is also a concern and Stephen Quinn has been ruled out for five weeks with a hamstring problem.
Sone Aluko has a torn Achilles, which is expected to keep him out for anything up to 10 weeks, and James Chester is also missing.
Palace could name the same starting XI that held Everton to a 0-0 draw before the international break, with striker Marouane Chamakh keeping his place despite only scoring once this season.
Prediction: 2-0
Newcastle United vs. Norwich City
5 of 10
Where: St. James’ Park
When: Saturday 23 November, 15:00 GMT
With just one defeat in their last five matches, Newcastle United are in impressive form ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Norwich City.
Back-to-back wins over Champions League hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have buoyed Alan Pardew’s men and instilled a new sense of belief at St. James’ Park.
Loic Remy is proving irresistible in front of goal, and with the Toon’s triumphant French contingent returning with a World Cup place in the bag, all signs point to a home win.
Canaries boss Chris Hughton hasn’t had the easiest of seasons so far, with his team just one point clear of the drop zone after 11 games.
The former Magpies manager will be given a rousing reception on his return to Tyneside, but that will be of little consolation if City return to Norfolk empty-handed.
Newcastle could welcome back Argentine international Jonas Gutierrez this weekend after a period of compassionate leave, while right-back Mathieu Debuchy is missing through suspension.
Norwich will be looking to build on their morale-boosting win over West Ham United last time out, but they are sweating on the fitness of striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel and midfielder Anthony Pilkington.
Prediction: 3-1
Stoke City vs. Sunderland
6 of 10
Where: Britannia Stadium
When: Saturday 23 November, 15:00 GMT
Not so long ago, this would have been a easy fixture to predict, but Sunderland are a different proposition since Gus Poyet replaced Paolo Di Canio early last month.
Consecutive home wins over Newcastle United and Manchester City have hauled the Black Cats off the foot of the table, and though the Wearsiders remain in the bottom three, the mood at the Stadium of Light has lifted.
Stoke City, on the other hand, appear to be in reverse, and just one win in their last nine Premier League fixtures has left Mark Hughes’ side just one place above the drop zone.
Such is the nature of the top flight this term that a victory on Saturday could push City up to mid-table, but they will not have things all their own way against Sunderland.
The visitors head to the Potteries with no new injury concerns, but both Andrea Dossena and Lee Cattermole miss out through suspension. For Stoke, defender Andy Wilkinson has an outside chance of featuring despite a knee injury.
Prediction: 2-1
West Ham United vs. Chelsea
7 of 10
Where: Boleyn Ground
When: Saturday 23 November, 17:30 GMT
It remains to be seen which West Ham United turns up on Saturday evening—the one that lost 3-1 to struggling Norwich City or the side that won so convincingly at Tottenham Hotspur last month.
Currently one of a trio of clubs on 10 points at the wrong end of the table, the Hammers need to find a level of consistency, but in Chelsea they’ll face a team with a point to prove.
Jose Mourinho’s men have lagged behind in recent weeks, and defeat at Newcastle United followed by a nervy home draw with West Bromwich Albion left the Blues boss fuming.
He will doubtlessly demand a response from his players this weekend and could be ruthless in his team selection in the face of such complacency in their last two games.
Sam Allardyce will be without influential defender Winston Reid, who has been sidelined until the New Year with an ankle injury, but while there are doubts surrounding the fitness of Joey O’Brien, Matthew Taylor could return.
For Chelsea, it remains to be seen if Fernando Torres plays any part at the Boleyn Ground after the Spaniard missed their last two games with a muscle problem.
Prediction: 0-2
Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur
8 of 10
Where: Etihad Stadium
When: Sunday 24 November, 13:30 GMT
While Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has admitted their away form must improve in response to their recent defeat at Sunderland, he has no such worries at the Etihad Stadium.
Five wins out of five and a total of 20 goals scored and only two conceded represents the league’s only 100 percent home record and makes it a daunting place to visit.
City blasted seven past Norwich in their last fixture before the international break, whereas Tottenham Hotspur have scored just three times in their last five Premier League fixtures.
Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas will need to lift his players after a frustrating home defeat to Newcastle United. But his cause won’t be helped by the absence of midfielder Christian Eriksen, who has been ruled out for a month with an ankle injury.
Danny Rose could play some part, as could Nacer Chadli, while for City, Matija Nastasic and Fernandinho are both carrying knocks but should be okay to face the Londoners.
News is awaited on the fitness of captain Vincent Kompany, who missed both of Belgium’s recent friendlies with a thigh strain, while David Silva is definitely out with a calf problem.
Prediction: 2-0
Cardiff City vs. Manchester United
9 of 10
Where: Cardiff City Stadium
When: Sunday 24 November, 16:00 GMT
It seems David Moyes is beginning to find his feet as manager of Manchester United—and that could spell trouble for Cardiff City in the Welsh capital this weekend.
The Red Devils moved to within five points of leaders Arsenal after their 1-0 victory over the Gunners almost a fortnight ago, and another three points on Sunday would put them firmly in contention.
Five wins from their last six Premier League games have given the champions a new lease of life in the top flight, and few would bet against them adding to that record against Malky Mackay’s men.
City will welcome back £8.5 million striker Andreas Cornelius for the clash, who is poised to return after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him for 10 weeks.
Peter Odemwingie should also play some part despite carrying a slight knock, whilst the visitors will give late fitness tests to in-form Robin van Persie and defender Rafael.
Utility man Phil Jones is expected to be missing after picking up a groin injury in England’s defeat to Chile at Wembley last week.
Prediction: 1-3
West Bromwich Albion vs. Aston Villa
10 of 10
Where: The Hawthorns
When: Saturday 23 November, 12:45 GMT
Both of these sides have suffered their fair share of injury woes so far this season, but both have shown guile and resolve and look relatively safe in mid-table.
But this will be the first West Midlands derby for a number of Aston Villa’s players, and that could hand West Bromwich Albion something of an advantage on Monday night.
The Baggies have shown great determination on more than one occasion this term and picked up points against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.
But Paul Lambert’s side have shown a steely side of their own on the road, having lost just once away from Villa Park and keeping three clean sheets in the process.
West Brom boss Steve Clarke has a slight concern over goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, but the American-born stopper is expected to be fit.
News is also awaited on the availability of defender Billy Jones, who may have to wait for the trip to Newcastle United next weekend, but Scott Sinclair and Nicolas Anelka should be ready to return to the starting line-up.
As for the visitors, star striker Christian Benteke is in a race against time to play some part after hurting his knee on international duty with Belgium.
Keeper Brad Guzan has a slight knock, as does Ciaran Clark, but both could figure at The Hawthorns along with Andreas Weimann and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Prediction: 1-0
