Proper weekend football is back!
Premier League
Liverpool vs. Stoke City
A defeat for Stoke at Anfield would be the final nail in their coffin. Liverpool having thrashed AS Roma 5-2 will want to rotate their squad ahead of their second leg. Stoke will have to have an amazing game to get anything out of the fixture and odds are that Liverpool will win comfortably even with a rotated squad. West Brom did manage to get a point against a rotated Liverpool side and so should have some hope going into the game.
Burnley vs. Brighton
Last weekend both these teams drew against their respective opponents although Brighton’s point against Tottenham was most likely a better feat. Burnley have dropped off in recent weeks but a win at home could take them to within a point of Arsenal who are 6th. Brighton in most likelihood are safe for this season but a win would make that a certainty take them to 11th with 39 points.
Crystal Palace vs. Leicester
Crystal Palace need the three points more than Leicester do and after drab nil nil draws last weekend both teams will be looking to bounce back with a win. Leicester have fallen down the table in recent weeks but a win could take them 8th while a win for Palace could take them up to 11th place if other fixtures go their way.
Huddersfield vs. Everton
Huddersfield come of two weeks of rest and will be raring to go against Eveton who won against Newcastle last weekend. Huddersfield find themselves 16th at the moment and a win could take them up to 13th and closer to the 40 point mark of safety. Everton could solidify their position in 8th with a win although Huddersfield have been decent at home this season.
Newcastle vs. West Brom
Newcastle lost to Everton last weekend while West Brom fought back to clinch a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at home. Rafa will be looking to bounce back with a win and 3 points could solidify their place in 10th. This is a do or die game for West Brom and anything less than a win would mean that they will be relegated to the Championship.
Southampton vs. Bournemouth
A interesting game for both sides as Southampton need a win to keep their survival hopes alive while a win for Bournemouth would guarantee them safety for this season. Bournemouth lost at home to Man United last weekend and Southampton lost at Wembley to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi final. Mark Hughes will be looking to put all his effort into not getting two teams relegated this season and so should be encouraged to get points against a suspect Bournemouth side.
West Ham vs. Man City
West Ham similar to many other teams find themselves on the path to safety. Man City having won the Premier League are now chasing the records that are set by Chelsea. Playing Man City is never an easy option but West Ham could get something out of the game especially since they are at home. Moyes will be hoping that some malaise kicks into Pep’s side.
Man United vs. Arsenal
A game of no real consequence as a win for both teams would not change their league position and in Arsenal’s case they will be focusing on the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Atletico. Arsenal in all likelihood will rotate the squad although Aubameyang will start but, United with a full strength team should have enough to win at Old Trafford. A slight twist is that this is Wenger’s last game against United as Arsenal manager and so he will want to get one over Mourinho.
Tottenham vs. Watford
Anything other than a win for Tottenham would make the top four race very interesting and personally I am hoping that is the case. Watford are one win away from guaranteed safety for this season and will hope to attack a wounded Tottenham side. This fixture along with the Liverpool game should be interesting games to watch.
Serie A
Inter vs. Juventus
In what is the only title race in Europe this season, this fixture comes with immense weight. Inter sit 5th but a win against Juventus could take them up to 3rd if results elsewhere go in their favour. Juventus need the three points as anything less than that could jeopardise their position as league leaders if Napoli were to win. An interesting and important game for both parties and Juventus will need to play better than they have in the last few games.
Park The Bus 