The English Premier League weekends that are sandwiched between the UEFA Champions League and Europa League call for a lot of squad reshuffles. And matchweek 25 will be one such set of fixtures where top clubs will have to negotiate player fatigue and claim all three points as well.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Though the Gunners have historically been the superior side in this fixture, as past records and Arsenal vs Manchester City head-to-head would suggest, the Cityzens have grown from strength to strength in the recent past. Hence, Pep Guardiola's men stand as the undoubted favourites in this fixture.
While Arsenal have won 23 times against City in the 47 times that they won, as opposed to Manchester City's 14 times, the Gunners have won just twice in their last five games. City, on the other hand, have won all five. Guardiola has also won three times in his last five visits to the Emirates.
| Last 5 matches (Home or Away) | ||
| Arsenal | Metrics | Manchester City |
| 3 | Wins | 5 |
| 2 | Draws | 0 |
| 0 | Losses | 0 |
Southampton vs Chelsea
Another fixture having a clear favourite would be the Southampton vs Chelsea game. Not only are the London side in superior form over the last few weeks, but they have always had a good record against the Saints. Chelsea have won 24 of the 43 matches against Southampton, with the later winning only nine times.
While the home side could always hope for a turnaround of results, their recent run of form makes it very difficult. Southampton have lost all of their last five games. To further make things worse for them, Chelsea haven't lost a single game at the St. Mary's in their last five visits.
| Last 5 matches at St Mary's | ||
| Southampton | Metrics | Chelsea |
| 0 | Wins | 5 |
| 0 | Draws | 0 |
Liverpool vs Everton
Even when Liverpool were dominating others in the Premier League last season, a win in the Merseyside derby was hard to come by. Though the Reds enjoy a 24-9 lead over Everton in head-to-head, one would keep a closer look at the 24 draws played out between them.
Neither Liverpool nor Everton come into the fixture in good form. Both have lost thrice in their last five respective matches. And while Liverpool have won the remaining two, Everton have won once and drawn the other. Jurgen Klopp, however, will keep a close eye on Everton's form in big games.
| Last 5 matches (Home or Away) | ||
| Liverpool | Metrics | Everton |
| 0 | Wins | 4 |
| 3 | Draws | 1 |
| 3 | Losses | 0 |
Manchester United vs Newcastle United
Coming fresh from a 4-0 win over Real Sociedad, Manchester United players will be confident of a comprehensive victory over Newcastle United at the Old Trafford. The Red Devils have won 30 of their 51 encounters with Newcastle while drawing 14 of them.
Interestingly, Newcastle United come to the match with two wins in their last five matches as opposed to Manchester's one. However, Harry Maguire and Co. will be optimistic about the result given their home form against Newcastle, where they won four times in the five matches. Newcastle's away form will also be comforting for United.
| Last 5 matches (home or away) | ||
| Manchester United | Metrics | Newcastle United |
| 3 | Wins | 1 |
| 1 | Draws | 0 |
| 1 | Losses | 3 |
West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur
It is one of those rare seasons where West Ham United have been flying higher than their London counterparts, and given Tottenham Hotspur's recent form the trend is expected to continue this matchweek as well.
Though Spurs enjoy a better win rate in head-to-head against West United Ham, winning 24 of the 49 encounters, the Hammers will be looking to capitalize on Jose Mourinho's horrible EPL form as a manager, currently.
| Last 5 matches (EPL) | ||
| West Ham United | Metrics | Tottenham Hotspur |
| 3 | Wins | 1 |
| 1 | Draws | 0 |
| 1 | Losses | 4 |
Feature Image courtesy: Laurence Griffiths / AFP
