While league leaders Manchester City reestablished their 14-point lead in the Premier League title race, other teams in the top-six will play to bolster their chances of Champions League football for next season.
Last week saw Liverpool falter yet again and slip to eighth in the league standings, while on the other hand, Manchester United ended City's run of 21 successive victories with a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
The latest game week provides us with a wholesome package of quality football, and, we bring you the numbers that will help you with insights on who stands favorites to win their respective ties.
Leeds vs Chelsea
Leeds United have endured a hot-and-cold season, but they will be eager to halt Chelsea's 11-game unbeaten run under new boss Thomas Tuchel at Elland Road.
While the head-to-head record between the clubs is marginally in favor of Chelsea with 9-8, the Blues have won just once at Leeds. Considering Chelsea's form of late, one can expect the Londoners to secure their second EPL win over the Whites, but in a master tactician in Marcelo Bielsa, the visitors cannot expect a favorable reception from the hosts, who need a win to move into the top-10.
Last 5 matches at Elland Road | ||
Leeds | Metrics | Chelsea |
2 | Wins | 1 |
2 | Draws | 2 |
1 | Losses | 2 |
Leeds have not beaten a 'big six' opponent in seven Premier League meetings this season, and Saturday's fixture could somehow spring up a surprise result.
Fulham vs Manchester City
Fulham's victory at Liverpool did offer some respite to the 18th-placed club, but with runaway leaders Manchester City travelling to Craven Cottage, onlookers can expect nothing but a loss for the Cottagers.
Last 5 matches (EPL) | ||
Fulham | Metrics | Manchester City |
2 | Wins | 4 |
2 | Draws | 0 |
1 | Losses | 1 |
Pep Guardiola's men have won their last six meetings with Fulham in all competitions by an aggregate score of 18-0, but they will be wary of Scott Parker's men, who are seeking to be just the second team in Premier League history (Everton in 2010) to beat the reigning champions and the league leaders in consecutive matches.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
Bitter rivalries always get the best out of teams in a Premier League fixture, and this Sunday, Arsenal will host arch-rival Tottenham Hotspur in the 58th North London derby in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's men have the edge in the head-to-head record, with 20 wins as opposed to Spurs' 14. But as far as form guide is concerned, both teams come into the tie on the back of massive wins in the Europa League.
Interestingly, Arsenal are winless in their last five meetings with Tottenham in all competitions, while Jose Mourinho's side are looking to win three consecutive league games against Arsenal for the first time since 1974. Fans can anticipate a quality contest of goals at the Emirates Stadium, but all eyes will be on Spurs captain Harry Kane, who is eager to build on his tally of 11 derby goals across all competitions.
Goals scored in halfs | |||
Goals scored | First half | Second half | Total |
Arsenal (home) | 7 | 9 | 16 |
Tottenham (away) | 11 | 10 | 21 |
Manchester United vs West Ham
Manchester United are still reeling from their disappointing 1-1 draw to AC Milan in the Europa League, and will seek to return to winning ways against West Ham.
As opposed to how this fixture would have been played in previous campaigns, the clubs will use this tie to bolster their chances for Champions League spot next season. And for David Moyes' men, a victory at Old Trafford - for the first time since 2007 - will add to their spectacular run in English top-flight football this season.
As for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men, the stakes for their victory are high and the Red Devils will look to add to their tally of 15 goals in their last three home games. Should they score three-plus goals in this fixture, this will be the first instance of the club achieving this feat since the run between May and September 2011 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Last 5 matches (Home or Away) | ||
Manchester United | Metrics | West Ham |
3 | Wins | 3 |
1 | Draws | 1 |
1 | Losses | 1 |
Wolves vs Liverpool
Having lost six league games in a row at Anfield, following the loss to Fulham last week, a beleaguered Liverpool seek solace from their trip to an inconsistent Wolves on Monday morning.
The Reds have slipped down to eighth on the points table, but appear to have some hope for a top-four finish following their improved display in their Champions League tie a few days back. Diego Jota, who swapped Wolves for Liverpool, will be tasked with hunting down his former employers who are without a win in their last three games.
In terms of the Wolves vs Liverpool head-to-head record, Jurgen Klopp's men have the outright edge with a 10-1 record and the reigning champions will look to consolidate their current away run of five wins in six (if one has to factor their “home” second leg against Leipzig was played on the road in neutral Budapest).
Head-to-Head record | ||
Wolves | Metrics | Liverpool |
13 | Matches | 13 |
1 | Wins | 10 |
2 | Draws | 2 |
Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Glyn Kirk