Merseyside Derby
Saturday early kickoff is at Anfield where Liverpool will be hosting crosstown rivals Everton. The Toffees go into the game with lots of confidence, having scored 11 goals in their last 4 games. 7 of which came from the last 2 matches.
The form of Romelu Lukaku is surely going to be a source of concern with the Belgian scoring goals for fun. As typified in the 23 goals he has scored in 31 appearances in all competitions this term.
Liverpool also go into this one with decent amount of form, having picked up 10 points from their last 5 games. The Reds will see the game at Anfield a must-win knowing that they may soon find themselves outside of the top four if they keep dropping points with Manchester United and Arsenal breathing down their necks.
All in all the clash at Anfield promises to be an exciting one as both clubs are expected to go all out for the win.
Swansea City vs Middlesbrough
Two teams struggling to avoid relegation go head-to-head this weekend. Swansea, since the arrival of Paul Clement have looked a totally different side.
Clement has managed to lift a side that looked to be dead and buried, to one who look capable of survival for this season. The Swansea boss will know a win on home soil against a faltering Middlesbrough side would go a long way towards assuring safety as the Boro are a direct rival in the relegation dog fight.
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| Clement has overseen a massive change of fortunes at Swansea |
Swansea go into the clash on the back of two straight defeats at the hands of Hull City and Bournemouth. The Swans, although three points above the dreaded drop zone, know they have to win this game to put further daylight between them and the chasing pack.
The situation at Boro is far more dire - four consecutive defeats tells you all there is to know really. The woeful for of the North Easterners led to the sacking of Alto Karanka. 5 points from safety with 10 games to go means they would need to start picking up points and fast if they are to avoid relegation a season after being promoted.
This is another one where both teams are in need of the win. Expect fireworks at The Liberty.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
The final game in what is sure to be a busy weekend sees Arsenal host fellow top four contenders, Manchester City.
The Gunners are on a bad run of form and as usual, many fans of theirs are calling for the head of Monsieur Arsene Wenger. The defeat suffered at the Hawthorns a fortnight ago led to the Gunners dropping to 6th place - albeit with 2 games in hand over fourth placed Liverpool.
Wenger's future at Arsenal has been called into question in recent weeks
For City it has been a topsy-turvy season. But they are still in pole position to finish in the top three. The title might be a bit too far due to the Immaculate form of leaders, Chelsea. Still, a second placed finish would be seen as an improvement on last season's fourth placed finish.
It's all to play for for these sides and expect banners of "Wenger Out" to flash across the Emirates should Arsenal lose.
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