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This weekend a number of vital matches take place in the Premier League, with issues at the top and bottom of the table still to be decided. Here are Saturday’s fixtures:
Both of these teams are desperate for points in the fight for Premier League survival. The home side are ahead of the 19th place visitors by just a point, so the Saints cannot afford to slip-up in this clash.
Southampton have won just two of their last 19 outings in the top-flight, including just one in their last 15 games in the Premier League. The Saints have also failed to record a victory in their last seven home games in the top-flight. The home side have scored more than once on home soil just once in their last ten league outings at St Marys.
Stoke head into this game on the back of a four-game winless run in the Premier League. The Potters will feel they should have collected more points from their recent games, having drawn three of their last four games in the English top-flight. Their away record in the top-flight is poor in recent months, as they have failed to win on their travels in nine league games, suffering six defeats in the process.
The home side heads into this game as slight favourites to record a victory in this vital clash. However, in truth, neither side head into this clash in great spirits, so it could easily go either way.
Two other relegation-threatened teams also go head-to-head on Saturday afternoon, as Swansea host West Ham at the Liberty Stadium. The home side slipped back into the relegation zone last weekend. However, they only trail the visitors by three points.
The Swans eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end last time out, as the Welsh side suffered a 4-1 defeat another relegation-threatened side Brighton Hove Albion. The defeat also ended a run good run of form for Carlos Carvalhal’s side that had yielded three wins and two draws in their previous five games.
One positive for the Welsh side is their recent home form. They have won their last three games in the league. Their recent home games in the league have been low scoring, with seven of their last nine league games producing under 2.5 goals.
West Ham’s revival under David Moyes has hit the skids of late. One league win from their last five outings has seen the Irons dragged back into the fight for survival. The side from east London cannot afford to lose this clash. In their last game in the top-flight, the Irons suffered a 4-1 mauling at Liverpool. The defeat means that the visitors have suffered defeats in their last two away games in the Premier League.
Prior to the defeats, the Irons were on an unbeaten run of four away games on their travels. The Hammers recent games on their travels have been goal-filled, as seven of their last eight away games have produced over 2.5 goals.
Saturday’s other Premier League fixtures (3 pm kick-offs, unless stated)
Burnley v Everton (12:30 PM)
Leicester v Bournemouth
Tottenham v Huddersfield
Watford v West Brom
Liverpool v Newcastle (5:30 PM)
Who will pick up the biggest wins in Saturday’s Premier League games?
