Five things to look out for in the Premier League’s latest round of games.
The midweek round of games threw a few spanners into the works, and this weekend’s matches could do it again with gusto. So without any further ado here are five things to keep an eye out for in the Premier League this weekend.
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5. Can Man City push on?
Sergio Aguero has been the main man at the Etihad this season, but in recent weeks the rest of the team have managed to step up to a similar level as they look for a move lasting defence of their title than last time.
The ever-improving Jesus Navas has proved a menace down the right wing, while Samir Nasri has stepped up in the absence of David Silva and flourished, having been handed added responsibility to drift between the lines. However, Everton are unpredictable at the moment, and could perform to their true potential if given the opportunity.
4. Six pointers all over
As usual, it’s tighter at the bottom of the table than it is at the top, and this weekend will see four of the division’s bottom five go head to head.
QPR meet Burnley, whilst Hull take on West Brom, and on Sunday rock bottom Leicester travel to meet Aston Villa, who have been able to claw their way up to twelfth, though they could still be dragged down. Depending on how results go it could have a real bearing on where certain teams end the season, or more importantly, in which division.
3. Can Southampton get back on track?
After their strong start to the campaign, the Saints have crashed back to earth somewhat on the back of two successive defeats.
The Saints don’t have a particularly good scoring record against the division’s bigger clubs and on Monday night they will try and have to stop their mini-slump against a resurgent Manchester United. They certainly have the players to do that, and in Koeman they have the coach to lead them, but with confidence low it may prove to be a tall order.
2. GOALDADO!
After finally, FINALLY breaking his duck earlier this week, will the Spaniard rediscover his golden touch, or will it just be a one off? There’s no doubt that he is a top class striker, but with a number of problems on and off the pitch it has sometimes been easy to forget that.
With him looking a little sharper now, a goal could do him the world of good when it comes to confidence, and should he hit the goal trail again he may negate the need for Spurs to slash the cash on a new front man in the new year.
1. Can Alexis Sanchez do it on a cold Saturday afternoon in Stoke?
Well, can he?
The Chilean has enjoyed an immensely successful season so far in north London, and has so far been the club’s stand out performer, but a wintertime trip to Stoke is the real acid test for any fledgling South American superstar.
It may not be the oft maligned wet Wednesday night, but the Gunners haven’t won at the Britannia since 2010 and Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross has warned Sanchez and company to expect a hostile reception at kick off.
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