Top Match Round-up: Relegation Fight the Pick of the Weekend's Premier League Action
The title race and battle to stave off relegation is still alive in the Premier League in the final stretch of the season.
Norwich vs Sunderland – Saturday, 12.45 KO
A three-game unbeaten run was brought to an end last weekend as Norwich fell to a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace. Back on home turf, though, the Canaries will be looking to at least maintain their four-point gap between themselves and 18th-placed Sunderland. The Black Cats have failed to win eight of their last 10 Premier League outings and need a positive result to maintain their chances of staving off relegation.
Newcastle United vs Swansea – Saturday, 15.00 KO
Newcastle’s recent run of form now leaves them six points off safety with the Magpies now staring relegation in the face following another disappointing defeat, this time at Southampton, last weekend. They need a win against Swansea in order to improve their chances of avoiding relegation, though that’s easier said than done. The Swans have improved significantly under Francesco Guidolin and have won their last three league visits to St. James’ Park.
Chelsea vs Manchester City – Saturday, 17.30 KO
Guus Hiddink lost only his second Premier League game over two spells as Chelsea manager at Swansea last weekend and will be keen to see his side return to winning ways at Manchester City’s expense in Saturday’s late kick off. The Citizens had struggled following the announcement that Pep Guardiola, but look back to their best on the back of Kevin De Bruyne’s return to fitness.
Leicester vs West Ham – Sunday, 13.30 KO
Leicester currently sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and are favourites to extend that lead to 10 on Sunday. The Foxes boast the joint-best home record in the Premier League this season, while West Ham have been somewhat laborious on their travels of late, winning only two of their last 11 away league matches.
Stoke vs Tottenham – Monday, 20.00 KO
Tottenham will need to match or better Leicester’s result on Monday in order to keep their slim hopes of domestic glory alive. Spurs have impressed at the Britannia in recent seasons, though will hope to turn out an improved showing than last term where they lost 3-0 to the Potters. The north London side have the second best away record in England’s top tier this term and should be confident of victory against a Stoke side struggling for consistency.
