Premier League: Week 32 preview Reds kick off League return

 

A fiery clash kicks off the return of the Premier League when Crystal Palace take on Liverpool at Selhurst Park. There’s a lot to play for as Palace are 16th on the log, just two points clear of the drop zone. A crucial win over Huddersfield lifted them out of the zone but defeat could see them slip right back.
Liverpool on the other hand are third, just two points off second placed Man United, although the Red Devils have a game in hand. They swept aside Watford 5-0, with the in-form Mohammed Salah bagging an incredible four goals in that win. The Egyptian now has 28 goals and is on course to smash the record for most Premier League goals in a season. For now, though, it’s all about getting that all important win.

Man United will take on Swansea at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have a game in hand having played in the FA Cup during the last weekend. They are two points clear of nearest rivals Liverpool, and while this fixture holds some importance, manager Jose Mourinho will have one eye on the upcoming Manchester Derby.

Swansea are in 14th with a game in hand compared to their relegation rivals, but they face an uphill task as only Manchester City have defeated United at Old Trafford this season. Their last encounter at the Liberty Stadium ended in a 4-0 defeat to the Swans and it’s hard to see anything new happen here.
Everton will tackle league leaders Man City at Goodison Park. The Toffees are one of just four teams to take points off the Citizens this season following their 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium. They have a string of injuries and suspensions going into this game however. Key players Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies are out injured while controversial defender Ashley Williams is serving a ban.

City will be a just one win away from the title if they can get past Sam Allardyce’s charges. They will then get the chance to win the title at the Etihad, against city rivals Manchester United.

Newcastle will take on Huddersfield at the Sports Direct Arena. The Toon Army are 13th on the log, just a point ahead of their opponents in 15th.
Bottom of the log West Brom face Burnley at Turf Moor. Alan Pardew’s men look sure to be relegated as they are rooted to the bottom with just eight points. They will need a miracle to stay up, and Burnley are certain to give them a tough time.

Watford will look to bounce back from their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool when Bournemouth visit Vicarage road.
West Ham and Southampton engage in another relegation three pointer at the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers are 17th on 30 points while the Saints are 18th on 28 points. Three points for either team will go a long way in deciding their safety status.

Brighton will welcome Leicester City to the Falmer Stadium as they look to continue their push up the table.

Tomorrow, Chelsea and Tottenham battle it out at Wembley Stadium. This is a hugely important match for both teams, especially Chelsea. The Blues are five points behind fourth placed Spurs and they know that anything other than a win will leave their hopes of Champions League football next season hanging by a thread. Should they succeed, it will be the first time they will be beating a top four rival since November.

Spurs have not won at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League era. The last time they won at this stadium was in 1990 courtesy of a winner from Gary Lineker. With Harry Kane out injured, Mauricio Pochettino will be counting on Heung Min Son to bring home the goods.

Arsenal will take on Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium. While the Gunners will be eyeing a win here, the main focus will certainly be on the Europa League tie against CSKA Moscow. Players were rested for their 3-0 win over Watford and Wenger could do the same this time around.

Stoke won their first meeting 1-0 at the Britannia courtesy of a goal from Jese Rodriguez. A lot has changed since then as they are now 19th on the table, three points adrift of safety. That was their first win over the Gunners in six games and they haven’t won at Arsenal since 1981. A tall order, indeed, for Paul Lambert.

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