Chelsea battle Tottenham in Premier League main event this weekend as the two London sides lock horns at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea owns the Premier League’s best points total and sit atop the table. Spurs won for the first time in five tries last weekend and look to narrow the gap between the sides to one point.
Both teams’ defences have been brilliant in 2016/17. Spurs have conceded a mere eight goals, while Chelsea have let in nine. The Blues’ defence looks slightly more in-form as Chelsea’s back line have kept six straight clean sheets.
The battle of the bridge will most likely come down to which team’s attackers can unlock the stingy defences. Tottenham have Harry Kane fit and firing. The English international scored twice last week. Meanwhile, Diego Costa has scored in Chelsea’s last three matches.
While Chelsea will have their top stars ready for the fixture, Spurs will be without defenders Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld. The Blues look to have the defensive advantage going into the Premier League main event of gameweek 13.
Bet365 – Chelsea to win at 7/10, Tottenham to win at 4/1
Burnley v Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne leads Manchester City into gameweek 13’s Saturday early kickoff following a midweek Champions League draw with Borussia Monchengladbach.
City have won just two Premier League matches in their last six attempts. However, Saturday sees them play a Burnley side that were humiliated by West Brom last weekend 4-0.
De Bruyne will be ever dangerous unlocking Burnley’s defence, which he should be capable of at Turf Moor. The Belgian is top of the Premier League in assists (nine) and three have come directly from set pieces.
Swansea v Crystal Palace
With both teams being linked to new managers, it is a must-win game for both sides. Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace have lost five straight. Meanwhile, Swansea have not won since Bob Bradley took over in October.
Anything short of a win for either side could spell the end for Pardew or Bradley.
Leicester v Middlesbrough
Leicester have gone under the radar this season as one of the Premier League’s underachievers. The club are only two points above the relegation zone and have lost two straight matches.
Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough is a must-win, six-pointer. With neither team in great form in the Premier League, a victory could propel one of the two sides to a comfortable Premier League finish.
Liverpool v Sunderland
Liverpool have dominated the last six matches against Sunderland. The Reds are undefeated against the Black Cats dating back to 2013.
However, Sunderland did get a draw at Anfield last season, and David Moyes’ team is playing their best football of the season so far.
Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe has scored in his last three matches, and his play has powered the Black Cats’ attack. Meanwhile, Liverpool were held scoreless last week against Southampton. The team needs their big stars to bounce back and lift them to the Premier League lead once more.
Arsenal v Bournemouth
Arsenal host Bournemouth as the Gunners look to continue their 11 match unbeaten run. Hector Bellerin and Santi Cazorla are still sidelined for Arsenal, but the team should have the rest of their top stars fit.
Arsene Wenger’s team have drawn their last two fixtures, but the Gunners dominated Bournemouth last season, taking six points from both matches.
Bournemouth’s Artur Boruc is 75% likely to play, but is suffering from a back injury. Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s on loan midfielder Jack Wilshere will miss the clash as he is unable to play against his parent club.
Manchester United v West Ham
Despite Manchester United’s midweek Europa League win, the Red Devils have won just once in their last six Premier League fixtures. West Ham went undefeated against Manchester United in the Premier League last season.
Jose Mourinho’s team will host West Ham on Sunday. Even if they win, however, Manchester United will not crack the Premier League top five.
Both Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling will miss out due to injury and Mourinho will most likely call on the services of Phil Jones once again.
This weekend, the Hammers will be without defender Winston Reid. In addition, West Ham are still waiting for Dimitri Payet to find the form he showcased last term.
Saturday Nov. 26, 2016
Burnley v Manchester City
Swansea v Crystal Palace
Leicester v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Sunderland
Hull v West Brom
Chelsea v Tottenham
Sunday Nov. 27, 2016
Watford v Stoke
Arsenal v Bournemouth
Manchester United v West Ham
Southampton v Everton
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