The Premier League will resume this weekend and here are some of the things to look out for as the race for the title heats up.
Will Liverpool falter in the title race?
Liverpool will once again have to navigate a tricky fixture at home when they host Chelsea in the Premier League. The Reds are at the summit of the table, two points ahead of second-placed Manchester City who have a game in hand. Chelsea are also in pursuit of a top-four finish and they will want to maintain the recent form that has seen them move to third in the table. The Blues have won two of the last three encounters with Liverpool and they could very well give City the advantage in the title race. Whether they can re-assert themselves as championship material will remain to be seen.
Tough trip for City
Manchester City will want to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League when they face Crystal Palace on Sunday. However, that is much easier said than done seeing as the Eagles beat the Citizens at the Etihad earlier this season and they drew with them during last season’s fixture. With Pep Guardiola’s men in the Champions League, they will have to conserve energy and that might give the home side the impetus to perform in front of their own fans. Palace are firmly 11th in the table and they will not be under the pressure that their opponents have.
Tottenham’s perfect home record to continue
Tottenham looks to maintain their winning start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when they host Huddersfield on Saturday. This looks like a relatively easy win for Spurs, and with four wins from their last five home games in the league, it’s easy to see why that is the case. They have won their first two fixtures in their new home and they will be motivated to extend that winning streak during the weekend. Huddersfield have not won a trip away in the Premier League since November, losing nine of their ten matches since and it is unlikely they will match their hosts.
Wolves leaky defence to cost them
Southampton will be eager to move clear of the Premier League relegation zone when they host Wolves this weekend. The Saints came very close to taking points off Liverpool last Friday, but a late double from the title challengers saw them go empty-handed. Wolves impressed with their defensive astuteness early in the season, but this has fallen by the wayside in the recent past. They have conceded in each of their last 12 Premier League away days. Southampton, on the other hand, have scored in their last 11 home matches in the league and they will want to take full advantage to avoid sliding back to the relegation battle.
Burnley out to survive
Cardiff needs a win to improve their hopes of avoiding Premier League relegation when they visit Burnley. The hosts dramatically improved their chances of survival in the top flight last weekend with an excellent 3-1 win away to Bournemouth. That notwithstanding, they are not out of danger just yet and an assured performance only will help their cause. Neil Warnock’s men face a Burnley side with four wins from their last seven home games and it won’t be easy for them. We are likely to witness a home win for the Clarets as the momentum is with their side.