Things to look out for in the Premier League: Matchweek 8
The weekend is here and there will be plenty of action in the Premier League. Anfield welcomes and old manager, whilst it could be do or die time for Tottenham and Manchester United managers. Here is a look at the big talking points ahead of kick-off. Bet on football here.
Brendan Rodgers returns to Anfield
Brendan Rodgers is looking forward to his first return to Anfield as a manager when his Leicester City make the trip to Liverpool. The Red’s seven-match winning streak came under threat in their slender 1-0 win at Sheffield United, and they have looked short of their imperious selves in the last few weeks. Rodgers was Liverpool boss for just over three seasons after taking over in the summer of 2012. He also led the club to a thrilling second-place finish in the Premier League in 2013/14. He will be hoping to cause his former club enough problems here and it will be interesting to see how it pans out.
Don’t expect another classic
Newcastle United will have a hard task when they host Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend. Both sides are experiencing some difficult spells and we might not be treated to another goal-laden encounter as was the case last season when the Red Devils emerged on top of a 3-2 scoreline. Both teams are struggling at the moment and United became only the third team this year not to have a shot on target in a Europa League game. Marcus Rashford is also injured and that could mean more trouble for the visitors as well upfront.
Tottenham to drop points on the road again
Tottenham need to recover from their mid-week battering in the Champions League against Bayern Munich. However they have serious issues at the moment and it is not guaranteed that they have what it takes to come out on top here. Spurs are winless in nine Premier League away games since beating Fulham in January. With the factors at play considered, there is great chance that Brighton will take away something from Saturday’s game.
Goals galore
Arsenal will play host to Bournemouth at their Emirates Stadium as the Gunners aim to stay in the race for a place in the Champions League. The Cherries are not regarded as good travelers, and that should come as good news for the home fans. Arsenal have scored two or more goals in each of their previous three home games in the English top-flight and we believe that they are going to extend that trend against Bournemouth. Arsenal’s defensive problems are by no means a new thing as they have conceded more than once in seven of their last 12 league matches, and the visitors should fancy their chances.
Low scoring affair
West Ham and Crystal Palace will take each other on as the Hammers hope to extend their six-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League. Both sides have conceded just 16 times in 14 Premier League matches combined this season and it is clear that their main strengths lie in defence. With that in mind, we like the look of a low scoring affair for this weekend’s contest.
Battle of the promoted sides
Two of the promoted clubs to the Premier League this season will meet on Saturday when Norwich City welcome Aston Villa at Carrow Road. Interestingly, Norwich and Villa sit side by side in 17th and 18th place, having amassed six and five points respectively since the beginning of the season. Whilst the two clubs have done well at times, they continue to find the step up from England’s second-tier tough overall. This one is going to be an interesting one and the home side might just find a way to take all three points.