The Premier League kicks into action this weekend following the international break. There is plenty at stake for all 20 teams, not least for the teams chasing Champions League football and those fighting to stay in the division.
While Everton’s short trip to Liverpool is undoubtedly the derby of the round regardless of what happens on England's south coast between Southampton and Bournemouth, Arsenal’s fixture against Manchester City will add a new layer of intrigue to the already pulsating top four race.
Meanwhile, Leicester City are high on confidence following four straight wins which have taken them into the Champions League quarter-finals as well as handed them a first away league win of the season at West Ham’s expense last time out.
Leicester are favourites for the win, with a draw more likely than a Stoke win; expect them to make it five wins out of five against the Potters on Saturday. This Betfair promotion could come in handy should you back the Foxes for a win.
Here is a preview of the big Premier League match-ups from the coming weekend, featuring the big hitters and the defending champions.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Arsenal are in a mini-crisis at the moment; their only wins since the start of February have come against Hull City, Sutton United, and Lincoln City, not a line-up of teams to inspire confidence against Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues haven’t themselves been flying of late, having been knocked out by Monaco in the Champions League and held to draws in their last two league games. However, City are seven points ahead of the Gunners which suggests the game at the Emirates on Sunday is a must-win for Arsenal.
Leicester City vs Stoke City
Ghanaian midfielder Daniel Amartey hasn’t found his feet in England since his move from Copenhagen last summer. The 22-year-old has played the full ninety minutes only once this calendar year owing to international commitments and has found himself on the bench as Leicester have gained form recently.
The Foxes are on the back of four straight wins and face an inconsistent Stoke side. Mark Hughes’ men gave good accounts of themselves in their last two league outings against Manchester City and Chelsea but had only a point to show for their efforts.
With 36 points on the board, Stoke are almost guaranteed to be safe, while Leicester on 30 points have still some way to go before securing their top-flight status for next season.
Liverpool vs Everton
The Reds edged the return fixture this season at Goodison Park, but Everton have collected more points than any other club since then. The Toffees’ total of 27 points since their 1–0 loss to Liverpool on 19th December is eight more than Liverpool's and has put them in the top four reckoning.
Liverpool, though, have performed well against the league’s top clubs. The Everton fixture is their last remaining big game on paper, and judging by the Reds’ impressive record against the big hitters, a win against Everton looks the more likely result.