London Derby, Merseyside, other EPL clashes this weekend in the EPL

London Derby, Merseyside, other EPL clashes this weekend in the EPL

Arsenal’s recent dramatic victory over Manchester City has instilled a renewed sense of confidence among the Gunners, who believe they can finally clinch a title they have been pursuing for two decades.

Currently, Mikel Arteta’s squad is positioned in second place, narrowly trailing behind their north London counterparts, Tottenham, only on the basis of goal difference. A win on Saturday would see Arsenal claim the top spot in the standings since Tottenham won’t be playing until Monday.

For Chelsea, the timing of the international break could not have been worse, given their recent back-to-back league victories under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, marking the first time they have achieved this feat.

The Blues have evidently regained their scoring prowess, notably putting six goals past Fulham and Burnley. However, Arsenal presents a significantly more formidable challenge, testing whether Chelsea’s resurgence is a sustainable trend.

It is worth noting that Chelsea has not managed to secure a victory against their London rivals in a home league fixture since 2018.

If Pochettino can put an end to this drought, it would not only win over the Stamford Bridge faithful after a somewhat frustrating start to his tenure but also benefit his former club, Spurs, in their pursuit of the league’s top position.

Intense emotions will sweep through Liverpool this Saturday as Anfield hosts the first Merseyside derby of the season.

Liverpool and Everton, local rivals, have had divergent beginnings to the current season. The Reds find themselves firmly entrenched in the title race after eight matches, whereas their counterparts from the blue half of the city are bracing themselves for another tough battle to avoid relegation.

While Evertonians’ spirits were lifted by an impressive 3-0 triumph over Bournemouth just before the international break, they are under no illusion about the formidable challenge awaiting them this weekend.

It’s essential to note that Everton has managed to secure victory in only nine of their last 65 meetings with Liverpool, and bookmakers heavily favor Jurgen Klopp’s team to emerge with all three points in this upcoming clash.

The past two encounters between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield concluded with routine 2-0 victories for the home team, and a similar outcome seems probable this time, despite both sides’ offensive ambitions.

Liverpool ranks as the third-highest goal-scorers in the Premier League and has consistently netted three goals in each of their previous three home games in the top flight this season.

Saturday’s Fixtures

Liverpool v Everton
Bournemouth v Wolves
Brentford v Burnley
Manchester City v Brighton
Newcastle v Crystal Palace
Nottingham Forest v Luton
Chelsea v Arsenal
Sheffield United v Manchester United

Sunday’s fixture

Aston Villa v West Ham

Monday’s fixture
Tottenham v Fulham