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The double-header on Saturday will tell us where the Premier League is heading this season before the two big matches on Sunday. Sunderland, after seven straight defeats, find themselves at the bottom of the table. The margin of the defeats suggest that they were completely hammered in this Premier League. They will be looking for a miracle to happen when they take on Everton, who are placed in fifth position with 63 points.
However, it’s not going to be easy for Sunderland. Everton’s win over Arsenal has opened the gate for them to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. With still one game in hand, Everton is likely to be in the race for UEFA Champions League. They have won their last six matches and are on a roll at the moment. It will require an extraordinary performance from Sunderland to beat Everton which looks improbable.
But everybody’s focus will be on Sunday’s double-header where the table toppers Liverpool take on Manchester City, and second placed Chelsea face Swansea. The match between Liverpool and Manchester City will draw the attention of all football fans. So far it has been a top-class performance from Liverpool. Their 2-1 win over West Ham speaks volumes of their ability to handle tense situations. After conceding a goal, Steven Gerrard held his nerve twice on penalties to win the game for his side.
Liverpool have won nine games on the trot and a win against Manchester City will push them closer to ending their drought. Manchester City, on the other hand, have played a couple of games less than their counterparts. Even if they don’t get the desired result, City will have a game left which could keep their chances alive in this Premier League.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are sitting in the second place in the table. With Manchester City still having a game left after the clash against Liverpool, Chelsea would be looking for a solid performance when they face Swansea. Chelsea has one man, Jose Mourinho who will be always motivating and tuning his players. Their 3-0 win over Stoke City must have given them a lot of confidence.
Let’s look at the possible things that can happen in the match.
Liverpool vs Manchester City:
Liverpool have been dominant in this Premier League so far. They are the table toppers and will be looking continue their dominance. A win for Liverpool will definitely put them in a strong position.
In contrast, Manchester City has some tough weeks ahead and will be looking for a good solid effort to take the lead in the Premier League. They will enter the match confidently as they had better of Liverpool when these two teams squared off for the first time in this season. City won the game 2-1 against Liverpool.
However, it’s going to be tough for City as Liverpool’s defense has been extremely good. Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have been the star-performer for Liverpool as they together scored 49 goals. However, City have conceded only 29 goals, and therefore, it will be a mouth-watering contest between the two teams.
If City can keep a check on Suarez and Sturridge, they should fancy their chances. Otherwise, Liverpool shouldn’t find any problems against the City.
Swansea City vs Chelsea:
As we approach the final weeks of this season’s Premier League, Chelsea have the golden opportunity of taking the Premier League lead. If Manchester City beats Liverpool, Chelsea have a chance of taking over all the Premier League lead.
But they should not think little of Swansea who are placed 15th in the table. Their minus-four goal tells us they are not much far away from the middle-of the table. A positive result against Chelsea could still keep them in the hunt.
But it is unlikely that the result would go Swansea’s way. Chelsea have more talented players and therefore they should not find any problems in winning against Swansea City. Expect Chelsea to thrash Swansea.
Sunderland vs Everton:
So far it has been a splendid performance from Everton. They have won their last six games and are just a point away from booking the place in final Champions League spot.
It’s going to be a tough game for Sunderland. They have been affected mentally after 5-1 defeat to Tottenham. On the other hand, Everton will come into the match with a convincing 3-0 win over Arsenal. With the kind of performance in the last match, Everton showed that they will not be discouraged in spite of substandard competition.
What is clear is that this weekend will have a lot to talk about once its over.
