The Premier League has entered the stretch run and in a matter of weeks fans will know which side will emerge as the champion. This weekend is as crucial as any in the grand scheme, but it features a number of major rivalries that simply cannot be ignored. Here are the Premier League matches to watch this weekend.
Hull City vs. Manchester City
Manchester City has been so preoccupied with cup competitions that they have played three games less than any other team in the Premier League. They currently sit nine points behind Chelsea for first place with those three games in hand and will need to make up some ground in order to have any hope of winning the title. As it stands, the Citizens are in trouble. The team is out of the FA Cup and Champions League and has only managed to win the Capital One Cup. A loss at Hull City could spell the end of City's season. The fact that this game will be played on the road only adds to the pressure as Manchester City has been woeful away from home this year.
Hull City sits in 13th place with 30 points but is only five points away from a relegation spot. Moreover, the team has played two more games than Sunderland which sits in 19th and is just six points behind. Any points lost could mean the difference between competing in the EPL in 2014-15 and playing the English Championship.
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea
The Blues are the top team in England and currently hold a seven point lead on second-place Liverpool. Many think that Chelsea has the title in the bag, but its road record of seven wins, four draws and three losses indicates that a slipup is possible.
Aston Villa has 31 points and is in the midst of a battle to remain in the league. The team is only six points ahead of 17th place and could easily find itself in a relegation spot with a few bad losses.
Manchester United vs. Liverpool
Manchester United may not win the title this year, but the team can still finish in the top four with a solid run. If that is not possible, then the team must lock up a top five spot in order to contend in the Europa League. With 48 points, United currently trails Tottenham by five points with one game in hand. A win would put them two points behind Tottenham with a game in hand.
Liverpool sits in second place with 59 points and has shown no indication that it will fall off in coming weeks. Luis Suarez's hot start is a thing of the past but he continues to create chances for his teammates and create havoc in the opposing half.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal
The Gunners are in desperate need of some points. A loss here would put Tottenham just three behind Arsenal. Of course, Arsenal has a game in hand and can make up the six point difference at a later date. However, a loss would cripple the team's hopes of catching Chelsea for the top spot in the league. Chelsea has a seven point lead, but has played an extra game.
Tottenham needs to win if it has any hopes of salvaging a seemingly lost season. The team must also maintain its lead over Manchester United and Everton who are also in the chase for the fifth spot.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
