WITH Chelsea vs Arsenal to get us started in the 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday, you just know it’s going to be a riveting weekend of Premier League action.
Saturday sees a jam-packed, eight-game schedule, while Super Sunday offers up a pair of tasty fixtures of its own.
But what else is there to watch out for this weekend? We bring you the nine biggest talking points to keep your eye on…
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GUNNING FOR REVENGE
CAST your mind back to September, before Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 tactical masterstroke.
Arsene Wenger’s Gunners smashed the Blues 3-0 at the Emirates… but since then, Chelsea have gone on a rampage, already nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.
In fact, that drubbing in north London was Conte’s last defeat in the Prem.
You’d wager he – and the whole squad – will be out for revenge.
OUT-FOXED AGAIN?
ANOTHER blast from the past, also from September, when Manchester United went 4-0 before half-time against reigning champions Leicester.
Demarai Gray’s wondergoal served as little more than a consolation, albeit a very impressive one.
But now, with United looking to break into the top four, the Foxes will need to pull out all the stops to halt their worrying slide towards the relegation zone.
Claudio Ranieri’s men are just two points above the drop and they could finish the weekend in the bottom three if results go against them.
MUST-WIN FOR REDS
LIVERPOOL endured an horrendous January, failing to win a single game in the league.
They dropped points against bottom-dwellers Sunderland and Swansea and risk doing the same again against 19th-placed Hull.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will be desperate for a victory against Marco Silva’s side or risk officially kissing goodbye to their Premier League hopes.
The Tigers on the other hand can’t escape the relegation zone… even if they win, sitting four points behind the Swans, Leicester and Middlesbrough.
CITY’S SWAN-SONG
MANCHESTER CITY have enjoyed a mini-revival of late, netting seven unanswered goals in their past two games in all competitions.
The addition of Gabriel Jesus has provided a spark to Pep Guardiola’s men, but there are still worries about the defensive line.
Swansea on the other will be looking to stay out of the clutches of the dreaded drop zone.
Another shock win, such as the 3-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield, would be just the ticket…
GIMME MAUR, SPURS
TOTTENHAM aren’t really enjoying playing against teams from the North East lately following their 0-0 draw against bottom-placed Sunderland in midweek.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men will need to give more in the clash against 15th-placed Boro on Saturday if they are to stick with Chelsea.
Spurs are currently second in the league, nine points behind Chelsea and level on points with North London rivals Arsenal.
Boro meanwhile are a mere two points above the relegation zone and will almost certainly need to start picking up some results soon or be dragged further into a scrap at the bottom.
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TOFFEES STUCK
EARLIER this week, Seamus Coleman insisted Everton could break into the top six, despite sitting five points adrift of Man United.
They are four points ahead of West Brom, somewhat languishing in their own little non-battle in seventh.
Ronald Koeman’s Toffees will be looking to get a win against Bournemouth this weekend in order to pile the pressure on the clubs currently occupying the European places.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s Cherries have slipped to 14th and will be hoping to halt that slide having been in the top ten as recently as last month.
THE FONTE DERBY
IN the first of a trio of intriguing ‘reunions’, all eyes will be on Jose Fonte this weekend.
The former Saints man didn’t need to wait long to face his former club as Southampton host West Ham.
Not only that, the game sees 12th in the Premier League take on 11th…
THE VAN AANHOLT REUNION
PART II of the ‘reunion’ weekend involves another player taking on his former team… as well as being another six-pointer.
Patrick van Aanholt will travel back to the Stadium of Light immediately with his new Crystal Palace team-mates on Saturday.
The game also sees bottom place take on 18th… a real relegation six-pointer.
THE BERAHINO REUNION
AND finally ‘reunion No3’ as West Brom host Stoke.
The match will not only see 8th-place take on 9th, but also controversial drug-ban striker Saido Berahino travel back to the Hawthorns.
The outrageously long transfer saga surrounding the forward may finally be over, but you can bet the English star will have a point to prove back on his old stomping ground…
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