EPL PREVIEW: 5 Things To Expect This Weekend

The oldest cup competition has rounded up with teams using the F.A Cup as a way of getting back on winning ways against lower division sides...

The oldest cup competition has rounded up with teams using the F.A Cup as a way of getting back on winning ways against lower division sides.

But could not be said for everyone as QPR were on the end of a 3-nil beating from Sheffield United and Newcastle, facing Premier League competition, lost to Leicester City.

Anyways, back to the Premier League for this weekend. Chelsea lead the table thanks to not choosing a club name that starts after M, and just seven points separate Everton at 13th with Leicester City at 20th.

It is our weekly write-up so here you go with #5Things.

TOUGH FIX FOR MAN CITY:

Regardless of the Toffees position at 13th, Man City would still be wary of the threat this Everton side poses.

The Citizens would likely still be unable to field a striker in this game with Dzeko injured and Aguero doubtful.

Yaya Toure also would be out of this fixture for the upcoming African Cup of Nations. Positives for Manuel Pellegrini would be the injury problems that have also hit Martinez’s squad and their poor form coming into the game.

The Evertonians were unable to see past West Ham and their poor run has seen them 15 points below continental places.

 However, losing four games in five visits to Goodison would set up a spectacular fortune-favors-the-brave encounter.

TESTING 1-2, MATCH CHECK:

Alan Pardew walked into an easy game for his first fixture since he demoted joined Crystal Palace from Newcastle United. The Eagles were able to run out 4-0 winners against a non-league side with a defender snatching a brace.

 Now the panel is out. Crystal Palace face an inform Tottenham side with a burgeoning Harry Kane.

The striker set up two and got himself two in the shocking London derby against Chelsea and would be looking to shoot down the Eagles in this upcoming London derby.

Pardew would be fielding a side missing Jedinak and Bolasie with both representing Australia and DR Congo respectively.

Reverse fixture saw them play out a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane but with Mauricio Pochettino would be expecting full win with the returning players and high confidence.

MIGHT NOT BE LUCKY:

Might just put the Saints to the sword, martyr-style. The Red Devils in the reverse fixture were fortunate to come out winners thanks to a Robin van Persie brace.

The Dutchman now scoring six goals in five appearances against Southampton for Man Utd, with Southampton knocking on United’s goal about 15 times compared to theirs being attempted thrice.

It is Old Trafford with almost a clean bill of health for LvG to choose from and the promises of seeing his real United side this year would be relished in this encounter by the Old Trafford faithful.

To spice the expectations, one place and one point separate the two sides on the table, and van Gaal might just turn cold if his Red Devils lose to a Ronald Koeman-led Saints.

UNDER-CARVER AT CHELSEA:

In this chilly winter, revenge is definitely a dish best served cold and John Carver has to sculpt a Newcastle side that could make him earn or lose the Toon job, the former preferably.

Jose Mourinho would not be quick to forget that Carver was aide-de-camp to Alan Pardew who masterminded his Chelsea’s unbeaten run coming to a halt.

 While pre-match salutations would occur between the two, Jose knows fully well this is an all-or-nothing war for him, with his rivals, Man City, being the second captain in the Premiership. And we all know the two captains and one ship tale.

John Carver would be happy on the likely return of Tim Krul and would be optimistic on the fact that the Toons have been the Blues’ stubborn Joker with Newcastle the architect of 4 losses in Chelsea’s 17 since May, 2012.

Papiss Cisse is still out with suspension and Didier Drogba, scorer in the reverse fixture, would be available after turning down the chance to go for the African Cup of Nations.

And with talks of a Messi purchase, would there be a better time for Chelsea to sell itself?

HULL CITY VS GANDALF

He is legend…ary for taking hobbit teams from relegation places and keeping them in top flight football.

Such was the finesse of Tony Pulis’ work that he won the Premier League Manager of the Year award after overseeing Crystal Palace’s safety in the league. Fast forward into this week, and the Welshman is at the Hawthorns.

There is no joke when we say Tony Pulis could be a thorn in one’s side and there is every truth when Chris Brunt said he would make the place horrible. Steve Bruce brings his Hull City side to face a side fresh off a 7-0 win against non-league Gateshead Town.

Albion are 17th in the league and one point above the drop and with disrupting rumors of Saido Berahino likely to leave to Liverpool, Steve would be hoping his Tigers would be able to take advantage of situation with Hull City sitting in 15th position.

While it is all about the weekend, WBA fans would be taking in the coming fixtures confidently given that their new manager has never seen the drop.

Written by: @ChukaMVP